Sarasota, known as Florida's Cultural Coast for its mix of performing and visual arts on the Gulf of Mexico, offers dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants and even spa treatments to make sure man's best friend is one pampered pooch while on vacation.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
A good number of Sarasota accommodations welcome dogs. The list includes downtown's The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and Hyatt Sarasota to independently owned getaways like Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach Resort and Tropical Breeze Resort and Spa. Familiar brands such as Comfort Inn, Homewood Suites and Residence Inn welcome dogs, too. Most accommodations have restrictions and require a pet deposit.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Sarasota offers a nice collection of dog-friendly restaurants. While dogs are not permitted inside, outdoor seating is offered to watch the world, and other dogs, pass by. Water bowls are usually provided at each restaurant.
In downtown Sarasota, Italian fusion is served at Mattison's City Grille at 1 North Lemon Avenue and French flavor at C'est La Vie at 1553 Main Street.
Sarasota's popular Old Salty Dog has two locations, the original on Siesta Key at 5023 Ocean Blvd. and the other on City Island at 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy. Cuisine is American and seafood. The signature entree is the "Salty Dog," a beer battered hotdog deep fried.
The Dry Dock at 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key also serves American and seafood fare.
Dog-Friendly Shopping
The national chain PetSmart has a location in Sarasota at 4942 South Tamiami Trail. Dogs and owners can walk hand and leash down the aisles to pick up food, toys or any other essential items which may have been left at home.
For the pooch into boutiques, Max's Dog Bakery at 1375 Main Street in downtown Sarasota serves up fresh baked doggy treats along with gifts and doggy essentials.
At 1407 First Street is Petropolis, serving up colorfully decorated dog treats and trendy accessories including hip clothing to fit standard breeds and petite pooches, called the "tea cup collection."
The boutique Wet Noses at 472 John Ringling Boulevard on St. Armands Circle sells a collection of gifts for dogs (cats, too!) and their human parents.
On Saturday mornings, Sarasota's Downtown Farmer's Market is the place where dogs meet nose to nose. Pet owners peruse the vegetable, baked goods and craft stands with their dogs in tow.
Recreation for Dogs
Sarasota County offers four paw parks. These are green spaces where dogs can run free within a fenced area and socialize with other dogs. In Venice, just south of Sarasota, is the only beach in the county which allows dogs. "Fido" can run over the sand and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Drinking water is available at the paw parks and an area for smaller dogs is sectioned off. Picnic tables and benches make it easy for the human owners to socialize. The paw parks are open dawn to dusk and are located:
- 17th Street Paw Park: 4510 17th Street, Sarasota
- Brohard Paw Park and Dog Beach: 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice
- Lakeview Paw Park: 7150 Lago Street, Sarasota
- Woodmere Paw Park: 3951 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice
Relaxation for Dogs
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's Spa offers "The Privileged Pup," a pet massage program to registered guests. Four, 60-minute massage therapy services are performed by certified pet massage therapists. Treatments include a dog treat and photo. A Pet Massage Lesson is taught to the dog owner so the therapy can continue at home. The Privileged Pup costs $130 per treatment.
From spa to shopping, a dog's life in Sarasota isn't such a bad thing.
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