FLORIDA GULF COAST 2015 – A DOG FRIENDLY HOLIDAY

It seems like more than two weeks have passed since we returned from our beach holiday in West Central Florida. Although our weather is still beautiful for this time of year in Ontario, we arrived back just as the pace of things quickens. Changing of the season means raking up leaves and packing away the garden furniture. A succession of catch-up visits with friends including the furries at the shelter in need of profile photos followed by Henry’s Birthday and Halloween.  People are starting to think about Christmas and organizing parties that lead up to the occasion.

That beautiful, calm golden beach with it’s tranquil turquoise water a distant memory.

We rented one of several properties in Treasure Island that allow pets. In fact, the property we stayed at was a private accommodation that had a dog door and securely fenced garden. We were within steps of the beach and after walking Henry and Reese – or rather wearing them out on daily sight-seeing adventures, they were both happy to relax in the house while we went for a leisurely paddle in the sea.

Some tours, including boat cruises, cited themselves as dog-friendly.

Although most of the beaches do not permit dogs, we found two that do, and they are both worth a short drive to visit:

Fort De Soto Park

Honeymoon Island State Park 

By the end of our trip Henry was enjoying going in the water out of choice and paddling back to shore (until then, Henry and Reese were more beach babes than waterdogs).

It wasn’t difficult to find dog-friendly patios where the whole pack could enjoy meals.  Our favourites:

Chill Restaurant & Bar

(Delicious Vegan options plus a 10/10 rating from the carnivores)

The Brown Boxer Pub & Grille

Henry and Reese thoroughly enjoyed their first trip to Florida, giving this destination two tails up!  We’re already talking about our next visit to Florida.