Pet-Friendly Travel in Maine

Pets make the best travel companions, and Maine knows it. With stunning landscapes and dog-friendly communities, it’s the perfect place for outdoor adventures, pampered stays and a little shopping for both of you.

Pet-Friendly Hotels & Resorts

These Maine hotels and resorts treat pets like VIPs — Very Important Pups. Whether you’re after salty air or wooded seclusion, there are stays that go all-in on canine hospitality and make for ideal home bases before heading out on adventures.

For a coastal getaway, book a room at Glenmoor by the Sea in Lincolnville, with sweeping ocean views, direct beach access and nearby dog parks for off-leash fun. Linekin Bay Resort in Boothbay Harbor offers pet-friendly cabins with private decks and space to roam. At Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, dogs get the red carpet: water bowls, fluffy beach towels and homemade treats at turndown. The Craignair Inn in Spruce Head offers a boutique vibe, complete with ocean breezes and breakfast on the deck with your pup by your side.

If you’re headed inland, consider Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport with L.L.Bean dog beds, “Yappy Hours” in the lodge and wooded trails to explore. At Poland’s Wolf Cove Inn on Tripp Lake, dogs are greeted with complimentary “pupcakes,” the perfect welcome to a peaceful lakeside escape.

Off‑Leash Dog Parks

Maine’s top dog parks have all your basic playdate needs, plus thoughtful touches that make time outside safe and fun for everyone.

Belfast Dog Park, part of the larger Walsh Field Recreation Area, features fenced zones for all sizes, benches, a shaded pavilion and even a kiddie pool where pets can cool off after playtime.

Prefer trekking through the woods? Return to the wild with these shady parks. Quarry Run Dog Park in Portland spans 7 fenced-in acres of forest, winding trails and wildflowers. It’s a natural retreat just minutes from downtown. Ogunquit Dog Park offers a similar setting with mulch-covered trails and play areas and plenty of space for zoomies.

For waterfront playdates, South End Dog Park in Bath runs along the Kennebec River and offers wide-open grass, a paved walking loop and essentials like water fountains and waste stations with views of naval ships in the background. Merrymeeting Dog Park in Brunswick also borders the water, with trails along the Androscoggin and separate spaces for big and small dogs.

Outdoor Adventures with Dogs

Maine’s wild landscape is a natural playground year-round, offering everything from snowy trails and rocky coastlines to rolling hills and lakeside peaks. Plus, Maine State Parks offer endless adventure. Most trails and campgrounds are dog-friendly with a leash.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

For more water-based fun, bring your pup to Maine’s dog-friendly beaches for refreshing dips in the ocean and views of the coastline in charming seaside towns. Many beaches have designated off-leash hours or seasonal restrictions, so be sure to check local rules before diving in.

Pair soft white sand with calm waters at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. A beach permit is required and can be purchased at kiosks or the general store. Experience the state’s signature coastal character, where sandy stretches meet rocky outcrops.

At Long Sands Beach in York, dogs can burn off some energy splashing in the water. During the summer season, dogs are welcome off leash in the early morning hours and after 6 p.m. when under voice control, while leashes are required at other times. In the off-season, dogs can enjoy the beach all day.

Find a quiet escape at Willard Beach in a neighborhood of South Portland. This small pebble beach enjoyed by visitors and locals welcomes dogs during designated hours. (May 1st through September 30th: 7–9am and 7–9pm only. From 7–8pm dogs must be on leash. October 1st through April 30th: 6am–9pm however, they are required to be on leash from 10am–3pm.) Check the current beach rules for more details before visiting.  

Dog-Friendly Nature Preserves

Nature preserves provide a chance to slow down and explore Maine’s quieter corners with your dog, from wooded trails to scenic overlooks.

At Presumpscot River Preserve in Portland, explore 48 acres of forested trails with scenic views of the Presumpscot River. Dogs are welcome under voice control or on leash. The trails include a few steep sections and shorter loops through the woods, making it easy to tailor your adventure with your pup. Keep an eye out for birds along the way.

Near Blue Hill, Penny’s Preserve feels like a secret garden, with nearly 5 miles of lightly

trafficked trails that overlook historic quartz quarries and wind through grassy meadows. The terrain is a mix of easy to moderate, and dogs are welcome to romp off leash once inside the preserve.

Wander through mossy forests with towering pines overhead at Cross Cushing Preserve. For a moody experience, go early in the morning when the mist from the nearby ocean drifts through the trees. Dogs are welcome, but much of the trail system winds through private property, so be sure to stay on the paths marked with blue blazes to protect the land.

In Rockport, hike through Beech Hill Preserve for sweeping views of the bay and mountains, with a chance to stop at the Beech Nut, a stone hut built in 1914. The preserve’s fields provide habitat for birds and organic blueberries but are off-limits to dogs. Pups are welcome on the trails but must remain leashed.

Feel connected to nature and Rockport’s history at Erickson Fields Preserve in Rockport. Once a dairy farm, this land now features a 1.8-mile trail and gardens where young people learn to grow fresh food for the community. Dogs can enjoy designated trail areas off leash from sunrise to 9 a.m., and outside those hours or when off the trail, they must be leashed.

Pet-Friendly Hiking Trails

Roam Maine’s trails with your dog through forests, mountains, fields and shorelines, with options for every season and pace.

When the snow falls, hit the trails at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, where leashed dogs are invited to join the fun on snowshoe paths and select ski loops marked with paw prints. Or explore Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, which welcomes pets on winter snowshoe trails and summer

hiking paths. Keep an eye out for gnomes tucked into tiny houses, part of a community project featuring handmade figures from local students.

When you’re ready to map out your four-legged adventure, use the Maine Trail Finder by selecting the pet-friendly trails filter. 

Dog‑Friendly Breweries & Restaurants

Maine is the perfect place to bring your pup along for pub food and a pint. After working up an appetite from exploring, here are a few local spots to check out that welcome pets.

At Turning Page Farm Brewery in Monson, you’ll find a working goat farm turned craft brewery. Dogs are welcome to hang out in the outdoor seating area overlooking the goat pasture, where you can sip small-batch ales and dunk warm pretzel bites into house-made beer cheese.

Allagash Brewing Company in Portland is a pioneer of Maine’s craft beer scene, brewing Belgian-style favorites since 1995. Their spacious outdoor patio is dog-friendly, and the lobster roll is a must, so come hungry.

For a scenic drive and wood-fired pizza, head to Knife Edge Brewing in Millinocket. Located just outside Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak, it’s the perfect post-hike stop to relax with your travel buddy and take in the mountain air.

In Orono, The Family Dog lives up to its name. This casual eatery serves up hot dogs, burgers, floats and local beer with a pet-friendly patio.

Pet Shops & Dog Treats

Maine is packed with pet boutiques full of charm, personality and plenty of ways to spoil both cats and dogs. From locally made treats to stimulating toys, find something special at these pet-friendly shops.

In Portland, Uncommon Paws is a standout boutique with a stylish collection of Maine-made designer collars, leashes and harnesses along with luxury, all-natural pet products. 

Pet Pantry in Freeport is tucked inside a cotton-candy-pink, three-story home filled with supplies, gifts and goodies on every floor. Your travel buddy will drool over the display case stacked with bakery treats. 

In Boothbay Harbor, Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters is a small, family-owned shop known for its high-quality toys, treats, collars—and even gifts for humans. They also offer shipping, so you don’t have to worry about hauling everything home.

Loyal Biscuit Co., with multiple locations, specializes in all-natural food, healthy treats and accessories for pampered pets. The Rockland shop is a one-stop spot for toys, edibles and even a quick scrub at their self-service dog wash.

Dog Daycare & Boarding

Give your pup a comfortable place to relax while you explore major tourist areas. Whether you’re embarking on a cruise, spending a day shopping or heading into Acadia National Park, these convenient daycare options make it easier to enjoy the day knowing your furry family member is in good hands.

Before setting sail from Rockport or Camden, drop your dog or cat off at Happy Hounds Pet Retreat. Pets can enjoy enrichment activities like nature walks, play sessions and cuddle sessions, with additional services available to spoil them even more.

Treat yourself to local treasures while shopping in Freeport while your dog is treated to the Danish-inspired coziness of hygge at the Brown Dog Inn. This nature-based dog retreat offers an in-ground pool and waterfall, plus a relaxing spa area.

If your time in Acadia National Park is filled with challenging hikes or bike rides, give your pup a place to unwind at Dogs at Acadia Woods in Bar Harbor. While you explore the park, your dog will enjoy plenty of attention and individualized care.