Whether you are at play (which is a frequent state of being in New Smyrna Beach), relaxing on one of our beautiful beaches or satisfying your cravings for fresh seafood at a local waterfront restaurant, New Smyrna Beach proves to be a very pet-friendly place!
Let’s say you’re in search of local honey, fresh produce or a handmade piece of jewelry made by a local artisan, and you’d like to take a stroll through the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market one Saturday morning. You can do it with your dog! Yep, New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market is a completely pet-friendly environment.
Or head over to Silly Willie’s, a one-of-a-kind pet boutique on fun and fantastic Flagler Avenue. Loaded with unique gifts for people and pets, as well as toys and treats, Silly Willie’s carries everything from unique collars, to holistic pet food, gourmet dog cookies from its pet bakery, cute cards, pet strollers and carriers, life vests, leashes and funny, whimsical trinkets. It’s more of an experience than a store, so make sure you allow for enough time to browse and enjoy!
New Smyrna is also filled with parks and beaches where you and your pet can delight in a day filled with sun and fun. For example, there is Smyrna Dunes Park, right next door to The Inlet at Minorca, with walking trails and calm waters for lots of safe puppy play. There’s Lighthouse Point Park, with a dog-friendly beach area, scenic trails and picnic spots, which is technically located in neighboring Ponce Inlet. The New Smyrna Beach Dog Park, at 2641 Paige Avenue behind the Humane Society, is a 1.2-acre park with separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, a kiddie pool and shaded areas for resting comfortably.
For the days when you need to go off on your own, New Smyrna Beach offers a nice sampling of doggie day care, such as the Dog Dayz Inn at 1765 Edgewater Canal Road, an “all-inclusive, cage-free resort with three acres to safely roam and play, climate controlled spaces and pampered grooming.” There’s also Sassafras Pet Spa at 207 Palmetto Street, which is also cage-free with grooming services; and, if you’re looking for a day in the country for your pooch, there’s A & E Pet Resort on seven acres at 2494 Taylor Road.
Now, let’s talk sustenance, shall we? New Smyrna Beach is well known for its eclectic mix of quaint, Historic District eateries, its fresh seafood joints each boasting a waterfront view and everything in between from casual bistros to upscale gourmet restaurants…and the best part is that many of them allow you to bring your dog when you choose outdoor seating. In fact, it is actually easier to name the New Smyrna Beach restaurants that don’t allow pets, but we will give it the old college try…
If you’re looking for upscale, there’s Norwood’s Restaurant with its Treehouse (Yes, I said treehouse.) Bar offering expansive, elevated waterfront views, located at 400 E 2nd Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Norwood’s is brimming with succulent sauces and aromatic herbs atop chef-inspired dishes, a happy hour with delicious drink specials and a new sunset menu…and your dog is welcome to join you in the outdoor patio seating area.
For casual seafood fare also with a gorgeous waterfront view, you may want to try JB’s Fish Camp at 859 Pompano Avenue in New Smyrna. Here you will find “southern seafood with an attitude” including all your favorites grilled, fried, raw or steamed and often served with a side of live entertainment.
Or head to nearby ocean view Toni & Joes Patio (at 309 Buenos Aires Street) to enjoy their signature orange crush on the covered patio. You won’t be sorry!
Other incredible waterfront New Smyrna Beach dining options which allow dogs include Off the Hook on Inlet Harbor Road, which has a Hawaiian-inspired menu and panoramic riverside views; Hidden Treasures Rum Bar on Peninsula Drive – a favorite of locals and snowbirds alike; Outriggers Grille at 200 Boatyard Street, with spectacular views that are only surpassed by its welcoming ambience; Down the Hatch, which is waterfront on Front Street and “where something special is always cooking”; and River Deck Tiki Bar on Riverside Drive, which even holds its own pooch parade and costume party!
If it is pizza you crave, take your doggie on a sojourn to Jerry’s Italian Grill & Tiki (What more do you need?) on Inlet Harbor Road or Panheads Pizza at 113 S. Orange Street. If your dog likes pizza crust as much as mine, you’re in for a good time!
The Corkscrew on Canal is smack dab in the center of New Smyrna’s charming Historic District and also welcomes pets in its outdoor garden bistro area. There’s also Third Wave Café & Wine Bar, Café Verde, Café Heavenly for those who like cafes, as well as Courtyard Grill and the Taco Shack.
Of course, Yellow Dog Eats – a place where you can “paws” for a moment (I stole that from their menu.) with your pup while enjoying your choice of delicious dog-themed menu items – on New Smyrna’s Flagler Avenue is dog-friendly.
Dogs are also welcome at the outside tables at C’s Waffles at 4166 S. Atlantic on Beachside, were you can enjoy the shade of an umbrella during a delicious breakfast while you pooch enjoys a bowl of water (and maybe more); or for breakfast New Orleans-style or an ice cream sundae, try the Mermaid Café on Flagler. Speaking of ice cream, you can also visit Frozen Gold on Route 44 and order a pup cup for your furry friend.
So, if you’re coming to New Smyrna Beach, feel free to take your dog along. You’ll both enjoy the ride!
