Dog-Friendly South Florida Guide | Dog Happy Place
Find dog-friendly beaches, parks and patios in South Florida. Meet Apollo and Neptune, check published dog policies, and plan a better day out with your dog.
Apollo kept getting turned away.
We made Dog Happy Place after arriving with Apollo, our German Shepherd, and finding that dogs were not welcome. Now Apollo, his Golden Retriever brother Neptune, and their humans help dog people understand the rules before heading out.
Explore dog-friendly places in South Florida or search the nearby places map. Use your location on Explore to sort from nearest to farthest.
Plan a day out with your dog
- Dog-friendly beaches in South Florida
- South Florida dog parks
- Dog-friendly restaurants and patios
- Dog-friendly hotels
Check the individual listing for leash requirements, access areas, official sources and verification dates. Missing amenity information is not a promise of availability.
What Apollo Certified means
We review official published dog policies and show the rules. The independent badge is free and cannot be bought. Checks are repeated every 90 days, with overdue badges paused. A qualified paid 5-Paw membership and its Dog Happy Place sticker are separate.
Read how Apollo Certified works. Confirm current rules before visiting.
A few places to start
Help make better dog days
Join The Pack to submit firsthand checks with evidence for review. Anyone can recommend a dog-friendly place. Business owners can learn about business listings and optional paid placements.
Questions before you go
What is Dog Happy Place?
Dog Happy Place is a South Florida guide created after Apollo, our German Shepherd, was turned away from so many places. We help dog people find places to explore and understand the dog rules before leaving home.
What does Apollo Certified mean?
The independent Apollo Certified badge means we reviewed an official dog policy published by the business, city, or county. We show the posted rules and recheck every 90 days. An overdue check pauses the badge. It is free and cannot be bought; it is not a guarantee of entry or a personal visit.
How do I find dog-friendly places near me?
Open Explore and select Use my location to sort places from nearest to farthest. You can choose a starting city instead. The Map also offers a radius search. Distances are straight-line estimates, not driving distances.
Can my dog go inside a restaurant in Florida?
Do not assume pets are allowed indoors. Pet dogs at participating Florida restaurants are generally limited to approved outdoor dining areas under local rules. Check the specific venue policy before visiting. Trained service animals have separate access rights under the ADA.
Can I recommend a place or join The Pack?
Anyone can recommend a place through Add a Place. Pack members can create an account and submit firsthand dog-friendly checks with evidence. Reports need approval before appearing publicly, and pup cups are a bonus rather than proof of access.
Is a paid 5-Paw membership the same as certification?
No. Apollo Certified is a free, independent policy check. A qualified paid 5-Paw membership is separate and includes a Dog Happy Place sticker. Businesses must qualify first. Paid placements and memberships do not buy the independent certification badge.