4 Fun Pet Adventures for You and Your Pooch

From a "pup crawl" at local breweries to a drive-in movie date, here are four ways to enjoy quality time with your four-legged best friend

Paige Feigenbaum

October 3, 2024

A stop at Islamorada Beer Company in Fort Pierce. Photo courtesy of Islamorada Beer Company

When it comes to how to spend our free time, many modern-day dog parents have a policy: if my dog’s not welcome, I’m not coming either. According to Dogster (an online magazine and website dedicated to dog lovers), Florida is the top-ranked dog-friendly state in the nation, which means there are plenty of activities in the area where you and your furry friend can enjoy some quality time together outside of the home. Of course, you can always go to the beach or take your pal kayaking or running. But there’s so much more you can do—here are a few fun ideas.

These two old salts love spending the day with Cruisin’ Tikis. Photo courtesy of Cruisin’ Tikis

Go on a “pup crawl.” Pub crawls are a whole lot more fun with your little buddy, and some local breweries even have designated “yappy hours” to encourage animal guests. Begin your day at Pierced Ciderworks in Fort Pierce and receive 50 percent off cider pints (during their yappy hour on Sundays) when you bring your (leashed) dog. Your pooch might even be featured as Dog of the Month on the brewery’s Instagram. Move along to Islamorada Beer Company, also in Fort Pierce, before heading south to Hop Life Brewing Company in Port St. Lucie. End your day at Ocean Republic Brewing in Stuart, which hosts a monthly Thursday yappy hour to support local animal rescues.

Hit the drive-in. Make it a movie night at the Treasure Coast Park and Watch, a drive-in theater located at Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce. Grab some plain popcorn from the concession stand (no butter, no seasoning so your pooch can safely snack too), snuggle up, and enjoy the show.

Book a day cruise. BYOB (booze for you, bones for your friend) and hit the seas on a tiki bar boat. Cruisin’ Tikis takes boaters along the Intracoastal for a two-hour daytime or sunset cruise—and pets are welcome as long as they wear a life jacket (you must bring your own). The tiki tours depart from Jupiter Pointe Marina in Tequesta, Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce, and Safe Harbor New Port Cove in Riviera Beach.

Getting a good dinosaur shot for the Gram. Photo courtesy of Dinosaur World

Walk on the wild side. If your dog doesn’t mind short road trips, buckle up and head to Dinosaur World. Located in Plant City near Tampa (it’s less than three hours away by car), the outdoor museum sits on 20-plus acres and is filled with life-size dinosaur replicas. Dogs are welcome to join you on your walk through the “Jurassic Bark” as long as they are leashed.

Hot Tip: For additional ideas, bringfido.com is an excellent resource to find dog-friendly
activities all across the country.