We love to travel and we also love our border collie lab, Chase. So whenever possible we try to take Chase on the road with us. One of our favorite places to go is to Florida's Gulf Coast. It's warmer climate and abundant outdoor establishments make it very pet-friendly. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit with our fury companion in the Sarasota/Siesta Key area, as well as some tools that helped us navigate.

BringFido.com

This website and app were a great resource for finding pet-friendly restaurants while on the go. BringFido.com is a dog travel directory that provides unbiased reviews, detailed pet policy information, and online reservations at more than 25,000 pet friendly hotels through a partnership with Travelocity. Information is also available on thousands of bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds that welcome pets in 150 countries worldwide.

The Old Salty Dog on City Island

We love going to this place for lunch and bring Chase with us. The Old Salty Dog on City Island has plenty of waterside outdoor dining and they'll bring out a water bowl for your dog. Everything we've had there was great, but if you're going to go, you have to try the Fully Loaded Salty Dog that was featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs Food. It features 1/4 pound hot dog dipped in batter, deep friend, and then loaded with a variety of toppings like cheese, bacon, chili and more.

Fully Loaded Salty Dog

Brohard Paw Park

Brohard Paw Park is the only beach area in the Venice, Florida area where dogs are welcome. This dog-friendly beach offers doggy and human drinking fountains, dog showers, fire hydrants, leash posts, picnic tables, and benches. We make a point to visit this beach each time we're in the area with Chase. He loves it even thought the waves freaked him out the first time.

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

We regularly visit O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill when in Florida. Located in Island Park on Sarasota's Downtown bay front, O'Leary's is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with pet-friendly dining and water bowls. Island Park is a great place to take a walk and see the sunset before stopping at O'Leary's for apps, cocktails and live music.

New Pass Grill & Bait Shop

Located near the Old Salty Dog in Sarasota is another favorite spot for lunch - New Pass Grill and Bait Shop. This place is a bit more rustic, but on the water and pet-friendly. I highly recommend the burgers.

Spanish Pointe Restaurant & Bar

Another favorite place to watch the sunset is Spanish Pointe in Osprey. They also provide water bowls for your pup. We love to sit outside waterside and order of peel and eat shrimp made with Old Bay. Delicious.

Sarasota Farmers Market

Each Saturday, there is a Sarasota Farmers Market downtown that is also very dog-friendly. We enjoy going in the morning for some breakfast and fresh produce. There's often live music too.

These are just a few places we enjoy visiting with our dog. How about you? Any pet-friendly recommendations?

On the Road with Chase

We prefer to drive to Florida each year so we can bring our dog Chase with us.

Lunch at the Old Salty Dog

Pet-friendly outdoor seating.

Squirrels are a hit Downtown Sarasota

Every trip to Sarasota, Florida includes a trip with Chase to the downtown marina and park. It's dog friendly and Chase loves to stare down the squirrels.

Squirrel!

Chase does not see too many squirrels on our property so it's probably his favorite thing about Florida.

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

This is also located downtown Sarasota at the Marina and park. It's all outdoor and dog-friendly. Great place for sunsets.

Browhard Paw Park

We always take our dog to the local dog beach just south of Sarasota in Venice.

Lots of Friendly Dogs

The little guy is a photobomber.

Photo Bombed at the Dog Beach

Tracy had no idea this little guy was behind him.

Spanish Pointe

One of our favorite places to go for sunsets. Nothing fancy, but it's right on the water and comfortable. A little hard to find as its a bit set back off the road.