Pet-friendly guide
Off-leash areas
Dog exercise
Dog Parks Anna Maria Island: Complete Guide
Looking for a place your dog can run on Anna Maria Island? This guide covers the fenced city dog park in Holmes Beach, off-leash and leashed options on the mainland, leash rules, and easy walks near Sandbox Beach House.
Important: Where Dogs Can and Cannot Go on the Island
🚨 A Fenced Dog Park, but No Dogs on the Beaches
The City of Holmes Beach runs a fenced, off-leash dog park on the island. Dogs are not allowed on any of the island's beaches (Holmes Beach, for one, bars animals from all beaches in the city under Code Sec. 66-27), so keep your dog leashed in other public areas and save the running for the park.
On the Island
Holmes Beach City Dog Park
Run by the City of Holmes Beach, with separate big-dog and little-dog areas, benches, and a concrete dog wash pad. The city replaced turf in sections during 2026, so check its dog park updates for any partial closures before you go.
Neighborhood Walks from the Cottage
The Sandbox sits on a peaceful street one house off Gulf Drive, so a leashed walk starts at the door. Keep walks to the streets, since the beach is off-limits to dogs, and go early or late when the pavement is cooler.
On the Mainland (Short Drive)
Laurie Crawford Dog Park at G.T. Bray Park
A Manatee County dog park of about 4.25 acres, with separate large and small dog sections, dog water fountains, benches, and waste-bag dispensers. It is open sunrise to sunset, with regular maintenance closures on some mornings; the county page lists the current schedule.
Robinson Preserve
A county coastal preserve of mangroves, salt marsh and tidal creeks that Manatee County's visitor bureau suggests for hiking with your dog. It is not a dog park: county park rules require a leash (Ordinance 23-121), and the county page posts trail closures.
Dog Exercise Tips for Anna Maria Island
🌅 Best Exercise Times
- • Early morning: coolest temperatures
- • Early evening: cooler pavement before the parks close at sunset
- • Weekdays are often quieter than weekends
- • Avoid midday: hot pavement, little shade
🎒 Exercise Essentials
- • A standard six-foot leash
- • Fresh water and portable bowl
- • Waste bags (bring extra)
- • Portable water mister for hot days
- • Dog booties for hot pavement
Downtime at Sandbox Beach House
Your Dog's Home Base
The Sandbox has a fenced tropical backyard. The pool is in the same backyard, so keep it to supervised time outside with you close by, and save off-leash running for the dog parks above. The backyard is a good place to cool down after an outing:
Supervised Breaks
Quick trips outside, with you alongside
Pool Time for You
Private saltwater pool; online bookings add pool heat ($150 for one week)
Quiet Games
A favorite toy while you keep watch
Shaded Rest
Shade for hot-weather breaks
Plan Your Pet-Friendly Stay
Keep your dog routine simple with a central Holmes Beach base and clear pet policy details.
A Calm Base for an Active Dog
Stay central in Holmes Beach, with the city dog park up the island, leashed walks from the door, and a private backyard to rest in afterward. One dog up to 35 lb is welcome with approval.