Five Great Dog Walking Locations in St.Pete & Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg is a very dog friendly city, and it offers a ton of fantastic options for walking and exercising your dog. Here are a few of my favorites!
1. Fort De Soto Dog Beach: A day at the beach will give most dogs a ton of fun and a huge energy drain - it's a win-win for both of you. This dog beach is not only beautiful but also well kept and clean. There is an on-leash dog park here, but dogs are allowed to play off leash on the beach. How about an afternoon swim in the Gulf with your pack??
2. Walter Fuller Park: There is a dedicated dog park here, but that's not what I go for. The trail around the actual park is over a mile long, and it is a beautiful walk to take with your dog. There are ponds and streams and plenty of ducks and waterbirds. It's always a very peaceful and serene experience, and the long trail means your dog willl get a great workout!
3. Boca Ciega Millenium Park: This dog friendly trail in Seminole is a great place to immerse yourself in a variety of coastal habitats that will be enjoyable for you and your dog. The trail takes you through mangroves, pine flatwoods, and eventually ends up in a maritime forest. There is a pretty sweet observation tower overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. I love trails that offer variety like this one. It's an excellent opportunity to let your dog explore the world, and an absolute smorgasbord of delight for his nose.
4. Robinson Preserve: I'm a sucker for a super long trail passing through a variety of habits and ending up in breathtaking views of the landscape. Especially when I'm accompanied by a dog! If you are too, then this trail is for you! Located just over the Sunshine Skyway in Bradenton, this 487-acre preserve features mud-flats, mangrove swamps and beaches. Climb to the top for a treat: the sweep of Tampa Bay at your feet, with Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto, and even St. Petersburg and the Sunshine Skyway as part of the scene.
5. North Shore Park: I'm a frequent flyer here as I love walking along the water and enjoying the lush scenery. You'll almost always see a dolphin or two, and a manatee if you're lucky. Dolphin-watching seems to be a favorite activity of many dogs! There is also a dog park, but for me walking by the bay is where it's at. You can follow the trail all the way into downtown St. Pete and into Straub Park. Perhaps stop by one of the many dog friendly restaurants and cafes on Beach Drive for a refreshing libation after your walk? Don't mind if I do!
Christine Fasan is the head trainer and canine behaviorist for K9 Holistics. She specializes in German Shepherd Dogs and healing reactivity in dogs of all breeds. K9 Holistics offers dog training and behavior modification in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County. We also offer pet care services including dog walking and pet sitting. Please contact Christine at info@k9holistics.com