21 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine 2024

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Are you looking for the best dog friendly beaches in Maine? Look no further!

There are 21 beautiful beaches in Maine that allow dogs, making it the perfect summer getaway for you and your pup! From Fort Foster Beach in Kittery to Bar Island Sandbar in Bar Harbor, there are plenty of options for a fun day out with your furry friend.

Identifying which beaches allow dogs is just the first step since each beach has its own leash rules and complicated schedules for when your dog is allowed to be on the beach.

Since my dog, Theo, and I love spending time on the beach (even though he gets so sandy!), we are aware of what to look for in a desirable dog friendly beach.

Pack your towel and sunscreen! It’s time to play in the sand with your pup at one of these dog friendly beaches in Maine!

Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine

1. Fort Foster Beach, Kittery Point

Fort Foster Beach is one of the most popular dog friendly beaches in Maine, located on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point.

Consisting of three small beaches and a lot of hiking trails, Fort Foster Park is great for swimming and hiking with your dog. Dogs are allowed on leashes on this beach. And owners must take dog waste with them.

This southern Maine beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10AM to 8PM, and it usually doesn’t get too crowded.

Purchase season and day passes directly from their website.

2 brown and black long coat dogs running on the beach at daytime

2. Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk

Gooch’s Beach is a pet-friendly beach in Maine, located east of several neighboring beaches. You can walk to both Middle and Mother’s beaches via a sidewalk.

From mid-June to Labor Day, dogs can only visit the beach before 9AM and after 5PM or any time during the low season. Voice-controlled dogs are allowed off-leash.

You’ll meet lots of other friendly dogs at Gooch’s!

3. Willard Beach, South Portland

Willard Beach is a sand and pebble dog beach in Maine, less than 5 minutes from Portland, near Southern Maine Community College.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on Willard Beach from May 1 to September 30 between 7AM to 9AM and 7PM to 9PM.

Dogs are allowed off-leash all through the off-season from 6AM to 9AM. You’ll find that locals love to let their dogs run free on this beach!

Leashed dogs are also welcome on the nearby Spring Point Shoreway Trail.

Amenities include showers, restrooms, and a snack bar. Free parking is available near the beach.

4. Laite Memorial Beach Park, Camden

Laite Beach Park is a quiet beach in Maine that allows dogs. It is a small, hidden beach located along Camden Harbor on Maine’s midcoast.

Dogs are allowed from May 1-September 30, from 6AM to 8AM and 6PM to 10PM, and there is no entry fee!

Laite Memorial Beach Park is an off-leash beach as long as they are under control by voice commands and you have a leash with you.

Swimming is allowed, but prepare for cold water! Picnic tables and bathrooms are also available.

There are some dog-friendly inns nearby, too! Check out 16 Bay View, Grand Harbor Inn, and the Lord Camden Inn if you are looking for a place to stay!

5. Short Sands Beach, York

Short Sands Beach in York, Maine, is known for its beautiful and clean environment. It’s one of the nicer beaches in Maine, offering a range of amenities, including public restrooms, a bathhouse, ample parking, and a promenade with benches.

The beach is part of Ellis Park, with a large sandy playground, basketball courts, and a gazebo – great for families!

Bring your pup to this dog-friendly beach any time during the off-season or between May 20 and September 20 on a leash before 8AM and after 6PM.

Dogs and their humans love walking around this Maine beach together and splashing in the waves. There are also shops nearby worth a visit – the small town of York is adorable!

6. Long Sands Beach, York

Long Sands Beach is hardly ever crowded, and is a very walkable, dog-friendly beach in Maine worth checking out.

Enjoy the mile and a half of white sand and the long boardwalk. It’s very popular during the summer, but I prefer it in the fall with the colorful foliage.

Between May 20 and September 20, dogs are welcome off-leash before 8AM, and on-leash after 6PM.

7. Mother’s Beach, Kennebunk

Mother’s Beach is part of a trio of beaches in Kennebunk, which includes Middle Beach and Gooch’s Beach, all found along Beach Avenue.

While it’s a small beach tucked away in Kennebunk, it’s well-loved by dog owners for its peaceful and scenic environment. Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk is one of the best beaches in Maine that allows dogs all year round with very few restrictions.

Dogs are permitted off-leash before 9AM or after 6PM in the summer and are welcome any time on-leash in the off-season.

The calm water and sandy floor make this beach great for swimming, and Lifeguards are on duty all summer.

During peak season (mid-June to Labor Day), guests must have a parking permit. You can pick one up at Kennebunk Town Hall or at the electronic kiosks at the beach.

8. Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunk

Goose Rocks Beach, a lovely long beach to stroll on (especially at low tide), is located in southern Maine and is a pet friendly beach with restrictions.

Dogs must be on leashes during nesting season to protect endangered piping plover birds. From April 1 to September 15, dogs are allowed on Goose Rocks Beach outside of 9AM to 5PM. They must be on leashes at all times on the beach.

In the off-season, dogs can enjoy the beach anytime but must be on a leash between 12PM and 6PM.

The beach has 3 miles of sand and is great for a long walk with your pup during low tide.
Parking requires a payment. There are no restaurants nearby, so pack food and drinks.

9. Kennebunk Beach, Kennebunk

It feels like you’ve stepped into a painting at the beautiful Kennebunk Beach.

Dogs and surfers love this dog beach in Maine, especially in the off-season after Labor Day through June 15th. If they can stand the cold water, they’ll love surfing the waves!

In the summertime, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9AM and after 5PM.

There is limited parking, so arrive early for a good spot.

10. Seapoint Beach, Kittery Point

Seapoint Beach, a dog friendly beach in southern Maine, isn’t as popular as some of the others on this list, but you won’t have to deal with the crowds.

In summer, dogs are welcome on Seapoint Beach before 10AM and after 5PM from June 15 until September 10. They must be on leashes while enjoying the beach. Do not leave dog waste on the beach!

This rocky beach is popular in the off-season for walks with your four-legged friend. Sometimes the seaweed and flies can be annoying, so be prepared!

11. East End Beach, Portland

East End Beach at Eastern Promenade Park is one of the more difficult-to-find dog beaches in Maine, but it’s worth it for all the amazing photo ops along the water.

It’s a small beach that you walk to from the Eastern Promenade, with views of Fort Gorges and Peaks Island. Unfortunately, the bathroom situation here isn’t the best (they’re often dirty and smelly) – not to deter you, just something to be aware of.

Dogs are allowed off-leash in the summer before 9AM and after 5PM, and in the winter, any time while the park is open, 5AM-10PM.

Visit at low tide for the best experience.

12. Kinney Shores, Saco

Kinney Shores, with its white sand and tide pools, is one of the best beaches in Maine that allow dogs. There’s always plenty of room to play in the sand, even at high tide.

Unlike other beaches in the state, there are no time restrictions for when your dog is allowed on the beach. From April 1 to September 30, the beach allows dogs on a leash up to 12 feet.

Ensure your dog stays at least 100 feet from any fenced-off protected bird nests.

During the off-season, Kinney Shores Beach becomes off-leash. So your pup can roam free as long as they are under voice control and within sight.

13. Bay View Beach, Saco

You’ll find Bay View Beach along Seaside Avenue on Saco Bay, a little ways past the sea grass and dunes. It’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming, which makes it a great dog beach in Maine.

Dogs are permitted on Bay View Beach anytime year-round with some leash restrictions. They must be on leashes while at the beach from April 1 to September 30, and can be off-leash the rest of the year.

Bay View is a popular dog-friendly beach in Saco, so be sure to get here early. Visitors arriving after 8AM report that almost all the parking spots are already taken!

14. Drakes Island Beach, Wells

Spring, summer, fall, and winter – Drakes Island is a quiet beach with clean water in Maine that allows dogs all year round, with leash restrictions for part of the year.

Between April 1 and June 15, dogs must be on-leash. From June 15 to September 16, dogs are only allowed on the beach after 6PM and before 8AM, and leashes are required.

This dog-friendly beach in Maine has plenty of space for dogs to play. It’s mostly sandy, with some rocks and broken shells to watch out for.

Wells Beach is right across the inlet and easy to get to. Visitors love the free poop bags in dispensers at the entrance.

15. Wells Beach, Wells

Wells Beach somewhat disappears at high tide, but the water is a beautiful teal green, and the tide pools appear when the tide is low.

It’s is a great dog-friendly beach in Maine, with some restrictions.

Dogs on leash are welcome between April 1-June 15. From June 15 to September 16, dogs are allowed on-leash before 8AM and after 6PM.

This great dog beach in Maine has beautiful views, yummy food options in the area, and restrooms available as well. It’s large and kept very clean, and the shower area in the parking lot helps keep sand out of your car.

Drake’s Island beach is also right across the inlet and very easy to get to.

16. Higgins Beach, Scarborough

The quaint Higgins Beach has a small-town feel, with many local fisherman fishing and kayakers paddling.

It’s a great beach for dogs in Maine, but only at specific times. From May 15 to Labor Day, dogs are allowed before 9AM or after 5PM on a leash. Keep an eye out for signs marking restricted areas.

After Labor Day through May 14, on-leash dogs are welcome for two hours in the afternoon, between 1PM an 3PM.

When the beach is crowded, keep walking to the end of the beach, and you’ll find more space for your dog to run around.

Parking is available on Bayview Avenue.

17. Pine Point Beach, Scarborough

If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax while your dog swims in the small waves, Pine Point Beach is the dog friendly beach in Scarborough, Maine for you.

This beach allows dogs May 15 to Labor Day before 9AM and after 5PM. Outside of peak season, dogs can roam the beach anytime, but must be on a leash between 1PM to 3PM.

Showers are a great bonus to rinse off after your fun day at the beach with your pup.

There is parking on-site for a fee or free street parking nearby.

18. Hendrick’s, Southport Island

This sandy dog friendly beach in Maine is located behind Hendricks Head Light, less than one mile from the Southport General Store.

Dogs are welcome to run and swim off-leash all day long, and love sniffing their way around the small mountain located near the shore.

Visitors also enjoy exploring the Hendricks Head Preserve, a short trail in the forest across the street.

19. Nubble Lighthouse, York

Enjoy the gorgeous views from this rocky beach, located between Long Sands and Short Sands beaches.

Dogs love the beautiful streets, perfect for walking. Humans love the restrooms and food options available. Some of the food stands even serve doggie treats!

Don’t forget to stop by the Nubble Lighthouse Gift Shop, which is open between May and October.

20. Old Orchard Beach, York

Old Orchard Beach, famous for being the location of the first carousel in the United States, is not just one of Maine’s best dog-friendly beaches but also the perfect spot to hang out with friends and family.

Be sure to check out the boardwalk with live music and stop for the fried dough at Lisa’s Pizza.

From Labor Day through May 14th, dogs are welcome all day long. From May 15 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed off-leash from 6AM to 9AM, but are not allowed on the beach from 9AM to 5PM.

21. Bar Island Sandbar, Bar Harbor

This sandbar connects Bar Harbor and Bar Island and is only visible during low tide. The island trail crisscrosses through the trees to another viewpoint of Bar Harbor.

Dogs and humans love walking along the path to the island, but the sandbar is only exposed for three hours at a time, so check the tide schedule carefully before you visit! Dogs must be leashed (6-foot maximum).

FAQs Beaches in Maine That Allow dogs

Are Dogs Allowed on Sand Beaches in Maine?

Yes, dogs are allowed on many sand beaches in Maine, but it’s important to check each specific beach’s rules and regulations regarding pets before visiting. Some beaches have restricted areas or times when dogs are allowed, while others require that dogs are always on a leash.

Is Maine a Dog Friendly State?

Yes, Maine is a dog friendly state. The state has many dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and outdoor attractions, like dog friendly parks and beaches. Remember to check the rules and regulations of each location before bringing your dog along.

Wrap Up: Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine

Maine is the perfect destination for dog lovers, with so many dog friendly beaches to choose from.
Maine has it all! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot for a quiet walk or a bustling beach for fun in the sun, you will surely find somewhere to spend your time.

You and your pup can enjoy this stunning state’s natural beauty and coastal charm from York to Bar Harbor.

Pack your car seat protector and dog life jacket, and head to one of Maine’s dog friendly beaches for a day of sun, sand, and wagging tails!

21 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine 2024