girl giving her dog a bath at camp margaritaville auburndale

Dog Friendly Things to Do

We understand that pets can be just as important as human family members. Luckily, we have off-leash dog parks in Central Florida throughout Polk County, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Auburndale and Davenport.

Plan A Trip

Dog Friendly Hotels

If your visit includes an overnight stay, you won’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home. Many of our hotels, vacation rental homes and Airbnbs are pet-friendly too! Check out our Dog Friendly Spots in Central Florida blog.

Dog Friendly Restaurants

Restaurants and breweries that offer outdoor seating tend to be dog friendly but double check with a phone call before you go. Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven is dog friendly inside as well as outside, and they have food trucks onsite. You can also take Fido to any downtown restaurants with patio seating or Harborside in Winter Haven.

If you’re in Lakeland, Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, The Joinery, Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro and LoveBird – Almost Famous Chicken welcome dogs as well.

Dog Friendly Hiking Trails

You’ll find dog friendly hiking trails in Central Florida at Colt Creek State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park, as well as most of our County Parks (Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland is the exception). However, beware of alligators. Remember, you are visiting Central Florida, so if there is a lake or swamp on property, there’s a good chance alligators will be there too.

Another dog friendly place to hike is Bok Tower Gardens, which offers plenty of sights and smells for your four-legged friend. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are permitted with a $10.00 entry fee.

Dog Friendly Campgrounds in Central Florida

Most Central Florida campgrounds are dog friendly, including Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale and Resort at Canopy Oaks in Lake Wales.

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Dog Leg Woods

Sign at Dog Leg Woods Dog Park in Lakeland, FL

South Lakeland dog park near Cleveland Heights Golf Course.

Address: 3326 Cleveland Heighs Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone: 863-834-2233

Auburndale Dog Park at Lake Myrtle Park

Auburndale Dog Park

Auburndale dog park at Lake Myrtle Sports Park, near Polk Parkway exit 18.

Address: 318 Denton Ave.
Auburndale, FL 33823

Phone: 863-965-5545

Swan Brewing

tap wall at Swan Brewing in Lakeland, FL

Swan Brewing features 30 taps of craft beer, live music and food trucks. The brewery…

Address: 115 W Pine St
Lakeland, FL 33815

Phone: 863-703-0472

info@swanbrewing.com

Bok Tower Gardens

Carillon Tower at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of…

Address: 1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Phone: 863-676-1408

info@boktowergardens.org

Bonnet Springs Park

Family looking at nature on the canopy walk at Bonnet Springs Park.

Bonnet Springs Park is located in Lakeland along the I-4 corridor making it accessible to…

Address: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815

Phone: 863-413-0652

info@bonnetspringspark.com

DiOGi Park at Loyce E. Harpe Park

Bark Park

DiOGi Park is a dog park located in the Mulberry/South Lakeland area of Polk County.

Address: 500 W Carter Rd.
Mulberry, FL 33860

Phone: 863-534-4340

Cook Park Dog Park

Bark Park

North Lakeland dog park located near shopping centers on US Hwy 98 N.

Address: 955 Wedgewood Estates
Lakeland, FL 33809

Phone: 863-834-2233

Poinciana Community Park

Bark Park

Haines City and Lake Hamilton area dog park located on the east side of Polk…

Address: 5109 Allegheny Rd.
Kissimmee, FL 32560

Phone: 863-534-4340

Simmers-Young Park

Playground area at Simmers-Young Park in Winter Haven, FL

A recreational park with multi-purpose and soccer fields, picnic facilities, fishing pond, dog park and…

Address: 339 American Spirit Rd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: 863-534-4340

LEARN & DISCOVER

  • People and vendor tents along Kentucky Ave. in downtown Lakeland during Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturday morning.
    Downtown Farmers Curb Market

    Local vendors line the streets and neighboring boutique shops are open in downtown Lakeland on Saturday morning.

    See Details
  • Carillon Tower at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
    Bok Tower Gardens

    Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of gardens, the 20-room El Retiro...

    See Details
  • kids playing outside Grove Roots Brewing Company in WInter Haven, FL
    Grove Roots Brewing Co.

    Grove Roots Brewing Co. produce artisanal ales inspired by the local Florida culture and influenced by rich heritage and community...

    See Details
  • Two dogs and owner hiking at lake kissimmee state park
    Dog Friendly Spots in Central Florida

    We understand that your pets are just as important as your human family members. So we created a list of...

    See Details
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