From Miami’s off-leash beaches to Key West’s paddleboard adventures, Florida’s hospitality industry has transformed pet accommodation from “basic tolerance” to luxury experiences, with hotels now offering everything from canine spa treatments to personalized puppy itineraries.
Greater Miami and Miami Beach
Miami’s year-round warm climate means plenty of off-leash beach access. Haulover Beach Park designates the area between lifeguard towers 2 and 3 for unleashed dogs, with the adjacent Bark Park offering separate fenced runs for small and large dogs. Hobie Island Beach also permits off-leash access.
Miami Beach operates three Bark Beaches with expanded early-morning hours: South Beach (21st Street), Mid-Beach (53rd Street) and North Beach Oceanside Park (81st Street). The early-morning schedule accommodates working pet owners and avoids peak beach crowds.
Additional dog-friendly spaces include South Pointe Park’s designated grassy area, Belle Isle Park and East Greynolds Park.
For more information, visit miamiandbeaches.com.
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
“At Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, we do not treat pets as amenities. We treat them as guests. That philosophy shapes the entire experience,” says GM Awet Sium. The hotel provides the obvious—cozy beds, bowls and custom bandanas—but goes above and beyond with treats in the lobby and a Polaroid pic that’s featured in The Pawtrait Gallery.
“When travelers know their entire family will be genuinely welcomed, booking hesitation disappears. Pet parents stay longer, return more frequently, and become vocal advocates. Emotional connection builds loyalty, and loyalty builds lifetime value. In luxury hospitality, personalization is not a perk. It is the differentiator.”
For more information, visit verobeachhotelandspa.com.
The Betsy
The Betsy integrates dogs into its operational culture in the most fun way through resident golden retrievers Betsy and Rosa, as well as German shepherd Daisy, who serve as Canine Executive Officers. These dogs greet guests at Friday 5 p.m. cocktail hours and patrol the property daily, creating furry interactive occasions.
The hotel has produced a DOG POEMS chapbook featuring work by the late American poet Gerald Stern, as well as the book Rosa’s First Day as CEO. The front desk provides homemade dog treats and ice-cold water for visiting pets, while rooms include beds and bowls upon request.
Lummus Park is directly across the street, providing immediate access to green space. The $150 one-time fee applies to dogs of all sizes, which is unusual for luxury properties. Fifty percent of pet fees benefit Zimbabwe’s Harare SPCA, which is connected to co-owner Lesley Goldwasser’s birthplace and adds charitable impact to pet stays.
For more information, visit thebetsyhotel.com.
The Gates Hotel South Beach
The Gates Hotel’s Collins Canal location combines wellness programming with a ton of pet amenities through its Tail Waggin’ Retreat package. Your pampered pet will receive gourmet treats, water bowls and plush beds as standard inclusions, while custom double-sided pool cabanas provide shade for them and sun access for you simultaneously.
K’Alma Spa offers pet massages alongside owner treatments, available in guestrooms or on the third-floor Plunge Deck. This spa integration treats pets as spa clients rather than tolerated companions, addressing pet anxiety and travel stress while creating shared relaxation experiences.
The package operates on a request-and-availability basis rather than a guaranteed booking. The Collins Canal setting offers waterfront views and walking paths away from the heavy traffic on Collins Avenue. The wellness focus extends to pets through specialized services that go beyond basic accommodation.
For more information, visit gatessouthbeach.com.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
This 357-room Mid-Beach property at 39th Street and Collins Avenue had dogs in mind at its Donna Mare Italian Chophouse and Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill with their dedicated outdoor seating areas.
Waggo-branded beds and bowls welcome 4-legged guests with a recognizable pet product brand, while check-in treats provide immediate welcome amenities. The $100 per-pet, per-stay fee structure benefits longer visits compared to nightly charges, accommodating two dogs under 75 pounds each.
Direct beach boardwalk access eliminates the need for transportation for beach visits, while the Mid-Beach location offers quieter surroundings than South Beach’s party atmosphere. The 75-pound weight limit accommodates most dog breeds.
For more information, visit cadillachotelmiamibeach.com.
Hotel Continental Miami Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Continental’s Mid-Beach location creates social media opportunities for pets and people beneath its iconic 1948 sign, then provides practical resources through Pup Passports detailing neighborhood dog amenities.
The comprehensive guide covers pet-friendly dining options, off-leash parks, grooming services and scenic waterfront walks. Welcome kits include branded bowls, plush bedding, grooming wipes, homemade treats and keepsake toys that serve both immediate needs and lasting mementos.
The $150 nonrefundable deposit partially funds the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s operations, enhancing the charitable impact of pet stays. The retro-glam aesthetic appeals to design-conscious travelers while the Mid-Beach location provides quieter surroundings than South Beach’s intense activity.
For more information, visit hilton.com.
The Goodtime Hotel
Located on Washington Avenue near South Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, The Goodtime Hotel provides curated puppy itineraries covering pet-friendly dining options and off-property walking areas.
Washington Dog Park & Annex is within walking distance, providing fenced exercise space and socialization opportunities. This eliminates the need for daily transportation for exercise, particularly important for guests without rental cars. The $150 arrival fee covers entire stays for two dogs under 75 pounds each, making extended visits more economical than nightly pet charges.
Service animals receive complimentary accommodation, per the ADA. The South of Fifth location offers access to quieter residential streets for walking while remaining close to South Beach’s attractions.
For more information, visit thegoodtimehotel.com.
Lincoln Road
This pedestrian promenade serves as Miami Beach’s primary dog-friendly shopping and dining district, with most retailers accepting leashed dogs inside.
Forgot something for your pet? No worries: Specialty retailers include Bonefly, which offers luxury pet accessories such as crystal bone collars and quilted harnesses, and The Dog Bar, which carries beds, outfits, gifts and treats.
The concentration of outdoor dining creates natural gathering spaces for pet owners, while the pedestrian environment allows their pooches to socialize safely. Lincoln Road’s location within walking distance of multiple South Beach hotels makes it a natural extension of hotel pet programs.
For more information, visit lincolnroad.com.
The Elser Hotel & Residences
This 49-story Downtown Miami tower offers residential-style accommodations with full kitchens, washers and dryers and floor-to-ceiling windows with bay views and walkout balconies. The residential format suits extended pet stays by providing home-like amenities, including food preparation and laundry facilities.
Local treats greet arriving dogs while dedicated pet concierge services coordinate with WagSpot for grooming, boarding and veterinary needs.
The $125 nonrefundable fee accommodates two pets under 75 pounds each, while the residential format provides more space than traditional hotel rooms. Downtown Miami’s urban environment offers limited green space, making the concierge services particularly valuable for arranging exercise and care.
For more information, visit theelserhotel.com.
Novotel Miami Brickell
Novotel’s Brickell location welcomes smaller dogs with a 40-pound weight limit and a $125 fee per 7-day period, rather than nightly. The weekly fee structure benefits extended stays.
The Brickell financial district setting provides access to Alice Wainwright Park, Miami Circle Park and Brickell Park for exercise and socialization. These urban parks offer plenty of green space within walking distance for energetic puppies.
Key Biscayne’s dog-friendly beaches offer day-trip options via the Rickenbacker Causeway, expanding recreation opportunities beyond immediate neighborhood parks. The contemporary room design and Brickell location appeal to business travelers seeking pet-friendly accommodations in Miami’s financial district.
For more information, visit novotellmiami.com.
Hotel Effie Sandestin
Hotel Effie hired Simba as Director of Pet Services to help with personalized puppy greetings and oversee canine guests.
Einstein Pets supplies welcome amenities including beds, bowls, waste bags, toys and treats, while partnerships with Goochie Poochie Doggie Resort & Spa and What’s Up Dog provide professional off-site grooming and pet-sitting services.
The $250 per-stay fee excludes service animals and covers the duration of visits rather than charging nightly. The Sandestin area offers plenty of beach access and outdoor recreation opportunities perfect for active dogs and owners.
For more information, visit hoteleffie.com.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Sandestin’s pet program centers on Sandy, a Toy American Eskimo serving as Director of Pet Services and resort ambassador. Sandy champions “Adopt, Don’t Shop” initiatives and supports partnerships with Alaqua Animal Refuge, the Southeast’s premier animal sanctuary for rescue and rehoming. The resort operates Sandestin Bark Park for off-leash socialization, plus miles of walking trails and sugar-white sand beach access. The variety of environments accommodates different dog exercise needs and temperaments, from structured park play to open beach running and trail hiking.
Marina Bar & Grill features resident macaw Maryann in her habitat, creating unique wildlife encounters for guests and pets. The restaurant’s pet-friendly dining policy allows dogs to accompany owners while observing the macaw.
For more information, visit sandestin.com.
SkyBeach Resort
St. Petersburg’s SkyBeach has prepared a package that includes custom bandanas featuring the resort logo and branded bowls for their 4-legged guests to use during stays. They also have access to LUMA Mediterranean restaurant, SkyBar + Grille beachfront dining and Paradeco Coffee Roasters, the second location of a popular St. Petersburg cafe.
The $50 nightly fee caps at $200 for extended stays, making week-long vacations more economical. The Mediterranean cuisine at LUMA and casual beachfront atmosphere at SkyBar + Grille provide varied dining environments that accommodate pets.
The package operates on an availability basis within designated pet-friendly areas rather than resort-wide. SkyBeach’s beachfront location provides immediate access to sand and water for exercise and play.
For more information, visit skybeach-resort.com.
The Perry Hotel Naples
This 160-room boutique property in Naples provides balls and treats at check-in, plus custom bone-shaped door hangers featuring individual dog names, creating Instagram-worthy moments.
Celebrity chef Dale Talde’s Tigress restaurant serves Cantonese cuisine with Gulf views, while Easy Tiger rooftop lounge offers panoramic vistas of the Gulf and Cocohatchee River for evening socializing. The restaurant integration allows pets to accompany owners for upscale dining experiences rather than requiring room service or separation.
The modern industrial design of The Perry Hotel Naples blends with local charm, and the ground-level and rooftop pools provide recreation options for owners.
For more information, visit perryhotelnaples.com.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Marker has thought of it all, with blue water bowls, red fire-hydrant waste bags and custom “Do Not Disturb” signs featuring dog themes. Upgrade packages include toys, treats, Marker Key West pet tags and champagne for owners, creating celebration opportunities for special occasions.
Advanced booking enables specialized services, including puppy turndown service, guided Smathers Beach walks, local pet spa treatments, personalized portrait sessions with local artists and multi-course dog-friendly dinners under the stars.
Lazy Dog Adventures offers paddleboard, kayak and pontoon excursions that welcome 4-legged adventurers, expanding recreation beyond land-based activities. The $75 nightly fee accommodates two dogs under 55 pounds each, while all experiences require advance booking and additional charges.
For more information, visit themarkerkeywest.com.
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