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10 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts 2024: Off & On-Leash Places to Go

Ed Malaker

By Ed Malaker

labrador retriever dog at the beach

Massachusetts is a great place to visit, with so much to see and do. Most people spend a significant part of the year saving up for vacation, and they want to enjoy it as much as possible, which usually means bringing their pets along on the trip. Though some places allow pets, many do not, so it’s good to know your options during the planning stage. If you are considering visiting the Bay State, keep reading as we list several of the most amazing dog-friendly beaches there.

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Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts

1. Herring Cove

🗺️ Address: 📍 Province Lands Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657
🕐 Open Times: 6 a.m. to midnight
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Gentle waves
  • Amazing night sky
  • Tidal pools for swimming

2. Plum Island Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Plum Island Center, Newburyport, MA 01950
🕐 Open Times: Open around the clock
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, with no leash from October 15th to May 15th
  • Open around the clock
  • Dogs run free from October to May
  • Plenty to see and do

3. Singing Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to sunset
💲 Cost: $7
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from October 15th to April 15th
  • Large beach
  • Free to use during the off-season
  • Great view of the sunrise

4. Crane Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 310 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💲 Cost: $5
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from October 1st to March 31st
  • Large beach
  • Swimming, hiking, and fishing
  • Great place for birdwatching

5. Nahant Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 NAHA-024.0, #049, Nahant, MA 01908
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💲 Cost: $10
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September 16th to March 31st
  • Many other pets
  • Sectioned-off dog park
  • Boat ramps

6. Sandy Neck Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Massachusetts 02668
🕐 Open Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday–Sunday
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September 16th to March 31st
  • Plenty of dunes
  • Take your dog to the off-roading vehicle area all year.
  • Great place for bird watching

7. Marconi Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Marconi Site Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: 6-foot leash required
  • On-site parking
  • Public restrooms
  • Bike trails

8. Head of the Meadow Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Truro, MA 02652
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💲 Cost: $25
🐕 Off-Leash: Leashed only
  • Plenty of room to walk
  • Off-roading trails
  • Large beach

9. Plymouth Long Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Ryder Way, Plymouth, MA
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💲 Cost: $25
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Large beach
  • Shark watching
  • Walking trails

10.  Wingaersheek Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Gloucester, MA 01930
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
💲 Cost: $30–$35
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes

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Summary

There are plenty of dog-friendly areas to visit when spending time in Massachusetts. Our favorite spots include Herring Cove, which has plenty for the entire family to do, while offering entertainment for your pet. Nahant Dog Beach is also fun to visit with other dogs, and Plymouth Long Beach is the spot to take your pet for a long peaceful walk.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock

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