Dog Friendly Vacations East Coast – I’ve lived most of my life on the East Coast, and as an avid traveler, you can bet I’ve spent years exploring different places along the Atlantic coast.
Whether it’s exploring pristine beaches or great hiking trails, my dog Zica and I are always on the lookout for the best dog-friendly spots.
Dog Friendly Vacations East Coast
So whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a relaxing getaway, explore these dog-friendly spots for ideas on where to explore next.
Top Dog-friendly Vacation Destinations
When you’re planning a vacation, you want to make sure you’re going somewhere where the whole family is welcome, including pets.
Since not all places allow pets, this requires more planning. Not only do you need to find dog-friendly accommodations, but you’ll also need to fill your trip with dog-friendly activities.
As we review a list of dog-friendly East Coast vacations, I’ve included tips on where to stay and what to do so you and your travel companion can have the best vacation ever.
Are you arriving at your destination by car? Check out my guide The Truth About Road Trips With Dogs (+ Best Travel Tips) 2024 to learn how to keep your child safe while traveling.
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From time immemorial, your dog will love going to pet-friendly cities that are the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
There are many dog-friendly beaches along the Atlantic border. Allow me to spill the beans and tell you that Rehoboth Beach on the Delaware Bay is one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast.
If you’re on the southern tip of New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy getaway because the Cape May Lewes Ferry will take you straight to this beautiful beach town, and dogs ride for free!
If you visit before May 1st, dogs are allowed on a leash on the beaches. During the summer months, there are some restrictions, but dogs can enjoy Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
Best Dog Friendly Vacations On The East Coast
Located near several state parks, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for you and your dog to enjoy, including exploring the lake, forest and wetlands of Gordons Pond State Park. I also recommend walking The Junction and the Breakwater Trail, which once served as a railroad.
For dog-friendly restaurants, try Big Chill Surf Cantina. They have an outdoor patio where you and your date can enjoy delicious American food from the Changing Mains food truck while listening to live music.
Recommended dog-friendly activity: 4-hour boat rental at Dewey Beach (allows up to 3 dogs with an additional $35 fee per dog).
Check out Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and relax while sitting on the sand. They are all dog-friendly beaches, with no time or date restrictions.
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Take your dog on a Wildlife Drive through the vast, undeveloped mangrove forest in J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or head to Over Easy Cafe, a dog-friendly restaurant with delicious cinnamon rolls.
If your pup likes to shop, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants along Duval Street. If they like to explore nature, check out Key West’s Dog Beach.
Dogs are allowed at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, where there are more than 15 acres of native gardens and forests to explore.
End the day with a golden sunset in Key West. I recommend going to Mallory Square for the best view.
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Or, if your pup is shy in crowds, check out Higgs Beach Dog Park. You’ll still get a great view of the sunset and your fur baby will have a chance to hang out with some four-legged friends.
The Golden Islands are another great option when you’re thinking of the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast.
The Golden Islands consist of several islands off the coast of Georgia. It is a great place to visit if you love to explore nature and be untouched by modern hands.
Jekyll Island is approximately 65% undeveloped. Dogs are allowed on a leash (up to 16 feet) on most of the island’s beaches, so there’s plenty to explore!
Dog-friendly Vacations Across The United States
As for where to eat on your island vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly “Rah Bar” on the patio. Choose the right moment and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is best known for its coastal beauty, complete with lighthouses, beautiful downtown areas, museums, and its dog-friendly atmosphere.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters and being dog friendly, it’s a great place to introduce your pup to the beach.
But it’s not the only dog-friendly beach in the area. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach and Jetties Beach are just a few of the dog-friendly places to explore on Nantucket.
3 Dog-friendly Vacation Destinations On The East Coast
If you and your dog love to get out into nature, Bar Harbor might be the perfect place for your next trip.
Bring your adventure partner to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 50 square miles of mountain lakes and hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast.
Island Explorer is free, pet-friendly public transportation that will take you and your dog to the city’s most popular attractions.
Maine is an incredibly dog-friendly state, so it’s no surprise that many of the city’s shops are more than welcoming to pets. Take your dog souvenir shopping and be sure to stop in Bark Harbor for some great food.
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The Outer Banks stretches 130 miles along the coast of North Carolina and consists of a series of barrier islands with charming coastal towns. Plus, most beaches welcome dogs all year round!
With more than a dozen coastal towns on the Outer Banks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for you and your fur baby.
If you’re traveling to Kill Devil Hills, treat your furry friend to a visit to Bonzer Shack. This cozy surf shack not only offers delicious food and live music, but also offers a relaxed atmosphere complete with corn hole and picnic tables in its charming “backyard.”
If you want to spend time outdoors, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Some parts of the park allow car access, making it easy to spend a day of fishing with your canine companion by your side.
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Or you can enjoy a stop at 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 to Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s one of the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast year-round because there’s always something to do. From skiing in the winter to camping in the summer, it’s an outdoor paradise.
While you may not be right on the beach, there are still plenty of water activities that are good for dogs. Take your fur baby on Mirror Lake’s 2.7 mile paved trail. They can dip their paws in the water and then you can shop in the souvenir shops around the pool.
Another option is to take your pup on a forest drive through the peninsula’s nature trails or walk your dog or cross-country ski through the John Brown Farm State Historic Site.
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While the busy streets of New York City may not be the best place to take your dog on vacation, the Big Apple’s neighbor, Long Island, is one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast.
Long Island is the largest island in the United States. And with all that land comes plenty of dog-friendly activities. Explore Long Island with your dog and enjoy dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, breweries and farms.
Enjoy a brewery at dog-friendly spots like Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. or Bright Eye Beer Co.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, unwind with a doggy yoga session, where your four-legged friend can join you to find inner peace.
Beach Vacation With Dogs
End the day with a delicious dinner at American Brass. This is a waterfront restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients to create fresh, delicious dishes. And of course, they have a pet-friendly patio.
If you’re looking for beach fun while being close to tons of trendy restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a dog-friendly vacation to the Jersey Shore.
In the summer, dogs can enjoy the beach from 06:00 to 08:30. In the low season, from October 1 to May 15, they are free to walk the boardwalk and 8th Avenue Dog Beach all day.
If your dog likes to hang out with other pups, check out Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. There is a fenced outside area so dogs are free to have fun while their humans enjoy a drink and socialize.
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As for food, there are many dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. Grab a bite at Toast, Johnny Mac’s, The Chat & Nibble or Cross and Orange. Then stop by the Asbury Park Convention Hall, which often hosts dog-friendly events like flea markets and craft shows.
Take your dog to remember
