11 Great Dog Friendly Weekend Getaways in New England
Have you been wondering where some of the best dog friendly vacations are in New England?
Exploring New England with your pup opens up a treasure trove of experiences. Throughout the seasons, these states have fantastic places for a dog-friendly weekend getaway. There is so much distinct character throughout the northeast, so you are sure to enjoy the blend of history, nature and local expression wherever you go. Have fun exploring these dog-friendly weekend getaways in New England!
Vacations With A Dog In Maine
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor
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 our top pick for dog-friendly weekend getaways in New England. 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 the natural beauty, the activities around the island and the great town of Bar Habor makes this the ideal dog-friendly vacation in New England.
Our experience: why we think this is one of the best dog friendly weekend getaways in New England
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 green forest trails. We barely made it back as the tide came in and had to wade through one part to get back over to Bar Harbor.
We are extremely grateful to Mary Ann Perlman, a local guide who shared invaluable advice with us. There’s so much to explore in the area. If you’re interested, check out our dog friendly Acadia guide, which Mary Ann helped us create. It includes detailed information and some accommodation recommendations.
Portland, ME
Best For: waterfront walkies, island adventures, off-leash parks, dog-friendly breweries
Portland, ME, is great for dog owners. Start your day with a walk along the Eastern Promenade for views of Casco Bay. The Old Port area has cobblestone streets with pet-friendly shops and cafes. You can take a short ferry ride to Peaks Island for trails and beaches where dogs can roam freely. Back in Portland, Thompson’s Point often has outdoor events and food trucks that welcome dogs. The Eastern Promenade Trail is a nice spot for walking or jogging with your dog. Deering Oaks Park has an off-leash area and lots of open space. After a busy day, check out dog-friendly breweries like Rising Tide or Allagash. Portland has a laid-back vibe and is very welcoming to dogs, making it a perfect weekend getaway. You’ll find a mix of coastal beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities that make it a memorable spot for both you and your dog.
Our experience: a fantastic dog friendly weekend getaway in New England
We spent the day in Portland and loved it. We started with the Eastern Promenade Trail and and East End beach so we could enjoy one of the many dog friendly beaches in Maine. The large park, the promenade, food trucks and beach make it a spot where you could easily spend a morning or afternoon.
Then we tried to get in to Duckfat, but failed. They have a nice little parklet but the line was just too long. But the food options are pretty great in Portland, so we were able to grab some hush puppies and delicious BBQ at Wilson Country Barbeque.
To wrap up the day, we caught the sunset at the Portland Head Lighthouse. It was the perfect way to end the day, it wasn’t as crowded and the sunset was quiet beautiful. Our pictures from Portland Head are some of our favorites from our month long stay in Maine.
Dog Friendly Vacations in Vermont
Dog Mountain
Best For: celebrating our precious pups, doggy games and social time, loving memories
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is one of the most unique dog-friendly weekend getaways in New England. Founded by artist Stephen Huneck, this 150-acre retreat is dedicated to the celebration and enjoyment of dogs. Dog Mountain 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. The mix of Dog Mountain with small towns and great outdoor activities make this a great dog-friendly vacation in New England.
Our experience: why we think this is one of the most unique dog friendly weekend getaways in New England
I was chatting with a fellow pet traveler about my cross-country road trip with our dogs. 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, and 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.
Burlington
Why Burlington is a great dog friendly weekend vacation
Best For: lakefront strolls, off-leash parks, dog-friendly breweries, vibrant downtown
Burlington Vermont is great for a dog-friendly getaway. It’s right on Lake Champlain, so there are tons of scenic views and outdoor activities. Walk along the Burlington Bike Path and let your dog enjoy the fresh lake breeze. Starr Farm Dog Park is another good spot with lots of space for your dog to run around and meet other dogs. Downtown, Church Street Marketplace is super dog-friendly with shops and patios where dogs are welcome. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill has outdoor seating and serves farm-to-table food. Burlington Waterfront Park is close by and perfect for some adventure where you and your dog can explore trails or swim in the lake. Local breweries like Switchback Brewing Co. often have dog-friendly outdoor seating. With all these activities and a welcoming vibe, Burlington is perfect for a weekend escape with your dog.
Dog Friendly Getaways In Massachusetts
Boston
Best For: walkies of liberty, waterfront fetch, south end adventures
Boston is the metropolitan choice for dog-friendly weekend getaways in New England. You can start with a walk along the Freedom Trail; your dog will love the historic sites and cobblestone streets. Boston Common is perfect for fetch or a stroll around Frog Pond. If your dog likes water, the Charles River Esplanade has amazing views and plenty of space to play. The Esplanade is also great for jogging or relaxed walks. You can even take a dog-friendly harbor cruise to enjoy the sea breeze and skyline.
The North End has dog-friendly patios where you can grab Italian food while your dog gets some water. The Rose Kennedy Greenway is another good spot, with fountains and open spaces for a break. Don’t forget the local dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, which is great for socializing your dog.
Boston’s blend of history and dog-friendly spots makes it an ideal choice for a dog-friendly vacation in New England.
Our experience: why we think this is a great weekend getaway with a dog
As part of our month-long dog-friendly vacation in New England we spent two short days in Boston. It was pretty rainy, but that didn’t stop us! We popped Denver into his backpack, jumped on some bikes that were provided by our hotel, and we hit the town.
Given the conditions and the fact that we were just on bikes, we spent our time in the West End and Beacon Hill so experts on Boston, we are not. However, just being able to enjoy the historic streets was a lot of fun. Denver preferred Frog Pond and the rest of the Boston Common because he could stretch his legs and take in all the smells.
We were there with the final leaves of fall still on the trees, so there were a lot of beautiful golden trees along the waterfront. We learned that Boston recently made some changes that allow business with outdoor spaces to be more dog friendly. So that should allow even more variety in the amount of things you can do in Boston with your pup.
Cape Cod
Best For: beach frolics, scenic trails, boat rides, quaint villages, seafood snacks, lighthouse visits
Cape Cod is great for a dog-friendly getaway. Your dog will love running on beaches like Sandy Neck and Race Point. There are scenic trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail for long walks through charming towns and woods. Pet-friendly patios in Provincetown or Chatham are perfect for enjoying seafood while your dog chills out. Check out lighthouses like Nobska Light for great views and photo ops.
You can even take a boat ride from Hyannis; the sea spray is refreshing, and your dog will love the adventure. The quaint villages with unique shops and historic homes are perfect for strolls. Don’t forget the cranberry bogs and salt marshes, which are a unique places to explore.
Whether your dog loves swimming, hiking, or just exploring, Cape Cod has something for both of you. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy simple seaside pleasures.
The Berkshires
Best For: scenic hikes, artsy vibes, outdoor festivals, dog-friendly trails and lake swims,
The Berkshires are great to visit for a vacation with a dog. You and your pup can enjoy hikes on the Appalachian Trail or the easy paths at Kennedy Park. There’s also the fenced-in area at Pittsfield State Forest where dogs can run off-leash. If it’s warm, head to Lake Garfield for a swim. After a day out, the cozy cabins and pet-friendly lodges are perfect for relaxing.
For some culture, check out the outdoor sculptures at the Clark Art Institute, where leashed dogs are welcome. The towns of Lenox and Stockbridge are also worth a visit, with pet-friendly patios for dining outside. In the summer, there are outdoor festivals and farmers’ markets that are fun for social dogs. The Berkshires has a mix of outdoor activities and cultural spots that both you and your dog will enjoy
Dog Friendly Getaways in New Hampshire
The White Mountains
Best For: scenic forest hikes, waterfall chasers, leaf-peeping pups, lakeside loungers, charming town strolls
White Mountain National Forest is huge and absolutely beautiful. There are tons of trails where you can walk through thick forests, see waterfalls, and get to spots with amazing views. The Franconia Ridge Loop is a must-do if you want to see the mountains all around you. The fall is especially great because of the colorful leaves. Also, check out the Kancamagus Highway for a scenic drive with plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs.
Around White Mountain National Forest, there’s a lot to see and do with your dog. Franconia Notch State Park is close by, and you can check out the Flume Gorge and the Basin both are dog-friendly and really pretty. Lake Winnipesaukee is another great spot with clear water, beaches, and lots of trails. The towns nearby, like Lincoln and North Conway, are super charming. You can walk around, find pet-friendly cafes, and shop for locally crafted wares. Each place has its own vibe and plenty of spots to enjoy with your dog.
Portsmouth
Best For: waterfront walks, off-leash parks, historic exploration, dog-friendly cafes, scenic harbor cruises
Portsmouth, NH is a coastal town that’s great for a dog-friendly weekend. The waterfront is perfect for walks along the Piscataqua River. Prescott Park is a beautiful spot where dogs can play. You can also check out Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum where leashed dogs are welcome. Market Square has shops and dog-friendly cafes for some relaxation and people-watching. There are also dog-friendly harbor cruises that let you see the area’s lighthouses and historic forts.
The town has a laid-back vibe, making it easy to explore with your dog. Many patios welcome pets, so you can enjoy a meal or drink together. If your dog likes water, head to Pierce Island for a splash in the tidal pools. The mix of historic sites, scenic views, and dog-friendly spots makes Portsmouth a fun place to visit.
Dog Friendly Vacations In Rhode Island
Block Island
Best For: off-leash beaches, lighthouse visits and island trails, dog-friendly ferries
Block Island, RI is a great spot for a dog-friendly weekend. It’s just a short ferry ride from the mainland, and the ferry even welcomes dogs. Once you’re there, you and your dog can enjoy the island’s natural beauty. The off-leash beaches, like Mansion Beach, let your dog run and play in the water. If you like hiking, there are trails like Clay Head Nature Trail and the Greenway Trails that offer amazing ocean views and chances to see local wildlife. Don’t miss the Southeast Lighthouse and the North Lighthouse for cool photo spots.
The island has a relaxed vibe with lots of dog-friendly patios and outdoor spaces where you can eat or have a drink. With its oceanfront trails, historical sites, and laid-back feel, Block Island is a great place for you and your dog to relax and explore. The locals are friendly and love dogs, making it a special place for dog owners looking for a fun getaway.
Final Thoughts: best weekend getaways in New England
New England has an incredible variety of weekend getaways to explore with your dog. From exploring islands and scenic trails like Acadia National Park to climbing mountains or unwinding in the natural beauty of The Berkshires, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of adventure.
From the historic Boston metropolis to the unique villages and towns like Provincetown, every community offers its own mix of fresh experiences that are sure to delight both you and your constant companion.
Enjoy your next adventure!
