Maine is a great tourist destination and best known for its maritime history, great coastline and amazing natural wonders. Maine is the north-eastern state in the US. When we think about the best dog friendly beaches, Maine is one of the most common names that strikes into our head. Maine beaches are perfect for your pets for the year-round. But remember, your dog must be on leash all of the time. And each beach has own rules for these beach-visiting dogs. Know the rules and strictly follow them. If you are visiting any of these dog-friendly beaches in Maine with your newly pet for its training purposes, make sure your dog is not off-leash for a single moment.
These dog friendly beaches in Maine are great spots where your dogs can dig the sand, stroll in fresh air, can do some running in the long stretch of these clean and nice beaches, soak up in the sun and the other favourite activities that your dog can’t enjoy in the caged house. One thing to notice, most of these beaches are very clean and well-mentioned, and no dog owners are allowed to make the beaches untidy. So, you know what exactly you need to do, right?
So, here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Maine that are great for your dogs to get totally involved with the nature.
1. Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks Beach is a nice public beach located in the town of Kennebunkport, Maine. Formerly known as “Beachwood”, the beautiful and shimmering Goose Rocks Beach is open for all types of visitors. Dogs are also welcome in this beach.
Do enjoy the fresh air and calm water with your buddy. The three miles long beach offers sunrise hours for pets and also the golden hours at sunset time. In this long beach, your pet could run, enjoy the oceanwater and dig the sand. Anytime you visit the beach with your pet, make sure your pet is on leash.
As it’s a popular public beach, in peak seasons dogs can only stick around the coastline before 8 AM and after 6 PM. Avoid visiting the west side of the beach with dogs as it is home to Piping Plovers.
Address: Kennebunkport, ME 04046
2. Willard Beach
Willard Beach is also a dog-friendly beach. Located near Southern Maine Community College, this beach is also a favourite spot among families. Dogs are allowed in this sandy beach during the summer season. The permitted visiting period is before 9 AM and after 7 PM. You would discover numerous pebbles are decorating the coastal area.
Enjoy the fresh air along with the sea side views in this beautiful 4-acre Willard Beach. Off-leash dogs are allowed in some specific seasons. Collect current information after reaching the spot and then act accordingly.
To explore more, head to Spring Point Shoreway Trail with your leashed dog. The trail leads to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. It is a nice viewpoint.
Address: 46 Willow St #2, South Portland, ME 04106
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3. Pine Point Beach
Pine Point Beach is a long sandy beach. It is another one of the best dog friendly beaches in Maine. The beach has a restricted area and it’s defined as the portion from the main beach access way at Hurd Park.
From April, dogs are strictly prohibited on the land for the protection of Piping Plovers. And after these species’ Labor Day, the area is again permitted for on-leash dogs.
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4. Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is a part of York County, Maine. The beach is a stunning resort town and a great tourist destination. The 11-km long beach covers three different towns. There are several amusement park and other top-rated beach attractions in these towns. You will encounter a wooden pier on the beach containing souvenir shops.
Visitors could experience a nice stroll in the fresh air with their dogs before 10 AM and after 5 PM.
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5. Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach is the most popular beach in Maine. Several tours, day trips, adventure and outdoor activities, all together make this beach a great weekend getaway among many families. This beach is an absolutely incredible gateway destination. Located outside of York, Long Sands Beach is a great year-round destination.
There are lots of wildlife and peaceful natural ambience, you could spend your entire day in this single beach. Dogs, of course, can be your mate in this beach. It’s a nice walkable beach. Stroll in the permitted areas with your pets. Visitors love to spend several hours walking and enjoying the cool water. Visitors also get a glance of the famous Nubble Lighthouse form this beach.
The peak season at the beach is from May 20th to September 20th. During this bustling season, dogs are allowed only on leash and the timing is before 8 AM and after 6 PM. Dog owners are provided a dog bag disperser for cleaning up after the pet.
The rest of the year is great for pets as they can enjoy off-leash walking, strolling and running till 8 AM but must be on a leash the rest of the day.
Address: 189 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
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6. Short Sands Beach
In Short Sands Beach you would see many dog owners come with their pets to enjoy the nature and to play with their pets. Short Sands Beach is a great recreation area. If you are visiting with your family and kids, must explore shopping and eatery stores. Several gaming options are also available.
Before 8 AM and after 6 PM, off-leash dogs are permitted on the beach in busy season only and it is from May 20 to September 20. During the off-seasons, there is no restriction for the pets who are under voice control. Remember, dogs are not allowed in playground area and must be on leash in the park.
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7. Higgins Beach
Higgins Beach is one of the most restricted dog friendly beaches in Maine. The beach has some specific rules for the dogs. And the beach is divided into multiple sections to protect the endangered Piping Plover Shorebirds as they make some parts of the beach their temporary living ground for their Labor purposes.
From April 1 through Labor Day, there are restricted areas, and no dog is allowed in the beach from 9 AM to 5 PM. Besides this time period, leashed and well maintained pets, under voice control off-leash dogs are allowed on the non-restricted areas only.
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8. Gooch’s Beach
Among all the beaches near Kennebunk, Gooch’s Beach is the largest and a very popular pet-friendly beach. The beach is longer than half mile. This beach has also some rules and restrictions for the pets, but the best part is, there’s plenty of spaces for dogs on both leash and off-leash.
From June till Labor Day, dogs must be on leash in the beach before 9 AM and after 5 PM. It’s also one of the sandy beaches that offer year-round permission to the pets. Must take a stroll with your pet to the nearby Kennebunk Beaches via a paved coastal route.
Address: Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
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9. Seapoint Beach
Your pup can play freely in the pet-friendly beach of Saepoint Beach. Leashed dogs are permitted in the beach area only before 9 AM and after 5 PM from June 15 to September 10. During off-season, the parks are also available for leashed dogs.
The beach is a great place for anyone who wishes to spend time in the sand and in nature.
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10. Wells Beach
Wells Beach allows dogs roaming on the 7-miles long sandy shore in both on leash and off-leash, in different seasons. Wells Beach is a nice outdoor beach for the entire family and pets. It’s a very crowded beach for the yead-round. And your pet will definitely meet with other mates.
Well Beach is also the nesting of seabirds. Make sure, the seabirds are not disturbed at all by your dogs. The peak season is from June 16th through September 15th. In this time dogs are allowed before 8 AM and after 6 PM.
Address: Wells, ME 04090
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11. East End Beach
East End Beach is accessible through the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland. This is a favourite beach among many pet owners. In summer, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Must visit the beach with your pet in off-season, in this time period you can explore the park with the pets. This beach is one of the most popular beaches among the dog-owners. Plus, the pebbles perfect sandy beach is also a great spot for spending a relaxed time with the family.
12. Ogunquit Beach
Visitors take their dearest dogs to Ogunquit Beach mostly during the months October through March. In this sandy beach, dogs are free to run without leashes. In rest of the months, no dogs are allowed at any time in this beach.
Remember, April through September, Ogunquit Beach strictly prohibits dogs coming inside. And violators are subjected to a fine of $100. You’ll discover another beautiful Moody Beach nearby. But remember, it’s a privately owned beach and dogs are never permitted on Moody Beach.
13. Kinney Shores
Must take your dog on a pup-friendly vacation to this clean and beautiful Kinney Shores. You will see many families are playing in the water with their leashed dogs. Carry the favourite toys of your pet, let your pet play and run with the toys in the long and open space with lots of fresh air.
No dogs are allowed within the 100 feet of the protected Plover areas. Rest of the beach areas are open for off-leash dogs all the day. From April 1st through September 30th, dogs must be on leashes.
14. Ferry Beach State Park
Ferry Beach State Park is another great tourist attraction. The state park is a public recreation area occupying 117-acres on the famous Saco Bay. Here visitors could enjoy a sandy Atlantic Ocean beach. There are several hiking trails and natural wonders that are great attractions among the tourists.
This is also one of the nicest dog friendly beaches in Maine, but no dogs are allowed on the beach from April 1 through September 30, and during off-season, dogs mut be leashed at all times.
15. Mother’s Beach
For traveling families, Mother’s Beach is a perfect option. It is a nice sandy beach. Playing with pets in the oceanwater is a common thing in Mother’s Beach. Must have a stroll with your buddy to the left side of the beach and see what your dog finds out.
There is a large parking area close to the beach. In peak season, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 9 AM to 5 PM. Some rules are always effective for the dogs like the previous beaches. In early morning and after evening, leashed dogs are allowed.
16. Kennebunk Beach
Kennebunk Beach is marked as one of the best dog friendly beaches in Maine by many dog owners. It’s truly a dogging paradise, specially, during the off-season. There are lots of activities available for your pet. Your pet can run in the open and fresh air or roll in the sands or play with the cool oceanwater.
Also, a great place for beach gateways among families and other groups, the uniqueness of Kennebunk Beach is, the beach community is dog-friendly and allows several water activities for your furry friend. In busy season, dogs are not allowed during the day. But you could definitely enjoy a fresh and open beach strolling with your pet before 9 AM and after 5 PM in peak seasons, also.
To enjoy a nice beach view with your pet, walk on the Beach Ave sidewalk.
Address: Kennebunk, ME 04043
17. Crescent Beach
The sandy shore of Crescent Beach is a part of Crescent Beach State Park. No beach visitor in Maine should skip this natural wonder. A Crescent Beach getaway is going to give immense joy and happiness for your entire family and pets, as well.
Here you will experience nature trails and a peaceful beach ambience. You’ll see many dog owners are playing with their humble pets and many are busy in clicking photos of the surrounding area.
In summer, the beach gets over-subscribed with both tourists from overseas and local visitors, though dogs are not permitted during day time in the beach in summer season. But, based on the Kittery Police website, Kittery residents can take their dogs to the beach, at any time in summer.
For outside visitors, they can take their pets to Crescent Beach before 10 AM and after 5 PM. And they must be on leash at no longer than 6 feet, at all times.
18. Bayview Beach
Bayview Beach in Maine is a white sand beach with gentle shoreline. This fine beach is one of the few beaches that allow dogs to hang out on the beach the whole day. Your pet can play with its favourite toy, can dig the sand, play with the waves or can explore the surrounding place with you. It is a great doggy dip beach, indeed.
Waste bags are provided to the dog owners at the entrance. And pets must be on leash from July to August from 9 AM to 5 PM. In rest of the year, they can be off-leash if they’re under voice control.
19. Fort Foster Beach
Fort Foster Beach is a historic site. Earlier, it was a fort between 1909 to 1946. In this waterfront sandy shore, dog owners could spend a good day with their pets. Pets are permitted year-round.
You might also cover the natural trails that are accessible for dogs. Or, simply walk through the shoreline and enjoy the soft tides.
From Fort Foster Beach, you will get a nice view of the historic Whaleback Lighthouse. There is a beach pier, and dogs are also allowed there. In peak season, more restrictions are imposed upon the dogs. The busy season starts in Fort Foster Beach from April 1st to October 1st.
Address: Pocahontas Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905
20. Cape Neddick Beach
Cape Neddick Beach is another gem for dogs. The beach provides lots of dog-friendly activities. Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control before 8 AM and after 6 PM. During day time, they must be leashed. Remember, from May 15th to October 15th, it is resident only permit parking.
FAQs
1. Are dogs allowed on any beaches in Maine?
There are many dog friendly beaches you’ll find in Maine. One of the best pet-friendly beaches include Goose Rocks Beach in the town of Kennebunkport, where visitors are allowed to take their pets around the coastline before 8 AM and after 6 PM. Another popular dog friendly beach in Maine include Pine Point Beach. Old Orchard Beach also allows leashed dogs before 10 AM and after 5 PM.
2. Does Maine allow dogs?
The state park beaches in Maine welcome leashed dogs from 1st October till 31st March, but no pets are allowed between 1st April to 30th September in the state park beaches.
3. Can dogs go to Sand beach Maine?
Long Sands Beach allows dog owners to take their dogs to the beach. In peak season, that is from May 20th to September 20th, dogs are allowed only on leash and the time is before 8 AM and after 6 PM. For rest of the year, you could take your furry friend to the beach to enjoy off-leash walking, running and playing till 8 AM. After that time period, they must be on leash. Short Sands Beach also allows off-leash dogs, before 8 AM and after 6 PM. Moreover, the park area also allows pets, but they must be on leash at all times.
4. Is it OK to take my dog to the beach?
Beaches have some rules and regulations regarding dogs. Follow them. Also, clean up properly after the pets and keep the beach clean enough for other beachgoers. Also, must check out the water condition and make sure there is no rip currents for the safety of your pets. If they are trying to go too far and close to deep water, it’s important to put them leashes and control them from going too far.
5. Is Ogunquit Beach dog friendly?
The 3-mile-long Ogunquit Beach allows dogs on the beach any time from September 9 to March 31. The sandy beach, with its pristine water, is a popular beach destination among many families. For pets, there are many fun things to enjoy. The best part is, dogs are free to run without leashes in Ogunquit Beach.
6. Does Maine require dog license?
Yes, dogs aged six months and older must have a license. The 95% of the dog license fees in Maine are used for the State Animal Welfare Program’s entire funding.
7. Can dogs go to York beach Maine?
Located adjacent to Hartley Mason Park, York Harbor Beach in Maine is one of the best dog friendly beaches in the state. It’s a small and sandy beach that allows visitors to take off-leash pets from May 20 through September 20, before 8 AM and after 6 PM. Off-leash pets must be under voice control.
8. Can I bring my dog to Wells Beach Maine?
Wells Beach in Wells, Maine is also a great beach to take your pet to make them fit and more social. From June 16 through September 15, dogs are allowed to go to the beach before 8 AM and after 6 PM., and they must be on leash. In off-season, leashed dogs are allowed for the entire day to stay in Wells Beach.
9. How long can a dog stay on the beach?
Unlike us, dogs usually can’t stay in beaches for more than 2-3 hours. More than this time duration could be exhausting for the dogs of any ages. So, if they are not wanting to stay on the beaches for more than 2 hours, don’t bother them. This long time is enough to make your pet fit and fine under the nature.
