Key West with your pet (any kind, really!)
kwbts124
Resident of Key West & mom to 2 humans, 2 cats, 1 puppy, a gerbil and a turtle!
May 16, 2006
based on 9 votes
Where do you go when you just can't leave your pets behind? KEY WEST!
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Key West
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Traveler type: Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Singles, Families with small children, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists, Pet owners
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: Pets, Family, Beach, Friendly, Relaxing, Outdoors, Sunset, Fun
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1. Sheraton Suites Key West & Smather's Beach
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| Simply the best place to stay with your pet in Key West, unless you live here-lol! The hotel is right on Smather's Beach and is VERY pet-friendly. Take a walk with your pet along the beach early in the morning and meet the locals (I'm the one walking a white maltese-havanese mix). Smather's Beach is also the best place to run, jog or just take in the sunrise - check out one of the Webcams in Paradise at www.keysnews.com. Note to surfers - there are no waves at this beach - it is INSIDE a coral reef. This may seem a little odd but Key West is a fishing town and does not have enough wave action to be a surf town. If you visit in the spring you can watch the shrimp boats on the horizon; in January you can watch the sailing races - just beautiful. |
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2. Dog Beach & The Afterdeck
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| OK, its a small chunk of beach right beside Louie's Backyard, but its a great place to let your dog swim. You will meet many locals who bring their pets for a daily swim. This land is city owned and cleaned only by the responsible pet owners who use it - so remember to clean up after your dog and maybe after somone else who forgot :-) ! NOTE: Louie's Backyard bar called the Afterdeck is pet friendly up until 5pm when dinner is served. This is my favorite Sunday afternoon cocktail hangout! Enjoy! |
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3. Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade & Parade
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| An official event of Key West's famous Fantasy Fest. (October) This is a MUST SEE event - visit some websites for photos of past parades (look up "pet masquerade" in google). |
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4. Races at Turtle Kraals Restaurant and Bar
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| On your mark, get set, GO!!!! Come watch the turtle races - root for your favorite turtle and win a prize! Fun for the whole familly - even if your family happens to be a turtle! Don't foget that you can dine with your pet....but remember to only bring well behaved pets. Lizards and birds welcome to watch the races but must remain on your shoulder! |
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5. Geiger Key Pub & Grill - Kayaking too!
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This is a dog friendly restaurant/bar. The beer is kept on ice so its always cold. No, its not the best food or service; orders are placed through an opening in the bar wall the old fashioned way - "Order up!" The waitresses have to listen for their names called out by the cook when the order is ready - yes there is a bell but... the employees are used to serving locals only and know most of the bar customers by name, drink and preferred food order.
So what is the allure? Atmosphere! This place is accessible by shallow draft boat and has one of the best areas to go kayaking. Kayaks are available by an independent business located right on the property (ask for Jason). You will not be dissappointed with your surroundings. |
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6. Higgs Beach, White Street Pier & Dog Park
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| The dog park is a great place to let your canine run free! There is even a separate area just for small dogs but all are welcome in the large park. Dog Park is located at Higgs beach across the street from a local's favorite, White Street Pier. The AIDS Memorial, the local bocce ball courts, East Martello Museum and Indiginous Park are all located right in this area. Take a walk with your pet and visit most of the sites together! Remember, its very hot in Key West; give your pet plenty of water and never leave your pet unattended. |
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7. Key West's Dog-Friendly establishments
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| Key West offers many establishments which are friendly to pet owners. Stop by one of the many websites and post your question. Off the top of my head some pet-friendly restauarants are: Bagatelle, Turtle Kraals, Schooner Wharf, Geiger Key, Conch Republic Seafood Company, Afterdeck (day only) plus many more. Come down and see us!!! |
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