As the snowbirds head home and the temperatures start to climb, Bradenton locals often start looking for new and interesting things to do. Now is the perfect time to get out of the house and spend the day checking out new places with your furry friend. You might be surprised to learn that there are a ton of pet-friendly Bradenton hot spots!

Need some inspiration? Check out this round-up of 10 great local places to spend the day with your dog.

1. The Lost Kangaroo Pub

406 12th St. W. (Old Main St.) Bradenton

Located in the heart of downtown, The Lost Kangaroo Pub is the number one pet-friendly bar in Bradenton. A favorite among both locals and visitors, the pub offers a huge selection of craft beers, plenty of big-screen TVs, and the hottest bar scene in town.

Come by any day of the week and you’ll find all breeds and sizes of well-behaved dogs hanging out with their humans. The bar allows smoking inside and offers outdoor seating as well. They don’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring in takeout from any of the nearby area restaurants.

2. Robinson Preserve

1704 99th Street Northwest Bradenton

If the bar scene isn’t your style, you might want to check out the recently renovated 682-acre Robinson Preserve. Enjoy a hike with your dog along the 2.5 kilometers of rubberized trails and raised bridges that wind their way along preserved mangrove and marshlands. You’re likely to see plenty of local wildlife and might even catch a glimpse of one of the eagles that live in the preserve.

The preserve also features a picnic area, kayak launches, public restrooms, and water fountains. There’s lots to do here, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it all.

3. Motorworks Brewing

1014 9th Street West Bradenton, Florida 34205

Featuring the largest beer garden in Florida, Motorworks Brewing offers a large selection of craft beers and plenty of space for you and your dog to kick back and relax. Outdoors you’ll find a raised wooden deck surrounding a 150-year-old oak tree decked out in shimmering lights and a 22-foot projection screen where you can catch the big game or a movie.

There’s never a shortage of things to do at Motorworks. Outdoors you can enjoy live music, cornhole, bocce ball, giant Jenga, and Connect-Four. The brewery also features a ton of fun events including Beer Garden Yoga, trivia, bingo, and poker nights, and a monthly “Yappy Hour Extravaganza.”

4. Desoto National Memorial Beach

8300 Desoto Memorial Highway Bradenton

At Desoto National Memorial Park in Bradenton, you and your dog can walk along the raised wooden trails winding through the mangrove and exit out onto the shore of Tampa Bay. The water here is clear and shallow, making it a great place for your dog to romp and play.

Along the trail, you’ll find displays where you can learn more about the area’s history. While you’re required to keep your dog on-leash while walking through the park, you can let him run and swim once you reach the beach.

5. Caddy’s Bradenton

801 Riverside Dr. Bradenton, FL, 34208

With gorgeous views, a laid-back atmosphere, and great food and drinks, Caddy’s Bradenton is a great place to kick back and relax with your dog. Enjoy live entertainment, beach volleyball, cornhole, and more. Caddy’s hosts special events almost every weekend, so check their Facebook page before you head out to see what’s going on!

6. Palma Sola Causeway

9000 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209

Affectionately called “The Redneck Riveria” by locals, the Palma Sola Causeway is one of the only pet-friendly Bradenton beaches. Pack up the cooler and plan to spend the day here — the Causeway has grills, picnic tables, and a covered picnic area. You’ll often find kayak and paddleboard rentals here, and don’t be surprised to see horseback riders enjoying some time in the water.

A word of warning, though, this beach is right along the side of Manatee Avenue. You’ll want to take extra care to keep your dog safely away from traffic.

7. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill

5 Bayfront Drive Sarasota, FL 34236

Just steps away from the water, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar on the Sarasota Bayfront gives dogs and their owners the perfect atmosphere to kick back, relax, and enjoy living in paradise. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as cold beer, wine, and a great selection of tasty tropical drinks.

They open at 8 a.m. every day and offer live music at noon and 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekends).

8. Nathan Benderson Park

5851 Nathan Benderson Circle Sarasota, Florida 34235

If you and your dog enjoy long walks, you’ll want to take a trip out to the 600-acre Nathan Benderson Park. Here you’ll find a 3-mile path that goes around the entire lake, a great playground for kids, and on-site restrooms.

This is a popular spot, so you’re likely to run into a lot of other people and their pets walking, jogging, rollerblading, and biking. The man-made lake was created for rowing competitions, so there’s a chance you might also catch a rowing practice while you’re there.

9. The Dog Bar

2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

What do you get when you cross a fully-stocked liquor, beer, and wine bar with a doggie daycare/dog park? One of St. Petersburg’s most unique venues, The Dog Bar!

This awesome bar features 5,000 square feet of space indoors and another 3,000 square feet outside. You’ll love the fun and friendly atmosphere with live music on the patio, plenty of TVs to watch sporting events, and games including ski-ball, ping-pong, cornhole, Connect-Four, and Jenga.

The outdoor area is divided into an on-leash area with comfortable bench seating and an off-leash play area that has separate zones for small and large dogs. The play areas feature doggie swimming pools, ramps, tunnels, and cots. Best of all, there’s an on-staff supervisor to make sure your four-legged friend has a great time and stays safe. Check out The Dog Bar’s website for more information!

10. Venice Dog Beach (Brohard Paw Park)

1600 Harbor Dr, S, Venice, FL 34285

Although it’s a bit of a hike from Bradenton, Brohard Paw Park (also known as the Venice Dog Beach) is worth the drive. Here, your dogs are welcome to run off-leash, swim, and play to their heart’s content. The beach also offers picnic tables and benches, public restrooms, showers, and both human and dog water fountains.

Pet-Friendly Bradenton: Plenty of Options for a Fun Day With Your Furry Friend

Next time you’re in the mood for an adventure, don’t leave your furry friend home! There are so many great pet-friendly Bradenton area hot spots, you and your dog could go out every day of the week and never get bored!

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