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Top Parks To Walk Your Dog In South Florida

South Floridians love their dogs so it's no wonder that dog parks are popping up all over the place. Some cities have small, neighborhood dog parks that are exclusive to residents, but most parks are open to the public and your dog. Miami-Dade County classifies its pet parks into three categories: dog-friendly parks, dog parks and dog run parks. Dog-friendly parks allow your pet to explore paved or gravel trails on a leash while dog parks and dog run parks are usually fenced-in, off-leash areas for your pet to play, except dog run parks do not have trash receptacles, water stations or pet pickup stations. Broward County doesn't have the same distinction but it does offer great amenities for your dog.
bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

Amelia Earhart Park

401 E. 65th St.
Hialeah, FL 33014
(305) 685-8389
http://miamidade.gov

Amelia Earhart Park is a 515-acre, dog-friendly park complete with lake views and even its own farm. It's the perfect park for your pooch to take a leisurely stroll on the paved paths or visit the onsite Bark Park to enjoy pet-approved obstacle courses. The Bark Park is huge with five acres of off-leash fun for your pet, and there are plenty of water stations and pet pickup stations so you don't have to pack any additional supplies.

playwright
(Source: Playwright Irish Pub)

North Shore Open Space Park

Collins Ave. from 78th St. to 87th St.
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 861-3616
http://www.miamiandthebeaches.com

North Shore is a hidden gem in North Beach. This dog-friendly park stretches for nine blocks on Collins Avenue and is adjoined to the beach. While pooches are not allowed on the beach area, they are allowed on the paved paths and on the sandy walking trail that overlooks the beach. There is also a new dog park where small and large dogs can play separately while their owners look on. A paved track is located in each area so that owners can walk their dogs without the intrusion of rollerbladers, bikers and children. Pet bags are located both inside and outside of the dog park and water stations are located throughout the main park.

bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

The Dog Beach of Hollywood, Florida

Between Pershing St. and Custer St. off North Shore Road
Hollywood, FL 33022
(954) 921-3404
http://www.dboh.org

If you live in South Florida or are visiting with Fido, then you naturally want to take your dog to the beach. Unfortunately, many beaches are restricted to dogs. But on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can take your dog to The Dog Beach of Hollywood and either play in the water or take a stroll with your pet. The beach is only open in the afternoon between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., depending on the season, and costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Six-month passes are also available so you and your dog can walk in the sand all year long.

Related: Best South Florida Dog Parks 

Markham-Park
Credit: Broward County Parks

Markham Park

16001 W. State Road
Sunrise, FL 33326
(954) 357-8868
http://www.broward.org

Broward County dog lovers are already aware of the Barkam at Markam Dog Park. It's 3.5 miles of off-leash entertainment for your pooch, but it's also a great place to walk. There are separate sections for large and small dogs, an eight-foot-wide paved walkway for exercise, water stations for humans and pets and a washing station to bathe your dog before you take him home. It's pretty much perfect and if you want to take a break and sit down, your dog can socialize while you sit in the shade. Simply pay $5 for access or $25 for a yearly pass and you're in.

vandyke
(Source: Van Dyke Cafe)

South Pointe Park

1 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33109
(305) 673-7006
http://www.miamibeachfl.gov

South Pointe Park is located at the tip of South Beach and has a stunning views of the bay and Fisher Island. This is the place to go to enjoy the scenery of South Florida. The park is very open, spacious and bright and there is an off-leash "square" where responsible dogs can romp. However, owners should be cautioned that this is not a gated park, so owners should use their discretion before partaking in off-leash activities.

Related: Top Off-Leash Dog Areas In South Florida 

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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