Tampa's 18 city dog parks and two dog beaches with addresses, the leash ordinance and dog park rules, plus markets and patios where dogs are welcome.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: City of Tampa Parks and Recreation’s dog parks page and dog park rules, the city’s leash ordinance and each venue’s own page. Parks and Recreation: 813-274-8211 (city main line).

Tampa runs 18 dog parks and leash-free areas, two of them dog beaches on the bay, and every one is fenced or bounded by water. Outside those areas, the city’s leash rule applies everywhere in its parks. The newest additions are two dog parks on the Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Who to call

  • City of Tampa (parks, dog parks): 813-274-8211
  • Dog parks manager, Parks and Recreation: 813-753-9417
  • Tampa Police non-emergency (loose or aggressive dogs): 813-231-6130
  • Our guide to the parks themselves: parks and trails in Tampa

The leash rule

From the city’s dog parks page and Section 16-38 of the city code:

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times outside a designated dog park or leash-free area.
  • No unleashed dogs in the parking lot on the way to or from a dog park.
  • No dogs on city beaches except the designated dog beaches, and service animals.
  • Dogs that bark persistently are treated as a nuisance and will be removed.

Dog park rules

The city’s dog park rules, from City Ordinance No. 2001-59:

  • Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries they cause.
  • Dogs must be licensed, wear ID tags and be at least 4 months old.
  • Clean up after your dog and fill any holes it digs.
  • Never leave a dog unattended, and supervise children at all times.
  • Leash dogs before entering and leaving. Two off-leash dogs per person at most.
  • No dogs in heat, no rawhide, no food, and only dogs.
  • Dogs must be under voice command; aggressive dogs will be removed.

The dog parks

Dog park Address
Al Lopez Park (James Urbanski Dog Park) 4810 N. Himes Ave.
Angus Goss Dog Park 4601 N. Central Ave.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park 600 N. Ashley Drive
Davis Islands Dog Park and Dog Beach 1002 Severn St.
Deputy John Kotfila Jr. Memorial Dog Park 626 N. Raymond Ave.
Gadsden Park 6901 S. MacDill Ave.
Giddens Park 5202 N. 12th St.
Henry and Ola Park 502 W. Henry Ave.
Herman Massey Park 1002 N. Franklin St.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park 1001 N. Boulevard
Madison Street Dog Park 1224 E. Madison St.
New Tampa Rotary Dog Park 17301 Commerce Park Blvd.
Palma Ceia Park 2200 Marti St.
Picnic Island Dog Beach 7409 Picnic Island Blvd.
Rowlett Park 2401 E. Yukon St.
Vila Brothers Park (Sandra Sanchez Dog Park) 700 N. Armenia Ave.
Washington Street Park 118 N. 12th St.
Water Works Park (Queenie’s Dog Park) 1710 N. Highland Ave.

The new Riverwalk dog parks

In February 2026 the city opened two dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive: a 1,980-square-foot small-breed park set into the terraced beds near the palms, and a 4,900-square-foot large-breed park on the lower level closer to the Hillsborough River. The city put more than $1.4 million into the dog parks and other park improvements, and the Tampa Museum of Art is taking over the old dog run as it expands (city announcement).

Walks, markets and patios with your dog

  • Bayshore Boulevard and the Tampa Riverwalk are the city’s long waterfront walks; keep dogs leashed. Distances and trailheads are in our walking and biking trails guide.
  • Ybor City Saturday Market, every Saturday: pets are welcome (market site).
  • Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village, first Sunday of each month, and the Seminole Heights Sunday Market, second Sunday: both say dogs are welcome (Tampa Bay Markets).
  • Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave.: dogs are allowed on the outdoor perimeter but not inside the building or the Heights Public Market, except service animals (Armature Works FAQ).
  • Restaurant patios: ask the restaurant before you bring your dog. We add patios here only when the restaurant’s own site says dogs are welcome; restaurants can tell us through our contact page.

Events for dogs

  • Hyde Park Pet Parade, each October; the 2026 parade is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, on Hyde Park streets, free (city listing).
  • Adoption days: Hyde Park Village hosted adoptions with Downtown Dogs and the Humane Society in June 2026 (listing).

What this means for you

  • Leash up everywhere except inside a fenced dog park or on a dog beach.
  • For a beach day with your dog, go to Davis Islands or Picnic Island; other city beaches are off limits to dogs.
  • Make sure your dog is licensed and wearing ID tags; the city’s dog park rules require both.

More: parks and trails, free things to do and kids’ activities.

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Tampa parks?

Yes. City ordinance requires dogs to be leashed at all times outside a designated dog park or leash-free area, including in the parking lot on the way in and out.

Are dogs allowed on Tampa beaches?

Only at the designated dog beaches, Davis Islands Dog Beach at 1002 Severn St. and Picnic Island Dog Beach at 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., or as service animals.

What are the rules at Tampa dog parks?

Dogs must be licensed, wear ID tags and be at least 4 months old. Owners clean up after their dogs, never leave them unattended and may bring at most two off-leash dogs. No dogs in heat, rawhide or food.

Where is the newest dog park in Tampa?

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the Riverwalk opened two new dog parks in February 2026: a 1,980-square-foot small-breed park and a 4,900-square-foot large-breed park nearer the river.

Can I bring my dog to Armature Works?

Dogs are allowed on the outdoor perimeter of Armature Works but not inside the building or the Heights Public Market, except service animals.