Pet Friendly Accommodations in Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine, Florida is nestled along the Atlantic Ocean just south of Jacksonville, Florida. As the country's oldest continuously occupied European city, it is home to some of the most historic buildings in the United States. Originally ruled by the Spanish, it was briefly under British rule in the 1700's and then returned to Spanish rule. It wasn't until 1821 that Saint Augustine finally came under United States rule where it has stayed ever since. Old town Saint Augustine lies just to the west of the Bridge of Lions from Anastasia Island and sprawls north to south along  the Intercoastal Waterway. A trip back over the Bridge of Lions to the east  finds one on Anastasia Island and Saint Augustine Beach which lies on one of the many barrier islands that run down the east coast of Florida separating the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. Saint Augustine welcomes thousands of visitors each year and you will find that it is a very pet-friendly city. As a tourist and retirement city, the city has a variety of hotels, restaurants and attractions that are pet-friendly.

For your accommodations while you are in Saint Augustine, the following hotels have pet-friendly policies:

Days Inn, Historic Downtown:  The Days Inn Historic Downtown is located just north of the main square on the picturesque Ponce de Leon Blvd. They welcome dogs under 25 pounds with a one time fee of US$25. Amenities at the Days Inn include: Internet; pool; on site restaurant; and sightseeing tour pick-up at the hotel. As of 2010, rates at the Days Inn start at US$70.08 per night. www.daysinn.com

The Inn at Comanche Harbor:  If you are looking for a something more romantic try the Inn at Comanche Harbor. Located directly on the water, the Inn welcomes small dogs and cats with a signed pet contract upon arrival and a US$15 per night pet fee.  Amenities at the Inn at Comanche Harbor include: pool; free continental breakfast; Internet; cable television; and guest lounge. Rates as of 2010 starting at US$119 per night.  www.comancheinn.com

The Ramada Historic Downtown: Located within walking distance of all the main attractions in downtown Saint Augustine you will find the Ramada Historic Downtown. The Ramada welcomes dogs with a fee. Amenities at the Ramada Historic Downtown include: on site restaurant and bar; pool; Internet: free access to World Gym; and transportation to local sights. Rates as of 2010 starting at US$59.46 per night.   www.ramadahistoric.com

The Casa Monica: Located right in the heart of downtown Saint Augustine, the Casa Monica is a historic landmark from the 1800's. Luxury and history blend at the Casa Monica where small pets are welcome for a fee.Amenities at the Casa Monica include: fine dining on site; suites available; Internet; live entertainment; and heated outdoor pool. As of 2010, rates starting at US$159.  www.casamonica.com

Once you have chosen your pet-friendly accommodations, you are undoubtedly going to want to know where the pet-friendly restaurants are in Saint Augustine. The wonderful things about Saint Augustine is that while pets cannot eat inside with you, the weather in Saint Augustine is almost always conducive to eating on one of the many outdoor eating areas offered by local eateries. The following is a list of pet-friendly local restaurants and bistros:

Flavors Eatery, 125 King Street, (904) 824-4221,  www.flavorseatery.com

Kingfish Grill, 252 Yacht Club Drive, (904) 824-2111,  www.kingfishgrill.com

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill, 46 Avenida Menendez, (904) 824-7765,  www.harrys-savory.com

Milltop Tavern, 19 St. George Street, (904) 829-2329,  www.milltop.com

Naturally, if you are traveling with your beloved pet, you will want him to accompany you to see the historic sights of Saint Augustine as well. Many of the attractions and historic buildings in Saint Augustine are pet-friendly. The following are known to allow well-behaved pets:

Castillo de San Marcos: Built to protect Spain from invading armies, the Castillo is a must see! www.nps.gov

Oldest House Complex: A collection of houses dating back to the 1700's with a museum as well. www.staugustinehistoriicalsociety.com

Saint Augustine Scenic Cruise: Take your best friend on a one hour cruise along the scenic Intercoastal Waterway. www.scenic-cruise.com

Saint Augustine Transfer Company Carriage rides: Take your pet with you on one of the famous Saint Augustine horse drawn carriage rides. www.staugustinetransferco.com

In addition to all of the pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants and attractions in Saint Augustine, you will also find that most of the parks and beaches also welcome pets as long as they are kept on a leash.  If you do encounter an attraction or eatery that isn't pet friendly and you need a doggy daycare, Saint Augustine has one of those as well!  The Pet Paradise will be happy to babysit your beloved pet for the day. www.petparadise.com