19 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
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Have you been wondering which dog-friendly beaches in Maine will work best for you and your pup? I’ve got you covered!
We recently spent a month in Maine during our cross-country road trip and were captivated by its stunning coastline. From sandy expanses where your dog can chase balls, to cliff walks with lighthouses, the Maine coastline offers a variety of landscapes for both humans and their furry friends. While we were excited by the lighthouses, Sam and Denver were all about the sandy beaches.
Navigating the rules of these dog-friendly beaches in Maine can be complex. Some limit access during peak season, while leash laws differ from one spot to another. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide—to help you make sense of it all. Whether you’re a beachcomber or a cliff walker, there’s a beach in Maine for you and your pet.
Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern Maine
Southern Maine’s coastline is a captivating blend of culture and natural beauty. With its sandy beaches, rocky coves, and scenic harbors, places like Wells and York offer a picturesque setting for both humans and their furry companions.
Some amazing dog-friendly beaches and coastal views are found here.
1. Long Sands in York
A popular beach with a long stretch of sand, perfect for a game of fetch. Watch the surfers and enjoy the sunset while your pup enjoys the waves.
Best For: Swimming, chasing ballsLeash Required: No during the day. Yes after dark
Season/Time Restrictions: No dogs allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. during high season
2. Nubble Lighthouse
A picturesque setting in York where your pup can explore the rocky shore while you snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
Best For: Beautiful views, walking
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Year-round leash requirement
Tip: Get a doggy ice cream at the food stand
3. Cliff Walk/Marginal Way
One of the best 45 minute walks in the southern part of Maine. Walk by luxury homes for wrap around breathtaking views. Be careful on the high cliffs.
Best For: Slow walks
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Only allowed between September 8-March 31
4. Ogunquit Beach
A beautiful beach with soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for a relaxing day with your pup. It’s a great choice for families too.
Best For: Swimming, family-friendly
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Leashed dogs are welcome from early September through March
5. Old Orchard Beach Dog Park
Grass and sand fenced dog park in Memorial Park near major tourist attraction of Old Orchard Beach and pier.
Best For: Inside the park – chasing balls, playing with other dogs; On the beach – long walks and junk food
Leash Required: Not inside fenced area
Yes on the actual beach
Season/Time Restrictions: None for the dog park, but closes at dark
Dogs allowed 10am-5pm labor day to May 15
6. Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk
A beach where your pup can roam freely off times, as long as they’re under voice control. Water is safe for kids and dogs. Quiet in the off season.
Best For: Chasing balls, swimming
Leash Required: No, but you have to bring a leash with you just in case
Season/Time Restrictions: June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beaches before 9AM and after 5PM
7. Gooch’s Beach
This is one of the Kennebunk Beaches. Dogs really enjoy this stretch of beach and it’s a great place to jog. This spot offers a serene environment for both you and your pup.
Best For: Swimming, jogging, solitude
Leash Required: No, but you have to bring a leash with you just in case
Season/Time Restrictions: June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beaches before 9AM and after 5PM
Dog Friendly Beaches in Portland That Allow Dogs
The Greater Portland area serves as a bustling hub where urban sophistication meets rugged coastal beauty. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to the dog-friendly trails of Cape Elizabeth, this region is a very popular spot with pet parents.
8. East End Beach
This sandy beach is part of a very popular park in Portland. The small sandy cove welcomes dogs to swim and play. You can walk/bike the path all the way to downtown Portland.
Best For: Swimming, chasing balls, playing with other dogs, trail walks, beautiful views
Leash Required: On-leash on promenade and off-leash on beach
Season/Time Restrictions: Memorial-Labor Day no dogs allowed from 9am-5pm
Tip: There’s a kayak rental next door if you are feeling more adventurous
9. Crescent Beach State Park
This is a popular local spot and a favorite place for people to walk their dogs. It’s fun to clamber over rocks or sit and watch the sea. Not great for swimming
Best For: Long walks
Leash Required: On and off-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Allowed October 1-March 31
10. Fort Williams Park/Portland Head Light Park & Breakwater
The most scenic lighthouse in the Portland area makes this a very popular place even in the off season. It includes beautiful scenic views of the lighthouse, a beach area and the trail between the two.
Best For: Long walks, beautiful views
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Open dawn to dusk
Tip: This place is very crowded, so your dogs need to be comfortable with people and other dogs
11. Scarborough Beach State Park
One of the best beaches for swimming in the Portland area.
Best For: Swimming and long walks
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Allowed Oct 31-March 31
Midcoast Maine Dog-friendly Beaches
A bustling area with a variety of dog-friendly spots, from beaches to trails. Midcoast Maine isn’t as popular as the areas on either side of it. People really don’t know what they are missing out on. That’s where we stayed during our time in Maine, and we loved it. A local dog-trainer provides a more in-depth guide to the dog-friendly Midcoast.
12. South End Dog Park
This 11 acre fenced grassy area sits in a prime spot on the water. No separate area for small and big dogs, but it is large enough that you can move away from rowdy dogs if necessary. Beautiful view of the water, islands and boat yard.
Best For: chasing balls, playing with other dogs, beautiful views
Leash Required: Not inside the fenced area
Season/Time Restrictions: NA
13. Camden Hills State Park
Where the mountains meet the sea. It’s a lovely park with campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails including the Nature Trail
Best For: hiking, camping and beautiful views
Leash Required: On and off-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: NA but park may be closed in the off-season
14. Popham
This large often empty beach has hard packed sand and incredible views of Seguin Island and its lighthouse. Be careful of nesting birds
Best For: Running or walking on the beach and beautiful views, solitude
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Allowed from October 1 through March 31
15. Reid Beach State Park
This is a splendid and sandy beach with dunes, rocks on one side and tide pools. Swimming is also an option but the currents can be strong. In the off season when dogs are allowed, it isn’t too busy and the vastness gives everyone space.
Get ideas for other wonderful things to do with your dog in Mid-coast Maine
Best For: Walking or running on the beach, beautiful views.
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: Allowed from October 1 through March 31
Acadia Area Beaches That Are Dog Friendly
Home to the famous dog-friendly Acadia National Park, this area offers rugged beauty and off-season beach options for your pup.
16. Bar Harbor Island
When the tide goes out, it leaves a strip of beach connecting Bar Harbor with a small island that is part of Acadia National Park. It’s fun to see what’s under the water, but that includes both larger rocks and small slippery pebbles. Be sure to keep track of the tides, so you and your pup don’t get stranded on the island. Once there, you can do a stunning 3 mile walk around the island that includes forest canopies and ocean views
Best For: Slow walks, hiking, and “swimming” (if you aren’t careful)
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: NA
Tip: Be sure to wear good shoes and keep track of the tide schedule carefully!
17. Sand Beach
Located in Acadia National Park (park pass required), this beach offers a unique mix of sand and rocky coastline. It’s a small crescent shaped sandy beach between two rocky areas. The views are incredible and you can walk to one of the most popular park attractions, Thunder Hole. The water is quite cold, so even if you were allowed, you wouldn’t want to swim
Best For: Beautiful views and walks on the beach and trail
Leash Required: Yes
Season/Time Restrictions: Pets allowed September 8 – June 15
18. Hadley Point Beach
This rocky beach is just northwest of Bar Harbor. There’s lots to do there including beachcombing, enjoying a picnic or taking out your boat.
Best For: Slow walks, picnics
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: NA
19. Agamont Park
Not quite a beach, but this grassy park overlooks the Bar Harbor pier and gives beautiful views of Frenchman Bay. From there, you have easy access to all the town amenities.
Best For: Walks, views and picnics
Leash Required: Yes, on-leash
Season/Time Restrictions: NA
Friendly Tips
When is the best time to visit beaches in Maine with a Dog?
Most of the beaches are available in the fall and in the spring. The weather is reasonable then, so those are the best two seasons for a visit. Winter will likely be great for having the place to yourself. If you want to visit in the summer, double check the hours and visit early in the morning for your best options.
Is there an entrance fee for any of the places on this list?
While most of the beaches themselves are free, there are often parking fees charged. This is often the case with state parks.
Other popular areas provide lower cost or free options for locals, but tourists have to pay high fees to park during high season. However, you can’t take your dog to the beach during those times anyway, so you will likely have a more affordable experience.
Beach Etiquette
When you’re out exploring Maine’s beautiful beaches, it’s essential to be a responsible pet parent.
- Clean Up: Always bring poop bags and clean up after your dog. Some beaches have waste stations, but it’s best to come prepared.
- Leash Laws: Abide by the leash laws of each beach. Even if your dog is well-behaved, not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and local wildlife may be present.
- Personal Space: Keep a respectful distance from other beachgoers. Not everyone is a dog lover, and some dogs may not be as friendly as yours.
- Voice Control: If the beach allows off-leash time, make sure your dog is under voice control. This means they come when called, no matter the distractions.
- Wildlife Awareness: Many beaches are home to sensitive ecosystems. Keep your dog away from bird nesting areas, tide pools, and other wildlife habitats.
- Water Safety: Keep an eye on your dog while they’re in the water. Not all dogs are strong swimmers, and ocean currents can be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts: Dog Friendly Maine Beaches
From sandy stretches perfect for a game of fetch to scenic cliff walks that offer breathtaking views, Maine truly has something for every traveler—two-legged or four. We’ve loved our time exploring these coastal gems, and we’re confident you and your canine traveler will too.
Remember, rules can change, so always double-check the most current regulations before you head out. Now that you’re equipped with all the info you need, what are you waiting for? Get your leash and get going! Your next Maine beach adventure awaits. 🐾
