There is nothing like spending your day off with your dogs, soaking up the sun, splashing in the cool turquoise blue waves, and watching your furry buddy dash, kicking up the glittering Sarasota sand. Although Sarasota technically has one dog beach, Brohard Beach, other locations offer you and your pet a similar experience to a Brohard beach day.
Bird Key Park
Bird Key Park is pet-friendly and convenient for early birds and night owls alike because it opens at 6 a.m. and closes at midnight daily. People often bring their on-leash pets here and play in the little shelly areas of sand and splash around in the clear shallow waves of Sarasota Bay. There is plenty of space and a sidewalk for those bicycling or rollerblading. And many go to Bird Key Park to canoe, swim, windsurf, kayak, picnic, and fish. Bird Key Park is near downtown, where busyness and excitement thrive. You won’t be far from the restaurants and shops.
Ken Thompson Park
Ken Thompson Park is a beautiful scenic view because of its beachfront and spacious field of green grass. Any time of the day is perfect to go, but nothing is like catching the sunset over in those parts of Sarasota. On-leash pets are allowed, and most people go to Ken Thompson Park to kayak, pier fish, picnic, and boat. The park has playgrounds, bathrooms, electric car chargers, and walking trails. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Indian Beach Dog Park
A sleepy residential area near the Ringling College of Art and Design is a hidden gem for the local residents who live in this affluent community. While the tiny strip of sand is open to the public and allows dogs, there is no parking nearby. If you’re prepared to have a nice walk to this area by parking at a commercial establishment on US41, you can have a lot of privacy with your playful pup. At low tide be aware of small spots of coral that could be a hazard to your pet.
Sidenote: Bayfront Park is another favorite beach park in the area, but beware, my dog cut his paw on the jagged rocks.
If you are looking for places to unwind and have fun on a sunny day with your pups, visit Bird Key Park, Ken Thompson Park, or the Indian Rocks Beach Dog Park. Each park is unique and has a great view with activities you and your furry friends will enjoy.
Pet Rules
Be sure to familiarize yourself with each park’s different rules and regulations. Sarasota County has a low tolerance for offenses that take the pristine away from their facilities:
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