Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine: Off- & On-Leash Places (2026 Guide)
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.
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
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
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
