Maine Dog-Friendly Beaches

Maine beaches are known for being quite dog-friendly throughout the year, with many towns allowing dogs during certain hours, even in season. Some listings we found lack information on off-season rules, so it’s wise to err on the side of caution and keep your furry friend on a leash. As always, remember the rules of petiquette: pick up after your pet and ensure your dog is on-leash unless you have complete voice control!

Bar Harbor - Dogs are allowed on Hadley Point Beach on a leash.

Biddeford - At Biddeford Pool and Hills Beach, dogs are allowed on a leash before 9 am and after 8 pm.

Kennebunk - Kennebunk features three beach areas (Gooch's, Middle, and Mother's) that permit dogs on a leash before 9 am and after 5 pm from June 15 to Labor Day. Outside of these hours, dogs are allowed anytime.

Kennebunkport - Kennebunkport's two public beaches, Goose Rock and Colony, allow dogs on leashes before 8 am and after 6 pm from June 15 to September 15 and at any other time.

Kittery - Dogs are allowed on a leash at Crescent Beach, Fort Foster Park, and Seapoint Beach.

Ogunquit - Unfortunately, this location isn’t very dog-friendly! Dogs are banned from April 1 to October 1.

Old Orchard Beach - Enjoy some extra sleep! Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 5 pm.

Portland - East End Beach prohibits dogs from the day before Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day. Willard Beach allows dogs on a leash from 6-9 am from May 1 to September 30.

Saco - We love Saco! Dogs are allowed on all Saco beaches (with the exception of Ferry Beach State Park) on a leash all year! This includes Bayview, Camp Ellis, and Kenney Shores. Dogs can also enjoy the Diamond Riverside Boat Ramp, which has a picnic area.

Scarborough - There’s a fair bit of freedom in Scarborough, but you’ll want to read the specific times and restrictions.

Stockton Springs - Sandy Point Beach is a gem with its parking, trails, restrooms, and even areas for off-leash fun for dogs (just keep them under voice control and remember the poop bags!).

South Portland - At Willard Beach, dogs can be off-leash from 7-9 AM and 7-9 PM from May 1 to October 1, with freedom during the off-season.

Wells - From April 1 to June 15, dogs are allowed on Wells beaches on a leash, and from June 16 to September 15, they can be on a leash before 8 am and after 6 pm.

York - York is arguably even more dog-friendly than Saco, offering an abundance of dog-friendly beaches. From May 20 to September 20, dogs can roam free (though owners should be leash-ready) from sunrise until 8 am. No dogs are allowed between 8 am and 6 pm, but they are welcome on a leash from 6 pm until sunset. Throughout the rest of the year, dogs can explore to their hearts’ content! The dog-friendly beaches include Cape Neddick, York Harbor, Long Sands, Short Sands, and Steadman Woods.

Did we miss your favorite beach? Let us know! Send us your pictures of your dog at the beach in Maine! And for more information on Maine beach regulations for dogs, as well as other fun activities and places to stay, be sure to reach out!