Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine: Off- & On-Leash Places (2026 Guide)

woman hugging her dog on the beach

Maine is a beautiful state with plenty of coastlines to enjoy. And what’s better than spending a day at the beach with your furry friend?

We’ve compiled a list of the top seven dog-friendly beaches in Maine so that you can make the most of summer with your pup.

divider dog paws oct 2024

The 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine

1. Laite Memorial Beach (Camden)

️Address: Laite Memorial Beach, Camden, ME
Open Times: 6 am to 8 am & 6 pm to 10 pm from May to September
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, with owner control
  • Pets are allowed on the beach and in the water
  • The main attraction is the stunning views and lovely surroundings
  • Expect plenty of room to run and play with your pup

2. Hendricks Head Beach (Southport Island)

️Address: 22 Salt Pond Rd, Southport, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Pets are allowed on all beaches and don’t have to be on a leash
  • Plenty of freedom to run and play off-leash
  • Expect to find plenty of other pet owners and dogs playing around
  • Mini mountain offers picturesque views of the Sheepscot River

3. East End Beach (Portland)

️Address: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, Labor Day to Memorial Day, before 9 am, after 5 pm
  • Pets are allowed to roam without a leash
  • Excellent views of Peaks Island and Fort Gorges
  • Visitors can expect a beautiful beach with plenty of amenities for both themselves and their furry friends

4. Long Sands Beach (York)

️Address: 189 Long Beach Ave, York, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, May 20th to September 20th, after 6 pm and sunrise to 8 am
  • Pets can roam leash-free until 6 pm
  • Expansive beach that stretches for miles
  • Visitors can expect to find plenty of sand to play in and waves to surf
  • Long Sands General Store has delicious ice cream for you and your dog

5. Gooch’s Beach (Kennebunk)

️Address: Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, before 9 am, after 5 pm
  • Truly unique atmosphere for lasting memories with your pup
  • Incredible ocean views and lots of roaming space
  • Expect a relaxing day with beautiful surroundings

6. Willard Beach (South Portland)

️Address: Willard Beach, South Portland, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, May 1st to September 30th, 7 am to 9 am, 7 pm to 9 pm
  • Off-leash times available
  • Wide open space for dogs to run and play
  • Expect a clean, quiet beach with plenty of amenities nearby

7. Bar Island Sandbar (Bar Harbor)

️Address: Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor, ME
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No. 6-foot leash only
  • Pets are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash
  • The main attraction at Bar Island Sandbar is the unique sandbar that is only accessible during low tide
  • Visitors can expect to have plenty of room to run and play with their pets
  • Bring plenty of water for both you and your furry friend
  • Plan your beach day around the tides

divider dog paws oct 2024

Conclusion

There are many great dog-friendly beaches in Maine that you and your four-legged friend can enjoy together. From the scenic Laite Memorial Beach in Camden to the fun and lively East End Beach in Portland, there’s a perfect beach for every type of pup.

So get out there and enjoy all that Maine has to offer with your furry friend by your side.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Shift Drive, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Are Shelties Hypoallergenic? Vet-Approved Facts & Tips

For dog lovers with allergies, the search for a breed that won’t cause their allergies to flare up is unending. While no dogs...

Essence Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary In today’s world, it can be hard to figure out which dog food brand is best for your pup. You love...

Plott Hound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

The Plott Hound is a sleek, spry, and devout companion known for their short brindle coats and athleticism. Bred to hunt big game,...

The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. WOOF Review 2026: An Expert’s Breakdown

Like most dog mamas out there, I highly prioritize the health of my two pups. Halle and Indy are part of my family...

More related

10 Beautiful Corgi Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are well-known, fluffy-bottomed dogs that were made famous by Queen Elizabeth II (who owned 30 of the dogs during...

Male vs. Female Corgis: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

The Corgi is a popular small breed of dog that has a long, thick body accompanied by short legs and large, pointed ears....

Prey Drive in Dogs: Vet-Verified Signs & How to Help

Even though most owners know it’s there, a dog’s prey drive can still surprise and overwhelm them. Maybe your dog yanks on the...

15 Vet-Verified Bichon Frise Facts You’ll Love to Know

Who doesn’t love the Bichon Frise dog breed? These delightful little dogs have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world, and...

Keep reading

When Was Dog Food Invented? History, Facts & FAQ

Do you know when dog food was invented? The answer may surprise you! Dog food has a long and complicated history, and the way we feed our dogs today has changed a lot over the years. In this post, we’ll...

woman buying dog food

10 Best Organic Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are currently no rules that manufacturers need to follow when calling a dog food natural or organic. As such, you need to check the ingredients and sources yourself to ensure that what you’re buying is natural. Furthermore, you have...

labradoodle puppy with dog bowl

10 Foods With Potassium for Dogs: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

If your dog has hypokalemia or a low concentration of potassium in their bloodstream, your veterinarian may have recommended that you supplement your pet’s regular meals with high-potassium treats. Potassium is vital to the function of the muscles, nerves, and...

cute beagle puppy eating at a living room

Orijen Dog Food Review 2026: Vet-Verified Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Orijen dog food is produced by Champion Pet Foods and is based in Canada. They have a manufacturing facility in Alberta, Canada, and the U.S. state of Kentucky, where they produce their dry food recipes. The canned recipes...

Dogster_Orijen Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Butter? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

This rich, delicious seed butter is often used by humans as an alternative to peanut butter or a topping that shines on its own. But can dogs eat sunflower butter too? Yes! Sunflower butter is a healthy treat for dogs...

Can Dogs Eat_Sunflower Butter

What Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Fruits, Veggies & More

Fruits and vegetables are a necessary part of a human’s diet, but did you know that they can play a role in your dog’s diet too? Unfortunately, not all fruits and veggies are safe to give to your dog, and...

is chocolate bad for dogs

What Is Crude Fiber in Dog Food? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Finding good dog food can certainly be an uphill battle in many ways. Whether the problem is finding food that has the right nutritional components or if you have a picky dog who may not want to eat food, it...

Ginger dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Pumpkin seeds are one of the favorite healthy snacks for many people worldwide. While enjoying pumpkin seeds, you may have noticed your dog begging you for a bit of taste. At this point, you may wonder whether pumpkin seeds are...

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds