The conventional coastline of Maine is only 228 miles long, but the tide coastline is 3,478 miles long with many options for dogs. However, the best Maine pet-friendly beaches can be found by traveling up the picturesque coast, passing through quaint seaside villages, and visiting protected natural areas. As one of the top pet-friendly states, it’s time to get out to the beaches and let your dog explore the beach.
Keep in mind, most of the options for public pet-friendly beaches are in the southern portion of the state between Portland and the New Hampshire border unless you go off the beaten path. Dogs adore the beach, after all, and Maine has almost 30 miles of public parks waiting to be discovered by all kinds of people and their canines. Here are our top choices for your and your canine companion.
Map of Maine Dog-Friendly Beaches
This map will guide you to dog-friendly beaches all over Maine.
Maine’s State Parks Information
Before we start on the fun part, the beaches, let’s discuss Maine State Park rules and regulations. First, they suggest you bring a doggy life jacket or other flotation device if you are taking your dog in the water. Second, they have specific times of years dogs can use the state beaches:
- Beaches Between April 1 and September 30, pets are not permitted on State Park beaches.
- Pets are permitted on State Park beaches from October 1 through March 31 as long as they are on a leash.
- Some of the beaches have looser rules for early morning and late evening or off-season times.
Central Maine Beaches
When visiting central and north Maine, you will notice far fewer options for your dog on state property. However, you can find tons of options by reading the signs and following local rules.
Laite Memorial Beach
Located in Camden, Maine, Laite Memorial Beach is a popular destination for dog owners. Camden Harbor is a great place to go swimming in the ocean, with incredible views of Camden Harbor, Camden Hills, and Penobscot Bay.
There are no entrance fees or parking restrictions at this tiny beach, and it is just on the water of Camden Harbor. Normal State Park rules apply, meaning in summer months, you cannot take your dog before 6 p.m. In the off-season, dogs under the care of their owners are allowed on Camden’s town-owned beaches.
Sandy Point Beach Park
Visit Stockton Springs between Bar Harbor and Bangor to enjoy Sandy Point Beach Park and Trails. Explore the area’s nautical past with your four-legged buddy.
This park covers around 100 acres and features a lengthy stretch of sandy beach and nearly two miles of paths through fields, forests, and marsh. At low tide, you and your dog can explore this fascinating beach on French Point, where the Penobscot River empties into Penobscot Bay.
At Sandy Point Beach Park and Trails, canines are permitted, but only if they are on a leash or otherwise under their owners’ care at all times.
Your dog cannot climb up the bluffs, though, as this can lead to erosion. Also, clean up after your pet and try to take them at low tide. Finally, the park offers a dog-specific first aid kit conveniently situated under the bench at the beach’s entrance.
Hendricks Head Beach on Southport Island
The town of Southport owns and maintains the expansive and sandy Hendricks Head Beach. Dogs are welcome on the beach anytime when under voice command and with a leash in tow.
The dog-friendly Hendricks Head Hiking Trail is a quick jaunt from the beach. Find this beach less than a mile from the Southport General Store, tucked away below Hendricks Head Light.
The selling point of this beach is that dogs can run free all year. Yes, you read that correctly. However, you must keep dogs under vocal control, so do not bring a new puppy who does not know the rules.
Although the beach may not be large, dogs have access to the nearby Kitten Island, a miniature mountain with a view of the Sheepscot River.
Southern Beaches
Southern Maine offers plenty of options, mainly in the Portland and Kennebunkport areas. However, you will have an option closer to New Hampshire in the Ogunquit area.
Kennebunk Beach
Kennebunk Beach comes to mind when people inquire which Maine beaches allow dogs as it’s a doggie paradise during the off-season.
While the weather may be too cold to swim, your pet can run, roll, and engage in any number of other beach-friendly activities. During pet hours in the warmer months, you can take your dog in to paddle around or maybe even surf a little but not alone!
If you wish to let your dog run around a bit, you will need to either keep it on a leash or train it to respond to your voice commands. Please be mindful of early risers if your dog tents to be noisy. Dogs are welcome during the normal Maine dog calendar times as listed above. Lastly, keep your other pets at home; cats are not welcome.
Arundel Beach
Kennebunkport, Maine, is home to the small, rocky dog-friendly beach of Arundel Beach, also known as Colony Beach. In some cases, the water may become choppy, so it is important to keep a close check on your dog if he or she decides to go in. Arundel Beach is a no-frills beach perfect for visiting at low tide to cool off or take a scenic walk with Fido.
The beach is conveniently located next to Parson’s Way shore walk. The small gravel parking lot at Arundel Beach does not require a parking permit, unlike the nearby Goose Rocks Beach and Gooch’s Beach.
But, you will need to remember the State Park rules as they apply and watch for any signs with directives.
Gooch’s Beach
Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk is one of the Maine beaches that allow pets. Here, you and your pet can enjoy a tranquil stroll or an invigorating jog. If your pet is obedient and stays where you tell them to, you can let them roam free without a leash in the off-season months until 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
You may reach Gooch’s Beach by taking Beach Avenue eastward and turning. It is the largest and most frequented of all the beaches in the Kennebunk area; hence pets are welcome here. On or off-leash dogs have plenty of areas to run around.
Take a stroll along the coast to some of the other Kennebunk Beaches nearby by a paved coastal trail, but make sure your dog is welcome everywhere you go!
Thomas Knight Park
Pet owners love to take their dogs to Thomas Knight Park in South Portland because it’s leash free. From the beach, you can view the Casco Bay Bridge as you meander down the many trails. In addition, you and your pet can enjoy bird watching between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. when the park stays open.
In the park, your canine can enjoy a special dog beach with access near the border down a steep grassy trail. Let your dog enjoy the salt air as you fish off the pier or hike around the beautiful paths together.
Also, with all the noise pollution in the background from traffic and stores, your dog can make some noise without bothering anyone.
Willard Beach, South Portland
Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, offers another dog-friendly beach. The four-acre stretch of beach is notable for its unusual composition of sand and pebbles.
Take your dog on a short hike up the Spring Point Shoreway Trail to the lighthouse at the harbor’s entrance for gorgeous views. The best part about Willard Beach is that you can let your dog run free off-leash so long as they stay within voice range.
Your dog can stay leash-free so long as they stay under your control and are not a threat to other humans or animals. Certain periods of the day and year also necessitate that canine companions be restrained, such as when it’s crowded, the parking lot, playground, and the Greenbelt Walkway.
Following the typical Maine hours, your dog can come between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the peak beach season and all day long the rest of the year.
East End Beach
Portland’s East End Beach, accessible through the Eastern Promenade Trail, is a favorite among dog owners. Dogs are welcome at the park at any time during the off-season, provided they are kept on a leash or under voice control.
However, during the summer months, dogs are permitted on the beach only before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
The beach offers a beautiful stretch of sand and pebbles perfect for the whole family, with tons of activities your dog will enjoy too. Take some time out to enjoy stunning views of Casco Bay and the islands in the bay’s vicinity.
Be mindful of other beach dwellers, though, as the beach can often be overrun by dogs making it uncomfortable for others.
Ogunquit Beach
If you live south of Kennebunkport, take your dogs to Ogunquit Beach during the months of October through March. On the water side of the footbridge leading north to Moody Beach, dogs are free to run around without leashes.
However, keep in mind that Ogunquit Beach is a no-dogs zone from April through September, with violators subject to a $100 fine.
Ogunquit Beach reveals a wide expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out, making it an ideal place to run in the early spring. Please be aware that Moody Beach is privately owned and that dogs are not permitted there at any time. Visit nearby Wells Beach allows doggy visitors during specific hours.
Final Thoughts
Maine offers many fun attractions for dogs, but none are as beautiful as the ocean. Remember to pack water, treats, a towel, and a leash for your fun outings with Fido.
While we found a few beaches where leashes are not required, leashes are the standard for crowded beaches during the warmer month. Either way, your dogs can get out of the backyard and enjoy some of the best nature Maine has to offer.
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