Do you want to enjoy a vacation with your dog? If you’re a dog parent anxious to find a pet-friendly beach, we’ve got you covered. Look no further than the stunning coastline of Massachusetts.
With sprawling beaches, dirt trails and scrumptious food, dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts have a world to offer. You can choose from options like the North Shore, Boston, Cape Cod and the South Shore. Think how much fun your furry will love rolling on the sandy beaches of MA.
Some MA beaches are open to dogs year-round while others have a season. One way to narrow down your search is by visiting the official websites of these beaches. You can also read more about the local beach guidelines. For instance, some beaches in MA allow dogs without leashes but others do not.
We’ve curated a masterlist for the best dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts. These beaches have great connectivity and amenities to make your travel easier.
Here’s taking a look at the top 10 dog friendly beaches in MA:
Table of Contents
1. Plum Island Beach
Plum Island Beach is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts. What makes Plum Beach so different? Well, dogs can roam the public beach without leashes during the season. Located off the coast of Newburyport, MA, Plum Island welcomes dogs without leashes between October and May.
Plum Island was named after the local plum bushes that grow along the sand dunes. The beach charges ten to twelve dollars depending on your time of visit. For instance, if you visit the beach during weekdays the price is lower.
Also read: Dog Friendly Beaches in Orange County, California
2. Brant Rock
Brant Rock is very popular amongst dog owners due to its pet-friendly accomodations. It is among the best dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts and with good reason. Brant Rock is open to pets and pet owners throughout the year. You can visit this MA beach for a lively holiday with your dog.
Bear in mind that Brant Rock is a popular beach, it is likely to be crowded. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, consider one of the smaller beaches like Nahant Dog Beach.
Also read: Dog Friendly Beaches in Galveston: A Heavenly Abode for Pet Parents
3. Crane Beach
Bordering the Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Crane Beach has much to offer for dogs and their parents. It is home to maritime forests and sand dunes. You can enjoy bird-watching. The piping plovers in Crane Beach are unique to the region. They were also an endangered species in the 19th century. However, before indulging in bird-watching be sure to read guidelines. Dogs and birds don’t exactly mesh well together.
If you’re not into bird-watching fret not – Crane beach has a beautiful Beachfront. You can also see beautiful dirt trails with moderate difficulty, and go horseback riding. You can visit Crane Beach in Massachusetts with your dog between 1st October and March 31st. A dog’s entrance to the beach is chargeable for non-members.
4. Marconi Beach
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts is an off-season beach. This means you can visit with your dog during the less crowded off-season. The Marconi Beach is closed for dogs from mid-October to mid-March. It is known for its sand dunes that once rose to over forty feet. Today, the sand dunes are eroded and you get a nice stretch of sandy shore. The beach requires dogs to wear a leash and be mindful of the shorebirds.
Also read: Dog Friendly Beaches and Parks In Miami, Florida
5. Nahant Dog Beach
In terms of size, Nahant is the smallest district in MA. Indeed the Nahant Dog Beach in Massachusetts stretches over a coastline of four miles. However, don’t let that lull you into thinking that the Nahant Dog Beach is overrated. It’s a cozy corner for your furry friend to freely enjoy the MA coastline. You can sunbathe, plan a picnic or chill with your dog at Nahant.
The beach allows pets between 1st October and 31st March, just in time to celebrate warm winters and spring on the coastline. There is no anxiety about crowded beaches in Nahant due to its offbeat location.
6. Nauset Light Beach
On the southern shore of Cape Cod you will find the Nauset Light Beach. It is one of the more popular dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts. Named after the popular two-toned lighthouse, Nauset Light Beach allows dogs with leashes. Here you can enjoy the unblemished view of the Atlantic Ocean with your furry friend. Indulge in small trails with your pet or unwind in the Atlantic Ocean. Since it’s a busy beach, we recommend visiting Nauset Light during early hours.
The best part? Nauset Light Beach is open to dogs year-round. However, they do require dogs to wear a leash, not more than six-feet long.
7. Plymouth City Beach
If you want a beach with a rich history, Plymouth City Beach is your best bet. The historical Plymouth City Beach welcomes both pets and owners to enjoy the shoreline. Located in the South Shore of Massachusetts, Plymouth City Beach is as pet-friendly as it gets. You can also find several dog-friendly accomodations around the beaches.
8. Singing Beach
In Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, you will find the pristine Singing Beach. Massachusetts’s Singing Beach is slightly offbeat. This means you don’t have to worry about your dog being overwhelmed by the beach goers. While the beach officials do have a guideline for leashes, the rules are flexible. You can request them to let your dog walk leash-free, especially if it is less crowded.
9. Carson Beach
Nestled in the Southern part of Boston is Carson Beach. The South Boston Carson Beach is a public beach with a short, three-mile coastline. It allows dogs between Labor Day and Memorial Day. You can enjoy a trail with your dog from Castle Island to the famous Kennedy Library. You can enjoy picnics, sunbathing and the usual sand castles at Carson Beach. However, swimming in the sea is not recommended for both pets and owners here. If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, Carson Beach is the perfect choice for you.
A reminder – Carson Beach requires dogs to wear a leash during visits.
Also read: Best Dog Friendly Beaches in CT
10. Coast Guard Beach
The last on our list is the Coast Guard Beach located in Eastham, Massachusetts. The Coast Guard Beach is ideal for those wanting to hike or do more outdoorsy stuff. You can enjoy a little vacation with your dog playing in the sand. However, if you plan to visit with your children, beware of swimming in the sea. While there are lifeguards here, the waves are generally a bit much for little kids. Instead, you can enjoy your time by creating sand castles and exploring wild nature trails. Dogs are allowed on the Coast Guard Beach but you have to keep them leashed.
Wrapping Up
Dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts are aplenty. Whether you want a quiet getaway or the regular beach experience, you are spoiled with options. However, it is better to do your homework before visiting MA. Be mindful of the flora and fauna, especially the shorebirds. Lastly, don’t forget to respect the guidelines of the beaches before visiting.