Taking your dog on vacation is great, especially if you travel to a spot with lots of pet-friendly activities, parks, and dog-friendly restaurants, like Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.
Explore below to find plenty of dog-friendly spots both you and your pup will enjoy:
Dog Friendly Shopping and Socializing
Everyone loves Fishermen’s Village! This open-air but covered shopping, dining, and entertainment hub is the go-to for visitors and locals—and their dogs.
No matter what else you do at Fishermen's Village (and trust us, there’s plenty to occupy your time!), if you have your pup with you, you must visit Salty Paws to shop all manner of toys, treats, accessories, and more. Featuring fun t-shirts and gifts for people, too!
Both the Punta Gorda Downtown Farmer’s Market (Saturdays, 8 am–noon) and the Punta Gorda History Park Market (Sundays, 9 am–1 pm) offer friendly and welcoming atmospheres and are chock-full of fun stuff for both people and pets, including pet treats, accessories, and more.
You'll enjoy the beauty and your pup will be fascinated by the smells on a "Tail Waggin' Tuesday" at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Leashed pets are welcome each Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm. Daily admission rates apply plus either a $5 donation (or pet supply) for each furry friend.
Dog Friendly Cafés and Restaurants
You and your dog can enjoy a convivial atmosphere, great food, and unmatched views of Charlotte Harbor at Harpoon Harry’s, right on the water at Fishermen’s Village. Head to the left side of the restaurant to access their dog-friendly covered patio.
Winesett House welcomes dogs on their roomy outdoor patio. Enjoy the wonderful food, gorgeous fountain, and welcoming atmosphere with your favorite pup (and people).
The Twisted Fork is so dog friendly that they put their pups on some of their merch! The Back Porch is a great spot for some tasty twisted dishes and lots of fun for both you and your dog.
At Gatorz Bar & Grill in Port Charlotte, the outdoor covered patio allows you and your pup to enjoy a friendly crowd and often, live music, alongside a menu full of hearty favorites.
Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar offer a “Doggie Dining Area” where pups and their people can relax and enjoy wonderful food, beautiful views, and refreshing sea breezes.
The SandBar Tiki & Grille has a large outdoor area that welcomes dogs. The views and vibes can't be beat!
Dog Parks and Walking Paths
We are blessed with a lot of beautiful parks in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, and leashed dogs are welcome in most of them.
We also have two off-leash dog parks for some free-running time: Ann & Chuck Dever Park in Englewood, and Hounds on Henry Street in Punta Gorda, which is a stand-alone dog park featuring separate areas for small and large dogs.
Great dog walks abound in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Explore five of our favorites in this blog post.
When you’re looking for a pet-friendly spot to explore with your dog, look no further than Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.
They say a tired dog is a good dog, and we can almost guarantee you'll have the best dog around after your adventures!
