Best Dog Beaches in Maine

Willard Beach is a picturesque, family-friendly destination located in South Portland, Maine. It is nestled between Fisherman's Point and the campus of Southern Maine Community College, offering a serene and natural setting. The beach is small, covering about four acres, and features a mix of sand and pebbles. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Fort Scammel, Peaks Island, and Cushing Island in Casco Bay. The area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring tidal pools at low tide. The beach is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, making it a great spot for both morning and evening activities.

Willard Beach is part of a vibrant neighborhood that has seen significant growth and revitalization over the years. It offers a charming blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. The beach's proximity to Portland allows easy access to a variety of cultural and dining experiences.

The beach itself is well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Additionally, it is dog-friendly during certain hours, making it a great spot for families with pets.

East End Beach, located at the foot of the Eastern Promenade in Portland, Maine, is the city's only public beach. It offers a picturesque view of Casco Bay and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and picnics. The beach is dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas nearby. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, sailboats, and local wildlife like seals. The beach is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it a great destination for both locals and tourists.

The Eastern Promenade itself is a historic landscape designed by the Olmsted Brothers, offering a two-mile trail along the waterfront. It connects to other trails and features tennis courts, baseball fields, and picnic areas, making it a vibrant public space for recreation and leisure.

East End Beach is a small but charming beach, ideal for ending a scenic walk or enjoying a day outdoors with family and pets.

This 1.5 mile, sandy oasis known as Long Sands Beach is fantastic for any family outing -- it's even dog friendly! On-site amenities making it convenient for families further adds to the experience.

Ferry Beach State Park, located in Saco, Maine, is a picturesque coastal destination offering a serene escape from bustling city life. Situated between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis, the park spans 117 acres along Saco Bay, featuring miles of white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The park's unique name is derived from a historic ferry that once transported travelers across the Saco River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking through diverse ecosystems like tupelo swamps and deciduous forests, and engaging in water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The park also hosts a nature center and offers guided nature walks, providing insights into the local flora and fauna.
The beach is well-maintained, with amenities such as outdoor showers and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The surrounding area is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure for all visitors.
With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes, Ferry Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat by the ocean.

If you're looking for a quaint, charming beach, Kennbunkport's Goose Rocks beach is one of the best. The beach is long and covered with its signature, white, plush sand that is perfect to relax on.

Old Orchard Beach's 7 miles of pristine, golden sand is sure to please any family -- especially considering it's lifeguard protected. The beach's center, however, is its iconic pier where you can do anything from playing carnival games, eating, shopping, dancing and even watching concerts.

Crescent Beach in Kittery, Maine, is a picturesque rocky beach known for its unique shoreline and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located just south of Seapoint Beach, it offers a tranquil setting for those who enjoy walking or exploring the coastline. The beach is flanked by wild blueberry bushes and features a mix of cobblestones and small rocks, making it less suitable for swimming due to strong tides. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful coastal experience. Visitors often enjoy it during early mornings, evenings, or off-season due to limited parking, which is generally reserved for Kittery residents.
The area is conserved by the Kittery Land Trust, which aims to preserve open spaces from development. However, the constant human activity and large number of dog walkers have impacted the local wildlife, leading to concerns about maintaining the natural habitat.
Despite these challenges, Crescent Beach remains a charming destination for those who appreciate its rugged beauty and serene atmosphere.

Laite Memorial Beach is a picturesque and serene destination located in Camden, Maine. It is a small, low-key harbor beach offering stunning views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The beach features a pebble shoreline and is surrounded by a grassy hillside with a children's playground, picnic tables, and public restrooms. It serves as a memorial to fallen soldiers from World War II and was donated by the Laite family in honor of their son. The beach is ideal for families and offers activities like swimming, kayaking, and exploring the shoreline for sea life. The nearby Camden Hills State Park and Camden Harbor Park provide additional attractions for visitors.

Laite Memorial Beach is a hidden gem within the Camden community, providing a peaceful and beautiful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for relaxation and family outings.

The beach's proximity to downtown Camden allows visitors to easily explore local shops, restaurants, and other attractions, enhancing the overall experience of visiting this charming coastal town.

Wells Beach in Maine offers a serene and expansive coastal experience with nearly seven miles of sandy shoreline. Located between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, it provides a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby tidal pools and jetties surrounding Wells Harbor. The area is also rich in cultural events, including summer concerts at Wells Harbor Community Park and various festivals throughout the year. The beach's proximity to Boston, about 90 minutes north, makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those seeking a tranquil oceanfront experience.

Wells Beach is part of a larger coastal community that includes other beautiful beaches like Moody Beach and Drakes Island Beach. The town of Wells itself is known for its friendly atmosphere and historical significance, being one of the oldest towns in Maine. The beach area is complemented by a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and recreational activities like golf and mini-golf.

The scenic drives around Wells offer stunning views of lighthouses and historic landmarks, adding to the area's charm. Overall, Wells Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the quintessential Maine coastal lifestyle.

Short Sands Beach in York, Maine, is a picturesque and compact beach, stretching about 1/4 mile. It is nestled between rocky cliffs in the heart of York Beach, offering a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. The beach features soft, clean sand, making it perfect for barefoot walks or building sandcastles. Despite the cool water temperatures, visitors enjoy swimming and bodysurfing in the gentle waves. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, ensuring a safe environment for all beachgoers.
The beach is surrounded by a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a classic beach experience with modern amenities.
Access to the beach is free, although parking may require a fee. The area is also dog-friendly during the off-season, provided dogs are leashed and cleaned up after.

Kennebunk Beach, located in the picturesque coastal town of Kennebunk, Maine, offers a serene and inviting atmosphere. The beach is part of a series of beaches along Beach Avenue, including Gooch's Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother's Beach. These beaches are known for their intimate settings, with Gooch's being the largest and most popular. The area is rich in history and natural beauty, with historic sea captains' homes nearby and a variety of outdoor activities available throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the tide pools during the summer months. The beaches are connected by sidewalks, making them a favorite spot for walkers and joggers. The town of Kennebunk itself is steeped in colonial history and offers a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants.
The nearby Kennebunkport adds to the charm with its quaint riverside setting and historic architecture, making the area a beloved summer destination for over a century.

Fort Foster, located on Gerrish Island in Kittery, Maine, is a picturesque beach destination offering a serene escape with its three small sandy beaches. The park is renowned for its extensive trail system, picnic areas, and historic military fortifications, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Portsmouth Harbor, including Whaleback Light and Fort Constitution. The beach is perfect for relaxing walks or sunbathing, and its proximity to other attractions like the Nubble Lighthouse and Ogunquit Beach makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the Southern Maine Coast.

The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding, and other outdoor activities. Fort Foster's scenic trails and beaches make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed at the beach.

The surrounding region offers a vibrant cultural scene, with nearby Kittery and Portsmouth providing a wealth of dining options, shopping centers, and historical sites to explore.

Gooch's Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline in Kennebunk, Maine, known for its soft white sand and serene ocean views. Located near the mouth of the Kennebunk River, it offers a tranquil setting for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is approximately 3 miles long and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It features a wooden seawall along most of its length, with a small active dune near the river mouth. The beach is well-suited for family outings and offers lifeguards during the summer season. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walks along the beachfront promenade, which connects Gooch's Beach to other nearby beaches like Middle Beach and Mother's Beach.
The beach's proximity to Kennebunkport's historic district and various attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. The beach is named after John Gooch, a local resident who owned an inn in the late 1800s. It is a dog-friendly beach, allowing dogs during certain hours of the day, depending on the season.
Gooch's Beach is also a great spot for nature lovers, with opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the Maine coast.