Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Key West (+ Dog Beaches & Parks)
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Bringing your pets on vacation is always fun, but it means doing some upfront research before leaving home to make sure your hotel is gonna love them as much as you do.
I’ve lived in Key West for 30 years and I can confidently say Key West is a pet-friendly town. In addition to finding dog-friendly lodging (cats not so much), you’ll also need to know about dog-friendly parks and dog-friendly beaches in Key West. After all, it’s their vacation too, right?
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Key West
Let’s break this down by category depending on what you’re looking for…a resort, oceanfront property, budget hotel or maybe you’re going to Key West in an RV. No matter what type of Key West pet-friendly hotel you’re after, we’ve got you covered.
Best Pet-Friendly Resort & Oceanfront Hotels in Key West
These properties offer more amenities than the typical hotel AND they are also on the water.
4.5/5⭐ (3,620 reviews)
Hotel Address: 5950 Peninsular Ave., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: Dogs up to 50lbs, 2 dogs max; $70 per dog/night; No cats
What To Expect: A waterfront dog park, foldable dog bowls, and treats upon check-in.
This luxury hotel is actually on Stock Island which, technically, is part of Key West but about a 10-minute drive from Old Town.
Oceans Edge caters to those looking for a self-contained experience with pools, a marina, and restaurants, all at your fingertips. If you’re looking to be away from the crowds in a quiet, private atmosphere, then you might really like this place.
Pro Pet Tip: Located in a low-traffic area, daily walks are convenient and accessible. As with all pet-friendly hotels, leaving animals unattended in the room is a no-no.
➡️Book Oceans Edge Resort & Marina
🐕Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa
4.5/5⭐ (3,225 reviews)
Cost: $$$
Hotel Address: 1 Duval St., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: One dog up to 20lbs; $75 non-refundable fee per stay; No cats
What To Expect: A canine concierge ensures you have a dog-friendly room. A pet bed, bowls, a flashlight, waste bags, and treats are what you get for the $75 fee. A small grassy relief area is available on the premises.
The Pier House was one of Key West’s first “resorts” and is located smack-dab in the middle of all the action in Old Town. However, the property itself feels like a bit of an enclave with lush gardens, a small beach, a waterfront restaurant, and a beach bar.
This would be the top-of-the-line for a pet-friendly luxury hotel in Key West near Duval Street.
Pro Pet Tip: I always suggest calling ahead to the hotel as some properties have restrictions with specific breeds.
➡️Book Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa
Pet-Friendly Oceanfront Hotels in Key West
These properties offer a more standard hotel experience while also being on the water.
5/5⭐ (368 reviews)
Cost: $$
Hotel Address: 2401 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: Dogs up to 30lbs; 2 dogs max; $100 per dog/night; No cats
What to Expect: There are no standard doggie frills at this property, but call ahead to see what, if anything, is currently being offered.
This property, built in 2021, is one of the more recent additions to the line-up of Key West dog-friendly hotels. Located in the mid-town area, this mid-range hotel is one of the more moderately priced hotels that allow pets. But yes, the nightly pet fee can add up.
The Capitana does not have a beach, per se, where you can get into the ocean, but it does have a lovely palm-tree-shaded area, adjacent to the pool, with lounge chairs for ocean gazing.
There’s a large parking lot which makes for convenient dog pee/poop breaks, though walks will be a little more difficult because it’s located on a busy boulevard.
Pro Pet Tip: Almost all dog-friendly hotels require dogs to be leashed when outside the guest room, including pool areas and restaurants.
4.5/5⭐ (385 reviews)
Cost: $$$
Hotel Address: 1435 Simonton Ave., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: Dogs up to 25lbs; 2 dogs max; $75 per night; Cats may be OK (call ahead)
What To Expect: There are no standard doggie frills at this property, but call ahead to see what, if anything, is currently being offered.
The Reach is another good choice if you’re looking for a pet-friendly hotel near Duval Street that is also oceanfront with a beach.
This property sits on the Atlantic side of Key West compared to The Pier House which is on the Gulf side. It’s walking distance to the quieter end of Duval Street with lots of restaurants, wine bars, and shops to enjoy.
One of the nice features of this location is you are a stone’s throw from Dog Beach, Key West’s only beach where dogs are legally allowed to swim and play.
Pro Pet Tip: If you are traveling with a service dog, make sure your hotel knows this when booking. The rules and guidelines are usually different for service dogs and each hotel has a different policy.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Key West That Takes Everybody!
This means you can bring dogs, cats, feathery creatures, and those with scales. Kimpton Key West, which includes a collection of five different properties, is the only lodging company with such a liberal pet policy.
Over the past few years, Kimpton purchased these properties and made renovations and they each offer a unique pet-friendly Key West experience.
All are located in Old Town with a price point of $$$ for this red carpet pet policy.
4.5/5⭐ (295 reviews)
Hotel Address: 725 Truman Ave., Key West, FL
➡️Book Kimpton’s Winslow Bungalows
4.5/5⭐ (70 reviews)
Hotel Address: 811 Simont St., Key West, FL
➡️Book Ella’s Cottages
🦎Ridley House (Adult Only)
4/5⭐ (40 reviews)
Hotel Address 601 Caroline St., Key West, FL
➡️Book Ridley House
3.5/5⭐ (78 reviews)
Hotel Address: 1030 Eaton St., Key West, FL
➡️Book Fitch Lodge
4/5⭐ (90 reviews)
Hotel Address: 902 Whitehead St., Key West, FL
➡️Book Lighthouse Hotel
What To Expect at each Kimpton Key West pet-friendly hotel:
- Water bowls delivered to your room
- Courtesy bags for walking your dog
- No size/weight limit
- No limit on the number of pets allowed
- No deposit or cleaning fees charged
- Dog treats upon arrival
Pro Pet Tip: Always let a property know, in advance, what you’re bringing (and how many) in the way of pets. Don’t try a ‘I’ll just sneak ’em in and no one will notice.’ It just usually never works out well.
I dog-sit on Rover, and I can’t tell you how many frantic pet owners call me once they’ve arrived in Key West because their hotel just won’t allow the pets. Plan ahead and avoid the last-minute scramble.
Best Pet-Friendly Bed & Breakfast in Key West
Guesthouses and B&Bs are some of Key West’s most adorable and unique lodging options. If you like a cozy vibe, interesting architecture, and a yummy breakfast, these properties might do the trick for you and your four-legged pals.
5/5⭐ (1290 reviews)
Cost: $$
Hotel Address: 511 Eaton St., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: All sizes and breeds of dogs and cats; $50 for the first animal + $25 for each additional pet
What To Expect: A Havanese and a cat, both about age 6, live on the property, so just a heads up for your pet. Dog beds, bowls, and poop bags are available if you need them. A dog crate can be rented for $10.
Old Town Manor is one of the longer-running B&Bs in Key West with a killer location steps off Duval St. If you’re out shopping or strolling Duval St., this location is convenient for a mid-day run back to the room to check on your animal.
If you like historic buildings and breakfast served in a patio garden (and who doesn’t like this?), this pet-friendly Key West bed and breakfast will be right up your alley.
Pro Pet Tip: Upon arriving at any hotel, take your leashed pet for a tour around the property to get familiar with the smells. This will help calm their anxiety from the trip they just endured and help acclimate them to their new, unfamiliar surroundings.
🦴Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn
4.5/5⭐ (1,080 reviews)
Cost: $$$
Hotel Address: 511 Caroline St., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: Dogs under 20lbs; $10 daily fee paid directly to housekeeping
What To Expect: Dogs cannot be left unattended in the rooms. The Old Town location is a 15-minute walk to the Truman Waterfront dog park.
The Curry Mansion is a grand dame of historic buildings in Key West that has impeccably maintained its character over the years.
Not too many B&Bs offer pet-friendly accommodations near Duval St., but if you have a small dog and you love historic buildings with furnishing to match, then consider this property.
Consisting of only eight guest quarters spread out among three separate structures, the property feels spacious. They offer a full-on breakfast buffet and a daily, free poolside happy hour, both included in the room rate.
➡️Book Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn
Pro Pet Tip: If you’re going boating or snorkeling trip, book a dog sitter to take your pup for the day or, at the very least, come by your hotel room for walks. All of this can be done through Rover. I should know, I do this all the time for vacationers!
Best Pet-Friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds
Traveling to Key West with your pets in an RV is a great affordable option, in a town known for fairly expensive lodging. If you’re rolling into town with an RV, these pet-friendly Key West campgrounds will welcome you and your pets.
4.5/5⭐ (180 reviews)
Cost: $$
Address: 5264 Suncrest Rd., Key West, FL
Pet Policy: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft, and some specific breeds are not allowed. You may be asked to leave if there is excessive barking or if your dog appears aggressive to other animals. Pets are not to be left unattended.
What To Expect: A fairly compact RV park adjacent to a lagoon. Iguanas roam on the property so just a heads up for your pet.
Leo’s is on Stock Island, technically part of Key West, but just outside Key West proper. This family-run property has been operating for a long time and runs a tidy, quality place.
They cater to RVers and also offer a 1-bedroom apartment and a camper available for rental. This is for self-contained RVs or trailers that have bathrooms, so there’s no bathhouse on the premises. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here, but if you’re looking for an economical place to perch your RV, this is it. No tent camping.
Pro Pet Tip: Key West’s large, roaming rooster population, plus the iguanas and geckos, are another reason to keep your dog leashed. The last thing you want is your dog darting away to chase a rooster.
4/5⭐ (680 reviews)
Cost: $$$
Address: 6401 Maloney Ave., Key West, FL
What to Expect: Specific breeds are not allowed and dogs must always be leashed. Some sites are on open water, so heads up if this is a plus or minus for your pet. Dogs cannot be left unattended.
Also located on Stock Island, Boyd’s offers waterfront and inland RV sites with full hookups, tent sites (hookups or primitive), and a few tiny homes for rental.
There’s a boat ramp, pool, small store, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, so it’s a fairly full-service operation. All these amenities translate to a higher-priced camping vacation.
Best Pet-Friendly Parks & Beaches in Key West
Key West is definitely a pet-friendly town, but there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to where you can bring your pet to swim and play.
Dog Beach, Key West
As the name implies, this is ground zero for sand and surf for your dog. It’s the only Key West beach where you can let a dog off-leash and be on the sand and in the water.
Located downtown (next to Louie’s Backyard, a favorite fine dining waterside restaurant), this small batch of sand is where you can let your dog off leash and let ’em have at it!
Depending on the time of year, the beach can fill up with seaweed making it messy and less than ideal. But if you hit it at the right time and depending on how the wind is blowing, both owner and pet can have a blast splashing around together at this small, sandy beach.
There’s a tree for shade, so bring a beach chair or towel and a cooler, and connect with some locals for the best Key West beach day with your dog.
Ft Zachary Taylor State Park Beach
If you’re looking for a full-on beach day, Ft Zach is a great place to bring your dog.
Because it’s got the most trees of any Key West beach, there’s plenty of shade for keeping owner and pet comfortable. Umbrellas and chairs are available for rent or you can bring your own.
Located on a point, the views are beautiful as water surrounds you on both sides. And exploring the historical fort is an added bonus! An entrance fee allows all-day access to the beach and the fort.
There are grills and picnic tables, but they often fill up, so get there early in the day. Or sleep in, arrive mid-day, and stay for a perfect view of the sunset.
Dogs are welcome here, but they must stay on a leash. No exceptions.
Higgs Beach Dog Park
This gated park has been the primary dog park in Key West for quite some time. It’s not on a beach but is located across from Higgs Beach.
Open from 6 am-11 pm, this place has two different fenced areas; one for large dogs and one for small pups. There’s tree shade, a few chairs, balls lying around, and a water pump with a few bowls.
Dogs are free to run off leash here, but you can’t leave them unattended. It’s actually a bit of a social hour as local pet owners show up on a regular basis to chat with friends and let the dogs meet up with their pals.
Just across from the dog park is White Street Pier. A lovely spot for walking and enjoying the sunset, but your dog needs to be leashed here. Just know that you’ll always find several dogs, off-leash, at the far end of the pier with their owners nearby.
Truman Waterfront Dog Park
A newer community addition for Key West canines is a gated dog park located downtown near the Truman waterfront. This area used to be no man’s land, but it’s been beautifully developed with a kid’s waterpark, the Key West Discovery Center, and an amphitheater.
Open from 6 am-11 pm, this dog park has some ramps, tubes, and a training area. It’s really a nice setup if you want to work with your dog, for training purposes and have them do more than just run.
Pet-Friendly Things To Do With Your Dog in Key West
Bar hopping and dining out are two of Key West’s favorite pastimes, and you’ll likely want to take your dog along whenever possible.
The majority of Key West restaurants and bars are pet-friendly, especially ones with outdoor seating. Most will have their dog policy on the website, but give a quick call to make sure.
Some places, like Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, go all-in with dogs. In addition to just being outright dog lovers, they host fundraiser events that help train shelter dogs for vets and other related good doggie causes.
When your dog passes over the rainbow bridge (I know, it’s unbearable to think about), you can commemorate your best friend on Hank’s wall by purchasing a memorial plaque. Check it out when you go.
If you’ve got a water-crazed dog, both of you might enjoy a day out with Lazy Dog Adventures. Dogs are allowed out with you on a paddleboard, kayak, or pontoon eco-tour.
Conclusion: Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Key West
There are many choices when it comes to pet-friendly places to stay in Key West. From high-end luxury to cozy B&Bs to RV parks, there’s something to fit your style of travel.
After you’ve settled on a place to stay, you might still find yourself needing a dog sitter for that all-day boat trip. Or maybe you’re in town for a wedding and have too much going on.
And as much as we love our pets sometimes, we just want to go out without them. Dog care platforms, like Rover, can provide peace of mind when you’re going it alone.
Rover is a secure, reliable platform with reviews of pet sitters and their prices; you can check out the location before you commit. I sometimes have vacationers stop by my house first to ensure I really do have the large, fenced yard that I advertise.
Don’t hesitate to bring your pet to the southernmost Florida Keys city of Key West where you’ll both have a memorable vacation.
And if you’re still contemplating a vacation to Key West, check out my post “Is Key West Worth Visiting?”