Planning your trip to the Cape isn’t complete without factoring in your canine friend. Generally, dogs are allowed on Massachusetts beaches during the off-season, which is usually between Labor Day and Memorial Day. During the summer, dogs may be banned from the beaches, at least during the busiest times of day when tourists and lifeguards are present. Certain beaches have different rules though, so check before you go. Additionally, a few beaches may allow your dog to run through the sand off-leash, while others may restrict the times or require them to always remain on-leash. Here are our 10 top picks for dog-friendly beaches all over Massachusetts, noting the time of year you can visit and any other information you need to know before you pack your dog’s beach ball.
Whether you’re visiting Boston or traveling to Nantucket, you’ll be sure to find plenty of dog-friendly beaches along the Massachusetts coast. Most public beaches are only open to dogs during the off-season, but a few may allow leashed dogs year-round. However, a June trip isn’t always a summer bummer. Sometimes beaches will still allow dogs during peak times of year after dark and before dawn when it’s less crowded. Always check before you go just to be safe.
Brooke Bundy has 2+ years experience as a freelance writer. She graduated from University of North Georgia with a B.S. in Media Studies, and is intrigued by the idea of storytelling across different mediums. Currently she lives in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and four pets.
When she isn’t writing, you’ll probably find Brooke petting her dog, Tuggles, or one of her three cats, Satura, Rosie, and Demelza. They follow her around the house as she gardens, cooks, brews coffee, and otherwise makes their house a home.
