Maine Beaches Dog Friendly Vacations
Where to Go
Several of the beaches in this region of southern Maine allow dogs. Consider taking your pet to Harbor Beach, Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, or Cape Neddick Beach in York; Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit; Kennebunk Beach or Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk; or Wells Beach in Wells for fun in the sand. Dogs are allowed all day from October to March; in the summer months, they are allowed on the beach only during the morning and evening. Your dog must be leashed if she is not under strict voice control. Obey other beach rules and regulations.
Rocky Seapoint Beach, Fort Foster Beach, and Crescent Beach in Kittery are also favorite dog-friendly beaches among locals. Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport is another rocky beach with tide pooling opportunities, although pets are forbidden from this area during the summer.
If you prefer a sandy beach, explore Drake’s Island in Wells. This island features lovely white sand dunes and sea walls. Although pets are not permitted in the area from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during peak season, Drake’s Island is a fun place to explore with your dog in the early morning and late evening hours.
For year-round outdoor fun, take your dog to the Ogunquit Dog Park, located ¾-mile west of town on Berwick Road. Stay within the fenced area and only take two dogs per person.
Where to Stay
The York Harbor Inn, a quaint oceanfront property, allows all well-behaved pets to stay in your room. The inn provides blankets, trash bags, treats, walking maps, and a list of pet-friendly beaches in the area. The West Highland Inn in Ogunquit also welcomes dogs for an extra fee of $25 to $50 per stay, depending on the room you choose.
Where to Eat
There are several restaurants in the Maine Beaches region with outdoor restaurants that can accommodate pets. Charlie Bennett in Kennebunk offers delicious sandwiches, while Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery features fresh seafood. Bartley’s Restaurant in nearby Kennebunkport serves lobster, fried clams, clam chowder, and other local specialties. Dogs are permitted in the outdoor dining area.