Welcome to your perfect Naples, FL vacation: the weather in Naples is great, you’re staying in the best accommodations, and you have the whole family—including your faithful four-legged companion—by your side.
Having your puppy join you on your vacation means that you’ll need to find things for him to do as well. Luckily, there are several dog parks in Naples, FL, to choose from, many of them not far from Naples vacation rentals. So, once you’ve enjoyed your own indoor and outdoor activities, get the leash and head out to a dog park in Naples, FL.
Ready to come and stay? Take a look at the best parks in Naples, FL, where your dog can fetch some fun.
Naples Dog Park
Just a short walk from downtown, you’ll find Naples Dog Park. This 1.35-acre park is marked by a central picnic area called The Palmer House. In this shaded location, owner and pup can refresh at drinking fountains and cool off out of the sun. There are also benches and picnic tables for the dog’s humans.
The park is separated into two off-leash areas: one acre for larger dogs to run and play and .35 acres for smaller breeds to roam. Each dedicated area has poop bag dispensers, wastebaskets, and even dog washing stations.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the mulch is dog-friendly! Open from dawn to dusk.
Rover Run at Veterans Community Park
All—two-legged and four—are welcome daily between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. at Rover Run, located in Veterans Community Park on Veterans Park Drive.
Also offering separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs, there’s lots of shade and even small kiddie pools where the dogs can cool off. Benches and picnic tables for people, too! New grass and landscaping were placed about a year ago.
Dogs, even on leashes, are not allowed in other areas of Veterans Community Park, which consists of a baseball field, three softball fields, racquetball courts, tennis courts, a soccer field, and a roller hockey rink.
Paws Park at Golden Gate Community Park
Opened in 2016 and being the first off-leash dog park in East Naples, Paws Park, like the aforementioned parks, have separate fenced areas for small and large breeds.
Settle on one of the benches and watch your pup socialize and play. There are a few handy waste stations and water faucets located throughout the area.
Paws Park is located beside the playground/basketball area near the park’s entrance; it’s easy to pass by if you’re not expecting the dog park to be near the entrance. Golden Gate Community Park is found at 3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Naples.
Freedom Park
Take a nice walk with your pup on the dog-friendly asphalt park around Freedom Memorial, a 9/11 tribute for which the park is named.
Located east of the Coastland Center Mall, at the intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Goodlette-Frank Road, Freedom Park is 50 acres in total. The eastern portion of the park is a 12.5-acre conservation area. There’s a 3,500-foot boardwalk extending from the east part of the park to the conversation area, where dogs are not allowed. So, do not let the “No Dogs Allowed” signs turn you away, as these only refer to the boardwalk.
Freedom Park is open from 8 a.m. and closes at dusk.
Fleischmann Park
Not far from Freedom Park, south of the Coastland Center Mall on Fleischmann Road and Goodlette-Frank Road, is a lush 15-acre park called Fleischmann Park. Here, you’ll find softball and baseball fields, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, two playgrounds (one for toddlers, the other for school-age children), a skate park, and several picnic pavilions.
No dog run? Unfortunately, no, but you can walk your leashed dog in non-restricted areas; your furry friend won’t be able to join you on any of the playgrounds, courts, or pavilions. The leash must not exceed six feet in length. Litter bags and receptacles are available in dog-walking areas.
Charlie C. Anthony Park
Also, without a dog run, Charlie C. Anthony Park in Naples, located on 5th Avenue off Goodlette-Frank Road, welcomes leashed pets in designated areas.
This nearly eight-acre park is named after a Vietnam War soldier who lost his life in combat in 1969. The park was opened as Charles C. Anthony Park in 1976; in 2018, the name was changed to Charlie C. Anthony Park to acknowledge the soldier’s given name. Here, there’s a walking trail, tennis courts, a lighted basketball court, fishing pier, and picnic shelters.
The park operates from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily; the community center is open Monday – Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bonita Beach Dog Beach
You’ll have to travel outside Naples and even the county to get to the Bonita Beach Dog Beach in Bonita Springs, but it’s well worth the 15-mile ride north.
Chances are you’ll be spending plenty of time soaking up the sun at the beach, so why can’t your fur baby do the same? The Bonita Beach Dog Beach, also known as Lee County Dog Beach, opened in 2001 and allows your pup to run free. They can roll in the gentle waves of the Gulf and frolic in the white sand. Note: there are no fences and no required leashing, so be sure your dog is able to run free amidst strangers and other dogs.
There are doggie wash stations, so you can rinse off your dog before you depart the beach. For dog owners, there’s no public restrooms, but there is a portable toilet.
The beach urges you to “Paws” and go over the rules of the beach, including instructions to clean up after your dog. You’re also instructed not to bring alcohol or glass containers on the beach.
Important Rules & Information
There are several rules for dog owners as outlined by Collier County Parks & Recreation, which oversees the dog parks in Naples.
Dog owners MUST clean up dog waste and dispose of it properly. All dogs must be on leashes no longer than six feet in length when not in dog runs. Dogs are prohibited on playgrounds, ball courts, skate parks, community centers, and wildlife areas. Dogs must not hunt or pursue animals or wildlife in the parks. Vicious or dangerous dogs are not allowed in parks; owners who do not remove their dogs from a park when authorized to do so are subject to a citation and a fine.
Dogs must have up-to-date shots. Finally, pets cannot be left tied to any structure in a park and must not be left in vehicles parked in designated parking lots.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Naples
From your pet-friendly vacation rentals to the nearest dog park where your pup will love to walk and play, every member of your family will have a blast on your next Naples Park vacation.
These rentals range from two-bedroom condos to five-bedroom, four-bath homes that sleep ten and more. Besides proximity to shopping, restaurants, parks, and more, you can enjoy (based on your particular rental) screened lanais and porches, balconies, full kitchens, and tiled baths with granite countertops, heated pool/spa, and garage parking. We can’t wait to welcome you to Naples!
