18 Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Maine 2024

Portland, Cumberland County, York County, Kennebunk, Scarborough, Saco, Camden, Southport, etc., have the best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine.

Traveling with a pet to a beach for the first time is a memorable journey. Maine’s dog-friendly beaches will give every parent a wonderful experience. The dog will also experience new sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean. In Maine, summer is the best time to visit beaches with them. Make sure that they get sun, sand, and surf.

Traveling with a dog requires more research and planning. Before visiting the beach, get all the necessary information like – timings, dog rules, entry fee, facilities, etc. Choose a beach that will welcome the dogs with open paws.

List of 18 Top Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine

1. Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine

Willard is a small dog-friendly beach between Fisherman’s Point and the Southern Maine Community College Campus. The beach covers almost 4 acres of land used for swimming and boating, along with beautiful sand, pebbles, and great views. The tidal pools here are great for children, and also, nature enthusiasts can explore the wildlife.

This beach has a bathhouse that remains open each summer. It includes restrooms, snack bars, outdoor showers, etc. Glass containers and consumption of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited here.

Willard Beach in South Portland Maine — Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine

Beach Hours: Every day from 6 am to 9 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: Entry is free, but Parking is chargeable.
Nearby Attractions: Spring Point Shoreway Trail, sites of Portland Head Light, open ocean.
Address: South Portland, ME, United States.

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2. Higgins Beach in Cumberland County

Higgins Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Maine. The beach is clean with white sand and has perfect swimming conditions. It has fun options like canoeing or kayaking, fishing, picnics, and dining, besides dog-friendly swimming. Surfcasting is a trendy sport on this beach.

Higgins is a beautiful beach, and the surroundings are charming. It’s a wonderful place to spend time with your pets. The beach has lifeguards, on-site restrooms, and shower facilities. Three hundred cottages have made a beautiful neighborhood surrounding this beach.

Beach Hours: Throughout the year from Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee & Parking: Parking fee is charged per vehicle basis.
Nearby Attractions: Portland Head Light, Fort Williams Park, Two Lights State Park, etc.
Address: 34 Ocean Avenue, Scarborough, Maine 04074.

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3. Old Orchard Beach in York County

Old Orchard Beach is a resort town located in York County, Maine. This beach is a regular tourist beach area that is extremely crowded. The place is loud, and finding a parking space is challenging. The location is a good choice for families and kids.

From October to November, the place remains warm, so there are tourists. The restaurants are open for about two or three – years round. The pier gets closed but has a pretty sight. You can see astounding and colorful sunrises from the beach during this time. Apart from that, it also has excellent options for camping, shopping, and dining.

Beach Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: $20 is charged for the whole day. It includes the use of bathrooms and changing rooms.
Nearby Attractions: Palace Playland, Candy Shores, Maine Country Woods, etc.
Address: 11 First Street, Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064.

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4. Wells Beach in Maine

Wells Beach is a beautiful and long beach in New England, especially during low tide. It’s a popular seaside destination in Maine. The visitors can enjoy the fantastic sunset views from here. The beach is clean and sandy, with lots of amusement rides.

It’s a famous beach so getting a parking space is difficult. There are lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance from here. The place is excellent for walking and has a few lovely beach huts. It’s one of the best beaches in Maine that allows dogs.

Beach Hours: Every day from Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee & Parking: Parking fees apply until 6 pm.
Nearby Attractions: The Beachcomber, Broadwalk Arcade, Coast Encounters, etc.
Address: 393 Mile Road, Wells Beach, Maine.

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5. York Beach in York

York Beach is a small, sandy beach located on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is famous for swimming, surfing, and volleyball tournaments.

York Maine Beach contains three beautiful beaches: Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, and Harbour Beach.

The best part about swimming is the middle of the beach. The public restrooms are also placed there. You can also do sunbathing, body surfing, and kites flying here.

York Beach is dog friendly and allows dogs off-leash, including some rules.

Beach Hours: From May 15th to October 15th, 8 am to 10 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: It costs $2 per hour.
Nearby Attractions: York Wild Kingdom Zoo, Fun Park, Nubble Lighthouse, etc.
Address: York, Maine 03909, USA.

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6. Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport

Goose Rocks Beach is a public beach but entirely privately owned. Located in the town of Kennebunkport in Maine, United States. The name of this beach came from the Barrier Reef Offshore. It’s a three-mile-wide sandy beach that gets visible during the low tide.

This place is excellent for sunbathing, swimming, walking, and playing on the sand. Goose Rocks is a famous beach among visitors for gentle surfing. The beach has stunning ocean and island views and beautiful marine and shorebird wildlife.

Beach Hours: Every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: There are three types of stickers for non-residents of Kennebunkport. Daily stickers – $25, Weekly stickers – $100, and Seasonal stickers – $200.
Nearby Attractions: The Pineapple Ketch, Intown Trolley, Seashore Trolley Museum, etc.
Address: 6 Elm Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, United States.

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7. Long Sands Beach in Maine

Long Sands Beach is between two beautiful villages: York Harbour and York Beach Long Sands. It’s a busy tourist spot mainly from mid-June and witnesses almost five thousand visitors daily. There are various popular kid’s activities here, like swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and playing volleyball.

Surfing is allowed only in “mixed-use zones” delineated by orange buoys. Long Sands Beach has several facilities like – public restrooms, metered parking, handicapped parking, and accessible ramps. This 15-mile-long sandy beach has some tidepools and rocky areas.

Beach Hours: May 15th to October 15th from 8 am to 10 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: $2 per hour is charged.
Nearby Attractions: Nubble Lighthouse, York’s Wild Kingdom, etc.
Address: Long Beach Avenue, Route 1A, York Beach, ME 03910.

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8. Ogunquit Beach in Maine

Ogunquit is one of the best beaches on the East Coast. The beach is clean with great sand that is not coarse. Ogunquit was not always a tourist and evolved from a small fishing village. People count it among the most beautiful beaches. Tourists visit this beach for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and sunset views.

Ogunquit has a boardwalk to cross the natural vegetation of the dunes. Across the tidal river, there are many dunes on the beach. You can row on boats across the river when the tide is in. Similarly, it’s great for a walk when the wave is out.

Beach Hours: From June to early September, 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: $5 per hour and $30 per day are charged.
Nearby Attractions: Ogunquit Heritage Museum, Perkins Cove Road, Barn Gallery, Sea Bell Gallery, etc.
Address: 124 Beach St, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

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9. Kennebunk Beach in Maine

Kennebunk Beach is the most beautiful around November, when it remains quiet and beautiful. The beach is lovely for barefoot walking, as the surrounding is gorgeous. It’s located near the town, hence easily accessible. Easy parking is available on this long, sandy beach. Visitors come here for surfing, sunbathing, or beautiful views.

Kennebunk is decorated naturally with soft sands, rocky shores, sea shells, tidal pools, etc. It’s a family-friendly beach that allows dogs. Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association arranges summer camps. Mothers are seen here hanging out with their children. Tidal pools are also here for ocean creature exploration.

Beach Hours: Every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: $5 for each resident, $25 for guest passes of each resident family, $100 for the week, and $200 for the season.
Nearby Attractions: Brick Store Museum, Northlight Gallery, Wedding Cake House, etc.
Address: Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA.

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10. Pine Point Beach in Scarborough

Pine Point Beach, situated in Scarborough, is an excellent location for walking. It especially feels good during low tides on Summer evenings. This beach witnessed the most stunning sunsets. The water changes to icy blue, and the sky and wet sand change into pink.

The beach is a long sandy beach located on Saco Bay. It has extended four miles from the jetty to Old Orchard Beach. Many popular activities can be done here, like – Swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing, and Surfcasting. The beach includes amenities like – restrooms, showers, and food stands.

Beach Hours: From 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: The parking fee starts from $10 up to $35.
Nearby Attractions: Scarborough Beach State Park, Ferry Beach, Len Libby Chocolates, etc.
Address: Scarborough, ME 04074, USA.

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11. Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk

Gooch’s Beach is the largest and one of Maine’s most popular dog-friendly beaches. It’s also known as Long Beach. Visitors get attracted to the beautiful white sand and good surf here. Especially in the Summer season, the place gets crowded. The beach is situated precisely between Kennebunk River and Oaks Neck.

Dogs are permitted here within a few specific areas under guidelines. They can play here before 9 am and after 5 pm. Gooch’s beach accommodates different activities, like – Fishing, Sunbathing, Walking laps, Bird Watching, etc.

Beach Hours: From 6 am to 11 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: A day pass per vehicle is $25.
Nearby Attractions: Middle Beach in Kennebunk, Mother’s Beach, Fortune Rocks Beach, Oracle State Park, etc.
Address: Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States.

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12. Middle Beach in Kennebunk

Middle Beach, also known as Rocky Beach, is situated at Kennebunk, coastal Maine. This one belongs to the trio of beaches, including Mother’s Beach and Gooch’s Beach. It’s placed between these two. The beach offers excellent ocean views and has the facility of beach chairs.

Middle Beach is a narrow and rocky beach full of smooth pebbles. Dogs are allowed here before 9 am and after 5 pm. Until June 15th, dogs are allowed the whole day. The beach is more secluded than the surrounding beaches.

Beach Hours: From 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: Parking costs $25 per vehicle for non-residents.
Nearby Attractions: Cliff Walk, Fortune Rocks Beach, Pine Point Beach, etc.
Address: Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States.

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13. Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk

Mother’s Beach is a beautiful and comparatively less crowded beach. The beach is long and sandy, with rocks on either side. The water here is freezing and full of seaweed. It’s easily accessible through the bridal trail if you want to walk to it.

Dogs are allowed here during a few particular hours. Mother’s Beach has a friendly and warm atmosphere, particularly for families. The beach has a lovely playground with swings, slides, and bars—also a fun place to explore rocks.

Beach Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee & Parking: $25 for each vehicle.
Nearby Attractions: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, St Ann’s by-the-sea Episcopal Church, Gooch’s Beach, etc.
Address: Kennebunk, ME, United States.

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14. Bay View Beach in Saco

Bay View is one of the famous beaches in Maine. Crowds can be seen here, especially during Summer. This sandy beach is at the end of By View Road in Saco, near Seaside Avenue.

Bay View Beach offers many facilities like – a bathroom, lifeguards, and parking areas. Along with all these, it also has beach-accessible mats and wheelchairs for visitors. This dog-friendly beach is quite famous among pet owners. Apart from that many visitors come here for swimming and sunbathing.

Beach Hours: From 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: It requires an entry fee while entering with a dog.
Nearby Attractions: Ferry Beach State Park, Camp Ellis Beach, Broad Rich Adventures, etc.
Address: Saco, ME 04072, United States.

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15. Kinney Shores in Saco

Kinney Shores is an excellent dog-friendly beach in Maine. It’s the only beach in Maine that allows dogs all day in Summer. However, there are a few rules that dog owners must follow. The beach is long and full of white sand, perfect for walking the dog.

Kinney Shores has a limited parking capacity. So, try to visit early to get a parking spot. Kinney Shores and Bay View Beach are connected, so the long sandy stretch exists. Keep an umbrella and plenty of water if you plan to spend the entire day here. Dog bags are provided at different access points of the beach.

Beach Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee & Parking: No entry fee or parking is charged.
Nearby Attractions: Ferry Beach State Park, Ocean Park, Bay View Beach, etc.
Address: Saco, ME 04072, United States.

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16. Laite Memorial Beach in Camden

Laite Memorial is a small and clean beach considered a hidden gem. It’s a low-key place with a relaxing harbor beach. From here, the oceanfront and the waters of Camdon Harbour are easily accessible. Overall, it’s a compact rocky beach.

The beach is beside a park with picnic tables, grills, swings, and other things. Tourists or locals are often found here for the fantastic views and swimming facilities. Laite Memorial is a pet-friendly beach where dogs are allowed off-leash. It also has facilities like public restrooms.

Beach Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Entry Fee & Parking: No entry fee or parking is charged.
Nearby Attractions: Camden Hills State Park, Camden Harbor Cruises, Mount Battie Trail, etc.
Address: Camden, ME 04843, United States.

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17. Hendricks Head Beach in Southport

Hendricks Head Beach is a famous tourist attraction located in Southport, Maine. It’s a quiet, friendly family place with dogs. Visitors can enjoy it here by beach combing and exploring rock pools. The beach is small and clean, with beautiful views of the lighthouse. Many locals are seen here enjoying a quiet walk.

Hendricks is a great spot to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. During the low tides, a bunch of small crabs come out. Visitors enjoy watching or catching them. The water is calm here, accompanied by beautiful weather. The beach is rocky with some sandy areas, along with clear waters.

Beach Hours: Open for 24 hours.
Entry Fee & Parking: No entry fee or parking charge is needed.
Nearby Attractions: Hendricks Head Lighthouse, Hendricks Hill Museum, Schooner Lazy Jack Cruises, etc.
Address: 22 Salt Pond Rd, Southport, ME 04576, United States.

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18. East End Beach in Portland, Maine

East End is a beautiful beach with a walking trail, waterfront park, boat launch, sandy beach, and scenic views. It provides amazingly colorful sunset views. People with a love for photography will enjoy this place thoroughly. Dogs are permitted here in the early hours.

East End Beach has public toilets, restrooms, mowed lawns, and parks. The beach is pretty but not suitable for swimming. However, it’s a good place for launching a small boat to witness the beautiful views. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views while walking through the trail.

East End Beach, Portland, Maine

Beach Hours: From 6:30 am to 10 pm.
Entry Fee & Parking: Parking is free every day except on Sundays.
Nearby Attractions: Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, etc.
Address: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME 04101, United States.

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Conclusion

Traveling with your dog to beaches is fun and equally requires responsibility. Keep a few factors in check before the trip.

Pack Sun protection essentials.
Research properly.
Make the bookings in advance.
Keep your dog safe on sand and water.
Protect the paws of your dogs.
Maintain beach etiquette. Clean the trash before leaving.
Carry dog bags and plenty of water.
Rinse your dog before leaving.

The above-mentioned dog friendly beaches in Maine are good options to spend with your dog. Follow the necessary rules and create good memories with your loved ones.

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18 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine 2024