In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best dog friendly beaches in Maine.
Situated in the far northeastern corner of the United States, Maine is one of the six states that make up New England.
Maine is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history and nature areas.
Incredibly, Maine actually has a longer coastline than California!
Whilst the general coastline of Maine is 228 miles (the ninth most in the country), the tide coastline, which includes all of the inlets and bays in Maine, is a massive 3,478 miles!
Only 3 other US states have a longer coastline than Maine: Alaska, Florida and Louisiana.
With all this coastline, you can be sure that there are plenty of fantastic beaches in Maine that allow dogs!
So come and join us on our journey to discover the best Maine dog friendly beaches!
Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
Table of contents
- 1. Old Orchard Beach
- 2. Pine Point Beach
- 3. Higgins Beach
- 4. Willard Beach
- 5. Fort Foster Park
- 6. Long Sands Beach
- 7. Ogunquit Beach
- 8. Wells Beach
- 9. Crescent Beach
- 10. Drakes Island Beach
- 11. Gooch’s Beach
- 12. Goose Rocks Beach
- Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
- Related Articles
1. Old Orchard Beach
Address: 1 Portland Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
The resort town of Old Orchard Beach is in York County, Maine.
Old Orchard Beach is located less than 30 minutes south of Portland, Maine.
It’s a popular seaside resort, looking out onto Saco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. The beachfront here stretches for 7 miles.
In the off season, from the day after Labor Day to May 14th, dogs are allowed on the beach all day. And the best thing is, that they can be off leash!
When off leash, dogs need to be under both voice control and sight control at all times.
One Of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine!
From May 15th to Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach at all between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Leashed dogs are permitted on the beach from 5pm to dusk.
Under town ordinance, dog leashes must be no longer than 12 feet.
And Old Orchard Beach dog rules state that dogs must stay at least 100 feet away from the restricted piping plover areas.
During the busy summer months, from May 15th to Labor Day, dogs are allowed to be off leash on the beach in the early morning hours, from dawn until 9am.
With 7 miles of gorgeous shoreline to enjoy with your pup, Old Orchard Beach is definitely one of the best dog friendly beaches in Maine!
Website: Old Orchard Beach, York County, Maine
2. Pine Point Beach
Address: Avenue 5, Scarborough, ME 04074
Pine Point Beach is just 10 minutes north of Old Orchard Beach, on Saco Bay.
It’s in the pretty town of Scarborough, about 7 miles south of Portland.
Public access to the beach is located at the end of Avenue 5.
At the end of Avenue 5 is a city-run parking lot. There are also restrooms, showers and a food vendor.
The parking lot is open from sunrise to sunset.
As of September 2023, the daily parking rate is $15 per day for passenger cars and motorcycles. ($30 per day on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August.)
And it’s $45 per day for RVs, buses, and campers.
Pine Point Beach dog rules are similar to those of Old Orchard Beach.
Pine Point Beach Is A Fantastic Maine Dog Beach!
From May 15 through Labor Day, no dogs are allowed on any Scarborough beach from 9am to 5pm.
Leashed dogs are permitted from 5pm to dusk. And dogs can run around off leash from dawn until 9am.
From the day after Labor Day through May 14, dogs are allowed on Pine Point Beach all day. They can run free for the majority of the day, however they must be on a leash between 1pm and 3pm.
When off-leash dog access is permitted, dogs must be under both voice control and sight control.
So come and visit Pine Point Beach in Scarborough. It’s a fantastic Maine dog beach!
Website: Pine Point Beach, Scarborough, Maine
3. Higgins Beach
Address: Ocean Avenue, Scarborough, ME 04074
Higgins Beach is in Scarborough, Maine.
It’s a 25 minute drive from both Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point Beach.
Higgins Beach is a beautiful sandy beach, located within a quaint residential neighborhood that dates back to the late 1800s.
The beach and municipal parking lot are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
There are public restrooms and showers at Higgins Beach.
Parking At Higgins Beach in Maine
The municipal parking lot is located at 41 Ocean Avenue, 500 yards off Route 77 (Spurwink Road).
As of September 2023, the daily parking rate is $15 per day for passenger cars and motorcycles. ($30 per day on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August.)
Unfortunately, there is no parking available in the parking lot for RVs, buses, or campers.
There is no street parking at Higgins Beach year-round, with the exception of designated spaces on Bayview Avenue.
Higgins Beach Dog Rules
Higgins Beach dog rules are the same as those of Pine Point Beach.
From May 15 through Labor Day, no dogs are allowed on any Scarborough beach from 9am to 5pm.
Leashed dogs are permitted from 5pm to dusk. And dogs can run around off leash from dawn until 9am.
From the day after Labor Day through May 14, dogs are allowed on Pine Point Beach all day. They can run free for the majority of the day, however they must be on a leash between 1pm and 3pm.
Dogs must be under both voice control and sight control when off-leash dog access is permitted.
Check The Tide Times Before You Visit Higgins Beach
Just one thing to note – make sure to check the tide times before you visit Higgins Beach, as at high tide, there is barely any beach available.
However, the tide goes out a long way. So at low tide, there’s masses of beach available, and the whole beach becomes a huge playground for your pup!
At low tide, there are also lots of rockpools for your furry friend to explore.
So come and visit Higgins Beach in Scarborough. It’s a fabulous dog friendly beach in Maine!
Website: Higgins Beach, Scarborough, Maine
4. Willard Beach
Address: Beach Street, South Portland, ME 04106
Willard Beach is located in South Portland, the fourth-largest city in the state of Maine.
It’s just 20 minutes north of Higgins Beach, and a mere 4 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, Maine.
Willard Beach is a gorgeous small sand and pebble beach, located in a quiet neighborhood of South Portland. It lies between Fisherman’s Point and the campus of Southern Maine Community College.
This delightful 4-acre beach is a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your pup.
Willard Beach Dog Rules
From October 1 through April 30, dogs are allowed on Willard Beach from 6am to 9pm every day. And for most of that time, your furry friend can run around freely without a leash! Between those dates, dogs are only required to be on a leash between 10am and 3pm.
Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are only permitted on Willard Beach from 7am to 9am and from 7pm to 9pm each day. And Fido must be on a leash between 7pm and 8pm.
Willard Beach dog rules stipulate that long leashes are not allowed to be used on the beach from May 1 through September 30. From October 1 to April 30, long leashes may be used.
Please do not allow your dog to chase any wildlife on Willard Beach.
A Delightful Dog Friendly Beach in Maine!
There is a free parking lot on Willow Street, just a short walk from Willard Beach. There are spaces for 75 cars. Note that on-street parking is not permitted.
Facilities here are good, particularly in the summer months. The Willard Beach Bathhouse is open every summer. It provides restrooms, a snack bar and outdoor showers.
Willard Beach in South Portland is a beautiful dog-friendly Maine beach!
Website: Willard Beach, South Portland, Maine
5. Fort Foster Park
Address: 76 Pocahontas Road, Kittery Point, ME 03905
Fort Foster, now part of Fort Foster Park, is located on the southwest tip of Gerrish Island, in the Kittery Point area of Kittery, Maine.
It’s right next to the state border with New Hampshire.
There is a beautiful dog friendly beach in Fort Foster that can be enjoyed by you and your pup at certain times of the year.
Dogs are prohibited on Pier South Beach on weekends in May and September, and every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, inclusive.
Fort Foster Dog Rules
Fort Foster dog rules state that all dogs must be on a leash from 10am to park closing on weekends in May and September, and every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, inclusive.
From the day after Labor Day of one year, to the day before Memorial Day of the following year, dogs must be on a leash from 10am to 3pm.
Dog leashes must be no more than 10 feet in length.
For more information, see the up-to-date Fort Foster Park rules or click on the main website link below.
If you’re looking for a wonderful dog friendly Maine beach, then be sure to check out Fort Foster Park in Kittery Point.
Website: Fort Foster Park, Kittery Point, Kittery, Maine
6. Long Sands Beach
Address: Route 1A, York Beach, ME 03910
Dog-friendly Long Sands Beach in York, Maine, is less than 3 miles north of York Harbor Beach.
And it’s just 9 miles from Fort Foster Park.
The delightful Nubble Lighthouse, located on a tiny islet just off the tip of Cape Neddick, is just a few minutes away from Long Sands Beach.
A Beautiful Dog-Friendly Maine Beach
Long Sands Beach in Maine is 1.3 miles long and is home to the Anchorage Inn and the Sun N Surf Restaurant.
Dogs are not allowed on Long Sands Beach between 8am and 6pm.
This makes it a great place to take your furball in the early morning or to enjoy a brisk evening walk together.
Parking at Long Sands Beach is $2 per hour.
Website: Long Sands Beach, York, Maine
7. Ogunquit Beach
Address: Ogunquit, ME 03907
Ogunquit Beach in Maine is recognised as being one of the top 25 beaches in the whole of the US!
It’s known for its pristine white sand and its cleanliness.
And it’s one of the many beaches in Maine that allow dogs!
Leashed dogs are permitted on Ogunquit Beach in the off season, from September 9, 2023, through March 31, 2024.
Dogs Are Not Permitted On Ogunquit Beach in The Summer Months
Dogs are not permitted on Ogunquit Beach in the summer months, because the beautiful sand dunes protect endangered piping plover parents and chicks.
Parking rates are between $4 and $6 per hour, and between $25 and $35 per day.
So come to Ogunquit Beach in the quiet season and enjoy some special time with your pooch on this stunningly beautiful Maine dog beach!
Website: Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit, Maine
8. Wells Beach
Address: Wells, ME 04090
Wells Beach in Maine is less than a 15 minute drive north from Ogunquit Beach.
Wells bills itself as “the friendliest town in Maine”.
Parking At Wells Beach in Maine
The Wells Beach parking lots are open from 6am to 11pm every day.
You have to pay for parking only between 8am and 7pm. So early mornings and evenings (after 7pm) are free.
Metered parking is $4 per hour and is strictly enforced.
Between April 1 and June 15, leashed dogs are allowed on Wells Beach at all times.
Wells Beach Dog Rules
Wells Beach dog rules stipulate that from June 16 through September 15, dogs are permitted only between the hours of 6pm and 8am.
Your pup must be leashed at all times.
Restrooms are available at Wells Beach. They close at the same time as the parking lots – 11pm.
This is a great place to take your pooch for some fresh air and exercise.
Wells Beach is one of the best beaches in Maine that allow dogs.
Website: Wells Beach, Wells, Maine
9. Crescent Beach
Address: 24 Gold Ribbon Drive, Wells, ME 04090
Crescent Beach in Wells, Maine, is just a short 3-minute drive south from Wells Beach.
It’s a small and rocky dog-friendly Maine beach. And only accessible at low tide.
A Beautiful, Quiet Maine Dog Beach
But if you’re looking for a beautiful, quiet Maine dog beach, then Crescent Beach in Wells is the place for you.
It’s far less crowded than other beaches in the area, giving you and your pup a chance for some lovely relaxation.
Metered parking is $4 per hour and is strictly enforced.
Crescent Beach Dog Rules
Between April 1 and June 15, leashed dogs are allowed on Crescent Beach at all times.
Crescent Beach dog rules stipulate that from June 16 through September 15, dogs are permitted only between the hours of 6pm and 8am.
Your furball must be leashed at all times.
Crescent Beach in Wells is one of the many dog friendly beaches in Maine.
Website: Crescent Beach, Wells, Maine
10. Drakes Island Beach
Address: 28 Foster Lane, Wells, ME 04090
Drakes Island Beach in Wells, Maine, lies just 5 miles north of Wells Beach. It’s less than a 15-minute drive between the two beaches.
This gorgeous, long, sandy beach provides lots of space for dogs to run around at low tide.
It’s still a great place to walk your dog at high tide, though space is somewhat limited.
Parking At Drakes Island Beach
There’s a small parking lot on Drake Island Road. It’s easy to miss, so if you go past Grasshopper Lane, then you’ve gone too far.
Note that dogs are not allowed on nearby Laudholm Beach. However, leashed dogs ARE permitted at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
Metered parking is $4 per hour and is strictly enforced.
One Of The Many Beaches in Maine That Allows Dogs
Between April 1 and June 15, leashed dogs are allowed on Drakes Island Beach at all times.
Drakes Island Beach dog rules stipulate that from June 16 through September 15, dogs are permitted only between the hours of 6pm and 8am.
Your pooch must be leashed at all times.
Drakes Island Beach in Wells is one of the many beaches in Maine that allow dogs.
Website: Drakes Island Beach, Wells, Maine
11. Gooch’s Beach
Address: Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Gooch’s Beach is located in Kennebunk in Maine. It’s also known as Long Beach.
It’s just 7 miles round the coast from Drakes Island Beach. And a little over 30 miles south of Portland, Maine.
Gooch’s Beach is a beautiful, long, sandy beach and is a popular spot for dog walking all year round. It’s a popular beach and can get very busy in the summer.
Dogs Are Permitted On Gooch’s Beach All Year Round
Dogs are permitted on Gooch’s Beach all year round. And if your dog responds well to voice control, then they don’t even need to be on a leash!
Gooch’s Beach dog rules state that from June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9am and after 5pm.
From the day after Labor Day to June 14, dogs are allowed on the beach all day long!
Parking At Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, Maine
You can drive to and park in any of the available parking spots along the stretch of Kennebunk beaches.
However, if you wish to park at Gooch’s Beach itself, then you’ll need a beach pass. These are available for both residents and visitors.
For visitors, a day pass costs $25 and a week pass costs $100. You can also obtain a season pass for $200.
The fact that your pup can roam free all year long (with time restrictions and so long as they are under voice control), makes Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk one of the best dog friendly beaches in Maine!
Website: Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk, Maine
12. Goose Rocks Beach
Address: Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport is just a short 15-minute drive north from Gooch’s Beach.
And it’s only 35 minutes south of Portland, Maine.
Goose Rocks Beach stretches for 3 miles and offers spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Timber Island.
Dogs Are Allowed On Goose Rocks Beach All Year Round
Dogs are allowed on Goose Rocks Beach all year round.
All dogs must be leashed from April 1 through June 14.
From June 15 through Labor Day, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach only before 9am and after 5pm each day.
Between Labor Day and September 15, it’s the end of the plover nesting season. In order not to disturb the nesting plovers, all dogs must therefore be kept on a leash between those dates.
From September 16 through March 31, dogs must be leashed between 12 noon and 6pm. Your furball can roam free and unleashed at all other times of the day, as long as you keep them under full voice control.
Goose Rocks Beach Is One Of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
Beach parking is only allowed in posted spaces on King’s Highway, Dyke Road and New Biddeford Road.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, parking permits are required at Goose Rocks Beach between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
A daily parking permit is currently $30 and a weekly one will set you back $100.
With its 3-mile-long beach and stunning vistas, Goose Rocks Beach is undoubtedly one of the best Maine beaches for dogs.
Go and check it out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
Website: Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
Maine is a beautiful US state and there are plenty of beaches that allow dogs on them.
Fresh air and exercise are essential for your pup and Maine beaches allow plenty of opportunities to get out there and enjoy them!
Many Maine beaches have good facilities, including convenient parking options.
Whether you head to Goose Rocks Beach, with its 3-mile-long beach and spectacular views, or somewhere a lot smaller and more intimate, like Willard Beach, you’re sure to find what you and your furball are looking for in the Pine Tree State.
So go out there, explore, and have fun!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Maine? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in Maine, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
Yes, there are lots of beaches in Maine that allow dogs. Most have restrictions, though, so do check official websites for up-to-date rules and regulations.
Leashed dogs are permitted on Ogunquit Beach in the off season, from September 9, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Dogs are not permitted on Ogunquit Beach in the summer months.
Some beaches in Maine allow dogs all year round – Goose Rocks Beach, for example. Most Maine beaches allow dogs in the quieter off season, normally from around September or October to the end of March. However, there are usually restrictions, so make sure to check on official websites for up-to-date rules and regulations before you go.
There are many beaches on the East Coast that allow dogs. Some of the best dog friendly beaches in Maine include Higgins Beach, Willard Beach, Wells Beach and Gooch’s Beach.
