Key West might be the most dog-friendly town in Florida. This is an island where leashed pups are welcome on open-air bar patios, where there’s a beach made just for dogs to splash in the ocean, and where a dozen hotels roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests. If you can’t imagine vacationing without your pup, you’re in luck — but the pet policies, fees, and rules vary a lot from one hotel to the next. After researching every option, here’s my complete guide to the best Key West pet-friendly hotels, plus where to take your dog once you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Many Key West hotels welcome dogs, but pet fees typically run $75–$100 per night, per dog, and weight limits vary — always confirm before booking.
- The Perry Hotel (no size limit, two on-site dog parks) and Margaritaville Beach House are among the most genuinely dog-friendly.
- Dog Beach, next to Louie’s Backyard, is the one spot where dogs can swim in the ocean; Higgs Beach has a fenced dog park.
- Key West’s open-air culture means many restaurants and bars welcome leashed dogs on their patios.
What to know about Key West pet policies
Before you book, understand how Key West hotels handle pets, because the details matter:
- Fees add up. Most pet-friendly hotels charge $75–$100 per night, per dog — not a one-time fee in many cases. For a week, that can rival another night’s stay, so factor it in.
- Weight and number limits vary. Some properties cap dogs at 30 lbs, others at 75 lbs, and a few have no size limit at all. Most allow a maximum of two pets per room.
- Dogs only, usually. Most “pet-friendly” hotels mean dogs; a few also welcome cats. Always ask if you’re traveling with another animal.
- Rules apply. Pets generally can’t be left unattended in rooms, must be leashed in public areas, and you’re expected to clean up after them.
For the full lay of the lodging land, see our where to stay in Key West guide.
The best pet-friendly hotels in Key West
These are the standout properties that genuinely welcome dogs, with their current policies.
The Perry Hotel & Marina (Stock Island)
My top pick for dog owners. The Perry allows up to two dogs per room with no size or weight restriction, and crucially has two on-site dog parks — one for small dogs, one for big ones. The fee runs about $75 for the first dog and $25 for the second. Its Stock Island marina setting means space to roam, just a short drive from Old Town.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
A self-described “very dog-friendly” resort that welcomes well-mannered dogs (about $75 per night per dog, up to two). With a relaxed, beachy vibe and on-site amenities, it’s a comfortable, fun base for a dog-friendly trip.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
A polished Old Town harbor resort that welcomes dogs up to 75 lbs (around $75 per pet, per night, max two). You get a central location and resort amenities — pools, harbor views — with your pup in tow.
Havana Cabana (New Town)
A retro, fun resort where dogs are welcome in your room, the lobby, the tiki hut, the shuttle, the game areas, and the pool bar — unusually generous access. Fees run about $75 for the first dog and $50 for the second. Great value and personality away from the Old Town crowds.
The Perry’s neighbors and other options
Other reliably pet-friendly choices include the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key (dogs and cats up to 75 lbs, one-time $75 fee), Opal Key Resort & Marina (dogs 30 lbs or under, ~$100 per night), and the Hyatt Centric Key West. Many smaller guesthouses and vacation rentals also accept pets — often the most comfortable option for dogs, since you get a whole home and sometimes a private yard.
Getting to Key West with your dog
How you arrive shapes the dog logistics. Driving down the Overseas Highway is the most pet-friendly option by far — it’s a gorgeous 113-mile road trip from Miami with plenty of pet-friendly stops along the Keys to stretch legs and find water. Plan breaks, keep the AC running, and never leave your dog in the car at a rest stop in the Florida heat. Flying into Key West International (EYW) is possible with a pet, but airline pet policies, cabin size limits, and summer heat embargoes vary widely, so check your carrier’s rules well in advance and book early, as in-cabin pet slots are limited. Many dog owners find driving simpler and less stressful for the pup. For the full transport picture, see our getting to and around Key West guide, and our drive to Key West road trip guide maps the journey down.
Dog Beach and where dogs can play
Here’s the fun part. Key West has a dedicated Dog Beach — a small, free patch of sand at the corner of Vernon and Waddell Streets, right beside the famous Louie’s Backyard restaurant. It’s the only beach in Key West where dogs are allowed to go in the ocean, and watching pups splash in the Atlantic is a joy. It’s tiny and rocky, so bring water shoes for sensitive paws.
Nearby Higgs Beach has the Key West Dog Park (Bark Park), a fenced, off-leash area with separate sections — perfect for letting your dog run and socialize. Note that dogs generally aren’t allowed on the main public swimming beaches (Smathers, Fort Zachary Taylor) or in state parks, so Dog Beach and the Bark Park are your go-to spots. Our Key West beaches guide has the full beach rundown.
Dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and activities
This is where Key West shines for dog owners. Thanks to the island’s open-air, come-as-you-are culture, many restaurants and bars welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs on their outdoor patios. You and your pup can grab a bite or a drink together at countless spots around Old Town — just call ahead to confirm and stick to the outdoor seating. Beyond dining, dogs are welcome on the sidewalks for a self-guided stroll through Old Town, and many boat tours and sunset sails offer dog-friendly options (always confirm in advance). For ideas on where to wander, see our self-guided walking tours and nightlife guide — much of it is patio-friendly.
A sample pet-friendly day in Key West
Here’s how an ideal day with your dog might flow. Start early, before the heat, with a walk through the shaded lanes of Old Town and a coffee on a dog-friendly café patio. Mid-morning, head to Dog Beach for a splash in the ocean, or to the Higgs Beach Bark Park to let your pup run off-leash and socialize. Retreat to your hotel or rental during the hot midday hours — a shady porch or an air-conditioned room with the pup resting while you grab lunch. In the late afternoon, take a leashed stroll along the Historic Seaport boardwalk, then settle onto a patio for dinner and a sunset drink with your dog at your feet. It’s a relaxed, dog-centric rhythm that suits both of you — and it’s exactly why so many owners keep coming back with their pets.
What to do with your dog while you explore
Some Key West attractions — the Hemingway Home, museums, state parks, boat tours that don’t allow pets — aren’t dog-appropriate, so plan for the hours you’ll be exploring without your pup. The most comfortable solution is a pet-friendly vacation rental or a hotel room where dogs can stay safely while you’re out for a couple of hours (just confirm the property’s unattended-pet policy first, as many hotels prohibit leaving dogs alone in rooms). For longer outings — a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, say — look into Key West’s doggy daycare and pet-sitting services, which let you enjoy pet-restricted activities knowing your dog is cared for. Booking a rental with a fenced yard, covered in our vacation rentals guide, gives you the most flexibility of all.
Pet etiquette on a famously laid-back island
Key West’s dog-friendliness is a privilege worth protecting, and a few courtesies keep it that way. Always leash your dog in public (except in the off-leash dog park), clean up immediately — carry more bags than you think you’ll need — and keep your pup off the furniture and out of pools at hotels unless explicitly allowed. Be honest with restaurants about bringing a dog to the patio, and choose a quiet corner if your dog is reactive. Don’t leave dogs unattended in rooms where it’s prohibited or where barking might disturb other guests. The island’s relaxed rules exist because most owners are responsible; be one of them and you help ensure Key West stays as welcoming to the next traveler’s pup as it is to yours.
Tips for traveling to Key West with a dog
- Mind the heat. Key West is hot and humid much of the year. Walk dogs early and late, watch for hot pavement on paws, and never leave a dog in a parked car. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons — see our best time to visit guide.
- Bring fresh water everywhere. Hydration is critical in this climate, for pups as much as people. Many shops and bars on the island keep a water bowl by the door, but never count on it — carry your own and offer it often. A small portable bowl that clips to your bag is one of the best few dollars you will spend on the trip.
- Pack the essentials. Waste bags, a travel bowl, a leash, water shoes for Dog Beach, and any meds. Our Key West packing list covers the human side.
- Know the vet options. Look up Key West’s veterinary clinics and the nearest emergency animal hospital before you travel, just in case.
- Confirm everything in writing. Pet fees, weight limits, and where pets are allowed on the property — get it confirmed when you book to avoid surprises at check-in.
- Consider a rental with a yard. For longer stays or larger dogs, a pet-friendly vacation rental is often more comfortable than a hotel room.
A packing checklist for your dog
A little preparation makes the trip smoother for everyone. Beyond the obvious leash and waste bags, pack a collapsible travel water bowl and carry water on every outing — dehydration is the number-one risk in the Keys’ heat. Bring water shoes or paw protection for Dog Beach, which is rocky, and a quick-dry towel for after the swim. Pack your dog’s regular food (specialty brands can be hard to find on the island), any medications and a copy of vaccination records, a familiar bed or blanket to help them settle in a new room, and a cooling mat or bandana for hot afternoons. A sturdy tie-out or portable crate is useful at rentals, and a current photo of your dog plus an ID tag with your cell number is smart insurance in case you get separated. The human packing essentials are in our Key West packing list.
What about cats and other pets?
Most of Key West’s pet-friendly lodging is geared toward dogs, but a handful of properties — the DoubleTree Grand Key among them — also welcome cats, usually under the same fee and weight rules. If you’re traveling with a cat or any non-dog pet, always call the property directly to confirm before booking, since online “pet-friendly” filters can be misleading. Cats will be happiest in a quiet vacation rental rather than a busy resort, and you’ll want to bring a travel litter setup and keep them safely indoors given the island’s roaming chickens, iguanas, and traffic.
Best areas to base yourself with a dog
Where you stay matters when you have a pup in tow. Stock Island (home to the Perry Hotel) and New Town (Havana Cabana, DoubleTree) give you more space, easier parking, and quick access to grassy areas for walks — a relaxed fit for dogs, though you will want a car. If you prefer to be in the thick of Old Town, the Casa Marina district on the Atlantic side is ideal: you are a short, shaded walk from both Dog Beach and the Higgs Beach dog park, with quiet residential streets perfect for morning and evening strolls. Wherever you land, look for a ground-floor room or a rental with outdoor space to make the in-and-out routine easier. Our Key West neighborhoods guide breaks down each area in detail so you can match your base to your dog as well as yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Key West hotels charge for pets?
Most pet-friendly hotels charge $75–$100 per night, per dog, and many charge a reduced fee for a second dog. A few charge a one-time fee instead. Always confirm the exact pet fee and whether it’s nightly or one-time before booking.
What is the most dog-friendly hotel in Key West?
The Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island is a standout — it has no size or weight limit for dogs and two on-site dog parks. Margaritaville Beach House and Havana Cabana are also notably welcoming.
Can dogs go on the beach in Key West?
Dogs can swim at Dog Beach, a small free beach beside Louie’s Backyard at Vernon and Waddell Streets — the only beach where dogs are allowed in the ocean. Higgs Beach has a fenced dog park. Dogs aren’t permitted on the main public swimming beaches or in state parks.
Are restaurants in Key West dog-friendly?
Many are, on their outdoor patios. Key West’s open-air culture means leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome at numerous restaurants and bars around Old Town — just confirm and use the outdoor seating.
Is Key West a good place to travel with a dog?
Very. Between dog-friendly hotels, Dog Beach, the Higgs Beach dog park, and patio-friendly dining, Key West is one of Florida’s most welcoming destinations for travelers with dogs — just plan around the heat.
The takeaway
Few destinations make it as easy to bring your dog along as Key West. Book a genuinely pet-friendly hotel like the Perry or Margaritaville, budget for the nightly pet fee, plan splash sessions at Dog Beach and runs at the Higgs dog park, and take advantage of all those welcoming patios. Mind the heat, pack the essentials, and your pup will have as good a vacation as you do. There is something special about watching your dog discover the ocean for the first time at Dog Beach, or curl up contentedly under a patio table while you sip a sundowner — the kind of shared memory that makes traveling with a pet so worth the extra planning. Keep planning with our where to stay guide and our things to do in Key West guide.
