South Beach Going to the Dogs

It may be a winter destination due to the heat, but South Beach Florida has definitely gone to the dogs.

Lincoln Road is the "sit-stay" destination on South Beach for dogs. It is a 14-block-long outdoor pedestrian mall that is dog friendly. Every place to eat has an outdoor space where dogs are allowed to dine with their owners. Almost every bar, restaurant, and shop has a dog bowl outside, and the local Starbucks has a doggie "tie-out" station.

Most shops on Lincoln Road welcome dogs inside; ask first and use a leash. For fancy treats and organic food, walk your dog to the Dog Bar at the corner of Lincoln Road and Jefferson Avenue which has become known as the South Beach canine institution.

Ocean Drive bordering the Atlantic Ocean has become the neon epicenter of South Beach doggie culture. The famous News Cafe caters to some celebrities and their dogs.

Gansevoort Hotel at the north end of South Beach boasts of providing excellent service to its canine customers. Both the Loew's Miami Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton on South Beach have pampered pooch programs. The Standard is the most dog friendly and swanky lodging on the island.

In addition, Flamingo Bark Park in Flamingo Park is where many dogs gather.

Sounds like a great place for doggie and me time.

New Travel Trend

Travelers can be provided with dogs for companionship while staying at certain hotels. It is one way to meet people and also to be alone without being lonely.

At the Bedford Hotel in San Francisco, for many years Bill Kimpton has been visiting every day with his Collie Chianti. It has prompted about 15 hotels in the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant chain to keep well-trained dogs on staff. The dogs (many are rescue dogs) live full-time with employees who bring them to work each day. The dogs welcome guests with their enthusiastic wag, help the concierge make suggestions for pet-friendly spots, host the complimentary evening wine hour, sniff our potential pet amenities and services, and make guest appearances. Other hotels known to have dogs on staff include the Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton.

The Aspen Animal Shelter has run a very popular rent-a-dog program where tourists pick a dog to take with them around town or on trails. This program is about 10 years old and is FREE. Sometimes the dog even gets adopted!