Dog Friendly Vacations In The Northeast – I’ve lived on the East Coast all my life, and as someone who loves to travel, you can bet I’ve spent years exploring various parts of the Atlantic Coast.
Whether we’re exploring breathtaking beaches or amazing hikes, my dog Zika and I are always on the lookout for places that are dog-friendly.
Dog Friendly Vacations In The Northeast
So whether you’re planning a family vacation, weekend getaway, or vacation, check out these dog-friendly places to find out where to go.
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When planning your vacation, you want to make sure you’re going somewhere the whole family will enjoy, pets included.
This requires a little more planning as not all places are pet friendly. Not only do you need to find dog-friendly accommodation, but you also need to fill your itinerary with dog-friendly activities.
Since we’ve reviewed our list of dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast, I’ve also included some recommendations on where to stay and what to do so you and your pet friend can have the best vacation possible.
Are you arriving at your destination by car? Check out my Dog Traveling Facts (+ Top Travel Tips) 2024 guide to learn how to keep your pup safe while traveling.
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From adventures to pet-friendly cities your dog will love, here are the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast.
There are plenty of dog friendly beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Let me spill the tea and tell you that Rehoboth Beach on Delaware Bay is one of the best dog-friendly places on the East Coast.
If you’re in southern New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy getaway because the Cape May Lewes Ferry takes you directly to this charming seaside town and it’s dog-free!
If you arrive before May 1st, dogs are allowed on the beach on a leash. There are some restrictions during the summer months, but dogs are allowed at Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
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Located near many state parks, this hotel has no shortage of outdoor activities for you and your dog, including exploring the pond, forest and wetlands of Gordon’s Pond State Park. I also recommend walking The Junction and Breakwater Trail, which was formerly a railroad.
For dog-friendly restaurants, try The Big Chill Surf Cantina. There’s an outdoor patio where you and your adventure buddy can enjoy delicious American cuisine from the Change Mains food truck while listening to live music.
Recommended dog-friendly activity: 4-hour pontoon boat rental at Dewey Beach (up to 3 dogs allowed for $35 per dog).
Visit Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and relax on the sand. All are dog-friendly beaches and have no time or date restrictions.
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Take your dog on a Wildlife Drive through the largest mangrove forest in J.N. Head to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or visit the dog-friendly Over Easy Cafe for delicious cinnamon buns.
If your pup likes to shop, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants on Duval Street. If they love exploring nature, check out Key West’s dog beach.
Dogs are welcome at the Key West Rainforest and Botanical Gardens, where there are over 15 acres of native gardens and woodlands to explore.
End the day by watching one of Key West’s famous golden sunsets. I recommend going to Mallory Square for the best view.
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Or if your pup isn’t sure about crowds, check out the Higgs Beach Dog Park. You’ll still have a wonderful view of the sunset, and your fur baby will be able to hang out with his other four-legged friends.
The Golden Isles are another great option when it comes to the best East Coast vacations for dogs.
The Golden Isles include a number of islands located off the coast of Georgia. If you enjoy exploring places that are natural and often untouched by modern hands, this is a great place to visit.
Almost 65 percent of Jekyll Island is undeveloped. Most of the island’s beaches allow dogs on a leash (up to 5 meters), so you have plenty to explore!
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For dining tips on your island vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly patio, the “Rah Bar.” Time it right and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping on a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is known for its coastal charm, lighthouses, quaint downtown neighborhoods, museums, and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters and is dog friendly, making it a great place to introduce your pooch to the ocean.
But this is not the only beach where you can accept dogs. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach, and Jetties Beach are some of the dog-friendly spots on Nantucket.
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If you and your dog love the outdoors, Bar Harbor could be the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Bring your travel companion to Acadia National Park, where more than 50 square miles of alpine lakes and hiking trails offer stunning views of the Atlantic coast.
Island Explorer is a free, pet-friendly public transportation service that will take you and your dog to the city’s most popular attractions.
Maine is incredibly dog-friendly, so it’s no surprise that many downtown stores are pet-friendly. Take your dog souvenir shopping and be sure to stop by Bark Harbor for a treat.
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Stretching 130 miles along North Carolina’s coast, the Outer Banks are made up of a series of barrier islands dotted with charming beach towns. Plus, most beaches allow dogs 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 fur baby.
If you’re visiting Kill Devil Hills, take your furry friend to the Bonzer Shack. In addition to serving delicious food and live music, this cozy surf shack offers a relaxed atmosphere with a corn stove and picnic tables on its “charming patio.”
If you want to spend some time outside, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Some areas of the park are accessible by car, making it a great day out for fishing with a canine companion.
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Or you can 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 at 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, this is a true outdoor paradise.
Even if you’re not in the ocean, there are still plenty of water activities for dogs. Take your fur baby for a walk on Mirror Lake’s 1.7 mile paved trail. You can dip your feet in the water and shop at the souvenir shops on the west side of the lake.
Another option is to take your pup on a forest hike along the peninsula’s nature trails, or dog walk or cross-country ski at the John Brown State Historic Site.
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While the bustling streets of New York may not be the best place to take your dog on vacation, 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 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.
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. Enjoy beer bars at dog-friendly establishments such as or Bright Eye Beer Co.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, unwind with a dog yoga session where your four-legged friend can join you in finding inner peace.
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End the day with a delicious dinner at American Brass. It is a seaside restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients to create innovative and delicious dishes. And, of course, they have a pet-friendly yard.
If you’re looking for beach fun while being close to many popular restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a vacation to the dog-friendly Jersey Shore.
During the summer months, dogs can enjoy the beach from 06:00 to 08:30. In the off season, from October 1st to May 15th, they can walk the 8th Avenue promenade and Tchakur Beach all day.
If your dog likes to socialize with other pups, check out Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. The street is fenced off so dogs can roam free while people drink and chat.
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When it comes to food, there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating for dogs. Grab something from Toast, Johnny Mac’s, The Chat & Nibble or Cross and Orange. Then stop by the Asbury Park Convention Center, which often hosts dog-friendly events like flea markets and craft fairs.
Take your dog with you for an unforgettable vacation
