Unleashing the Best Dog Friendly Spots in Citrus County | Discover Crystal River

Unleashing the Best Dog Friendly Spots in Citrus County

Grab your pooch and let's get started!

Are you a proud dog owner who loves going on adventures with your furry friend? If you answered yes, then look no further! We’re about to do some zoomies because we’re so excited to share the best dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and attractions Citrus County has to offer. So, grab your pooch, and let's get started!

Come Visit Us! (With Your Dog, of course)

While you’re in Citrus County, bring your pup by our walk-in welcome center for the Citrus County Visitors Bureau. We have brochures, maps, and a ton of tourist information to make you feel like a local. Learn about hotels, attractions, manatee snorkeling, cycling, fishing, museums, restaurants, shopping, plus best of all, adventures for you and your pooch. We are eager to help, and besides, the entire office loves dogs, so we’ll definitely be ready to greet you and your canine companion!

Citrus County Visitors Center
915 N Suncoast Blvd Crystal River, Florida 34429
800.587.6667 – 352.794.5506
info@visitcitrus.com

HOURS

Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Staying Overnight with your Pup?

If you’re wanting to stay overnight in Citrus County with your furry friend, we have quite a few options, from nature-filled campgrounds to well-appointed resorts. You can choose what’s best for you and your pup and make the most of your stay with your canine friend in Citrus County!

Dog-Friendly Motels, Hotels & Resorts

Bella Oasis - HomosassaBest Western - Crystal RiverDays Inn - Crystal River

Econo Lodge - Crystal River

Florida Cracker Riverside Resort - Homosassa

Holiday Inn Express - Lecanto
Moonrise Resort – Floral CityPort Hotel & Marina – Crystal RiverQuality Inn – Crystal River
Quality Inn – Citrus HillsSeagrass Waterfront Resort – HomosassaSunshine Lodge – Floral City






Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes

Citrus County offers a variety of pup-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while your pooch relaxes by your side. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Florida Cracker Monkey Bar – Homosassa
Not one, but two outdoor (Bottom & Top Floor) covered patios with lovely water views are waiting for you and your doggy. They offer a variety of specialty pizzas and a full bar.
Salty Dogs Steamer & Bar – Inverness
Great seafood, plus a pooch accommodating outdoor Patio with Great Courthouse Views.
Pudgee’s Eatery and Market – Floral City
They offer a covered patio plus a large grassy area with games and picnic tables that make for the perfect hangout for you and your pooch.
The Cove Resort & Pub – Inverness
You and your pup will both love the relaxing and shaded outdoor patio.
The Shed at MacRae’s - Homosassa
An iconic spot that’s been around for decades. It offers wonderful water views and tasty local specialties. If you and your dog are friendly, and your pup is on a leash, MacRae’s will welcome you both with open arms.
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters - Crystal River
Their wrap-around porch at their Crystal River location is waiting for you and your doggy! Great coffee, sandwiches, pasties and salads.
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters - Inverness
They offer a nice outdoor seating area for you and your pooch. It’s only a short walk to downtown Inverness and the courthouse!
Shamrock Inn – Floral City
Their Outdoor Patio is great for you and your dog. It’s next to the beautiful dog-friendly Withlacoochee Trail. They are known for their Reuben’s and burgers. A local favorite.
Courthouse Cafe – Inverness
A large menu, lovely courthouse views, and picturesque outdoor seating with dog bowls filled with fresh water for your furry friend!
Stumpknockers – Inverness
A beautiful, covered patio (down the street from the courthouse) is ready and waiting for you and your pup. A wide variety menu serves up delicious items.
Wild Sassa – Homosassa
A casual food truck on a working wharf offers outdoor dining for you and your canine companion. Plus, they serve up amazing fish tacos!
Dan’s Clam Stand – Crystal River
Their outdoor patio is not only welcoming to doggies, but they also offer canine birthday parties – All this while serving up fresh New England style Seafood!
Wallace’s At the Greenhouse – Homosassa
A beautiful grassy area with picnic tables adjacent to the lovely Halls River. Please call ahead for reservations (recommended) for you and any furry friends.
Norton's Riverside Sports Bar & Grill – Crystal River
Listen to live music right next to your best friend (We are assuming that’s your doggy) on their large outdoor porch in downtown Crystal River.
St. John’s Tavern – Crystal River
Their Back Patio welcomes well behaved doggies! Located right on Citrus Ave. adjacent to Crystal River’s Town Square.
Crumps Landing – Homosassa
A fun and lively atmosphere right on the water awaits you. They are not only dog friendly, but they also offer Malibu water buckets for your furry friends. Great food and great views, all enjoyed with your pup. What more could you ask for?
The Crab Plant – Crystal River
Their outdoor area right on Kings Bay is pooch ready! Fresh seafood and relaxing water views – perfect for you and your pup!
Robin’s Country Kitchen – Floral City
A local favorite offers rustic outdoor picnic tables ready and waiting for you and your pooch. Adjacent to the lovely Withlacoochee Trail, which is also pup friendly!

Dog-Friendly State Parks and Outdoor Spaces

If your dog loves spending time in nature, Citrus County has you covered with its dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces. Here are a few places you can explore together:


Dog Friendly State Parks:

Florida Withlacoochee State Trail - 
 Spanning over 46 miles, this scenic trail is perfect for dog owners who enjoy long walks or bike rides. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, so you and your pup can enjoy the picturesque views and fresh air together.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park - This 61-acre National Landmark is perfect for you and fido. This gem has amazing river views along with picnic tables on the water.Fort Cooper State Park – You and your dog will enjoy hiking trails, lake views, and beautiful trees in the great outdoors. Check with the park for specific dog-friendly designated areas.Crystal River Preserve State Park & Trails - 
The undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters & forests of this preserve are especially cherished by nature and dog lovers alike. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homosassa.


Dog Friendly Parks & Outdoor Areas:

Town Square/Heritage Village – Crystal River
A welcoming grassy area with a beautiful fountain and bronze manatee sculptures. It’s right on Citrus Ave with loads of nearby restaurants. (KC Wine Bar & St. John’s Tavern both have outdoor patios that welcome dogs)
Liberty Park – Inverness
A beautiful park on Lake Henderson that offers fabulous dog walks with lovely water views. The pretty outdoor space also includes picnic tables and a playground.
Bicentennial Park - Crystal River
Bicentennial Park is a spacious, dog-friendly park with walking trails and picnic areas. Bring a frisbee or a ball to play fetch, and don't forget to bring water for both you and your pup!
Crosstown Trail - Crystal River
This lovely area is a paved walking path along the historic railroad bed for just over a few miles through the city. Bicycling and dog walking are permitted on the trail for a leisurely excursion through downtown Crystal River.
Wallace Brooks Park – Inverness
Adjacent to Liberty Park, and connected by a wonderful boardwalk along the lake, this park has lovely trees, shaded areas and picnic tables for you and your pup.
Beverly Hills Community Park
This wonderfully designed park offers loads of amenities, plus a great place for your pup to relax or play.
Central Ridge District Park
Home of the largest horseshoe compound in Florida, this park also offers shuffleboards, tennis courts, a pup friendly walking trail, as well as a pond.
Floral Park – Floral City
This pleasant historic park has a lot to enjoy with offerings of shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball, tennis, disc golf, and lots of space for your dog to explore.
Holden Community Park -Inverness
This expansive 41-acre park offers a baseball field, basketball court, soccer fields, concession facilities, a playground and more! Your dog will love it!
Homosassa Springs Recreation Park - Homosassa
This park features a baseball field, basketball court, multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, concession facilities, and a jogging trail for you and your dog.
Lecanto Community Park - Lecanto
This local park features racquet ball courts, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, horseshoes, basketball courts, a dog walking area, and beautifully shaded and paved walking trails that your furry friend will enjoy.
Water Tower Park – Crystal River
This quaint park features a jogging trail, picnic tables and a playground, perfect for an afternoon outdoor lunch for humans and dogs alike.
Whispering Pines Park - Inverness
From various sports courts, fields, and hiking & biking trails to pavilions, playground, Splash Park & pool, this 290-acre complex has everything needed for hours of exploration for you and your pooch.


Dog Parks Especially Made for Dogs
When your dog feels like socializing, we have a few wonderful suggestions for you and your pet…

Bark Central Dog Park - Inverness
This puppy paradise has 15 acres of off-leash area for running and play, with nature trails, shady oaks, swimming pools & toys. Complete with benches, restrooms, rinse stations, bathing tubs, even dryers!
Blue Bird Springs - Homosassa
This lush and slightly secluded park at Bluebird Springs is a 5.5-acre happy place. With a beautiful spring-fed pool & amenities like picnic tables, grill, playground & volleyball court for the family and a fenced-in area for off-leash pup-play, you can spend an hour or a whole afternoon.

Just a Dog Friendly Reminder…

Before heading out to any of these dog-friendly spots, it's important to check for any specific rules or regulations they may have regarding dogs. Additionally, ensure that your furry friend is well-behaved, properly socialized, and up-to-date on vaccinations to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone involved.

We hope this guide helps you and your pup have a paw-some time exploring Citrus County’s dog-friendly options!

P.S.
If you know of any other places or companies in Citrus County that happen to be dog friendly, please let us know. We would love to learn about them and add them to the blog. Email us at info@discovercrystalriverfl.com.

Author

Elissa Hofelt
Industry Relations Specialist - Discover Crystal River