Dog Days of Summer

Discover all the tail-wagging fun you can have with this handy guide that ensures every dog gets to be a plus-one

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Sitting pretty at Jupiter Beach. Photo courtesy of @MyDogStink
Sitting pretty at Jupiter Beach. Photo courtesy of @MyDogStink

Hit the Beach

Jupiter Beach

If your dog is a beach bum, you’re in luck. Four-legged frolickers are free to hit the sand and enjoy the blue ocean leash-free from beach access #25 at Marcinski Road to beach access #57 at the Carlin Park property line. (Dogs must be on a leash while walking from the car to the beach.) Monthly beach cleanups by Friends of Jupiter Beach help ensure that the town continues its dog-friendly allowance.

Splashing in the waves at Walton Rocks Dog Beach and Park. Photo courtesy of BringFido.com
Splashing in the waves at Walton Rocks Dog Beach and Park. Photo courtesy of BringFido.com

Walton Rocks Dog Beach and Park

Established on 24-acres of beach property, this off-leash park in Jensen Beach has covered picnic tables—perfect for a lunchtime break after an ocean swim.

Take your pal for a water cruise atop a paddleboard.
Take your pal for a water cruise atop a paddleboard.

Dive into Watersports

SUP Pup with Salty Dog Paddle

Nonprofit Salty Dog Paddle has 12 separate locations in South Florida with dog-friendly watersports activities, including stand-up paddling (SUP) with a pup. At the Jupiter location (launches are offered from Guanabana’s, Harbourside Place, and Coral Cove), you can rent special paddleboards that have additional traction and a deck pad covering the entire surface so your dog’s paws can get a good grip. A certified instructor will teach you paddling techniques and how to balance with your pup and lead you on a tour around the lighthouse and inlet. The company also has canine personal flotation devices in all sizes and weights to ensure your dog stays safe. Stay connected here.

Clear Kayak Tours with Get Up and Go Kayaking

Embark on a two-hour-plus clear kayak tour through the blue-green waters of Jupiter (home to manatees, dolphins, and colorful starfish) or choose an excursion at one of the company’s other locations, like the bioluminescent tour in Titusville. Dogs under 20 pounds are welcome to come along for the ride, just make sure you bring a towel for them to sit on.

Explore nature trails at Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart. Photo courtesy Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Explore nature trails at Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart. Photo courtesy Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

Hike the Trails

Halpatiokee Regional Park

The nature trails of this large park in Stuart are a hidden treasure. Check out the 3.1-mile South Fork Nature Trail, which takes you along high bluffs and down along the St. Lucie River’s edge. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Maggy’s Hammock Park

This 22-acre hammock plant conservation area in Port Salerno attracts a huge variety of songbirds, which you can look for as you and your (leashed) dog hike along the 1-mile looped trail.

Enjoy Some Tunes

Rock’n Riverwalk

These free waterfront concerts in downtown Stuart, presented by Stuart Main Street and the Historic Stuart Downtown Business Association, offer a great Sunday fun day option for grooving with your pup.

Terra Fermata

This intimate, outdoor concert venue in Stuart offers a wide variety of performances on a weekly basis. In August, don’t miss the Jerry Garcia Days Between Fest featuring some of the area’s best Grateful Dead cover bands. Check out the schedule online for more summer jams you can enjoy with your four-legged friend.

Live Concerts at Abacoa

This pet-inclusive concert series, which runs year round at the Abacoa Amphitheater in Jupiter, features iconic tribute artists like The Beach Buoys (a tribute to the Beach Boys) on July 17 and Steely Dan Tribute on August 21.

Paint with your pup at Arri’s Portal.
Paint with your pup at Arri’s Portal.

Get Cultured

Painting with Puppies at Arri’s Portal

Bring your dog to this Saturday class in Stuart, where he will make his own stained glass paw masterpiece with nontoxic and safe acrylic paints. 

Take a yoga class with your dog.
Take a yoga class with your dog.

Yoga Dog Classes with Cora Ciaffone

Invite your dog-owning pals over for a small-group class in your own backyard with certified dog trainer and registered yoga teacher Cora Ciaffone. The combination of basic canine training, canine massage, and yoga is a great bonding opportunity for you and your furry friend. 

Heathcote Botanical Gardens

In Fort Pierce, you and your pet can enjoy an assortment of specialty gardens (Japanese, rainforest, herb, and more) using a self-guided tour map or by scheduling a guided tour (at least two weeks in advance). 

Bring pets for a walking tour of the Hobe Sound murals. Photo courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Bring pets for a walking tour of the Hobe Sound murals. Photo courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

Hobe Sound Mural Tour

This “paint the town” initiative spearheaded by artist Nadia Utto showcases 17 large-scale murals (with more in the works) around Hobe Sound. Stop by the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce to pick up a Mural Project Tour Map and take your dog with you on a self-guided treasure hunt filled with plenty of Instagrammable photo ops.

Pup Crawl returns to Stuart in August.
Pup Crawl returns to Stuart in August.

Quench Your Thirst

Stuart Pup Crawl to benefit the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast

The Sixth Annual Pup Crawl returns to Stuart in August. Join the canine-friendly cocktail crusade by purchasing a $25 ticket, which includes one free drink at five different pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the downtown area. Dog attendance is strongly encouraged. 

PapiChulo Tacos

Every second Thursday of the month, this hip Mexican hangout in Jupiter hosts a dog-friendly happy hour with food and drink specials for you and your pet. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are invited to kick back on the patio, while a portion of sales from the event are donated to help injured rescue dogs. 

Ocean Republic Brewing

Bring your dog to Yappy Hour every third Thursday at this craft brewery in Stuart and help support local dog charities at the same time.

Pierced Ciderworks

Located in a 117-year-old building that was once owned by famed photographer Harry Hill, this Fort Pierce cidery offers half off cider pints for anyone who visits with their leashed dogs from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming

At the monthly Taste Around the Table event, dogs are invited to this Jupiter Farms location for a sampling of table treats along with goat’s milk and bone broth brew. On July 24, don’t miss the summertime Ice Cream Social, with frozen treats for doggies and their humans along with raffles and giveaways. 

Stop for a Snack

Wagnolia’s

This all-natural dog bakery in Stuart offers everything from canine biscuits to personalized pet cookies to dog cakes.

Dog Mamma’s

Dog Mamma’s in Stuart uses organic super foods like pumpkin, kale, coconut, and blueberries in their all-natural, small-batch treats. The variety pack offers 8-ounce bags of three favorite flavors.

Roscoe and Bella’s Barkery

Head to this Port St. Lucie shop and grab a dozen of their toasted coconut and turkey bacon mini doughnuts in anticipation of an action-packed morning. 

Treat your best pal to dog biscuits and a vanilla “Pooch-ini” at Shake Shack. Photo courtesy of Shake Shack
Treat your best pal to dog biscuits and a vanilla “Pooch-ini” at Shake Shack. Photo courtesy of Shake Shack

Shake Shack

At the Palm Beach Gardens location, you can order a tasty burger for yourself, while your furry buddy cools down with a dog biscuit and a vanilla treat known as the Pooch-ini.

Starbucks

Many people don’t know Starbucks has a secret menu—ask for a “puppuchino” and receive a swirl of whipped cream in an espresso or sample cup for your pooch.

Dining Destinations

At these local eateries, leashed pets are always welcome in the outdoor dining area

Dive Bar Restaurant, Jupiter

Frigate’s Waterfront Bar and Grill, North Palm Beach

Hurricane Café, Juno Beach

Jumby Bay Island Grill, Jupiter

Little Moir’s Leftovers Café, Jupiter

Lynora’s, Jupiter

Perk Coffee Hour, Tequesta

The Twisted Tuna, Jupiter

Thirsty Turtle, Juno Beach

Tiki Bar 52, Tequesta

Doggie Bag

Before you head out, make sure you’re equipped with these dog day essentials

Collapsible water bowl. Hydration is crucial, especially during summer.

Sunscreen or sun protection. Try Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray, the only FDA-compliant sunscreen in the pet industry, or invest in some sun-protective clothing if you know it’s going to be a long day outside.

Beach towel. Dry your pet off after a swim or use it for seating on the hot sand or rocky ground.

Dog waste bags. Ensure these locations remain dog-friendly by always picking up after your pup.

Favorite toy or bone. Keep your dog happy and occupied at all times.

Photo of your dog. It may be worst-case-scenario thinking, but a picture will aid in easier recovery if you and your dog somehow get separated during your outing. Keep a photo stored in your phone for easy access.

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