Dog Friendly Vacations Northeast – I’ve lived on the East Coast most of my life, and as someone who loves to travel, you can bet I’ve spent years exploring different places along the Atlantic Coast.
Whether we’re exploring pristine beaches or amazing hiking trails, my dog Zika and I are always looking for dog-friendly places.
Dog Friendly Vacations Northeast
So, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a vacation, check out these dog-friendly places to find out where to go next.
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When planning a vacation, you want to be sure you’re going somewhere that will welcome the whole family, including pets.
Since not all places are pet friendly, this requires a little extra planning. Not only will you need to find dog-friendly accommodations, but you’ll also need to fill your trip with dog-friendly activities.
While we’re compiling a list of dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast, I’ve also included a few recommendations for where to stay and what to do to ensure both you and your adventurous friend have the best vacation ever.
Getting to your destination by car? Read my 2024 The Truth About Traveling with Dogs (+ Top Travel Tips) guide to learn how to keep your dog safe while traveling.
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An adventure your dog will love. These pet-loving cities are the perfect places to vacation with dogs on the East Coast.
There are many dog-friendly beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. I’ll spill the tea and tell you that Rehoboth Beach on Delaware Bay is one of the best dog-friendly destinations on the East Coast.
If you’re in southern New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy getaway because the Cape May Lewis Ferry takes you right to this charming beach town and dogs ride free!
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If you arrive before May 1st, dogs are allowed on the beach on a leash. There are some restrictions in place during the summer months, but dogs are welcome at Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
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Located near several state parks, you and your dog can enjoy outdoor activities including exploring the lakes, forests, and wetlands of Gordon’s Pond State Park. I also recommend walking along the junction and breakwater trail that serves as the railway.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants, try The Big Chill Surf Cantina. They have an outdoor patio where you and your adventurous friend can enjoy delicious American fare from the Change Man food truck while listening to live music.
Recommended dog activity: 4-hour pontoon boat rental at Dewey Beach (up to 3 dogs allowed on board for an additional fee of $35 per dog).
Visit Bowman Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach, or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and relax on the sand. These are all dog friendly beaches with no time or date restrictions.
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Take your dog on a wilderness adventure through the largest undeveloped mangrove forest in J.N. Head to Dean Darling National Wildlife Refuge or Over Easy Cafe, a dog-friendly restaurant with delicious cinnamon rolls.
If your child loves to shop, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants on Duval Street. If they love to explore nature, visit Key West’s Dog Beach.
Dogs are welcome at the Key West Rainforest and Botanical Garden, where you can explore more than 15 acres of native gardens and forests.
End the day by watching one of Key West’s famous golden sunsets. I recommend heading to Mallory Square for the best view.
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Or, if your dog is nervous in crowds, visit Higgs Beach Dog Park. You’ll still be able to enjoy the beautiful sunset views, and your fur baby will be able to hang out with other four-legged friends.
The Golden Isles are another great choice if you’re thinking about the best dog-friendly vacation on the East Coast.
The Golden Isles include several islands off the coast of Georgia. This is a great place to visit if you want to explore natural places largely untouched by modern hands.
About 65 percent of Jekyll Island is undeveloped. Most beaches on the island allow dogs on leashes (up to 16 feet), so there’s plenty for you to explore!
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For ideas on where to eat during your island vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly Rah Bar patio. Time it right and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping on a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is known for its coastal charm, lighthouses, beautiful downtowns, museums, and dog-friendly environment.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters, and since it’s dog-friendly, it’s a great place to introduce your dog to the ocean.
But it’s not the only dog-friendly beach in the area. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach, and Jetty Beach are just a few of the other dog-friendly places you can visit in Nantucket.
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If you and your dog love to enjoy the outdoors, Bar Harbor may be the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Bring your adventure lover to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 50 square miles of mountain lakes and hiking trails with stunning views of the Atlantic Coast.
Island Explorer is a free, pet-friendly public transportation service that takes you and your dog to the city’s most popular attractions.
Maine is incredibly dog-friendly, so it’s no surprise that most of the city’s stores are more than pet-friendly. Bring your dog a souvenir and be sure to stop by Bark Harbor for a tasty treat.
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Stretching 130 miles along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands dotted with charming beach towns. What’s more, dogs are welcome on most beaches all year round!
With more than a dozen beach towns on the Outer Banks, there’s no shortage of fun things to do for you and your kids.
If you visit the Kill Devil Hills, visit Bonzer’s Cabin with your furry friend. This laid-back surf shack not only offers delicious food and live music, but also a relaxing atmosphere with pits and picnic tables in a charming “backyard.”
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Some parts of the park are accessible by car, making a day of fishing with your buddy easier.
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Or you can stop by Nags Head, where you can visit Kitty Hawk Kites for souvenirs or buy a kite to fly on Nags Head Beach.
Take your dog on an outdoor adventure in Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. The East Coast is one of the best vacation spots for dogs year-round because there is always something to do. From skiing in the winter to camping in the summer, this is an outdoor paradise.
Although you won’t be on the beach, there are still plenty of dog-friendly water activities. Take your fur baby for a walk along Mirror Lake’s 4.7 miles of paved trails. They can dip their paws in the water and then you can shop in the gift shops on the west side of the lake.
Another option is to take your dog for a walk in the woods on the Peninsula Nature Trails, or go hiking or cross-country skiing with your dog at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site.
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While the bustling streets of New York City may not be the best place to vacation with a dog, the Big Apple’s closest neighbor, Long Island, is one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast.
Long Island is the largest island in the USA. And there are plenty of things to do for dogs all over this land. Explore Long Island with your dog and enjoy dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, breweries and farms.
Join the brewing scene at dog-friendly establishments like Greenport Harbor Brewing Company or Bright Eye Beer Company.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, unwind with a doggy yoga session where your four-legged friend can find peace of mind with you.
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End the day with a delicious dinner at American Brass Restaurant. This is a waterfront restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients to create innovative and delicious dishes. And of course, they have a pet-friendly patio.
If you want to have fun at the beach while staying close to plenty of trendy restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a dog-friendly vacation to the Jersey Shore.
In summer, dogs can walk on the beach after 6 am and until 8:30 am. In the off-season, from October 1 to May 15, they can spend the entire day freely walking along the boardwalk and Dog Beach on 8th Avenue.
If your dog loves to socialize with other dogs, check out Yuppy Hour at Wonder Bar. There’s a fenced-in outdoor area so dogs can mingle freely while their humans enjoy drinks and conversation.
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When it comes to dining, there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. Grab a bite to eat at Toast, Johnny Mac, The Chat and Nibble or Cross and Orange. Next, stop by the Asbury Park Meeting Room, where dog-friendly events such as flea markets and craft fairs are often held.
Bring your dog with you as a souvenir.
