Season of vacation approaching? This one is for all the Hoomen! With the summer season approaching soon, we are sure you want to spend the best sunny days with your puppy at the beach. And why not? Those little furry friends have been with us through thick and thin.
Taking your dog to the beach may seem unusual. Many individuals find it unsafe; some are afraid of dogs, while others fear infections. The reason is, it’s rare to get a dog-friendly beach. But not in Maine!
There are many dog-friendly beaches in Maine. These dog-loving beaches are filled with other furry friends where you and your puppy can play, walk, and eat peacefully.
Some of the beaches in Greater Portland, Maine have special dog hours where your furry friend can come and have their share of fun.
Southern Maine is also known as the Maine Beaches region and has sandy beaches exclusively made for dogs.
Let’s explore the top beaches that you and your dog can enjoy. Some of these beaches offer leash-free benefits as well!
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1. Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach located in York, ME, is one of the best stops for ocean views. Apart from the big beach, it has a friendly dog vibe. You’ll see many of the furry friends enjoying, playing, and eating around.
Here, you’ll get a two-mile beach stretch covered with soft white sand where you can walk, run, and play with your dog. Furthermore, at Long Sands Beach, you may locate restaurants with decent outdoor space that allow you to dine with your dog.
Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen, a leisure stroll, and towels for your trip!
Dog Rules To Remember
- During Season: Between the 20th of May and the 20th of September, no dogs are permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- During the offseason: Dogs are permitted on a leash or under voice command at any time.
2. Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk
One of the largest Kennebunk Beaches, Gooch’s is located at Beach Ave. It is a widely popular destination among pet parents. This place has talcum powder sand with frequent heavy tides. Your dog can enjoy walking in the water and surfing (if trained)!
Here, all the woofers are welcomed in the morning and evening but with a leash. Enjoy long walks and experience the soulful tides with your puppy.
During Season: From 15th June to Labour Day dogs are permitted before 9 AM and after 5 PM. If your pet is well-trained and can respond to your voice while being under control, they can be kept leash-free.
During the offseason: Dogs are welcome on the beach all day. They can be left leash-free, but the condition being your dog must be trained for voice control.
3. Middle Beach, Kennebunk
If you want to explore a rocky stretch of Kennebunk Beach, here is the place to go. The Middle beach is one of the most beautiful stretches between Mother’s and Gooch beaches. It is said to be an artist’s inspiration because of its beautiful black stones.
In the morning and evening, puppies are welcome. Walk them along the beach boardwalk towards the Breakwater. Along the route, you can also visit Mother’s Beach!
Also read: Dog Friendly Beaches and Parks In Miami, Florida
4. Mother’s Beach, Kennebunk
Let your dog jump and rub around to enjoy the splash of the incoming waves riding offshore.
A well-protected beach with a short sandy section is what Mother’s beach is about! It is a family and dog-friendly beach. The name was given after the vibe- you’ll find many mothers hanging out with their kids!
Many of the puppy parents are here to chill. Comparatively a low tide beach, where you can explore the ocean creatures. They’ve tidal pools as well.
5. Bay View Beach, Saco
One of the best and dog-friendly beaches in Maine, Bay View Beach is an a-to-go place. Here, dogs are allowed all day. They also can be off-leash (but trained).
Walk and play with your dog on long stretches of sand with rock outcroppings. Dogs love to walk and play ball at this beach. You may also enjoy the high tides at the beach. Make sure to keep an eye on your puppy, as they’ll be off-leash!
Here, you may also find many dog breeds enjoying and playing in the sand. Witness a whole new dog world at the Bay View!
During Season: From April 1st to September 30th, dogs are allowed only on leash and under the supervision of a person concerned.
6. Kinney Shores, Saco
Kinney Shores is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Maine. Dogs are welcome here all day throughout the summer season, so you can accompany them on morning walks as well as late-night games.
The area features a long stretch of white sand with rocky areas. Enjoy tide pooling with your dog. You can also spot many dog breeds here enjoying and playing together!
Also read: Dog Friendly Beaches in Galveston: A Heavenly Abode for Pet Parents
7. Pine Point Beach, Scarborough
Fan of long sandy shorelines? Bring your canine companions to Pine Point Beach! This lengthy sandy beach is located in Saco Bay and stretches about 4 miles from the Jetty to Orchard Beach.
Pine Point is one of the longest and largest beaches, where you can enjoy swimming, playing catch, and taking strolls along the stretch. You may also find many fast and delicious food options here. One of the most famous cuisines is seafood. Enjoy a meal, and spend summertime with your puppy.
During Season: From May 15 to Labor Day – dawn to 9 a.m. – dogs can be off-leash but under voice control; after 5 p.m. to twilight – only on a leash.
During the offseason: From Labor Day to May 14, your dog can run free from sunrise to sunset, but between 1 and 3 p.m., all dogs must be leashed.
8. Ferry Beach, Scarborough
A mixture of sand and shingle, as well as sparkling clear water, makes a relaxing environment for you and your dog to exercise. You may explore many snack carts here.
This is one of the most lovely and expansive dog walking areas in the area.
Play games, throw frisbees, and take long walks at Ferry Beach. However, dogs are only permitted here during the off-season (between October to March). Also, remember to keep your dogs under 6 feet on a leash.
9. Higgins Beach, Scarborough
If you want to explore the most beautiful beaches in Scarborough, this one shall be your resort. Apart from the beautiful long stretch, the beach has a friendly vibe. Family, friends, and dog families enjoy the frequent high tidal waves along with the soothing sand waters.
Make sure your dog is on a leash and is well-trained! Training is important to enjoy hassle-free, and also protect a dog from beach waves/ tides.
During Season: No dogs are allowed from May 15 to Labor Day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but leashed dogs are allowed from sunrise to 9 a.m., or after 5 p.m. to sunset.
During the offseason: From Labor Day to May 14, dogs on leashes are allowed between 1-3 p.m.
10. Willard Beach, South Portland
Plan a trip to Willard Beach with your dog for a pleasant summer vacation! This beautiful beach features cold water but is surrounded by stunning scenery — perfect for relaxing or experiencing something different from the usual.
Swimming, boating, and other water activities are welcome here. Thanks to the 4 acres of water land. You may enjoy great views along with the cold silent water waves.
Make sure your dog is on a leash. Here, all the amenities are easily accessible. The whole beach is dog friendly. You can spend the whole day enjoying it with your family as well.
During Season: Dogs are permitted from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1st to September 30th.
During the offseason: Pets are welcome the whole day but must be kept on a leash between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Also read: Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Cape Cod
11. East End Beach, Portland
Soft long tides, Old Orchard beaches, and amusement parks galore on the East End Beach! If you’re planning a family trip, make sure to stop by this beach. Your pet will have an endless amount of pleasure splashing about in the water.
Here, you’ll find many dog breeds playing together! So there’s a chance your dog will make a new best friend! The nicest part is that you can set your dog leash-free and let them have some pleasure on its own.
12. Hendrick’s Southport Island
The Hendricks Lighthouse, built in 1829, is one of the state’s oldest. Here, you may enjoy a different beach vibe with rocky coasts, great lighting, waterfront vistas, rich marine culture, and hiking path facilities. The 43-foot tower historical Lighthouse is the beach’s centre of attraction.
Head over to Hendrick’s Southport Island to enjoy an evening with your dog and witness a beautiful and appealing view.
Dogs can go off-leash on the beach at any time, but they must be under voice control and you must carry a leash on hand.
13. Laite Beach park, Camden
Laite Beach Park is a small yet beautiful beach in Camden, Maine. It is a hidden gem with a lovely park along the beach. Dogs adore the park, playing and walking around freely!
Simply carrying a leash and having your pets under voice control is all that is required to allow your pet to spend an off-leash day here.
During the season: From May 1st to September 30th, you can bring your dog to the beach between 6 am and 8am and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Note: Each beach has its own set of rules and restrictions. Make sure to follow all of the instructions and not break any laws. Some may welcome dogs on leashes, while others may not. Also, read about the timeframes.
Additionally, keep an eye on your dog at beaches where they are allowed leash-free. This is because your little friend might not realize a high tide or danger point.
Also read: Best Dog Friendly Beaches On Long Island
Wrapping up
These are our top handpicked 13 dog-friendly beaches in Maine. Apart from the beach fun, you can also explore treks, parks, and other enjoyable things with your pups.
Only dog owners understand the value of their pets and the importance of spending time outdoors away from the limits of the home. These kinds of beaches are a blessing in disguise for dog owners.
Make sure to follow all the rules and regulations before you take them out!
Maine is a dog lover’s paradise. Almost 90% of the area is dedicated to dog-friendly walking routes, national parks, lakes, ponds, and treks.
If you want to go on a vacation with your dog, go to Maine; it is one of the most dog-friendly states and will not disappoint!