Dog Parks in Sarasota, FL: Off-Leash Parks, Hours & Maps
Sarasota’s main off-leash options are split between the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County. Inside the city, Arlington Park and Gillespie Park are the two established dog parks. County-run options at 17th Street Park and Lakeview Park broaden the choices to the north and east.
The four parks are not interchangeable. Arlington is the clearest choice if you want a documented small-dog section, Gillespie is convenient to downtown, 17th Street sits inside a much larger regional sports complex, and Lakeview is farther east near I-75.
Quick Answer: Dog Parks in Sarasota
| Dog park | Operator | Hours | Small-dog area | Useful nearby features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Park Dog Park | City of Sarasota | Park: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. | Yes | ½-mile trail, parking, drinking fountain, restrooms |
| Canine Club at Gillespie Park | City of Sarasota | Check posted park hours | Two fenced areas; current City page does not label them by size | Walking path, parking, drinking fountain, seating |
| 17th Street Paw Park | Sarasota County | 6 a.m.–10 p.m. | Check current entrance signage | Restroom; regional-park setting |
| Lakeview Park Dog Park | Sarasota County | 6 a.m.–sunset | Check current entrance signage | Restroom, pavilion, disc golf, canoe/kayak access |
1. Arlington Park Dog Park
Address: 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota, FL 34239
Park hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
Operator: City of Sarasota
Open Arlington Park in Google Maps
Arlington is the easiest Sarasota park to recommend when size separation matters. The City describes its leash-free area as a wide-open dog park with separate small- and large-dog sections.
The rest of the park is useful for a longer visit: a half-mile walking trail, parking, drinking fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground and outdoor fitness equipment are all on the property. The pools and aquatic facilities have separate schedules and fees; the dog park is part of the public park.
See the official Arlington Park page.
2. Canine Club at Gillespie Park
Address: 710 N Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
Dog-park location: Near N Osprey Avenue and 10th Street
Operator: City of Sarasota
Open Gillespie Park in Google Maps
Gillespie is the more central choice. The City calls the off-leash area the Canine Club at Gillespie Park and confirms two fenced sections. Its current facility page does not specify that those two sections are divided by dog size, so use the entrance signs rather than assuming a small/large split.
Outside the dog park, pets must be leashed. The larger park includes parking, a drinking fountain, seating, picnic tables, a walking path, playground, fitness areas, tennis and pickleball.
See the official Gillespie Park page.
3. 17th Street Paw Park
Address: 4570 and 4730 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Operator: Sarasota County
Open 17th Street Park in Google Maps
17th Street is an established County dog park inside a regional sports complex that is being substantially rebuilt. That construction changes how the surrounding property feels right now, but the dog park itself remains available.
Current construction note: Sarasota County says the eastern portion of 17th Street Regional Park is closed to the public through fall 2026. The dog park on the west side remains open. The County specifically asks visitors to use extra caution around the 17th Street entrances while construction continues.
The broader project is scheduled for an early 2027 opening and is adding new athletic fields, roads, parking and support buildings. Until then, temporary routing around the park can change.
Check the current 17th Street Regional Park project update.
4. Lakeview Park Dog Park
Address: 7255 Hand Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to sunset
Operator: Sarasota County
Open Lakeview Park in Google Maps
Lakeview is the eastern Sarasota option. The County lists a fenced dog park along with restrooms, a picnic shelter, grills, disc golf, fishing and canoe/kayak access in the larger park.
Sarasota County distinguishes between dog parks, where dogs may exercise off leash inside the fenced area, and dog-friendly park space, where dogs must stay on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet. Lakeview offers both types of use.
See the official Lakeview Park page.
Which Sarasota Dog Parks Separate Small and Large Dogs?
Arlington Park is the clearly documented choice: the City explicitly states that it has separate small- and large-dog areas. Gillespie has two fenced sections, but its current page does not identify them by size. Sarasota County’s current 17th Street and Lakeview listings confirm fenced dog parks without publishing the same level of layout detail.
What About Water, Shade and Walking?
Arlington and Gillespie both list drinking fountains and walking paths in the surrounding park. Lakeview has restrooms and a picnic pavilion as well as broader outdoor recreation. The 17th Street complex is in transition while its regional-park construction continues.
Even where drinking fountains are listed, carrying a dog bowl and backup water is sensible in Sarasota heat. A park fountain can be temporarily unavailable without much warning.
Dogs and Sarasota Beaches
Do not count Lido Beach as a dog-friendly beach. The City of Sarasota says pets are not allowed there, whether on or off leash, except trained service animals.
The best-known designated dog beach in the Sarasota region is Brohard Paw Park in Venice. It is useful as a nearby option, but it should not be counted as a Sarasota city dog park.
Read the City of Sarasota’s Lido Beach dog reminder.
Basic Dog Park Rules
City and County rules are not identical, but the practical basics are consistent: use the designated fenced area for off-leash exercise, leash your dog elsewhere, clean up waste immediately and follow the entrance signs for the specific park. Sarasota County also prohibits dogs from playgrounds, athletic fields and other areas that are not designated for dogs.
Which Sarasota Dog Park Fits Your Plans?
Choose Arlington if you want confirmed size separation and a walking trail. Gillespie is the convenient urban choice close to downtown. Use 17th Street if the north/east side is more practical and you are comfortable navigating the current construction. Lakeview is the quieter eastern option with a broader mix of outdoor amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many off-leash dog parks are in Sarasota?
Within Sarasota city limits, the City identifies Arlington Park and Gillespie Park as off-leash dog parks. Sarasota County also operates nearby off-leash dog parks at 17th Street Park and Lakeview Park.
Does Arlington Park have a small-dog area?
Yes. The City of Sarasota says Arlington Park has separate small- and large-dog areas.
Is 17th Street Paw Park open during construction?
Yes. Sarasota County currently says the dog park on the west side remains open while the eastern portion of 17th Street Regional Park is closed during construction through fall 2026.
Are dogs allowed on Lido Beach?
No, except trained service animals. The City of Sarasota does not allow pets on Lido Beach.
Where is the nearest designated dog beach to Sarasota?
Brohard Paw Park and dog beach is in Venice, south of Sarasota. It is not within Sarasota city limits.
Before You Go
Sarasota’s off-leash parks are managed by two different local governments, so check the operator before relying on a rule or opening time. For 17th Street in particular, review the County’s construction update before driving over while the regional-park project is still active.
Dog Parks Florida Editorial Team
The Dog Parks Florida Editorial Team creates practical guides to dog parks and off-leash recreation areas across Florida. Articles are researched using official city, county, park, and recreation resources, then reviewed for clarity and accuracy.
