When most people think of Orlando, images of Disney World, Universal Studios, and luxury hotels come to mind. For me, it’s home!
I was born and raised in Orlando, FL, and that wonderful city will always have a special place in my heart. In fact, I bring Lady with me whenever I drive back to visit friends and family!
While growing up in the Orlando suburbs, we had three dogs that we loved to bring along during family outings. With that being said, I have known all about the best places to take dogs in Orlando since I was a kid.
If you’re thinking about a family vacation to Orlando or you’re a resident looking for somewhere new to explore outside of the theme parks with your four-legged friends, I’m more than happy to share some of my favorite dog-friendly hot spots in “The City Beautiful” along with fun things to do in each location!
Also, don’t forget to grab a FREE copy of my Doggie Packing Checklist! This downloadable list is the same one I use when preparing for a trip with Lady and will help you stay organized during your own traveling.
Our Favorite Places to Take Dogs in Orlando, FL
1. Winter Park
Located just north of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park is a historic and artsy suburb that offers a plethora of fun activities for both families and their canine companions. The area is home to over 70 parks, a quaint yet thriving downtown area, and a wide variety of annual events and festivals. Here is a quick look at some pet-friendly spots in Winter Park that you and your pooch will love!
Park Avenue: Known as one of the most dog-friendly streets in Orlando, a stroll down Park Avenue is a must! It is also recognized as the shopping, dining, and cultural gem of Winter Park.
When you’ve got some downtime and you’d like to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with your pet, take a walk down Park Avenue to take advantage of the sidewalk cafes, the oak-canopied Central Park, and charming boutique shops, some of which will even allow your dog inside with you!
Lake Baldwin Park: Active pups will love a visit to Lake Baldwin Park! Consisting of 23.16 lakefront acres, the park allows dogs to run, play, and swim off-leash during park hours from 8 am to sunset.
You’ll also find helpful amenities that are ideal for a full day at the park including shaded pavilions, picnic tables, doggie showers, water fountains, and more.
2. Windermere
This is the Orlando suburb that I had the pleasure to grow up in, and it’s one of my favorite places to be in Florida! Not only does it boast a fantastic location among the Chain of Lakes, but several celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, and Joey Fatone have resided in the area’s posh neighborhoods.
The next time you and your four-legged friend decide to stop by Windermere, here are some great activities that you won’t want to skip.
Windermere Farmers Market: Hosted each Friday from 9 am to 2 pm, the Windermere Farmers Market is one of my favorite places to purchase fresh local fruit, crafts, honey, dog accessories, and treats. Leashed pets are welcome to join their owners at the market, so bring Fido along to pick out his own snack or simply enjoy the Florida sunshine.
My French Cafe: This adorable cafe can be found within a bustling suburban shopping center. While it may not seem like much from the outside, I can guarantee that it is well worth the visit.
Grab one of their outdoor patio tables before heading inside to pick out a delicious French-inspired breakfast plate, pastry, or artisan bread. It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch during a busy day in Orlando.
3. Winter Garden
Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, Winter Garden, FL is another one of my favorite neighborhoods in Orlando, and it’s for good reason!
The historic downtown area is abundant with must-see shops and some of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Orlando. You’ll also love the award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market (which is also pet-friendly), live music performances on the weekends, and plenty of areas to rest your feet and people watch while enjoying an ice cream cone from Scoops. No wonder it’s one of the best places to take dogs in Orlando, FL!
Before making the visit to Winter Garden, take a look at these pet-friendly hotspots that you’ll surely want to add to your itinerary.
Crooked Can Brewing Company: Combining old-world techniques with hip and new brewing practices, Crooked Can Brewing Company is known for their wide selection of crisp, full-bodied, and refreshing craft beers. Many visitors are also enamored by its location within the Plant Street Market.
Dogs are welcome to join their owners at one of the outdoor tables for a laid-back afternoon or evening of craft beer tasting.
West Orange Trail: This award-winning and pet-friendly biking/walking trail makes up 20.8 miles of the 250-mile Coast to Coast Connector Trail, which runs all the way across Central Florida. It also happens to meander its way right through Winter Garden!
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or searching for a fun way to get active with your dog, we highly recommend taking a short day trip along the West Orange Trail! You can also rent bikes at the West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades shop in Winter Garden.
4. Celebration
In the early 1990s, the Walt Disney Company developed the idea for a close-knit residential community right outside the gates of Walt Disney World Resort. In 1996, the first residents of Celebration, FL moved into this brand new and one-of-a-kind community.
Although Disney no longer operates Celebration, it has quickly grown to become one of Orlando’s most close-knit communities with a thriving real estate market, its own local government and schools, and a town center complete with fantastic shops and restaurants.
I’ve visited Celebration several times, and each time this endearing little town has evoked a sense of being in an old-fashioned American small town. It also helps that the community is very welcoming towards pets! Here are some great suggestions for things to do with your dogs in Celebration.
Take a Stroll and Find Your Dream House: Walking around the neighborhood with your dog may sound like a mundane activity, but in Celebration, it’s an experience! I’ll be the first to say that many of the homes in Celebration are very impressive, and I used to love taking quick walks around some of my favorite little neighborhoods within the community and imagine myself living in the magnificent mansions that I walked by.
The community itself is also very naturally beautiful, so don’t be surprised when you and your pup happen to find a walking trail that wraps around a quiet lake or delightfully manicured gardens and parks. It’s a fun and cost-free activity that every member of the family will love, especially the furry ones.
Celebration Town Center: In the midst of all the charming neighborhoods, Celebration Town Center serves as the very heart of the community itself. This compact yet inviting area is a bustling business district complete with a town hall, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, and a lovely promenade encircling a small lake.
If you bring your dog along, you’ll certainly want to indulge in a delicious meal on the pet-friendly outdoor terraces of Celebration Town Tavern or Market Street Diner, find tasty treats from Woof Gang Bakery, or grab a seat in one of the rocking chairs overlooking the lake and simply unwind.
5. Sanford
Perfectly located between Downtown Orlando and Daytona Beach, Sanford, FL is among one of the best places to take your dog in Central Florida. It’s just far enough from the city to avoid the traffic and hustle and bustle of the tourist areas without sacrificing convenience to local attractions, so I highly recommend Sanford for quiet afternoons and laid-back evenings.
The historic 19th-century buildings, wide array of local activities, and waterfront scenery make Sanford a must for your Orlando bucket list. If you decide to bring your dogs along, these are the pet-friendly spots that are all the rage in that area!
Paw Park of Historic Sanford: Rated as one of the “Top 10 Dog Parks in the United States,” a visit to the Paw Park is certainly in order! The park is fully fenced, provides two separate areas for large and small dogs, and also boasts a wide variety of fun doggie amenities such as self-watering bowls, a rinse station, and more.
For the humans, benches in the shade are plentiful! That way, you can relax in comfort while your dog makes new friends.
The Riverwalk: For Lady and I, there is nothing quite like a leisurely walk with a spectacular water view and a gentle breeze right before sunset. If you’re anything like us, then you’ll definitely want to take your family to The Riverwalk in Sanford, especially since it is one of the most scenic paved trails in the country.
The path is only one mile and runs along the shoreline of Lake Monroe, providing spectacular waterfront views and access into the historic downtown area. Along the way, your dog will have the opportunity to take in all of the interesting smells and wonder at the wading birds searching for a meal in the shallow waters.
6. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you travel just 25 minutes north from Downtown Orlando, you’ll discover Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction and one of the city’s most stunning natural features.
Wekiwa Springs is a gorgeous emerald spring surrounded by Florida’s lush natural wilderness. Visitors are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the spring, wander along miles of hiking trails, take a kayak or canoe up the river, and much more. The options for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors go on and on!
While pets are not allowed in the swimming areas, inside buildings, or in food service areas, you can still bring your dog for a hike along the 13-miles of trails or load him into a kayak/canoe for a relaxing ride up the river. That way, you can still experience the beauty of the springs and enjoy a peaceful day trip surrounded by undisturbed natural beauty.
*Quick Note* Just like many other areas in Florida, the Wekiwa River tends to be filled with alligators. I strongly recommend keeping your dog out and away from the water, unless they are safely secured inside a boat.
7. Lake Eola Park
If you ask any Orlando native (including myself) about Lake Eola Park, I guarantee they’ll have nothing but fantastic things to say about it!
This large and scenic lake in Downtown Orlando is a favorite for locals, and taking a quick stroll around the .9-mile trail that encompasses the area is among the most popular things to do in Orlando, FL with a dog. As you explore, you’ll be sure to notice the swan-shaped paddle boats dotting the surface of the lake, great views of the Downtown Orlando skyline, and a wide array of resident birds such as swans and ducks.
Plus, several dog-friendly events take place throughout the year at Lake Eola Park. Just a couple you definitely won’t want to miss is the Orlando Farmers Market and Paws in the Park, which just happens to be Orlando’s largest pet festival!
***
Orlando may be one of the world’s largest tourist cities, but there’s so much more to “The City Beautiful” than just the theme parks! Of all the places to take dogs in Orlando, FL listed above, which one is your favorite?
Interested in even more amazing places to take your dogs in the United States? Check out our list of dog-friendly destinations that Lady and I have visited for ourselves or learn how to travel safely with dogs with our pet health and safety tips. Happy travels!
