Getting out in the sun with your furry friend is one of the things we all love. But what are the best pet-friendly hotels in the Florida Keys?
Going on a pet-friendly escape in Florida is an incredible way to spend your summer. But choosing the wrong resort can ensure your getaway sucks.
If you’re traveling with pets, you need to know the hotel you’re staying in is as prepped for pets as possible.
In this blog, we’ll outline our 5 top picks for pet-friendly resorts in the Keys, as well as offering some ideas about what to do when you’re there and when’s the best time to book.
What Are The Best Pet-friendly Hotels in The Florida Keys
Havana Cabana at Key West
The Capitana Key West
Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo
The Gardens Hotel
Waterside Suites & Marina
1. Havana Cabana at Key West
Havana Cabana Key West boasts a resort pet policy that accepts dogs up to 50 lbs at a charge of $75 per night.
As well as allowing your furry friend in your room, the resort permits dogs to roam the lobby, tiki hut, resort shuttle, game areas, and pool bar. Although the pool and outdoor hot tub are out of bounds for Fido.
The clue is in the name. But you and your pooch can enjoy a slice of Cuba during your stay at Havana Cabana.
Classic cars and flamenco guitar music welcome you into the resort, while charming Latin furnishings continue to add to the Hispanic theme.
2. The Capitana Key West
The Capitana’s dog policy is slightly more stringent than that of Havana Cabana. This boutique resort allows pooches up to 30 lbs and the fee is $100 per night.
While your dog must remain leashed at all times, the resort grounds are incredibly beautiful. The luxurious resort is a more high-end option with beachfront B&B vibes. Perfect for those more exacting owners.
3. Baker’s Cay Resort
At Baker’s Cay, you’re allowed to bring dogs, cats, and crated pets up to 100 lbs at a cost of just $75 per night. Your furry friends also get an engraved dog tag, waste bags, and a water bowl.
There’s even a daily Yappy Hour featuring a pet-friendly menu.
This place should be renamed Bark-er’s Cay, Amirite?! Sorry…
4. The Gardens Hotel
Located just steps from Duval Street, The Gardens Hotel is perfectly positioned. When it comes to catering to four-legged guests, pets up to 20 lbs are allowed in the hotel’s cottage-style rooms.
The Gardens Hotel pet policy includes food and water bowls are provided and your furry friend’s stay will cost around $100 per night.
5. Waterside Suites & Marina
Offering 40 quaint townhouses with kitchenettes overlooking the gorgeous marina, Waterside Suites is a great option for your family vacation.
They do accept dogs up to 40 lbs and, at just $50 per dog, per night, they’re the cheapest option in our collection too. Enjoy an awesome location just down the road from pet-friendly spots in Key Largo like Key Critters pet store.
Dog-Friendly Things To Do In Key West
Whether you’re flying you’re thinking of jumping on a plane with your big dog down to the keys or road-trippin’. There’s a whole host of amazing pet-friendly things to do in Key West.
Key West Aquarium
Sunset Celebration
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Higgs Beach
Lazy Dog Charters
Key West Aquarium
If your pup loves nothing more than checking out some amphibious life, then the Key West Aquarium is the perfect day out.
Here you’ll be able to go on a nice walk while checking out the collection of submarine wonders. There’s even a touch tank if you feel like getting more hands-on.
Sunset Celebration
If you’re new to the area, this nightly shindig will be an awesome surprise for you and your pooch.
Get down to Mallory Square where dogs and owners hang out and catch the stunning sunset. Plus, there’s also the odd street performer to capture your attention.
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
If you’re more into strolling than hiking with your dog, then the botanical gardens make for a wonderful afternoon for you and Fido.
Take a walk around the stunning fauna and enjoy the fluttering butterflies and birds too. We’d recommend taking a hamper with you and settling down for a bite in the beautiful picnic area - good luck keeping your hands on your sandwiches though with Fido around.
Higgs Beach
It’s probably about time we got to a beach, right? Well, there will be more on the best beaches for dogs in the Keys shortly. But for now, we think you’ll really like taking in the dog park at Higgs Beach.
Here you’ll find two huge open spaces for your pooch to cut loose in. The good news is, there’s a special area for dogs under 25 lbs too, so the smaller pups have their own area.
Lazy Dog Charters
If you’re looking for more unique dog-friendly activities in the Florida Keys, then Lazy Dog Charters might just have what you’re looking for.
With everything from pet-friendly paddleboarding to canine kayaking, it’s the perfect way to grab some watery fun without leaving your pet out.
What Are the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In The Florida Keys?
When it comes to vacationing with your pet in the Keys, you want to know that you can walk on the famous stretches of sand, right? Well, you’ll be happy to know there are a selection of dog-friendly beaches in the area.
We’ve already spoke about the incredible facilities at Higgs Beach. So here are some other areas you’ll find super easy to feel the sand between your paws… I mean toes.
Sombrero Beach
Anne’s Beach
Smathers Beach
Key West Dog Beach
Coco Plum Beach
Harry Harris Beach & Park
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Keys With Your Pet?
The best time to visit the Florida Keys with your pet is from December - March. While these are traditionally the coldest months in the Keys, the weather is still mild enough without being unbearable for those with fur coats they can’t remove.
January is the coldest month in the Keys. But the temperature is still mild at around 70-75 degrees. If you’re looking for a quiet escape we’d recommend avoiding March when the Keys start to see more Spring Breakers.
Explore Key West With Your Pet This Winter
There are so many options when it comes to pet-friendly hotels in the Florida Keys. That makes this area of California such an appealing prospect for vacationing pet owners.
So now you know where to stay, what to do and how much it will cost, have you thought about how you’re getting to the keys?
Our guide to traveling long distances with your dog is ideal for getting you prepped for the vacay migration.