Six Fantastic Dog Friendly Getaways Near Boston

Provincetown, MA

Contributed by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Why Provincetown, MA is a great weekend vacation with your dog

Best For: visiting beaches with a dog, dune hikes, dog-friendly boat rides, vibrant doggy social scene

Dog-friendly Provincetown, Massachusetts is a seaside town on Cape Cod that your canine will enjoy as much as you will. Located on the tip of the cape, Provincetown has beaches, restaurants, and a dog park that welcome your pup.

People flock to Provincetown for the golden sand ocean beaches. Provincetown Cover Town Beach allows dogs to frolic off-leash during the morning and early evening. Leased dogs are invited to walk on the spectacular Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, as long as they are outside the lifeguarded areas. Cape beach dogs have miles of pristine beach to explore with their owners.

You can also stroll with your dog on the colorful streets of Provincetown. It’s not unusual to meet other dogs and find water bowls for dogs set out in front of businesses. Many restaurants offer al fresco dining patios that welcome well-behaved dogs. Over 26 restaurants in P-town have dog-friendly outdoor dining. There is also a dog bakery and dog portrait artists. The shuttle bus that saves you from driving the crowded streets gives dogs a free ride.

For social time, take Fido to Pilgrim Bark Park. There are two sections to the dog park—one for small dogs and the other for larger dogs. The carefully displayed rules keep the peace between visiting dogs.

At the end of the day, retire to one of the many dog-friendly inns or hotels on the Cape.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic dog friendly getaway near Boston

I took my Labrador mix dog to Provincetown to have a vacation without the hassle of leaving a sad dog at home. Provincetown is known for its incredible welcoming vibe about dogs. Many business owners on Commercial Street welcome dogs into their shops or leave water out for the dogs.

We had our morning coffee at a café named Wired Puppy before walking over to the town beach. My dog loved running up and down the beach chasing the ocean waves. In the off-season, the town beach is totally lease-less so the dogs can have a frisky run.

We also enjoyed eating at restaurants with outdoor patios that welcomed dogs. No need for a doggy bag when the dog is right under the table.

We stayed in an Air BnB that welcomed dogs, but there are other pet-friendly inns and hotels in town as well.

The most fun we had was walking on the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. There are endless beaches and dunes to explore while the ocean crashes on shore. I would definitely visit Provincetown again with my dog as it’s the perfect place to have a canine companion.

Cape Cod, MA

Why Cape Cod is a great weekend vacation with your dog

Best For: beach frolics, scenic trails, boat rides, quaint towns and villages, seafood snacks, lighthouse visits

Provincetown is part of the greater Cape Cod area. Because the whole cape covers a large area and is such a popular dog friendly destination with a lot to explore, it is worth also briefly including it as its own mention!

Whether it’s a walk on the shore, a hike, or a visit to a local cafe, Cape Cod has plenty of activities that make it a fun destination for dog owners. The beaches, like Coast Guard Beach, are perfect for dogs to run and play in the waves. There are scenic trails, such as the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile path through charming towns and beautiful landscapes. You can even take a dog-friendly ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Like Provincetown, Chatham and the other towns and villages in the cape have pet-friendly patios where you can enjoy fresh seafood with your pup. Don’t forget to check out the lighthouses, especially the one at Nauset Beach, which are cool spots for photos.

Dog Mountain, Vermont

Why Dog Mountain is a great weekend vacation near Boston

Best For: celebrating our precious pups, doggy games and social time, loving memories

Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is a very unique space dedicated to celebrating the wonderful lives of dogs. Founded by artist Stephen Huneck, this 150-acre retreat offers beautiful Vermont views and an unforgettable place to experience with your dog. The park has wooded trails, a small pond, a variety of play areas, and the heartwarming Dog Chapel, which is dedicated to the companions that we no longer have with us. There really is no place like it.

In the surrounding area, you can explore the small historic town of St. Johnsbury, or catch the farmers markets in nearby Lyndonville and Danville. Take in the natural beauty Vermont by trekking on the expansive Kingdom Trail network, hiking the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail or by visiting the glacial Lake Willoughby.

Just 2.5 hours drive away, this is one of the most unique dog friendly weekend getaways near Boston.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

I was chatting with a fellow pet traveler about my cross-country road trip itinerary. When I mentioned, we’d be going through Vermont, they said, “Oh, I assume you will be visiting Dog Mountain.” At the time I had never heard of it, which thinking back on it now is kind of crazy. As an avid traveler with my dogs, you would think this place would be at the top of my list.

It is a very special hidden gem. We think it is the most dog friendly place in the US and maybe the entire world, so it surprises me that it is not more widely known. If it were, I think a lot more dog lovers across the US would be taking a journey to Dog Mountain in Vermont as a kind of pilgrimage. It is a wonderful mix of the sacred and the silly, which is exactly how many people experience their dogs. It is a rare and beautiful thing to have a place that is dedicated to celebrate and play with our constant companions, and to grieve for those that are no longer with us.

Bath and Midcoast Maine

Why Bath and Midcoast Maine are great dog friendly getaways near Boston

Best For: maritime history and lighthouses, riverside dog parks, fresh seafood by the water, coastal towns and trails

Bath and the Midcoast Maine area can be a great getaway if you are looking for a change of pace. About 2.5 hour drive from Boston, the area is dotted with small coastal towns, lighthouses and beautiful forest trails.

Bath, often called the “City of Ships,” offers waterfront parks like the dog-friendly South End Park, where you and your pup can enjoy the views of the Kennebec River. Nearby in Georgetown, Reid State Park is a highlight with its expansive sandy beaches and wooded trails, perfect for a day of adventure with your dog. For a bite to eat, the regional favorite Five Islands Lobster Co. lets you enjoy fresh seafood by the water while your dog relaxes beside you. The region’s quaint villages, lighthouses like Pemaquid Point, and the unique experience of the Bath Farmers Market on Saturday mornings add to the charm.

This area is also within a 30-40 minute drive of the famous dog friendly LL Bean store in Freeport, where your dog can join you to find the perfect flannel. Portland is also not far off, so you can choose your own adventure. You can enjoy an escape to the quieter towns and woods of The Midcoast while still being able to visit some popular Maine attractions.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

We stayed in Brunswick for a month during our massive cross country road trip with our dogs. We absolutely love this area of Maine. There are so many parks, preserves, beaches and places to explore. Even within a small radius of where we were staying, if every day we visited somewhere new it would probably take a couple months to run out of new places to take our pups.

We visited Bath, Georgetown and other dog friendly places in Midcoast Maine. We really enjoyed the dog park in Bath. It has beautiful views of the river and town and there were a lot of folks there, but with plenty of room to roam so Denver was able to socialize and explore.

We were in Maine during the fall. The locals told us that it wasn’t a great year for fall color, but we were simply blown away. Being able to watch the leaves turn is something we will always keep with us. Our stay in Maine was a special moment in our lives, particularly because Sam at 15 was starting to slow down but we could tell that he was thrilled with the woods, the smells, and the adventures. So many good memories!

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

Why Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is a great dog friendly weekend vacation

Best For: carriage roads and leash-free hikes, low tide trails, dog-friendly shops, beautiful fall adventures

Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is awesome for dog lovers. It is over four hours drive from Boston, so it is probably better for a long weekend or longer vacation. However, it is such a beautiful area to visit that we had to include it!

There are over 100 miles of trails and carriage roads, so you get everything from wooded paths to amazing coastal views. Highlights include Little Long Pond, where dogs can roam off-leash, and Gorham Mountain Trail, which offers stunning panoramic views. The Bar Island Trail is also a must-see, especially during low tide. In Bar Harbor, you’ll find dog-friendly spots like Bark Harbor and Carroll Drug Store. The mix of natural beauty and friendly community makes it a perfect weekend getaway for you and your pup.

Our experience: why we think this is one of the best great dog friendly getaways near Boston

We visited Acadia at the end of the fall season and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Maine. It was pouring rain while we were there and we did get soaked, but it also created a mystical feel to the place with mists floating over the water of Jordan Pond. The town of Bar Harbor and the park together really make it a special place to visit.

We had the chance to hike over to Bar Island during low tide and it resulted in some incredible pictures. Denver and Sam loved every second of it from smelling the rocks at low tide to running down the mossy green forest trails. We barely made it back as the tide came in and we had to wade through one part to get back over to Bar Harbor.

We are very grateful to Mary Ann Perlman, a local guide, that provided us with a lot of advice. There is so much to explore, so check out our dog friendly Acadia post if you are interested. Mary Ann helped us create a very detailed guide along with some accommodation recommendations.

Conway, New Hampshire

Contributed by Sierra of Your Guide to Wandering

Why visit Conway, New Hampshire for a vacation with your dog

Best For: Scenic mountain hikes, dog-friendly trails, cozy lodgings, pet-welcoming patios

Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Conway, New Hampshire, offers a picturesque escape perfect for dog lovers and their furry companions. Just a short 2.5-hour drive from Boston, Conway is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The area boasts numerous dog-friendly hiking trails, including the popular Kancamagus Highway, where you and your pup can enjoy breathtaking views of the changing fall foliage. The scenic Conway Scenic Railroad offers pet-friendly rides, providing a unique way to explore the region’s charm.

Many local eateries, such as the pet-welcoming Flatbread Company, feature patios where dogs are greeted with a bowl of water and a warm smile. With a mix of cozy cabins and pet-friendly inns, finding comfortable accommodations for you and your dog is a breeze.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

During my visit to Conway with my dog, Max, we were thrilled by the variety of pet-friendly activities available. We spent our mornings hiking the Pine Mountain Trail, where Max loved exploring the trails and sniffing around the fallen leaves. In the afternoons, we took relaxing strolls along the Swift River, where Max could cool off in the gentle waters.

One of our favorite spots was the pet-friendly outdoor seating at the Moat Mountain Smokehouse, where Max enjoyed some well-deserved downtime while we savored delicious BBQ. Conway’s welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal getaway for both humans and their four-legged friends.