18 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine 2024
In Maine, there are many dog-friendly beaches where pups can play freely. From breathtaking views to several amenities, these beaches are the ideal places to have a relaxing vacation.
Each of the beaches has a unique scenic beauty and facilities. From open azure oceanfront to long sandy stretches, they are ticking off all the boxes as the perfect tourist destination for humans and dogs. These beaches have separate rules which need to be followed.
18 Best Dog-friendly Beaches in Maine
1. Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine
Willard Beach is a famous beach in South Portland adjacent to Simonton Cove. It is a 4-acre sand and pebble beach between the Southern Maine Community College campus and Fishermen’s Point. From basking in the sun to the view of Ram Island and Cushing Island, this beach offers a relaxing vibe.
It is popular because it allows dogs at a certain point in time. A staircase on the south end leads to Fishermen Point Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful horizon of the ocean. Tidal pools, views of lobster boats, beach festivals like Willard Fest, and ferries are other benefits.
- Nearby Visiting Places: International Cryptozoology Museum, Portland Museum of Art
- Beach Amenities: Restroom, Shower room, Snacks Bar
- Address: South Portland, ME 04106, USA
2. Higgins Beach in Cumberland County, Maine
Higgins Beach is a popular beach in Scarborough, Maine. The beach is in a quaint neighborhood where a small river tip is formed. It is a perfect place to dip and relax on the sandy beach.
The 10-meter beach allows pets if they obey all the rules. During low tide, the shallow rock pools are loved by the kids. Striped bass fishing is another attraction.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Portland Head Light, Fort Williams Park
- Beach Amenities: 300 oceanside cottages, Restrooms, Shower Rooms
- Address: Cumberland County, Maine 04074, USA
3. Old Orchard Beach in York County, Maine
Old Orchard Beach is heaven for all beachgoers as it has a long sandy stretch. It is ideal for walking, running, and stretching on the shore between Camp Elliot and Pine Point. There is a beach pier and an amusement park called Palace Playland where visitors can spend some time.
The beach pier has shops, restaurants, and a casino. It allows pups at a certain time. Visitors can entertain themselves by throwing frisbees, playing football, and Walking on Eastern Trail. Several festivals are celebrated here all year round, such as the Annual Beerfest, Scottish Festival, Chowder Fest, etc.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Old Orchard Beach Historical, Scarborough Historical Society
- Beach Amenities: Casino, Amusement Park
- Address: Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064, USA
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4. Wells Beach in Maine
Wells Beach is one of the most loved beaches for pets and pet owners. The barrier beaches of Wells are discovered in the 1840s by Inland businessmen. A beach parking pass is required from the Saturday of Memorial Day to the Monday of Columbus Day.
The beach is accessible during low tide, offering a long stretch of sandy shore and wildlife habitats. At the north end, it is also accessible during high tide. The jetty at the end offers a scenic view with dunes. The annual Wells Harbor Fest is another attraction of this beach.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Beach Amenities: Restrooms in Shower, a playground, picnic table
- Address: Wells, ME 04090, USA
5. Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine
Goose Rocks Beach is the largest beach in Kennebunkport and has a fantastic view of Timber Island and Eastern Goose Rock. This scenic beach has a 3-mile-long shore, giving plenty of space to play.
There are a few summer resorts, several seafood restaurants, two resorts, an ice cream stand, and a general store. It allows dogs in an allotted time. The west end of the shore is the nest of the endangered Plover, where dogs are restricted from entering. Bird watching, Fishing, Hiking, Beachcombing, etc. are the popular attractions here.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Kennebunkport Historic District, Blowing Cave Park
- Address: Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
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6. Ogunquit Beach in Maine
Ogunquit Beach is one of the famous beaches of the Southern Maine Coast. People love the three miles of soft sandy beach between Footbridge Beach and North Beach. It is ideal for running, soaking in the sun, playing, relaxing, or watching the surfer.
The dunes are edges with roses, offering an enigmatic view of the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic beach allows dogs during the off-season. A paved 1.25-mile trail allows you to take in the beauty of the cliffs. Ogunquit Fest is one of the main festivals of this place.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Lobster Point Lighthouse, Wonder Mountain Fun Park
- Beach Amenities: Restrooms, Beach Chairs, Umbrella, Float Rentals
- Address: Ogunquit, ME 03907, USA
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7. Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, Maine
Pine Point Beach is a four-mile municipal beach in Scarborough County. It starts from Pine Point Jetty till Old Orchard Beach. It is a public and private beach which also offers public access.
In summer, the town maintains the beach weekly by raking. The beach is ideal for the pup to play in. Surfing and fishing are allowed on this beach. Beach passes are required and changed according to season.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Scarborough Beach State Park, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
- Beach Amenities: Restrooms, Shower room, Food/snacks Bar,
- Address: Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
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8. Kinney Shores Beach in Saco, Maine
Kinney Shores Beach in Saco Bay is a renowned beach in Maine. The white sands, along with tide pools, are the features of this beach. Plenty of sand space for playing and running, even during high tide. Sea glass hunting around the beach is another focal point.
The crystal clear blue water is ideal for taking a dip in. The sand gets much coarser near the water. Kinney Shores is the only beach that allows dogs year around at any time. People entertain themselves by sand castle building, surfing, fishing, and swimming.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Ferry Beach State Park, Saco Museum
- Beach Amenities: Picnic areas, Playground, Restrooms
- Address: Saco, ME 04072, USA
9. Laite Memorial Beach in Camden, Maine
Laite Memorial Beach is a quaint small beach that offers a fantastic view of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor. This beach within Camden Community is free to enter and easily accessible. The park is on the hilly side, slowly reaching the water.
The embankment is grassy and has a pebble beach along the coast of the harbor. In the background, Mount Battie and Camden Hills are adding more beauty to the beach. Kids can collect seashells and snails and learn about other aquatic animals. The children’s theater and playground make it more desirable for the kids. Dogs are also allowed here.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Camden Hills State Park, Merryspring Nature Center
- Beach Amenities: Swings, Picnic Tables, Public Bathroom, Outdoor grills, Outdoor showers
- Address: Camden, ME 04843, USA
10. Long Sands Beach In York, Maine
Long Sands Beach in Maine is a must-visit place and the biggest of all the beaches in York County. The beach stretches around 1.5 miles, which is appropriate for taking a stroll. There are designated areas for surfing.
The open oceanfront lacks any harbors and offers the best waves in the area. Glimpses of New Hampshire’s Isles of Shoals, Nubble Lighthouse, and Boon Island are the bonus factors of this beach. Plenty of restaurants and various stores are nearby to grab a quick bite. On the beach’s southern end, it is mostly rocks during high tide. Pups are allowed on the beach.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Old York Historical Society, Sayward Wheeler House
- Beach AmenitiesPublic Restrooms, Metered Parking
- Address: 189 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909, USA
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11. Short Sand Beach in York, Maine
Short Sand Beach is a tiny, secluded beach in York. This place features the largest zoo and amusement park in Maine, where the white Royal Bengal Tiger is present. A hidden pirate ship is buried underground and is occasionally seen during powerful storms.
During the summer months, lifeguards are present. Pets on this beach can spend quality time with their owners. An arcade on the beach, a 100+-year-old candy shop, fireworks during July and August, and live bands at Ellis Park are the other attractions of this beach.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Elizabeth Perkins House, York Historic District
- Beach Amenities Public Restrooms, Basketball Court, Children’s Sand Playground
- Address: York, ME 03909, USA
12. East End Beach in Portland, Maine
East End Beach is the only public beach in the entire Portland. This quaint pebble and sand-covered beach offers an unmatched scenic view of Casco Bay and nearby islands. The beach includes a walking trail, a grassy hillside, and a long stretch of sand, which makes it more serene.
This place is ideal for swimming, kayaking, building sandcastles, and rowing. The beach is situated at the bottom of the Eastern Promenade, with an unparalleled view. There is a boat launching site where vessels can be launched.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Major Charles Loring Memorial Park, Fort Sumner Park
- Beach Amenities Picnic Tables, Portable Toilets, Public Restroom
- Address: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME 04101, USA
13. Crescent Beach in Wells, Maine
Crescent Beach in Wells is a famous pet-friendly beach that started half a mile from the Wells main beach. It is in a quiet neighborhood, and everyone loves the calm environment.
Dogs are allowed here all year round. The beach is rockier here. Lifeguards are present from morning to evening. Parking is available in the gravel lot. Watching the sunset is more beautiful here.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Beach Amenities Public restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Picnic Tables
- Address: 24 Gold Ribbon Dr, Wells, ME 04090, USA
14. Drake’s Island Beach in Wells, Maine
Drake’s Island is a much quieter beach area than any other place in Wells. It is 28000 ft wide, so there is plenty of room during high tide. The rocky jetty seems like an adventure where taking a walk is fun.
Pets are allowed on this beach. The rolling dunes and salt marshes walking trails in the estuary are the extra charm of this place. Lifeguards are always on duty, but this beach is ideal for walking.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Wells Reserve at Laudholm, The Kennebunkport Historical Society
- Beach Amenities Restroom
- Address: Wells, ME 04090, USA
15. Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine
Fort Foster is the most scenic place in Portsmouth Harbor. This park includes three beaches and a trail system that connects all these beaches. The Pier Beach gives access to tide pooling and a newly built playground. Pets are disallowed for 300 ft of this particular portion.
Windsurfer’s Beach provides a view of Wood Island and Whaleback Lighthouse. It is an appropriate place for paddleboarders, kayakers, and windsurfers. The Scuba beach has a more rocky surface and deep ocean access. Dogs are allowed at a certain time.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Whaleback Light Observation Point, Fort Foster Park Pier, Pose Inside Outdoor Picture Frame
- Beach Amenities: Restroom with Outside Showers, Charcoal Grills, Picnic Tables
- Address: 76 Pocahontas Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, USA
16. Fortunes Rock Beach in Biddeford, Maine
Fortunes Rock Beach is a two-mile-long expanded coastline in Biddeford. It extends from Biddeford Pool and goes along the ocean to Fortunes Rocks. Visitors can play, swim, relax, and soak in the sun.
The hard-packed sand is ideal for jogging or walking. Both the north and south end have limited parking. Many wave sports include bodyboarding, surfing, kayaking, skimboarding, etc.
- Nearby Visiting Places: East Point Sanctuary, Wood Island
- Beach Amenities: Restrooms, Seasonal Bodyguards
- Address: Maine 04005, USA
17. Seapoint Beach in Kittery, Maine
Seapoint Beach in Kittery is a rough little seashore in the town. The rustic atmosphere and the primal vibe are what makes this beach unique. During summer, it is swimmable, but visitors can walk here with their furry friends at other times.
The residents have special access to the sole beach. There is a little patch of white sand between the rock pebbles and dunes. The beach has its own parking space, which is limited to residents only during summer. Dogs of Kittery residents can only enter the area at a certain time. Activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, etc can be performed here.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Fort McClary State Historic Site, Whaleback Light Observation Point, Fort Foster Park Pier
- Beach Amenities: Restrooms, Showers
- Address: 11 Seapoint Rd, Kittery, ME 03905, USA
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18. Moody Beach in Wells, Maine
Moody Beach is a coastal neighborhood beach in Wells, Maine. This private coast has around 100 homes adjacent to it. It is small and has a peaceful atmosphere.
This small flat sand beach has a trolley system available throughout the day. It is best for walking along with pets. During low tide, there is plenty of space for kids and dogs to run and play. Paid parking is available.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Coast Encounters, Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit
- Address: Wells, ME 04090, USA
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Conclusion
These above-mentioned dog-friendly beaches in Maine are heaven for both owners and pups. They allow dogs at a specific time so visitors and pets can enjoy themselves peacefully. Visit one of these beaches to have a relaxing time and spend some quality time.
