Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts (2026 Update)
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.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts
1. Joe Moakley Park at Carson Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 1005 Columbia Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02127 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM; Beach access only available September 15th through May 1st |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
2. Plum Island Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | N Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950 |
| Open Times: | September 15th through May 1st |
| Cost: | Parking fee is $15 for residents, $20 for non-residents |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
3. Dane Street Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Beverly, MA 01915 |
| Open Times: | Open 24/7 during off-season; No dog access allowed from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
4. Singing Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 |
| Open Times: | Dogs allowed on beach from October 15th through April 15th |
| Cost: | Free during off-season |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
5. Nauset Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 250 Beach Road, Orleans, MA 02653 |
| Open Times: | September 15th through April 15th |
| Cost: | Free off-season parking |
| Off-Leash: | No |
6. Provincetown Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 55 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657 |
| Open Times: | On-leash fun allowed 24/7, 365 days a year |
| Cost: | $2 parking |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, but off-leash hours vary |
7. Corn Hill Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Corn Hill Road, Truro, MA 02666 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 PM through 9:00 AM only from Labor Day through the third Sunday in June; 24/7 during off-season |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
8. Craigville Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Barnstable, MA |
| Open Times: | Available from September 15th through May 15th |
| Cost: | $25 parking from 7:30 AM through 3:45 PM |
| Off-Leash: | Not unless dogs are under voice control |
9. Francis Street Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | Nantucket, MA 02554 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
10. Good Harbor Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930 |
| Open Times: | September 15th through April 15th |
| Cost: | Free after 6:00 PM |
| Off-Leash: | No |
Conclusion
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.
Related Read:
Top 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Provincetown, MA (with Pictures)
Top 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine: Off & On-Leash Places (Guide)
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Bertrand Bouchez, Unsplash
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Brooke Norris 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.
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