Dog-Friendly Activities and Beaches on Anna Maria Island

Expensive pet-sitters, forgotten medication, and your four-legged friend’s separation anxiety – these are not the things you want to be thinking about while you’re lying on the beach outside Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. While everyone loves a good getaway, it can be hard to leave everyone’s favorite family member behind.

Dog-friendly areas on the island

Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities on Anna Maria Island for the whole family to enjoy. Anna Maria Island is a tropical paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast just minutes from Sarasota, Bradenton, and less than 2 hours from St. Pete Clearwater.

From pet-friendly Anna Maria vacation rentals to restaurants, to parks, to beaches, Anna Maria Island and its surrounding area has plenty of places that welcome dogs.

Island leash policy

As in most of the U.S., dogs are required to be on the leash at all times in public spaces. This means that any time you take your dog off of private property, the dog must be leashed. The exception to this rule is in designated areas, namely off-leash parks, where dogs are free to romp and play.

Dog-friendly parks

One of these parks is located right on Anna Maria Island, in the city of Holmes Beach. This park is located behind the Fire Department on Marine Drive, and offers fun and friends for both vacationing and local dogs. The park is fenced in, and has a shade shelter and water bowls to keep your pet cool and hydrated. This is the closest park to our Anna Maria vacation properties.

Another great place to bring the dog is the Palma Sola Causeway Park, which is located off Manatee Avenue, the highway that connects Anna Maria Island to the mainland. This park has a dog-friendly beach, so your pup can enjoy a game of fetch or beat the heat by splashing in the shallows. It takes less than 10 minutes to get to this park by car. Since there aren’t any dog-friendly beaches on Anna Maria Island, Palma Sola Causeway is a great nearby alternative.

If you are your dog are outdoor adventurers, you’ll love hiking the trails of the Robinson Preserve, which offers 487 acres of undeveloped Florida nature. The Robinson Preserve is located on the adjacent mainland, on a wide peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay to the north and Palma Sola Bay to the south. Read more about activities and things to do in the area.

Dog-friendly beaches

Anna Maria Island beaches are long, pristine, and full of things to do. Unfortunately, however, dogs are not allowed to accompany their humans to any of the beaches in the island. These regulations are in place to protect the abundant local wildlife and habitats, which includes sea turtle and shorebird nests.

While there are no dog-friendly beaches on Anna Maria Island, leashed dogs are welcome on the street and in parks in all three cities. There are even a few dog-friendly restaurants that will allow your pooch to join the party.

Dog-friendly restaurants and bars

Dining on outdoor patios and at waterfront restaurants is one of the highlights of an Anna Maria vacation. Island Time Bar and Grill (Gulf Drive), Bridge Tender (Bridge Street), Gulf Drive Café (Gulf Drive) in Bradenton Beach are all known for welcoming dogs. The Star Fish Company in the mainland town of Cortez is also a reliable place for both great local seafood and pet-friendly seating.

Stay at one of our exquisite pet-friendly rentals on AMI. These properties have amenities like pools, fenced-in yards, decks, and more so that you can enjoy a fun and safe vacation getaway with the whole family – Fido, too!

Explore AMI Rentals With Beach House!

We have a wide range of Anna Maria rentals that will be the ideal oasis for your family during your trip to the island. Our rentals in Anna Maria come with updated, modern furnishings, plenty of luxurious amenities, and gorgeous oceanfront views. Book your next escape today!