Dog Day in Dunedin

We love to spend a day out with the dogs, and who doesn’t? Sorry cat people.

It’s nice to be able to spend the day with Spot and to have choices other than hiking the trail or at a dog park.  Not that those aren’t fun options too. If you’re in central Florida there are lots of other things to do in Dunedin with your dogs.  You can hit the beach, grab some lunch, and even grab a beer or two with Fido and you’ll both be welcome. The best thing about the places in Dunedin is you aren’t choosing these places just because they’re dog friendly, you’d go whether your dog was with you or not.

For reasons I can’t explain now that I’m thinking about it we always start at the beach. The dog beach at Honeymoon Island is the first left after the pay stall, just follow the little signs.  It’s large, clean, and a beach I would absolutely go to dog or not. It makes for happy dogs and happy people.  Dogs are expected to stay on their leash, but they can bring their humans in the water with them if they’d  like. Don’t forget to bring towels for both of you. Just in case.

Right next to both paths leading to the dog beach are a couple of places to hose all of the salt and sand off. At least, some of the salt and sand.

After you’ve had your fill of the beach it’s time to head over to Dunedin proper to grab a bite to eat and walk around letting Fido get all of the attention he deserves. There’s plenty of dog friendly places to get some great food. If you see a place that looks good ask, a lot of the restaurants have nice outdoor seating around back where you can sit with your mutt. If you’re looking to be a little spoiled try Caracara Asian Tapas and Tacos. They have good food and the menu has clearly marked vegetarian / gluten free choices.  Vegan?  Just ask your waiter and he’ll help you out. If you’re lucky enough to be there for brunch try the strawberry basil french toast.  It tastes as good as it looks. The menu changes so if you see something that looks not to be missed be sure to order it while it’s available.

Not ready to head home yet? You have choices! You can walk down to the pier and enjoy the breeze that always seems to be there while watching for manatees. On the way to the pier you’ll pass a park were you can chill on a bench or wander around. 

If it’s warm outside you may want to grab something refreshing. That means it’s time to stop at Skip’s Bar for an ice cold drink or at Strachan’s Ice Cream, where they’ll give your dog her very own little dog ice cream cone. Actually, why choose if you can do both? Fluffy is welcome either way.

Here’s what you need to know to play tourist: