Dog-Friendly Adventures on Florida’s Adventure Coast
A vacation in Florida is the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors with your four-legged best friend! Check out these fan-favorites on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, including parks and hiking trails, local restaurants and breweries, unique shopping and pet-friendly accommodations.
Great Walks & Easy Explorations
Load up the car with your pup, a picnic and get ready for a fun outing, hassle-free! A 2.3-mile loop trail at Fickett Hammock Preserve in Brooksville makes a great short hike, while the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens in Spring Hill offers 3.5 acres to explore with well-behaved dogs on a leash. The Rotary Centennial Dog Park has three runs for large, small and service dogs, with additional amenities including picnic shelters, a pavilion and restrooms. The newest dog-friendly park on Florida’s Adventure Coast can be found near historic downtown Brooksville; The Quarry Disc Golf and Park, which now offers a walking trail and numerous waste stations thanks to a community effort and the generous donations of several Brooksville families.
For Avid Hikers and their Four-legged Friends
For longer walks and serious hikes with your pet, discover Florida’s Adventure Coast parks and preserves. The Weekiwachee Preserve is a local favorite, offering scenic views with large lakes, rock mounds, and miles of trails surrounded by native landscapes. North of Weeki Wachee, the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area also allows dogs on a leash, with two trails that are best in the morning hours on non-hunting days from January through March and August through October. Near Brooksville, the Withlacoochee State Forest offers miles and miles of trails and allows leashed pets at most trailheads, including Silver Lake Recreation Area and Tucker Hill Day Use Area.
Withlacoochee State Trail
Paved Trails & Puppy Dog Tails
Paved trails such as the Suncoast Trail, the Withlacoochee State Trail and the Good Neighbor Trail are all open to dogs on a leash. Since these trails are used primarily by cyclists, special care should be taken to make sure your pet poses no danger to others; set a good example by stepping off the trail, and have your dog sit and stay as cyclists pass by. At all parks and trails, visitors are expected to pick up after their pet(s), respect wildlife, and remember to bring enough water for everyone, pets included!
Dining & Breweries
Many restaurants with outdoor seating welcome visitors and their pets on Florida’s Adventure Coast. For peaceful views on the water, take a scenic drive to Hernando Beach near Weeki Wachee. Along Shoal Line Boulevard, you’ll discover seafood grills with great outdoor seating, like the patio at the Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store. For delicious craft beers, sip in the beer garden with your pet at Marker 48 Brewing or try a craft beer named after the resident cat, Willie! Dogs are also welcome both inside or on the patio at Tidal Brewing Company, where you’ll find an extensive choice of lagers as well as ciders, wines and beers to-go.
Marker 48 Brewing
Here are a few pet-friendly restaurants and establishments (outdoor seating) that locals love on Florida’s Adventure Coast:
• Bayport Inn
• Bread Box Bakery
• Brian’s Place
• Chulas Mexican Grill
• Gators Dockside
• Hernando Beach Tropical Grille
• The Lazy Lizard
• Rookies Sport Bar & Grill
• Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store
• Upper Deck
Pet-friendly Tap Rooms, Breweries & Wineries
• Itchy Belly Beer Garden
• The Florida Cracker Tap Room
• Marker 48 Brewing
• Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard
• Tidal Brewing Company
Shopping and Pet-friendly Markets
For unique gifts, home décor and antiques, discover dog-friendly shopping on Florida’s Adventure Coast including the Thrifty Dog, Flippin Out Vintage and the Airport Farmers & Flea Market. For pet supplies, toys and treats, visit Happy Tails Pet Supply Outlet, Dog Gone Healthy, or the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm, the Airport Farmers & Flea Market is an open-air market with 400 vendors ranging from fresh produce and bakeries, to new and used gardening, home décor, pet supplies and other items.
Pet Friendly Hotels & Lodging
Many hotels and campgrounds on Florida’s Adventure Coast are pet friendly. For more details and information on places to stay, visit https://floridasadventurecoast.com/where-to-stay/.
• Ardendales Bed & Breakfast
• Hernando Beach Motel
• Mary’s Fish Camp
• Days Inn of Brooksville
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Brooksville
• Motel 6, Spring Hill/Weeki Wachee
• Quality Inn of Weeki Wachee
• Quality Inn & Suites, Brooksville
With inspiration in hand, get ready to pack your things and your pup for an awesome adventure! Plan your next vacation on Florida’s Adventure Coast using our Trip Planner and discover pet-friendly festivals and happenings on our Calendar of Events. Remember to stop by the Brooksville Welcome Center on your next visit; our staff would love to meet your fur babies!
