It just so happens that although we as a business are local to the St. Petersburg/Tampa area, these cities actually happen to be considered among one of, and often featured as #1, the most dog friendly cities in the United States. Contrary to what you may be thinking, that’s actually not what inspired the start of Tactipup in this location - it just happens to be a major perk of living here, especially as dog owners ourselves. But we’ll get into what makes this area so distinctive a bit later.
What makes a city considerable as being the most dog-friendly, you may ask? Aspects such as the amount of dog parks, dog friendly beaches and hiking trails, local laws regarding dogs, how many restaurants/pubs/businesses allow dogs both outdoors and indoors, as well as housing policies such as pet fees and breed or weight restrictions. Not to mention local dog friendly events, businesses catered to dogs/dog owners, and the community's general fondness for dogs. In this blog, I’ll delve into some of the aspects that I can personally vouch for about what makes the St. Petersburg/Tampa area so special, and what makes me proud to be a local here.
Dog Bars
Home to multiple elite bars, otherwise known as off-leash dog parks that serve beer - the St. Petersburg/Tampa area not only encourages you to bring your dog to the bar, but to center your experience around your dog and grab a drink while you’re doing it. From Mutts and Martinis and Dog Bar in downtown St Pete, to Two Shepherds in Tampa, to Neighborhood Bark in Safety Harbor and Dog Pub Social coming soon to Dunedin - there’s no shortage of dog park/bar duos. As a matter of fact, anywhere where you live on the peninsula is at least 30 minutes within 1 or more dog bars. These establishments provide the opportunity for your pup to enjoy kiddie pools full of ice, foam parties, DJ’s, a shallow dog swimming pool at Mutts & Martinis, a mini water park at Two Shepherds, and quality time for you and your pup as you throw a couple back. If that doesn’t sound like heaven, I’m not sure what does!
Dog Friendly Grub
Aside from dog-centered establishments, a majority of restaurants, local businesses, and pubs not only place water bowls outside for your pup to cool off during their hot Florida summer city walks, but actually invite them inside as well. A few notable mentions in the area are:
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Fergs Sports Bar & Grill in Downtown St Pete offers its very own mini dog park near their axe throwing section and soon-to-be pickleball courts. Featuring a dog menu including house made sweet potato chips and full spectrum CBD chicken bites, your dog will have a blast (and a full tummy)! For the humans - the chicken wings are to die for, and Maxi Artisanal Empanadas food truck out front is a must-try spot. I haven’t personally tried the pizza vending machine, but I’ve heard good things! They also often have live music and a sports game on their abundance of flat screen TV’s.
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The Lure allows well-behaved dogs to sit indoors with their humans to enjoy a wide variety of offerings, from flat breads to sushi to 3 big ass meatballs. The perfect place to take refuge in the event of a sudden spring shower during your walk along Central Ave in Downtown St Pete, or simply to escape the heat of the summer and take a refreshing and delicious break.
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Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro (along with countless other restaurants along Bayshore Dr in Downtown St Pete) offers outdoor seating for you and your pup, and breathtaking views of the marina and the bay. Catch a sunset and enjoy some classic Florida seafood, or visit during brunch for an omelette and a mimosa. Either way, be sure to grab your pup something to eat off of their dog menu!
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Sparkman Wharf, a waterfront oasis in Tampa features street food, a beer garden, and local shops - inviting dogs and their humans to wander through multiple stands offering delicious food and a lively atmosphere. Grab a table on the patio with your pup and listen to the live music, or grab a bite to eat as you meander through the shops.
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The Sail Plaza in Tampa is another outdoor, waterfront food & drink spot that is a must-visit. Grab a grouper sandwich with garlic parmesan fries, a dog water bowl and a complimentary treat for your furry best friend, and enjoy the scenic views. Directly next to the water, you can even rent a boat and take your pup for the ride!
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A staple in Tampa’s small business community, Armature Works is a perfect spot to grab some food, do some shopping, and chill with your pup. Multiple businesses within, such as Buddy Brew Coffee and Chill Bros Scoop Shop, offer pup cups for your pup to cool off and enjoy. They also offer a myriad of amazing outdoor and indoor events throughout the year that you can bring your pup along for, and are a short walk from Queenie’s dog park in Water Works Park.
Dog Beaches
Many cities have dog parks, but off-leash dog beaches are something that the St. Petersburg/Tampa area is reputable for. Visit Picnic Island dog beach or Davis Island for a fenced in stretch of sand to ocean, Pass A Grille dog beach for an uncrowded ocean experience, or Honeymoon Island and Fort De Soto dog beaches for a place for both humans and their pups to swim in the clear blue water or jump on a kayak and hit the seas. For a campout beach experience, pull your car up right on the beach at Gandy Beach or Sand Key - just make sure to pack lots of refreshments and snacks to enjoy in the hot sun, and maybe a speaker or a book for extra entertainment or chill vibes.
Dog Parks
Featuring an affluence of off-leash dog parks, our local area has some of the largest and coolest dog parks around. Whether you want to stop in a small park along the water for some off-leash zoomies during local events or you’re planning to launch an extreme game of fetch, this St. Petersburg/Tampa area offers plenty of amenities for just that. Visit Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park for a zoomie session, located right next to Tampa Museum of Art, or the spacious Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park under the expressway with training structures and K9Grass turf. Kenwood Dog Park, also under the shade of the expressway, features gorgeous dog murals and tons of running space, as well as a hose near the front gate in case your dog gets a little too friendly with sand or mud during your visit. Lastly, a personal favorite and only about a 5 minute drive from our shop here in Largo - Northeast Dog Park and Paw Place features a path throughout the fenced in park, with ramps and built-in water bowls.
Local Shops
Some of my favorite places to visit in the local area are Hyde Park Village in Tampa, Central Ave in Downtown St. Pete, and the St. Pete Pier. Not because these locations are dog friendly, even though they very much are, but also because they are full of local businesses, modern shops with unique items, delicious restaurants and food stands, local events, and so much more. They are also truly gorgeous sections of the city. Almost all of the local shops put water bowls out and most welcome your dog inside. If you’re bringing your pup to these locations, there’s a few must-stop places to grab a yummy treat for your best friend. In St. Pete, you’ll want to check out 3 Dogs Bakery on Central Ave and Puppy Nums LLC in the St. Pete Pier marketplace - and in Tampa, Downtown Dogs in Hyde Park Village.