8 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine in 2024: On-Leash & Off-Leash
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There’s no denying that dogs make the perfect beach companions. They’re always up for a game of fetch, they love to splash around in the waves, and they’re more than happy to lounge on the sand all day long.
But not all beaches are created equal when it comes to accommodating our furry friends. That’s why we’ve rounded up six of the best dog-friendly beaches in Maine, each with its own unique features and amenities. From secluded coves to expansive oceanfront views, these beaches have everything you and your pup need to enjoy a day at the shore.
Top 8 Dog Beaches in Maine
1. Fort Foster Beach – Kittery Point
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 76 Pocahontas Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open daily 10 am to 8 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | Season passes available for residents/nonresidents, $20 per vehicle |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Three small beaches to take your dog to
- Long trails available for walking or jogging with your dog
- The beach has access to restroom and picnic areas
- People accessing the beach by foot must have previously purchased a season pass
2. Wells Beach – Wells
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Mile Rd & Atlantic Ave, Wells, ME, 04090 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | April 1 through June 15 all times,
June 15 until September 16 dogs are only permitted on the beach from 6 pm until 8 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | Visitors must have a beach sticker, costing $40 |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Large beach area for dogs to walk
- Easy access to the water, making it ideal for swimming
- Beach is close to restaurants and ice cream shops
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach for most of the day in the summer
- Visitors must purchase a pass before entering the area
3. Long Sands Beach – York
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1 Long Beach Ave, York, ME, 03909 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | After 6 pm and before sunrise, May 20 through September 20; sunrise and 8 am in the off-season |
| 💲 Cost: | Kiosks are $2 per hour |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, but only from sunrise to 8:00 am May 20 through September 20 |
- Beach stretches around 1.5 miles
- Spacious place to walk your dog
- Beach has accessibility ramps
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the day at peak season
4. Thomas Knight Park – South Portland
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 7 Ocean St # 2, South Portland, ME |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, 6 am to 9 pm |
- Pet-friendly year-round
- Water access for dogs to play fetch or swim
- Excellent paths for walking
- Off-leash policy for most of the day
5. Kennebunk Beach – Kennebunk
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1 Summer St. Kennebunk, ME |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours, except between June 15 and Labor Day before 9 am and after 5 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Includes Middle Beach, Mother’s Beach, and Gooch’s Beach
- Mobility-friendly parking
- Dogs are welcome from Labor Day to June 15th
- Lifeguards on duty
6. Willard Beach – South Portland
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1 Fisherman Ln. South Portland, ME |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, with owner control |
- Near SMCC Campus
- A short stroll from Fisherman’s Point
- Plenty of space for your dog to explore
- Dogs welcome from May 1st to September 30th
7. Pine Point Beach – Scarborough
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Pine Point Beach, Scarborough, ME, 04074 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, before 9 am, after 5 pm |
- Nearby accessible parking lot
- Features both private and public beachfront
- Off-leash hours just for your pup
8. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 124 Beach St. Ogunquit, ME |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Before April 1 and after October 1 |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Theater and art scenes nearby
- Lots of places to dine
- Perfect for picnicking and relaxation
Final Thoughts
These top spots are sure to make a splash with your favorite furry friend. From the sandy shores of Scarborough to the rocky coastline of Portland, Maine’s dog-friendly beaches have something for everyone. So pack up your beach gear and hit the road—your pup is sure to thank you!
Featured Image Credit: alexgo.photography, Shutterstock
