Dog-Friendly Activities in Orange Lake, FL

Swamp Head Brewery is a dog-friendly brewery in Gainesville, FL, welcoming Fido inside the tasting room and on the covered patio. They offer a wide selection of year-round, seasonal and limited release beers. Patrons can sample a bold, diverse selection of Florida style brews like Cottonmouth, Wild Night, and Big Nose IPA. Food trucks are often available on site, and guests are always welcome to bring their own food.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a beautiful, dog-friendly botanical garden in Williston, FL. The park features cascading waterfalls, 50+ garden displays, koi ponds and countless breathtaking views. Leashed dogs are welcome as long as they're under your control at all times and on a non-retractable leash. Dogs must be friendly, current on vaccines and cleaned up after. Please note that pets aren't permitted during special events.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the hiking trails and in the picnic areas at Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, FL. There are a number of pet-friendly trails, including the Sandhill Trail, a 1.7 mile loop trail; the Sinkhole Trail, traversing up through the uplands; and the Swamp Trail, a boardwalk trail that will keep your feet dry while you explore. Please note that, unfortunately, dogs are not permitted near the springs or on any form of water transportation at the park.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, FL, is pet friendly. Comprised of 24 major collections that you and your pooch can see from a paved walkway. These include the state's largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they're cleaned up after. Please note there's an entrance fee to visit the gardens, and be sure to check their website for event schedules, as dogs aren't permitted during those times.

The dog-friendly Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail in Florida welcomes Fido on a leash under six feet long. A number of observation spots on the trail offer views of the prairie, home to bison, wild horses, and numerous alligators.

DJ's Kayak Rentals is pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join you on a paddling adventure on Lake Santa Fe in Alachua County, Florida. Make sure there's enough space for you and your furry first mate by renting one of the tandem kayaks for $45. Along the way, you'll spot natural vegetation, fish and abundant wildlife. DJ's Kayak Rentals is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 6pm.

Fido is welcome to join you inside The Juniper General Store, a dog-friendly store, bar and coffee shop in Ocala, FL. Shop for local products and sip on an espresso drink, wine or craft beer.

Loblolly Woods Nature Park in Gainesville, FL, is pet friendly. This 159-acre forested open space features paths and boardwalks to explore with your leashed pooch. Don't forget to bring your binoculars along with you to spot one of the rare birds that lives in the nature park. Loblolly Woods Nature Park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Dogs are welcome at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, FL. Due to potential conflict with alligators, snakes, and bison, pets aren't permitted on some of the trails in the park, but this won't stop you and Fido having an awesome time. You can still wander the Wacahoota Trail, leading to an observation trail; Chacala Trail, a series of loop trails; and a number of other trails. The trails that aren't pet-friendly are Cone's Dike Trail, Bolen Bluff Trail, and La Chua Trail.

Bring Fido for some off-leash fun at the spacious Letty Towles Dog Park, located within the Jervey Gantt Recreation Center in Ocala, FL. This 4.5-acre fenced dog park offers separate sections for small and large pups, concrete tunnels, sandpits for digging, water stations, benches, pavilions and a splash pad. Please note that the dog park is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow the grass time to recover.

Squirrel Ridge Dog Park in Gainesville, FL, is a great place for Fido to run and play off of the leash. There are separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, as well as running water, shade trees and benches for your convenience.

Dogs are allowed at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park in Gainesville, FL, one of the few remaining hardwood forests in the state. The park features several dog-friendly trails, including three accessible from the San Felasco hiking trailhead, making it an excellent spot for nature viewing and walking your dog. Please note only the south trailhead is pet friendly.

Leashed dogs are welcome to visit Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala, FL. This pet-friendly landmark features a reconstructed fort, an educational trail, picnic areas and more.

Fido is welcome to join you at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, a dog-friendly attraction in Gainesville, FL. This state park is a miniature rainforest with lush vegetation. Your pup can go for a walk on the nature trail, picnic with you, and walk down to the sinkhole. Pets must stay on a maximum 6' leash during your visit.

Forest Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Gainesville, FL. An array of amenities are available to parkgoers, including a dog park, picnic areas, grills, athletic courts and multipurpose fields. Fido must be leashed outside the designated off-leash play areas when visiting the park.

The World Equestrian Center facilities are spectator friendly with many ways to watch the competitions. Experience the excitement of equestrian sports at its finest. Spectators at World Equestrian Center are encouraged to patronize the vendors at World Equestrian Center. Take advantage of on-site dining, retail and more! In addition, leashed dogs are welcome at the World Equestrian Center and are able to travel freely about the facility with their handlers.

Bass Pro Shops is a pet-friendly store in Gainesville. This chain store is known for its large, wilderness-theme and wide array of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Fido is welcome inside to shop alongside of you.

Petro Ocala in Reddick, FL, has a dedicated dog-friendly area for pups that need some exercise or a rest break after a day of driving. Waste bags and trash receptacles are also available for easy cleanup. TA and Petro Travel Stores also carry a variety of pet care products. Fast foods options are available as well.

The Ocala Downtown Market is a pet-friendly attraction in Florida. Your leashed pup is welcome to tag along to browse their selection inside the open-air pavilion blocks off downtown. During your visit you'll find farm stands, crafts, food trucks and more. The market is held year-round on Saturdays, rain or shine.

Clear Canoeing offers dog-friendly clear canoe rentals for you and your leashed pup to enjoy in Silver Springs, FL. Be on the lookout for manatees, monkeys, birds, and a variety of turtles and fish swimming below while you paddle through the crystal-clear waters with Fido. All reservations must be made online.