Dog-Friendly Clermont, Florida

Lakeside walks, patio dining, and easy day trips make Clermont a strong pick for a dog-friendly Central Florida getaway.

Clermont, FL

8.6 Pet-Friendly Score
Avg Pet Fee: $20/night to $75-125/stay
Dog Parks: 1
Off-Leash Beach: No
Outdoor Dining Law: Yes

Best for Lakeside Walks

Waterfront Park

A scenic Lake Minneola park with paved walking paths, picnic areas, and pet waste bags; dogs are welcome on leash but not on the beach or in swimming areas.

South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic Trail

A rail-trail style route that works well for longer on-leash walks with your dog.

Best for Off-Leash Time

Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park

Fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, plus shade, benches, and a water spigot.

Best for Dog-Friendly Dining

Salt Shack on the Lake Minneola

Lakefront seafood spot with outdoor picnic-table seating where dogs are welcome.

The Southern on 8th

Downtown Clermont restaurant and bourbon bar with a large dog-friendly patio.

Good to Know

Florida outdoor dining rules

Florida law allows local governments to permit dogs in designated outdoor dining areas when restaurants meet state and local requirements.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Clermont

Home2 Suites by Hilton Clermont

4.4/5
Extended-stay hotel

A newer all-suite option near the National Training Center with kitchens, free breakfast, and a pet policy that works well for weekend or longer stays.

Pet fee: $75 for 1 to 4 nights; $125 for 5+ nights Allows 2 pets up to 50 lbs. Dogs and cats welcome; exotic pets not allowed.

1450 Champions Way, Clermont, FL 34711

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Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont

4/5
Hotel

Reliable mid-range stay on Highway 50 with free breakfast and small grassy pet areas on site.

Pet fee: $75 for 1 to 4 nights; $125 for longer stays Allows 2 pets up to 50 lbs. Dogs and cats welcome.

2200 E Highway 50, Clermont, FL 34711

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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clermont

4/5
Hotel

Convenient Clermont base with pet-friendly ground-floor rooms and easy access to shopping, dining, and local trails.

Pet fee: $75 per pet, per stay for stays under 7 nights Allows 2 pets up to 85 lbs in designated rooms. Dogs and cats welcome; pets may be left unattended in room.

1750 Hunt Trace, Clermont, FL 34711

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SureStay Hotel by Best Western Clermont Theme Park West

4/5
Hotel

Budget-friendly option on the south side of the Clermont area, useful for travelers heading toward the attractions corridor.

Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Allows 2 pets up to 50 lbs. Dogs and cats welcome.

9240 US Highway 192, Clermont, FL 34714

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WoodSpring Suites Orlando West - Clermont

3.5/5
Extended-stay hotel

Simple extended-stay lodging that can work for travelers prioritizing lower nightly pet costs over amenities.

Pet fee: $10 per pet, per night, plus $200 one-time cleaning fee Allows 2 dogs up to 80 lbs. No cats.
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Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Clermont

Salt Shack on the Lake Minneola

4.5/5
Seafood restaurant

Laid-back lakefront seafood restaurant with outdoor picnic-table seating where dogs are welcome; a great post-walk stop near downtown.

Dogs welcome at outdoor seating.

846 W Osceola St, Clermont, FL 34711

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The Southern on 8th

4.5/5
Southern restaurant and bourbon bar

Popular downtown Clermont spot serving Southern contemporary dishes, weekend brunch, and cocktails on a large dog-friendly patio.

Dogs welcome at outdoor patio tables.

801 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711

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Ay! Jalisco

4/5
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican restaurant with patio seating for leashed dogs and a broad menu of combo plates, vegetarian options, and lunch specials.

Leashed dogs welcome on the patio.

580 FL-50, Clermont, FL 34711

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Portillo's Clermont

4.2/5
Fast-casual restaurant

Chicago-style chain known for hot dogs, Italian beef, burgers, and a covered fenced patio that works well for dining with dogs.

Dogs welcome on the covered outdoor patio.

1251 E Hwy 50, Clermont, FL 34711

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Tijuana Flats

4/5
Tex-Mex restaurant

Casual Tex-Mex stop with several outdoor tables for dogs and a customizable menu of tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas.

Dogs welcome at outdoor tables; no table service, so owners order inside.

2560 E Hwy 50 #101, Clermont, FL 34711-8411

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Energy Lab Cafe

4.4/5
Cafe

Coffee, smoothies, juices, and light bites in downtown Clermont with a dog-friendly patio that pairs well with a morning walk.

Well-behaved dogs welcome at outdoor patio tables; owners order inside.

528 8th St, Clermont, FL 34711

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Dog-Friendly Activities & Parks in Clermont

Waterfront Park

4.8/5
Park

One of Clermont's signature lakefront parks with paved walking paths, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and scenic views over Lake Minneola.

Leashed dogs welcome on trails and grounds; dogs are not permitted on the beach or in swimming areas.

330 3rd St, Clermont, FL 34711

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Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park

4.7/5
Dog park

Fenced off-leash dog park with separate small- and large-dog sections, shade, benches, and nearby preserve trails for leashed walks.

Off-leash play allowed inside fenced dog park; dogs should be leashed outside the enclosure. Off-Leash

450 12th St, Clermont, FL 34711

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South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic Trail

4.5/5
Trail

A longer multi-use trail ideal for active dogs and owners who want more mileage than a neighborhood park loop.

Dogs welcome on leash.
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Park of Indian Hills

4.4/5
Park

Quiet waterfront green space with picnic areas and lake views, good for a calmer leashed walk away from busier event spaces.

Leashed dogs are permitted.

1199 W Lakeshore Drive, Clermont, FL 34711

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Showcase of Citrus

4.9/5
Attraction

A dog-friendly agritourism stop where leashed pups can join you outdoors while you browse the country store and explore the citrus grove setting.

Leashed dogs welcome.

5010 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714

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A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Clermont

This two-day plan mixes lakefront time, patio meals, and easy sightseeing without overloading your dog in the Florida heat.

Day 1: Downtown + Lake Minneola

Morning

Start with an on-leash walk at Waterfront Park, then grab coffee or a smoothie on the patio at Energy Lab Cafe.

Afternoon

Explore downtown Clermont, take a relaxed break at Park of Indian Hills, and keep midday activity light if temperatures are high.

Evening

Have dinner on the patio at The Southern on 8th or Salt Shack on the Lake Minneola for a breezy lakeside finish.

Day 2: Off-Leash Play + Scenic Stops

Morning

Head to Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park for off-leash time, then walk the surrounding preserve area with your dog back on leash.

Afternoon

Choose a longer outing on the South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic Trail or drive to Showcase of Citrus for an outdoor dog-friendly activity.

Evening

Wrap up with a casual patio meal at Portillo's, Tijuana Flats, or Ay! Jalisco before settling in for the night.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clermont, Florida good for traveling with a dog?

Yes. Clermont stands out for its lakefront walking areas, a dedicated dog park at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, several dog-friendly patios, and a small but useful set of pet-welcoming hotels.

Are dogs allowed at Clermont Waterfront Park?

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Waterfront Park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in designated swimming areas, so plan on walking the paved paths and green spaces instead.

Does Clermont have an off-leash dog park?

Yes. Lake Hiawatha Preserve Dog Park offers fenced off-leash space with separate areas for small and large dogs, plus shade and seating.

Can dogs go to restaurant patios in Clermont?

Often, yes. Florida law allows local governments to permit dogs in designated outdoor dining areas when restaurants meet required health and safety rules, so many Clermont patios can welcome dogs.

What should I know about hotel pet fees in Clermont?

Pet fees vary quite a bit. In Clermont, current examples range from about $20 per pet per night at budget properties to $75 to $125 per stay at major hotel brands, with weight limits commonly around 50 pounds.

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