The Best 6 Dog Parks in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is the fifth-most populous city in Florida and is known as Florida’s Sunshine City. The city is known for its continuous sunshine–an average of 361 days of sunshine every year. As such, it’s worth a visit! If you find yourself with your dog here, you’ll be looking for dog parks so both can cool off and relax.

Luckily, this article is here to help you! In the following lines, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about the best dog parks in St. Petersburg. Remember that designated dog areas allow pets off-leash, while you must keep Fido on a leash in regular parks.

1. Kenwood Dog Park

Kenwood Dog Park is a spacious, designated dog park located under a suspended highway. This makes it noisier than a dog park should be, so be careful if you’re bringing introverted or fearful pups here.

Owners can enjoy amenities such as picnic tables and plenty of benches. Dogs can rest under several covered areas or trees or run around water bowls (there are many of those throughout the park). The park features separate sites for different breed sizes. There’s a 2-hour maintenance every Tuesday from 1 PM to 3 PM.

If you want your dog to have plenty of playmates, people recommend visiting Kenwood Dog Park during the week, as weekends are almost empty.

2. Crescent Lake Dog Park

Crescent Lake Dog Park is located in Crescent Lake Park and is near the lake of the same name and the park’s tennis courts. The park is fenced, thus allowing dogs to be off-leash. While here, pups can inspect several fire hydrants scattered throughout the park.

The park’s surface mainly consists of dirt and mulch; there’s not as much grass as expected. However, remember that Crescent Lake Dog Park features a bathing station on the exit. Even after an intense running session, you’ll be able to clean your pet.

Crescent Lake Dog Park is mainly known for its kind dogs and owners, some visitors being amazed at how well-behaved some pups can be! This is good news for any potential visitor.

3. Walter Fuller Park

You can find Walter Fuller Park in the Jungle Terrace area of St. Petersburg. The park features baseball and pickleball courts, the Walter Fuller pool, and a recreation center, among many others. There’s also a large lake surrounded by walking trails that your pet will surely enjoy.

The park reportedly has a designated dog park, but you won’t find it on Google Search. The dog park features areas for both small and large dogs and can get quite crowded. Amenities include fire hydrants and several drinking fountains. Don’t worry about the summer heat, as there are plenty of shade trees in and around the dog park.

4. The Dog Bar

The Dog Bar is, as the name implies, more than just a dog park. It consists of an off-leash dog park and a full-service sports bar where owners can enjoy fresh orange juice and other beverages while their pets run wild and free.

Besides the $7 cost for a day pass, dogs must also be calm and healthy. Aggressive pups are not allowed. The park features indoor and outdoor areas in a 5,000-square-foot space. Every designated dog area in the park is equipped with high-quality turf and misting fans. There are separate fenced areas for low-energy and high-energy dogs. Owners and dogs won’t even feel the summer heat while visiting The Dog Bar.

5. Northshore Dog Park

North Shore Park is located right near 11th Avenue Pier. Northshore Dog Park can be found within the main park. If this dog park is too crowded and your pet is a small breed, the Small Dog Park at Vinoy Park is one short walk away.

Northshore Dog Park features both large and small fenced dog areas. Owners can access the park with a maximum of two dogs. A helpful addition is the time-out area, where dogs that are too tired to play can relax in peace.

The park has fresh grass and sand patches, so dogs can have double the fun. Northshore Dog Park is known for its long bayside paths where owners can enjoy the sunset and their dogs can enjoy nature.

6. Coquina Key Dog Park

Coquina Key Dog Park can be found on Coquina Key, south of Big Bayou. The designated dog area is part of a bigger park. Owners and pets can engage in multiple activities here, such as pickleball, basketball, and even soccer. The sports fields and the running trails are outside the designated dog area, so your dog must be on a leash. 

The dog park is an off-leash establishment featuring plenty of fire hydrants and water fountains for the pups to quench their thirst. The area features six-foot-high fences so that there’s no risk of dogs jumping out of the dog park.

Even though located on a key, don’t expect a proper swimming area. The shoreline doesn’t feature sand but the residue of bricks and concrete. It’s nice for an off-road walk but not for your dog to swim around.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/EmilyOnTime