Miami’s reputation as a playground for people now firmly extends to their four-legged companions. Recently ranked among the top dog-park cities in the U.S., Miami trails only behind cities like Austin, Seattle, and Portland, while standing out for its year-round sunshine, waterfront green spaces, and pet-friendly culture. From shaded neighborhood dog runs to sprawling parks with ocean breezes, the city offers countless ways for dogs and their owners to stay active, social, and outdoors.

Across Miami, dog parks have become more than just fenced-in areas for play; they are community hubs where locals connect, unwind, and enjoy the city together. Popular spots like Margaret Paciue Dog Park, Haulover Dog Park, and Pinetree Park draw regulars for their open space, scenic views, and welcoming atmosphere. But for many dog owners, Miami’s pet-friendly appeal extends well beyond designated dog parks. For many Miamians, the city’s dog friendly appeal is best experienced firsthand through the places they visit with their pets.

Gabrielle Anwar with Paloma

Favorite Miami dog park:
Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove, because its within walking distance of home.

Other places for you and your pet to walk or play:
Green St. Café because it is a super dog friendly El fresco.

Why these places special for you and your pet:
My pets are welcome there! The better trained your dog is, the better they will be tolerated in a public space! A yapping dog during lunch is no fun for anyone

Why Miami is a great city for dog owners:
In Miami, there are many dog friendly spots, like Europe.

Favorite routine or activity together:
Paloma and I like to walk into The Grove from home and sit on a red sofa at Green Street. I people watch and she dog watches.

Angela Birdman with Gemma, Gracie, Lola and Eva

Favorite Miami dog park:
My favorite dog park is always the one where people are paying attention and supervising their pups. Dog parks are a great place for socialization and exercise; however, it is not the place to check your emails. I have Siberian Huskies so they have always been more into long walks and adventures than dog parks and chihuahuas are not big dog park pups either.

Other places to take your pet:
My huskies love doing laps at the Aventura circle to watch people- and ducks. They are 12 and 14yo now, so as seniors they are not as active as they once were but they loved dog beaches as younger pups. Who knew huskies love the beach, right?

I also have 2 chihuahuas who love to go with you anywhere but Bal Harbour Shops or the Grove to walk around and grab lunch are favorites I would say. Bal Harbour is incredibly dog friendly and I love the neighborhood vibe of the Grove.

Why these places are special:
Any time spent with my pups is special. All any pup wants is your time and attention- whether that be at a dog park, an outdoor mall, a neighborhood walk, or home on the sofa cuddling.

Why Miami is great for dog owners:
Miami’s many dog park and dog beach locations make getting your pup exercise easily accessible and there are even several doggie day care options now too. Miami becoming so dog friendly has made it easy to take your pup with you to most places. Many restaurants even feature adorable doggie menus now. Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, FOMA and The Underline partners with Miami Dade Animal Services the first Saturday of every month from 11am-1pm to get the shelter pets out to exercise. The shelters are extremely overcrowded and these pups desperately need a mental break from the shelter.

Favorite routine or activity:
My huskies and I have always loved the Walk For the Animals with The Humane Society of Greater Miami. Both my huskies were adopted from there and we even started Walk In Style for the Animals to coincide with this event and benefit HSGM. In truth, my huskies love any type of benefit walk- we do lots of them.

Manny Hernandez with Paco

Favorite Miami dog park:
The 36th Street Charter Club dog park in Edgewater. It used to be a regular park and is now a dog park located right on the water. There is also another dog park near the Venetian that is mainly for condo owners.

Where else do you take your pet to walk or play:
I like taking my dog to Imperial Moto Coffee Shop in Little River, especially when they host car shows. The food is good and the dogs there are usually very well behaved. I also enjoy walking around Midtown Miami. It is a very young neighborhood with lots of couples, and for many of them, their dog is their first baby.

Why these places are special for you and your pet:
Dogs like to see their counterparts. They have their own language and enjoy being around both other dogs and their people. Dogs are very close to humans and naturally like to socialize. My dog, Packo, has no problem being around other animals.

Why Miami is a great city for dog owners:
The weather is a big plus. Miami also has a strong dog culture, and it feels like everyone has a dog. Condo living plays a role too, because it makes it easier to take dogs out for regular walks. Even late at night, around nine o’clock, you see many people casually walking their dogs. Dogs require a certain amount of affection and love how they can interact with others in an open space

Favorite routine or activity:
Packo loves fruit, especially bananas and apples. He has lost a lot of his small teeth, so softer foods work well for him. Our routine includes sharing fruit together and taking pictures.

Linda Levy with Yogi and Little Dog

Favorite Miami dog park:
My dogs aren’t really dog park dogs, but my daughter, Gigi, loves to take her dog to Haulover Beach and let him run free at the dog beach.

Other places to walk or play:
My dogs love to walk on the bike and walking path on Old Culter Road. It is beautiful with lots of shade, mature trees, and lots of good doggy smells.

Why these places are special:
Miami is a fabulous city for dogs, lots of beautiful green spaces to walk and enjoy. Coconut Grove, Kennedy and Peacock Park are also great places to walk dogs.

Why Miami is great for dog owners:
Having dogs is a great way to meet people with other pets and just get out and enjoy the outdoors. We are so blessed and lucky to have beautiful weather almost all year round, so there is no reason to stay inside. Get out there and enjoy.

Favorite pet routine or activity:
We love to take walks on Old Cutler Road and the dogs also have a giant basket of toys that they enjoy taking them all out and spreading them around the house and if I try to put them back in the basket as soon as I put one in, they take them back out.