Best New England Vacations With Dogs – Don’t want to leave your fur baby behind on your next vacation? Don’t worry, whether you’re looking for cozy cabins or sandy beaches, the East Coast is full of dog-friendly resorts that you can enjoy with your four-legged friend.
For Vermonters, Floridians, and everyone in between, these 10 Atlantic Coast destinations are just a short drive away.
Best New England Vacations With Dogs
Delaware’s long, natural beaches are underrated. If you’re near southern New Jersey, you can take the Cape May Lewis Ferry across Delaware Bay. Animals travel for free!
Lake Winnipesaukee Vacation Rentals & Homes
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of houses to rent and dog-friendly hotels, like the Atlantis Inn, just a few blocks from the beach.
Does your dog love the beach and the beach? Delaware beaches offer a variety of picnic options for you and your dog. At nearby Dewey Beach, dogs are allowed on the beach after 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Any time during the summer or the rest of the year.
After a long day in the sun, take your dog to see a movie at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and enjoy the Surf Cinema. If you want to find a pet-friendly restaurant, check out The Big Chill Surf Cantina. This surf bar has an outdoor area where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy food, drinks and live music. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, take a stroll on the Crossroads and Breakwater Trail (formerly used as a railroad), perfect for walking your dog.
Sanibel Island is known for its many seashells and beautiful Gulf Coast sunsets, and there are many beach rentals and dog-friendly hotels on the island, such as the Tropicana Motel and Cabins (Tropical Wind Motel and Cabins).
The Ultimate 10-day New England Road Trip Itinerary
Feel free to spend time with your dog at Bowman Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach, or Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Explore nature at the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and take your dog for a wildlife walk through this mangrove forest!
Head to Over Easy Cafe (try their cinnamon rolls) or Island Cow for breakfast. On neighboring Kapiva Island, you can also enjoy food, drinks and beautiful sunsets with your wallet at Muki Duck’s outdoor picnic tables.
The Golden Isles include islands off the Atlantic coast of Georgia: Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island and other small islands. 65% of Jekyll Island is natural and untouched, so you and your dog can reach most beaches at any time. Additionally, there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options on the island.
Enjoy sunsets and seafood on the dog-friendly waterfront “Rah Bar” terrace. Head to St. Simons Island East Beach and Massengale Park to see dogs running on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Does your dog need social interaction with other puppies? Visit Frederica Park, on the northern tip of St. Simons Island. This dog park is the perfect place for your dog to relax and meet new four-legged friends. Just be sure to follow dog park etiquette for a safe and fun visit!
Dog-friendly Holiday Cottages
If you and your pup want to avoid the seasonal beach crowds, head to Steps Beach and Nobader Beach, where you’ll have plenty of room for beach destruction. Francis Street Beach is also dog-friendly and is known for its calm waters. The Wave Shuttle can take you and your four-legged friend to these beaches for free, as long as your dog is in a crate. You can also take this shuttle to the airport, ferry, and downtown Nantucket.
Cisco Brewers is a brewery, winery, and vineyard that offers tours and outdoor seating, both of which are dog-friendly. Don’t forget to visit the Milestone Cranberry Bog, where you and your dog can wander among acres of red cranberries.
Bar Harbor has something for everyone: mountains, ocean, and a bustling downtown. This New England town is perfect for a dog-friendly vacation because it’s surrounded by Acadia National Park, which includes more than 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, hiking and biking trails, and magnificent coastal views. Not to mention that the park is open to dogs!
Visit Bar Harbor on the Island Explorer for a free, pet-friendly shuttle that takes you to Acadia National Park and many other popular attractions. Don’t forget to check out the pet-friendly stores in town, especially the local Bark Harbor pet store for specialty “Barkery” treats.
New England Whale Watching: Where To Go And What To See
Also between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor you’ll find a great dog park with a pond for fur seals and trails for land lovers.
If you want to explore the waterways, take a boat trip with your pet on Acadia. Take your four-legged friend on a two-hour cruise along French Bay.
The Outer Banks are islands located 130 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The islands are ideal for family holidays and are home to many seaside towns, each with their own character. Best of all, most beaches are dog friendly all year round!
If you find yourself at Kill Devil Mountain, take your dog to the Bonzer Shack. This little surf shack has great food and live music, and you can play corn and eat snacks at the picnic table in the “backyard.” You can also head to Kitty Hawk to visit John’s Drive In, a lunch spot that offers a special ice cream “puppy sundae” for your furry little one.
Sharks, Bacteria, No Lifeguards: Is This The End Of Swimming In New England?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is another great place to take your pup, where you can admire the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. You can drive your car to certain areas of the park and take your dog fishing. The Duck Trail is a seven-mile multi-use trail that winds through the city.
Asbury Park has quickly become one of the most popular destinations on the Jersey Shore. The boardwalk and downtown area are home to plenty of trendy restaurants and shops for everyone.
If you plan to stay overnight, the Berkeley Waterfront Hotel can accommodate pets up to 30 pounds. There are also many dog-friendly rentals. Even though the beach is crowded in summer, dogs are always welcome between 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. During holidays (October 1) 8:30 a.m.
If you’re in town in the afternoon, don’t forget to stop by the famous Wonder Bar for Yappy Hour! There is a fenced outdoor area where dogs can relax freely while their humans enjoy refreshments and interaction. Don’t forget to bring dog treats to reward your child for playing well with their friends!
Press — The Wilburton: Destination Weddings, Celebrations, Vacation Homes, Family Reunions, Retreats In Manchester Vermont
The next morning, grab brunch at Toast, Johnny Mac, Cross & Orange, or choose from one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating for you and your wallet.
The Asbury Park Convention Center hosts many dog-friendly events throughout the year, such as flea markets and craft shows. They have a carefully curated selection of great sellers – many of them selling dog products!
Located in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid is perfect for outdoor activities in any season, allowing the dog and pet parent duo to ski, bike, fish, and hike all in one trip.
Check out Lake Placid Lodge, which welcomes well-behaved dogs, beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, a patio to enjoy your morning coffee, and a patio for those chilly nights. They even provide your doll with her own bed and homemade treats. Is camping with your dog better for you? There are dozens of cabins and RV, tent and caravan campsites to meet the needs of you and your four-legged friend.
New England Travel, Tourism & Vacation Guide
You’ll also find plenty of dog-friendly lakes and trails nearby so you and your four-legged friend can explore the great outdoors side by side. Visit Mirror Lake where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the beauty of Mirror Lake on a 2.7-mile paved trail. Then take a stroll along the west side of the lake where many stores welcome your dog while you window shop.
Block Island is a dog-friendly resort with 17 miles of sandy beaches. It’s best explored on foot or by bike, which is ideal for active dog parents. Most beaches tolerate furry visitors, but you may want to avoid the main beach on the east side of the island as it gets crowded in summer.
The Block Island Ferry allows leashed dogs and is a fun way to get to the island from the main island. Many hotels on the island accept dog walkers and there are plenty of vacation rentals. Grab a smoothie at Juice Java, they also offer water and snacks for your fur baby.
Although Vermont’s Green Mountains have the word “green” in their name, they are a must-see when covered in bright fall leaves or covered in snow.
Guided Canoe Trips In Maine & Eastern Canada
Stowe Village has miles of hiking trails for all abilities and several rustic cabins with camping, some of which are dog-friendly. Our favorite is the Moody Moose Lodge in Morrisville, which is within walking distance of the fabulous shopping.
