5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Updated 3/29/23

Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and pet-friendly city that offers a variety of activities for both humans and their furry friends. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something new and exciting to explore with your dog. From beaches and parks to boat tours and scenic promenades, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise for pet owners who love to get out and explore.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best dog-friendly activities in Fort Lauderdale. We'll start with Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a beautiful park that offers a dog-friendly beach area and several nature trails. Next up is Markham Park, a sprawling park with an off-leash dog park and hiking trails that wind through lush forests and scenic lakes.

If you and your furry friend are water lovers, you won't want to miss the Intracoastal Waterway boat tours, which offer stunning views of Fort Lauderdale's skyline and waterfront mansions. Or, if you're looking for a day at the beach, Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach is a popular spot for local dog owners.

Finally, we'll explore the Riverwalk, a scenic promenade that runs along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This pedestrian walkway is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, and is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your dog.

So, whether you're a resident of Fort Lauderdale or just passing through, be sure to check out these dog-friendly activities and make some unforgettable memories with your furry friend.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a beautiful and popular park located in Fort Lauderdale. It covers an area of 180 acres and is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway. One of the most attractive features of this park is its dog-friendly beach area. This is a great place for dog owners to relax and have fun with their pets. The park also has a playground specifically designed for dogs, where they can play with other dogs or their owners.

In addition to its beach area and dog playground, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has several nature trails that are perfect for dog walking. The trails wind through mangrove swamps and offer a chance to see local wildlife, such as turtles, birds, and even manatees. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including hibiscus, sea grapes, and sabal palm trees.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an excellent place to spend a day with your furry friend. The park's dog-friendly amenities and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for dog owners in Fort Lauderdale.

Markham Park

Markham Park is another great park that is located just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. This park covers an area of 666 acres and has plenty of activities for both humans and dogs to enjoy. One of the park's most popular features is its off-leash dog park. This park is divided into separate areas for small and large dogs, so you can be sure that your pet is safe and happy while playing with other dogs.

In addition to its dog park, Markham Park has several hiking trails that are perfect for dog walking. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and wind through lush forests and scenic lakes. The park also has several picnic areas, where you can relax and enjoy a meal with your furry friend.

If you're looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your dog, Markham Park is definitely worth a visit.

Intracoastal Waterway Boat Tours

For dog owners who love the water, an Intracoastal Waterway boat tour can be an excellent choice. Many boat tour companies in Fort Lauderdale offer dog-friendly tours of the waterway, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the city's skyline and waterfront mansions while enjoying the company of your furry friend.

These tours typically last between one and two hours and offer a chance to see Fort Lauderdale from a unique perspective. Some tours even provide food and drinks for both humans and dogs. These tours are a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon with your pet and to take in some of the city's most beautiful sights.

Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach

Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach is a must-visit destination for dog owners in the city. This dog-friendly beach offers plenty of space for dogs to run and play, and is a popular spot for local dog owners. There are designated areas where dogs can run off-leash and swim in the ocean, as well as amenities like doggie showers and water fountains.

The beach is located near Sunrise Boulevard and A1A and offers stunning views of the ocean and the city's skyline. The beach is open year-round, but dogs are not allowed on the beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from November through April. If you're looking for a fun and exciting day out with your furry friend, Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach is definitely worth a visit.

Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of dog-friendly activities for both locals and visitors. From parks and hiking trails to beaches and boat tours, there's something for every dog and their owner in this vibrant and pet-friendly city.

Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a scenic promenade that runs along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. One of the best things about the Riverwalk is that it is dog-friendly, making it a great place to take your furry friend for a leisurely stroll.

The Riverwalk stretches for 1.5 miles and features lush landscaping, fountains, and sculptures. There are also several parks and green spaces along the way where you can sit and relax with your pet. Many of the restaurants and cafes along the Riverwalk have outdoor seating areas that welcome dogs, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while your furry friend lounges at your feet.

In addition to its shops and restaurants, the Riverwalk is also home to several attractions that are worth checking out with your dog. These include the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Stranahan House, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Overall, the Riverwalk is a great place to spend a day with your dog in Fort Lauderdale. With its stunning views, dog-friendly amenities, and variety of attractions, it is a must-visit destination for any dog owner in the city.

Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all. Shop compostable poop bags for an environmentally friendly option.