How to Vacation With a Dog in Key West

The southernmost point in the continental United States also happens to be commonly known as the pet-friendliest city in the U.S. From lodging and restaurants to both indoor and outdoor activities--Key West is a laid-back island oasis for both the human and canine traveler. Here are some ins and outs for vacationing with your pooch in beautiful, tropical Key West.

Instructions

1. Book a reservation at a pet-friendly hotel, inn, bed and breakfast or vacation rental such as a cottage or condo (see Resources below). Most of the accommodations in Key West are on smaller properties, which makes them more canine accessible.

2. Find a dog-friendly place to dine. Many restaurants and cafes from the casual to the chic have ample open-air seating for you and your pooch. There may not be a doggie menu, but they are at the ready with bowls of water and snacks. And in Key West, size doesn't matter. These establishments are just as welcoming of Great Danes as they are of Chihuahuas.

3. Attention Canine Shoppers: Take a stroll down Duval with your human. A trip to Key West wouldn't be complete without perusing the boutiques and specialty stores along its most popular street--many of which welcome dogs.

4. Visit the dog beach. The south end of Vernon Avenue is open to dogs from early in the morning until 11 at night for some water play in the sunlight or a game of moonlight fetch in the sand.

5. Chill out with a refreshing Margarita or mojito (virgin if you prefer) while your dog sips her "agua fria" at one of the island's many dog-friendly outdoor bars. The Afterdeck at Louie's Backyard (next to the dog beach) allows dogs up until 5 in the evening at which time dinner is served and canines must skidattle.

Tips & Warnings

• Key West is not much more than a dozen blocks in each direction, so it's perfect for hoofing it with Rover. There are many dog-friendly attractions including museums and galleries, an aquarium and Higgs Beach Dog Park (with separate off-leash areas for both large and small dogs) and close by, overlooking the ocean, is Salute--for a light lunch for you and a "doggie martini" (ice water in a dog bowl) for your buddy.

• Take your dog for an early morning stroll or jog along Smathers Beach which is located right across from the pet-friendly Sheraton. Although dogs are not technically allowed on this beach, you see quite a few, especially in the morning hours (and if you get busted--you never heard of eHow).

• Always keep your dog leashed, unless it's a designated off-leash area.

• When staying with your pooch at a hotel, make sure he is courteous of other guests (see Resources below).

• Don't mess with Key West. Always bring along poop clean-up bags (for your dog that is).

Resources

• Stay at a Hotel with a Dog
• DogFriendly.com
• Key West Vacation Rentals
• Pamela Lanier's Bed and Breakfasts
• Pet Friendly Key West
• PetTravel.com