Dog Walks Near the Nest

The easiest dog walk from Turtle Nest Bungalow is Holiday Park, about five minutes away on foot. For a change of scene, the Riverwalk downtown and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park by the beach are each roughly 10 minutes by car, and both take leashed dogs. Rules below were checked in September 2026.

The rules on every walk

Since November 2024 the City of Fort Lauderdale has allowed dogs in all 110 of its parks, on a leash or tether no longer than six feet and under an adult's control. Dogs stay off athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, splash pads, swimming areas, beaches and the water, and the city asks that every dog have current vaccinations and a license. Outside the parks, city code bans letting an animal run at large and requires you to pick up your dog's waste promptly on any public or private property. Carry more bags than you think you need.

Holiday Park, five minutes on foot

Holiday Park (1150 G. Harold Martin Dr) is a 93-acre city park just south of Sunrise Boulevard, open 6 am to 11 pm. The city lists a walking path and a walking and jogging trail among its amenities, which makes it the natural morning and evening loop from the house.

The park is mid-upgrade. Work on a new playground, dog park improvements and walking trail enhancements began in May 2026 and is expected to finish by summer 2027, weather permitting. Until then the playground is closed, parts of the paths have posted detours, and the western portion of the dog park stays closed. The rest of the dog park is open 7:30 am to 7 pm, except Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8 to 11. For its rules and other off-leash options, see dog parks in and around Fort Lauderdale.

The Lakeridge streets

For a quick walk before bed or first thing in the morning, the residential streets around the house are the simplest option. These are residential streets, so keep the dog close, out of neighbors' yards, and pick up every time. The house has quiet hours from 9 pm to 8 am, worth remembering if your dog likes to announce itself on a late walk.

The Riverwalk and Huizenga Park

Downtown, the Riverwalk follows both banks of the New River for about two and a half miles, and the city lists Riverwalk Linear Park among its dog-friendly places, open all day. From the house it is roughly 10 minutes by car, longer at rush hour.

At the Las Olas end, the rebuilt Huizenga Park (32 E Las Olas Blvd) added downtown's first enclosed dog run, called The Dog Spot. The park's FAQ says dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park and off leash inside The Dog Spot; it is open daily 7 am to 10 pm. Las Olas Boulevard starts right there, and each shop decides for itself whether a dog can come inside, so ask at the door. The Riverwalk history guide covers what you are walking past.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (3109 E Sunrise Blvd) sits between the Intracoastal and the ocean at the east end of Sunrise Boulevard, about 10 minutes from the house by car. It is open 8 am to sunset daily; as of September 2026 entry is $6 per vehicle, or $2 on foot or by bike.

Florida State Parks allow pets in designated areas on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, park buildings or concession facilities, which rules out the beach side of the park. Plan on the park road and trails instead; the Coastal Hammock Trail is about a 20-minute walk through native hardwood hammock, and the ranger station can tell you which trails are open to dogs. As of September 2026 the floating dock, the large pavilions and two restroom buildings are closed for work. The park guide has the rest, and state parks and nature with your dog covers more parks that take dogs.

A1A beside the park

Dogs are kept off the sand almost everywhere in the city, but the city says the sidewalk on the west side of A1A north of Sunrise Boulevard, along the state park, is open to dog walking 24 hours a day. South of Sunrise the city lists set hours for the west side (6 to 9 am and 5 to 7 pm), city code ties that stretch to a permit, and pets are not allowed on the beach-side sidewalk from NE 18th Street south, so call Parks and Recreation first. For time on the sand, see dog-friendly beaches.

The walks compared

How the main options stack up, as of September 2026.

Walk	Getting there and the path	Leash rule	Best time
Holiday Park	5 minutes on foot; park path and jogging trail	Six-foot leash; off leash only in the dog park	Morning or evening
Lakeridge streets	Out the front door	Leash on; pick up	Quick early and late walks
Riverwalk and Huizenga Park	10 minutes by car; riverfront promenade	Leash on; off leash only in The Dog Spot	Evening
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park	10 minutes by car; park road and hammock trail	Hand-held, six feet at most; no beach	At the 8 am opening
A1A west side, north of Sunrise	10 minutes by car; city sidewalk	Leash on; any hour	Early morning or evening

Heat, paws and timing

South Florida pavement gets hot. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises walking in the cooler hours and keeping dogs off hot surfaces such as asphalt, which can burn paws. Early morning and after sunset are the comfortable windows most of the year; keep summer midday outings short and carry water. For heat, storms and wildlife, see keeping your dog safe in South Florida.

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