10 fun weekend things to do in South Florida
The weekend is here and as a helicopter dog mom I want to take my furry kids everywhere with me. My dogs are my family and they also love their #SundayFunday activities. I moved to South Florida in 2009, and since then I have discovered many great places where both humans and their four-legged babies are welcome.
1. First, there are the restaurants. Here in South Florida we love to take advantage of the dreamy weather and before we go out on an adventure, we want to have our bellies full before hitting the road. Some of my favorite restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are Flip Flops and Coconuts. Both are super laid back, with great food selections, and plenty of space for the pups to chill along with their hoomans. If you want to hop or explore more options Himmarshee Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale is always a great option. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from with varied cuisine options. One of the most popular locations is Tarpon Bend, known for its wide selection of tap beer. If you are more in the mood for a coffee spot, two of my all time favorites are Panther in Wynwood and Switchbox in Oakland Park. Need dessert? Check out Fro-Yotopia in Palm Beach Gardens. Yum!
2. Now that we are full, shopping is always a good sport. The recently opened Brickell City Center is pawfect. Everybody is welcome to stroll the posh mall and window shop. This mall is in a good centralized location you can access from Miami and Broward. For those of you in Palm Beach, it is definitely a fun and easy weekend trip. Grab that leash and let's go!
3. Did someone say hike? My pups love a good hike and with the Florida winter weather approaching is the perfect time to rediscover my favorite hiking trails. The Beach Hammock Trail at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale is great for all levels and your pups will have plenty to discover. In Miami, make sure to visit Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach. There are so many activities there, you might need to camp overnight. Come Monday, your pups will sleep all day long. And a tired dog is a happy dog.
4. We love nature, not only for our dog portraits sessions, but also to connect and recharge. One of the best hidden treasures for me is Easterlin Park in Fort Lauderdale. It is a smaller park, where Fidos of all sizes are welcome, yet it is not a dog park. Because it is tucked in a less known area you have more freedom to discover the trails and enjoy the views. There is also a RV park area in the back. We love to visit the campers with the pups. Many people bring their dogs along for the weekend and everybody is always very welcoming and happy to have a doggie playmate.
5. Too hot? Rather be at the beach? We get you. The Dog Beach at Key Biscayne is my all time favorite dog-friendly beach. No need to look anywhere else.
6. When was the last time you took your dog to see a movie? A movie drive-in is furtastic for everyone. The best drive-in theaters are The Swap Shop Drive-In, Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth Drive-In, Lake Worth.
7. TGIF, right? We all have those afternoons we like to unwind and enjoy the end of the work week. Well, I suggest enjoying a dog-friendly winery or brewery. I love love love Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery in Homestead (and their Guava wine). Their wine and beer is delicious and they have an ample, beautiful space to try all their varieties while spending some quality time with the pups. Additionally, Funky Buddha in Oakland Park is a classic. With their variety of tap beer and delicious craft food menu, you can't go wrong there. They also have free arcade games and plenty of board games for everyone.
8. You know what is also fun? Firing up the grill. Yes, we get to be chillax at home, enjoying quality food. Who knows maybe a little something "falls" to the floor? I mean, dogs need snacks, too.
9. We can't forget the classic off-leash dogs parks. From Miami to Fort Lauderdale there are great choices everywhere. The dog park at Tropical Park in Miami is ample, has agility training, and a lake to practice your puppy swimming. In Dania Beach visit Snyder Park. Known for its doggie swimming area, this is a great retreat for pups of all sizes. If more of a city feel is what your are looking for, Margaret Pace Park has their own dog park overlooking the city skyline.
10. As the holiday season begins, let's go shopping. As a dog photographer, I love to have a fun-filled doggie closet. First we need to get those Halloween costumes ready so we can look sharp for the big occasion. After the Halloween celebrations are done, Thanksgiving and Christmas are fantastic occasions to dress up. And speaking of Christmas, I have the perfect Christmas gift for any dog lover. Dogs of Fun offers gifts certificates. Yes! You can give the gift of a dog photography session to anyone in your life.
All photography done by Dogs of Fun. Pet and dog portraits in South Florida, Broward, and Palm Beach.
