Get outta the doghouse: 16 dog-friendly parks, shops and hangouts to take your best friend

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 5:17 pm

You don't have to leave your dog at home when you wanna get out of the house. Bring Fido with you to these local spots where you can picnic, shop and eat with you're favorite furry friend.

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Dexter's of Thornton Park
808 E Washington St Orlando, FL 32801 thorntonpark.dexwine.com

Bring along your furry friend and nosh on some local favorites at this Thornton Park dining destination. The outdoor seating area warmly welcomes man’s best friend.
Photo via Dexter's Facebook

Lake Baldwin, Fleet Peeples Park
2000 S Lakemont Ave Winter Park, FL 32789 Facebook.com/FleetPeeples

This dog-friendly corner of Orlando has extensive areas for your dog to run, play and swim. The beach is the perfect place for the pooch in your life to cool down after some fun in the sun. Plus, they have dog showers! Photo via Fleet Peeples Park Facebook

Winter Park, Park Avenue
Park Avenue

Make your pooch a little more posh and bring them along on a trip to Winter Park’s Park Avenue. Many of the dozen or so eateries along the avenue welcome dogs with open arms and it’s common to see water bowls outside of boutiques and galleries.

Paw Park of Historic Sanford
427 S French Ave Sanford, FL 32771 pawparksanford.org

Voted the second best dog park in the country by Dog Fancy, this playground for your canine friend is the perfect place a playdate. With its dog-specific jungle gym structures and fenced off areas for small dogs, we can bet your pooch won’t stop wagging its tail while at this five star park.
Photo via Paw Park Sanford

Stardust Video and Coffee
1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32803 stardustvideoandcoffee.com

Who needs people when you can have your next coffee klatch with your canine companion at this unique hangout. Your dog will love hanging out on the patio while you enjoy a beer, coffee or one of their signature vegan dishes.
Photo via Stardust Video and Coffee Facebook

Teak Neighborhood Bar and Grill
6400 Times Square Avenue, Orlando, FL 32835 teakorlando.com

Treat Fido to a night on the town at this hip destination while you enjoy locally crafted beers and burgers. You can count on this spot day or night with their weekend brunches and late night meals.
Photo via Teak Neighborhood Bar and Grill

Wekiva Island
1014 Miami Springs Rd Longwood, FL 32779 wekivaisland.com

You don’t have to leave man’s best friend at home when you embark for a day on an island in the sun. Bring your dog along to this local getaway, that way you can both enjoy the fire pit, cabana and bar.
Photo via Weikiva Island

Wildside BBQ and Grill
700 E Washington St Orlando, FL 32801

We can’t think of anything better than a little quality time with BBQ, beer and your best bud. Get all of this in one sitting at this downtown bar and grill.
Photo via Wildside BBQ and Grill

Lake Eola Park
Corner of E. Central Blvd & N. Eola Drive orlandofarmersmarket.com

Get your dog out of the house and into the energy of downtown’s Sunday morning farmer’s market, where you’ll find plenty of people, produce and pets. Bring a picnic blanket and lounge around the lake after shopping.
Photo via Orlando Farmer's Market

Brick House Tavern
8440 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 brickhousetavern.com

Let your four-legged friend join in on the fun at this local favorite, where you can please your taste buds with juicy burgers and Bloody Marys.
Photo via Brick House Tavern