The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in New England

Dog owners who love the beach know how difficult it can be to find a beach that permits visitors of the tail-wagging sort. Many of New England’s beaches have strict rules about when, where, and how dogs are permitted to visit the premises (that is, if they haven’t just flat-out banned pups altogether — woof!). That said, there are few sights more heartwarming than a dog sprinting through the surf, so we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in New England to help you and your four-legged friend enjoy the salt air side by side. Whether you’re in the mood for a coastal stroll, a quick morning run, or a leisurely lounge in the sand, these spots will let you bring Fido along for the adventure. Always make sure to double-check local regulations, keep an eye out for updated signage, and pack plenty of treats!

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in New England

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Connecticut

While Connecticut doesn’t have any year-round dog-friendly beaches, there are some great options available for those who don’t mind a brisk beach day. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Connecticut include:

Hammonasset Beach in Madison, Connecticut: Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach between September 30 and April 1.

Compo Beach in Westport, Connecticut: Off-leash dogs are allowed in designated areas between October 1 and March 30.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine

Thanks to its long and often rugged coastline, Maine is home to some of the most stunning beaches in New England. Likewise, Maine is home to many dog-friendly beaches. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Maine include:

Seapoint Beach in Kittery, Maine: Leashed dogs are allowed at Seapoint Beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from June 15 to September 10; leashed dogs licensed to Kittery residents are also allowed on the beach from May 15 to September 30.

Bayview Beach in Saco, Maine: Leashed dogs are allowed at Bayview Beach all year round. Off-leash dogs are allowed from October 1 to March 31.

Hadley Point Beach in Bar Harbor, Maine: Leashed dogs are allowed at Hadley Point Beach all year round.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts

Home to more dog-friendly beaches than any other New England state, Massachusetts boasts plenty of places for you and your pet to play in the sand. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts include:

Rexhame Beach in Marshfield, Massachusetts: Dogs are allowed all year round at all Marshfield beaches, including Rexhame and Brant Rock.

Longnook Beach in Truro, Massachusetts: Dogs are allowed on Longnook Beach all year round, with specific hours set during the summer. From the third Saturday in June through Labor Day, no dogs are allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Plymouth Long Beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts: Leashed dogs are allowed in some sections of Plymouth Long Beach all year round.

Dyer Prince Road Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts: Dogs are allowed on Dyer Prince Beach all year round, but only before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. between June 15 and Labor Day.

Town Beaches in Provincetown, Massachusetts: Leashed dogs are allowed on Provincetown beaches all year round. Dogs are allowed off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s Seacoast is home to some beautiful beaches, but only a handful of them are especially canine-friendly. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in New Hampshire include:

Jenness Beach in Rye, New Hampshire: Leashed dogs are allowed at this town beach (not the state beach portion) all year round, but only before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. in-season (from the Saturday before Memorial Day to the Saturday after Labor Day), with later hours on Saturdays in-season (dogs allowed only after 9 p.m.).

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Rhode Island

Very few Rhode Island beaches allow dogs year-round (with Block Island being a notable exception), and all Rhode Island state beaches ban dogs from April 1 to September 30. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Rhode Island include:

Beaches on Block Island, Rhode Island: Leashed dogs are allowed on Block Island beaches all year round.

Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) in Middletown, Rhode Island: Leashed dogs are allowed on Sachuest Beach from 5 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. May 1 through September 30, and anytime from October 1 through April 30.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Vermont

While Vermont is landlocked and therefore doesn’t have any saltwater beaches, Lake Champlain (and local swimming spots) can offer some great opportunities for you and your pup to splash around. Our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Vermont include:

Starr Farm Beach in Burlington, Vermont: Leashed dogs are allowed on Starr Farm Beach all year round, and are allowed off-leash in the nearby Starr Farm Park fenced dog park area.

What dog-friendly New England beaches would you add to the list?