Dog Friendly City Guide: Orlando, USA

There is an Orlando beyond the theme parks, and it is surprisingly good with a dog. Downtown wraps around its lakes, a brewery scene has taken root in the old industrial blocks, and the neighbourhood pubs keep a patio open all year under the Florida sun. Skip the queues, find the shade and a cold drink, and the city opens up.

Everything below comes from our own verified data, not the booking-site badges that pass for research elsewhere. Each place has been checked as genuinely dog friendly, and the hotels at the end are ranked against the Roch Dog Friendly Standard.

Where to Walk

Orlando walks its lakes and its trail. The Orlando Urban Trail links the downtown parks on foot, Lake Underhill does the flat water loop, and Turkey Lake and Cypress Grove give you the bigger green space south and west of the centre.

The Breweries and Pubs

Orlando's dog scene lives in its breweries and corner pubs. Gravity Taproom, RockPit Brewing, Sideward Brewing and Motorworks all keep a dog-friendly yard, and Burton's Bar, The Pub, The Thirsty Topher and Roque Pub do the neighbourhood local. Drunken Monkey and Cups and Pups Coffee handle the caffeine, the second built around the dog.

Hot Dogs and Pizza

For the plate, Hot Dog Heaven does exactly what it says, Pizza at Lake Eola and Bronx Pizza keep the slice, and the Relax Grill sets its tables right on the lake. Canvas Restaurant & Market does the smarter sit-down out at Lake Nona.

Where to Stay

Which leaves the bed. Orlando's two top certified hotels both earn a B, both at Universal: the Italian-themed Loews Portofino Bay and Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, each rated and reviewed so you know what the welcome is worth before you book.

The full list of certified dog friendly hotels in Orlando shows how every one was ranked, and what that ranking buys you and your dog.

This guide was first published on 1 June 2023 and updated on 8 June 2026.