Dog-friendly Miami: city dog parks at Margaret Pace, Kennedy and Blanche parks, the dog-friendly Underline trail, and Miami-Dade's leash and license rules.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: the City of Miami’s park pages for Margaret Pace Park, David T. Kennedy Park and Blanche Park, Miami-Dade County Animal Services and Friends of The Underline.
The City of Miami lists three parks with dog parks, two of them with waterfront access, and dogs on a leash are allowed in all three. The Underline, the linear park under the Metrorail, is dog friendly along its length. The rule everywhere else: a dog off its owner’s property must be on a leash, according to Miami-Dade County Animal Services.
Who to call
- City of Miami Parks and Recreation: 305-416-1300
- Margaret Pace Park manager: 305-533-3552
- Miami-Dade County Animal Services (licenses, strays, bites): 311
- Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center: 3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral
City dog parks
| Park | Address | Hours, as the city lists them |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret Pace Park | 1745 N. Bayshore Drive | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| David T. Kennedy Park | 2400 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove | Sunrise to sunset |
| Blanche Park | 3045 Shipping Ave., Coconut Grove | Sunrise to sunset |
Margaret Pace Park has a dog park, waterfront access, walking trails, a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a volleyball court, outdoor gym equipment, grills, picnic tables and restrooms. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the rest of the park.
David T. Kennedy Park has a dog park, waterfront access, bike paths, outdoor gym equipment, a play area, a volleyball court, picnic tables, restrooms and parking. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the rest of the park.
Blanche Park has a dog park, a playground, picnic tables, bike racks and parking. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
The city’s parks directory has a “Dog Park” and a “Dogs Allowed on Leash” filter for checking any other park.
The Underline
Friends of The Underline says the whole trail under the Metrorail is dog friendly. Its Chewy Bark Park is in Coral Gables, by the Life Time building near LeJeune Road and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, reached along the trail near Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Southwest 42nd Street (Grand Avenue). It is fenced, with separate areas for large and small dogs and an agility course. The rules: dogs leashed going in and out, off-leash only inside the fenced areas, owners clean up, no glass, no aggressive dogs, and each dog stays in its size area.
Trail details are on our walking and biking trails guide.
Where dogs cannot go
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park does not allow pets, according to the park trust; see our parks and trails guide.
The leash and license rules
From Miami-Dade County Animal Services:
- Leash: “When a dog goes off private property, it must be leashed at all times.” Dogs may not roam free off private property.
- License: license tags are required for all dogs, and they are renewed one year from the last purchase date.
- Vaccinations: low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats are offered at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center, 3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral.
- Questions and complaints: call 311.
Restaurant patios
Whether a dog can sit with you on a patio is up to the restaurant. We list dog-friendly patios only where the restaurant says so on its own website; restaurants can send us that page through our contact page.
What this means for you
- Off-leash play is for the fenced dog parks only.
- Kennedy and Blanche close at sunset; Margaret Pace is open until 10 p.m.
- Keep the license tag current; it renews a year from purchase.
More: kids’ activities in Miami and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the dog parks in the City of Miami?
The city lists dog parks at Margaret Pace Park, 1745 N. Bayshore Drive; David T. Kennedy Park, 2400 S. Bayshore Drive; and Blanche Park, 3045 Shipping Ave., in Coconut Grove.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Miami?
Yes. Miami-Dade County Animal Services says a dog that leaves private property must be leashed at all times; off-leash play is for designated fenced dog parks.
Do I need a dog license in Miami-Dade County?
Yes. Miami-Dade County requires license tags for all dogs, renewed one year from the last purchase date. Call 311 for Animal Services.
Can I bring my dog on The Underline?
Yes. Friends of The Underline says the whole trail is dog friendly, and its Chewy Bark Park in Coral Gables has fenced areas for large and small dogs.
Are dogs allowed at Virginia Key Beach Park?
No. The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust does not allow pets.
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