Florida is one of the go-to destinations for vacations that are spent soaking in the sunshine and lounging beside the ocean, and why wouldn’t it be?
With two stunning coasts to choose from, powder white shorelines, and fantastic year-round weather, Florida offers everything you and your loved ones, four-legged friends included, will need for a fun-filled escape to the beach and to return home looking and feeling like sun-kissed gods.
Lady and I have visited many beaches in the Sunshine State, but by far, our absolute favorites can be found along the state’s southwestern Gulf Coast.
Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island perfectly combine everything you love about a tropical island getaway with what makes Southwestern Florida one of the state’s must-visit regions. Instead of beaches overrun with tourists, you’ll find quiet sun-splashed coastlines, a plethora of natural beauty and wildlife, and the most beautiful sunsets that America’s east coast can provide. What more could you possibly ask for?
Oh…that’s right. Dog-friendly activities and attractions!
Luckily for you, these coastal hot spots offer plenty of that! Just to help you get started, here are some of the best Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach dog-friendly attractions, beaches, restaurants, and more.
Before we dive in, I have a question for you!
Do you know all of the important items you’ll need to keep your dog happy and healthy during your travels?
Preparation is key when it comes to traveling with your pets, and that’s why I’m more than happy to offer my own handy dandy Doggie Packing Checklist!
This checklist has kept me organized while preparing for a trip with Lady and ensures that I’ll pack everything she’ll need, including items that come in handy during an emergency.
The best part? It’s absolutely FREE!
Download your free copy today and let’s start planning your next getaway with your dogs!
6 Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach Dog-Friendly Attractions
1. The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island
The pristine beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast are the main draw for visitors to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, and it’s no different when it comes to your canine companions!
Both Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island are dog-friendly all-year-round. That’s right! The extensive shoreline that stretches as far as the eye can see is fair game for you and your pooch!
All they ask is that you follow only three important rules that are in place to ensure the safety of your pets and other beachgoers. Here is a quick look at those rules so you know what to expect:
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while on the beach. Also, leashes can be no longer than six feet.
- All dogs should be properly licensed. It would probably be a good idea to keep your dog’s licensing paperwork on you or in your car during your visit.
- Always clean up after your dog! Disposable bags and trash cans can be found at several beach access points.
As long as you follow these rules, you and your dogs are sure to have a splendid time galavanting through the sand, searching for seashells, and taking a dip in the Gulf’s warm and clear waters.
2. Bonita Beach Dog Park
If your pup likes to run and play off-leash, then a visit to this dog park in Fort Myers is a must!
The Bonita Beach Dog Park can be found right in between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs and provides a small slice of shoreline for your dogs to frolic and splash in the ocean all afternoon long.
This spot is also very popular with the locals, so you’ll be sure to meet several other pet parents and their dogs during your visit.
Be sure to bring plenty of water for you and your dogs since no running water is available, and keep in mind that you may have to wade through some shallow water during high tide to get to or leave the beach.
3. Lovers Key State Park
True to its name, Lovers Key State Park is a popular romantic destination and the site of many beachside weddings!
However, beautiful beaches and mangrove forests won’t be the only things you’ll find in the park. You and your dogs will also be welcome to explore the hiking trails or take advantage of the on-site dog beach!
The Black Island Trail is frequented by bikers, hikers, and their dogs for a 2.5-mile adventure through the maritime hammocks and along the island’s canal banks.
Although the main beaches of Lovers Key State Park don’t permit pets, you and your dog can still get your fix at the park’s Dog Beach. The off-leash park allows your pooches to swim and play at their own leisure, and doggie showers are also available to rinse all the salt and sand from your dog’s coat before loading him/her back into the car!
*Quick Note* To visit the dog beach at Lovers Key, you must be at least 15-years-old and bring no more than two dogs at a time.
4. Paddleboarding and Kayaking on the Gulf
Taking a kayak or a paddleboard through the shallow waters of the Gulf is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Southwest Florida from a completely new vantage point!
If your dog loves the water or just loves to join you on exciting adventures, why not bring them along for the experience?
Both Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach provide pet-friendly kayak and paddleboard rentals that you and your dogs will love! Here is a quick overview of just a couple of the most popular!
Sanibel Island
The people at Yolo Board Adventures are passionate about the sport of stand-up paddleboarding and offer lessons and rentals for guests of all skill levels. They’re also very welcoming towards your four-legged friends and even encourage you to bring them along!
Both 11-foot and 12-foot boards are available to rent for $35 for two hours. You’ll have the option to go at it by yourselves or take a guided tour through Sanibel Island’s knee-deep mangrove forests.
Kayak rentals and guided tours are also available!
Fort Myers Beach
As Estero Island’s premier water sports attraction, Holiday Water Sports is the go-to choice for visitors of Fort Myers Beach. In addition to kayaks and paddleboards, they also provide a wide variety of rentals that give you and your dogs the chance to have some fun on and beside the water including sailboats, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and dolphin adventure tours.
During your journey, you’ll be sure to come across a wide variety of marine life including manatees, dolphins, and tropical fish.
5. Dog Bakeries
My dog, Lady, loves to pick out her own treats. That’s why I make a note of any local dog bakeries I find during our travels. If your pup is anything like Lady, then you’ll definitely want to take them to these fun dog bakeries and spoil them with a delicious snack!
Sanibel Island
Island Paws opened on Sanibel Island in October 2004, and since then, has provided both Sanibel and Fort Myers dogs with only the finest pet products and treats. This is also the home of Yellow Dog Market and Bakery, which specializes in all-natural pet foods and treats. You can feel good knowing the treats you purchase are made with high-quality and safe ingredients.
Fort Myers Beach
Paw-radise Dog Bakery is a family-owned and operated bakery and pet salon on Estero Island. Here, you’ll find holistic pet food for both dogs and cats and homemade dog cookies that are prepared right on-site.
They also provide food options for hypoallergenic dogs! That way, any and all pets who walk through the door will be able to find a special treat just for them.
6. Pet-Friendly Dining
Don’t want to leave your four-legged friend to eat alone? No worries!
Many restaurants around Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island love dogs and allow them to join you at their outdoor seating areas! If your pets are lucky, some eateries may even have a little treat ready for them.
Here are just some of the area’s best pet-friendly restaurants to help you get started.
- The Island Cow: This popular hot spot is a Sanibel Island staple! From a vast breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus to fun outdoor games and live entertainment, a visit to The Island Cow is bound to become one of the highlights of your vacation. Grab a seat with your dogs on the covered outdoor patio and play a game of cornhole while you wait for your food to arrive!
- George and Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille: Also found on Sanibel Island, this award-winning restaurant is known for its wide array of tapas and American dishes, signature cocktails, and tropical oasis-like atmosphere. The quaint garden patio is pet-friendly and the perfect spot to unwind with a cold drink after a full day of island adventures.
- Parrot Key Caribbean Grill: Consistently voted as “Best Waterfront Dining,” Parrot Key specializes in Caribbean-style seafood served within a colorful waterside setting. Stop by for lunch or dinner any day of the week for some of the best food in Fort Myers Beach, and be sure to save room for their exclusive “Pelican Poop” sundae!
- The Fish House Restaurant: For over 23 years, The Fish House has served Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Bonita Springs with deliciously fresh seafood in a fun and casual atmosphere. Bring your pups to the Bonita Springs location (right across the bridge from Fort Myers Beach) for a tasty meal on the open-air patio or screened-in porch.
- Plaka on the Beach: I’m a sucker for some good Mediterranean food, so I just had to include Plaka on the Beach on this list! This inviting Greek restaurant can be found just steps from Fort Myers Beach and boasts a cozy outdoor seating area for you and your pups. Since the restaurant is located within the Times Square Plaza, this is also a great spot for people watching or to catch the sunset!
Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach Dog-Friendly Accommodations
One of the most important tasks in planning a getaway with your pets is finding a place to stay! Luckily, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island have plenty of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals to choose from.
If you need some direction, no worries! Here are the ones that I have thoroughly researched and given the thumbs-up!
If you’re traveling on a budget or in search of a much more simple accommodation, no worries! Check out our list of pet-friendly hotel chains in America, many of which have a location in Fort Myers or Sanibel!
Sanibel Island
- Waterside Inn on the Beach: With its own private beach and a variety of charming cottages, the Waterside Inn could be just what you need for your next island vacation. Dogs are permitted only in the cottages, but this is actually an advantage for you since each cottage comes with easy access to the beach, separate bedrooms and living areas, complete kitchens, and plenty of space for everyone in the family.
Pet Policy: Two pets up to 30 pounds are permitted at Waterside Inn with an additional fee of $20 per night, per pet.
- Royal Shell: Offering more than 500 vacation rentals on Sanibel Island, Royal Shell is ideal for those looking for the perfect home-away-from-home. Many of their homes are pet-friendly and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Your agent will always be available to answer your questions and help you find your perfect home.
Pet Policy: Royal Shell charges an additional pet fee and breed restrictions vary from property to property. Be sure to mention that you will be bringing your dogs during booking and your agent will assist you in finding the right place to stay.
Fort Myers Beach
- Lighthouse Resort Inn and Suites: When you arrive at this Fort Myers Beach hotel, you’ll be sure to notice the pastel-colored buildings and pristine beachfront setting. During your stay, you’ll be spoiled with easy access to Times Square, a world-famous tiki bar (which just happens to be pet-friendly), live entertainment, and warm hospitality.
Pet Policy: Small pets no more than 15 pounds are welcome. A small fee of $25 per pet will be added.
- Sun Palace Vacations: Each of Sun Palace’s vacation homes offer guests a resort-style vacation with all the comforts of home. Whether you’re in search of a vacation rental right on the beach or tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll be sure to find just what you’re looking for. Both large and small dogs are also allowed in their pet-friendly rentals, so everyone in the family can vacation together!
Pet Policy: A non-refundable pet fee and breed restrictions will apply. Some units will also have size and number restrictions.
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Lady and I have a good reason for naming Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island as our favorite beaches in Florida, and we’re sure you’ll agree after your own visit to this tropical slice of paradise.
Are there any other Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach dog-friendly attractions that you think should be listed? Be sure to leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments. We love to hear from you!
Planning a getaway to Florida with your pups? Don’t forget to check out even more of our favorite pet-friendly Florida destinations including
You can also find plenty more ideas and inspiration by browsing our list of dog-friendly destinations across America.
