Ahh, the dog days of summer have arrived! Get ready for a season action-packed with tasty eats, outdoor activities, and more. The best part? You don’t have to leave your four-legged companion behind when you travel to Greater Fort Lauderdale.
The region offers a wealth of dog-friendly establishments and attractions for you and your four-legged friend. From pet-friendly hotels to must-visit dog parks, enjoy our roundup of where to go and things to do with your pup the Greater Fort Lauderdale way.
Posh Postup
If you’re looking for the ultimate dog-friendly getaway, book a stay at the W Fort Lauderdale on Fort Lauderdale beach. The chic resort offers a “Dogs Are a Girl’s Best Friend” package featuring all the perks and treats needed to create the perfect atmosphere for you and your pooch. In your Spectacular or Mega room, sip on a chilled bottle of prosecco and indulge in classic snacks like gummy bears and M&M's while your pup gets a bottle of dog-friendly champagne available in “Dög Pawrignon” or rosé complete with a bowl of Barking Bacon Dog Ice Cream.
Additional properties across Greater Fort Lauderdale also cater to dog-friendly stays, including the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort on Fort Lauderdale beach, The Dalmar and Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, both in downtown.
Good Eats
Greater Fort Lauderdale is teeming with restaurants that welcome well-trained doggies while you sip and sample your way through the area’s best spots. For starters, check out LauderAle Brewery, a Fort Lauderdale nano-brewery offering a variety of rotating pours, from blondes to seasonals to special releases. Its indoor and outdoor seating provides a great oasis for you and your pet.
Another great hangout is Patio Bar & Pizza. Newly opened in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Progresso Plaza, this pizzeria offers pet parents a slice of brick-oven pizza heaven, and pooches get to enjoy some fresh air while keeping you company. The restaurant hosts Paws on the Patio events once a month on Tuesdays featuring happy hour specials; proceeds benefit different animal-focused organizations like Broward County Animal Care.
Did you know some restaurants around town even offer a special dog menu? During your trip to Greater Fort Lauderdale, check out Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe in Lighthouse Point on Mondays for its Yappy Hour. This happy hour not only features specials for you but there’s a “For the Dawgs” section to satisfy doggy cravings too.
Over at Shooter’s Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale, soak in views of the Intracoastal while you and Fido both get to indulge. Options for the pup include Ocean Reef Turkey to Boca Chica Chicken to Bahia Beef, all USDA certified.
Explore Outdoors
There are plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities for you and your dog to enjoy in Greater Fort Lauderdale. After a fun day at Fort Lauderdale beach, chill out at Park & Ocean inside Hugh Taylor Birch Park. This beachside joint mixes indoor and outdoor fun. It's part brewery, part live-music hub, and your pooch can sit by your side all afternoon while you enjoy some tunes. This spot also offers kayaking and paddleboarding, so you and your pup can make a day out of exploring the great outdoors together.
A newer addition welcomed by many local dog parents is BarkYard n' Brews. This 10,000-square-foot dog park is no-leash friendly (pending proper vaccinations) and features a splash pad for Fido.
For adults, cool off at the beer garden and sip on hard seltzers, beer, and wine, and enjoy some friendly competition with games, such as corn hole and Foosball. A lineup of food trucks also makes their rounds throughout the week, so be sure to head online to see who’s stopping by next.