Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts
Table of Contents
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts:
- Coast Guard Beach
- Herring Cove Beach
- Race Point Beach
- Francis Street Beach
- Sandy Neck Beach
- Nauset Light Beach
- Marconi Beach
- Singing Beach
- Plymouth Long Beach
- Hatches Harbor Trails
Looking for a fun summer activity that you can enjoy with your four-legged friend? Check out one of many dog friendly beaches in Massachusetts! From Cape Cod to the Berkshires, there are plenty of options for beach-going pups and dog owners.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun on Memorial Day weekend, enjoy the cooler temperatures of Labor Day, or escape the crowds on the Fourth of July, you’re sure to find a dog-friendly beach in Massachusetts that suits your needs. So grab your pup and your sunscreen, and head to one of these paw-some beaches!
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in MA
If you’re looking for a beaches that allow dogs, Massachusetts has plenty of options! Check out some of our favorites below.
Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham, Massachusetts. It’s a gorgeous beach for hiking, unwinding, and swimming during the summer.
The waves can be strong, so it’s not the best beach for small children. However, there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer to help keep everyone safe. The beach also has restrooms, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to go.
And if you have a dog, don’t worry – they are allowed as long as they are on a six-foot leash and stay away from the lifeguard-protected area. Just be sure to clean up after your pet so everyone can enjoy the beach.
Address: Nauset & Doane Rds, Eastham, MA
Herring Cove Beach
The most famous beach in Provincetown, Herring Cove Beach, is located at the end of the Cape. This is Provincetown’s most popular beach just a few miles from downtown. This huge, broad beach is part of the National Seashore and has several locations, one of which is protected just by a lifeguard during the season.
The campground features a hot dog stand, two parking areas, restrooms, and showers. The beach is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming and watching magnificent sunsets. Dogs are permitted on the beaches where lifeguards are not present but must be kept on leashes. Owners are obligated to clean up after their dogs.
Address: Race Point Road, Provincetown, MA 02657, Phone: 508-487-1256
Race Point Beach
Race Point Beach is dog-friendly. Race Point Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean side of Provincetown, is pet-friendly year-round except during nesting season, which runs from September 15th to May 15th. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners should double-check to see if the region is open to dogs before visiting.
Visitors can enjoy picnicking, swimming, and surfing when conditions are right.
Address: 190 Race Point Rd, Provincetown, MA, US, 02657-0000
Francis Street Beach
Francis Street Beach is close to downtown Nantucket and only a few minutes’ walk from Main Street. The beach has gentle surf, making it great for swimming, even for small kids. Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty.
There is a Jungle Jim and kayak rentals for the kids, along with restrooms. The views of the harbor and Nantucket Sound from the beach are wonderful.
You can bring your dog, but you must keep him or her on a leash. It’s best to stay away from Brant Point as the current is very strong there. Your pet is welcome to join you on-leash at Francis Street Beach.
Address: Washington St & Lafayette St, Nantucket, MA, 02554-0000, Phone: 508-325-5395
Sandy Neck Beach
Sandy Neck Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches on Cape Cod bay. You and your canine friend can enjoy a packed sand drive and parking to let them run around and explore the neighborhood.
This beach is the perfect place to bring your dog for a beach day any time of year. Sandy Neck Beach is a six-mile-long beach, making it the perfect place to spend a day with your dog.
However, during peak season from May 15th to September 15th, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 15 feet. If you visit beach during the off-season, your dog will be able to run and explore without a leash.
Sandy Neck Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts. There offers a unique experience for dogs and their owners alike. Whether you visit during peak season or during the off-season, the beach is sure to provide a fun-filled day for you and your dog.
The Great Marsh Hiking Trail is pet-friendly and perfect for exploring. Be sure to clean up after your pet to keep the beach in pristine condition.
Address: 425 Sandy Neck Rd, West Barnstable, MA 02668, Phone: 508-362-8300
Nauset Light Beach
Nauset Light Beach is a great place to enjoy Cape Cod’s beautiful coastline. The waves and surf attract many surfers, while the cool water is perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. The beach is also popular with fishermen, who come here in search of bass and blues.
Is a large and very popular 10-mile beach that stretches from the city of Orleans all the way to Chatham.
The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses Nauset Light Beach and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, and picnicking. There is also a lifeguard on duty during the summer months. Off-road vehicles are allowed with a permit.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, but only in the areas that are not guarded. There are local regulations that detail the areas where dogs can play year round and where they are allowed only during the off-season.
However, these rules can be confusing even for locals. So, it is best to keep your dog on a leash and away from lifeguards. This way, both you and your dog can have fun at the beach.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or enjoy some of Cape Cod’s great outdoor activities, Nauset Light Beach is the perfect place to do it.
Address: 120 Nauset Light Beach Rd. Eastham, MA 02642, Phone: 508-240-3775
Marconi Beach
Is a gorgeous white sand beach located within the Cape Cod National Seashore. The beach offers sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from the overlook on the cliff above.
Facilities such as restrooms, outdoor showers, and a lifeguard are available during the season. There is also a bike trail nearby for those who want to explore more of the area.
Cape Cod National Seashore is a beautiful place to take your dog for a walk. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, but in the summer they should stay away from areas where lifeguards are present. Marconi Beach is especially popular with dog owners because of its wide, flat stretch of sand that is perfect for walking and playing.
The beach is also great for fishing, but be aware that there are seals in the area that can make it difficult to catch anything. Boogie boarding and surfing are also popular activities at Marconi Beach thanks to the constant winds coming off the ocean.
Marconi Beach is one of the best places to bring your dog in Cape Cod. The beach is less crowded during the off season, making it feel like your dog has more space to run around. And, since the Cape is so big, there are plenty of other beaches nearby that you can explore with your furry friend.
So, if you’re looking for a great place to bring your dog, be sure to check out Marconi Beach.
Address: Marconi Beach Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667
Singing Beach
Is a dog-friendly beach located in Manchester, Massachusetts. The beach is known for the squeaking sound that is produced when people walk on the dry sand. The sound is caused by the high quartz content of the sand.
The beach is also notable for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and its cleanliness. Singing Beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
Manchester is a beautiful town with many things to do and see. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop. Manchester is also home to the Manchester-by-the-Sea Historical Society Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Manchester and its people.
If you are looking for a place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the sounds of the ocean, then Manchester-by-the-Sea is the perfect place for you.
When you reach Singing Beach, one of the first things you’ll notice is how lovely the beaches are. To keep its appearance and prevent it from becoming clogged with dog activity because to its popularity, the beach has a two-dog limit per person.
Address: 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Plymouth Long Beach
Located in the town of Plymouth about an hour south of Boston, Plymouth Long Beach is a wonderful white sand beach just south of the town center along the water.
The three-mile-long narrow peninsula is ideal for swimming, and the dunes on its edge are a nesting site for plovers and terns.
There is also a lifeguard on staff throughout the summer and limited amenities. The beach and the water are both very clean, and swimming is ideal during the summer.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, however they should be kept away from the dunes and bird nests.
Address: 1 Ryder Way, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-747-1620
Hatches Harbor Trails
The Provincetown National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for dog owners because of the hard packed sand and fantastic views of the Race Point Lighthouse and the harbor. The dike path to the dunes before reaching the beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk.
If you come between March and May, you can see right whales. There is so much wildlife year around. Please do not forget that dogs have to be leashed anywhere in the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Address: Route 6, Provincetown, MA
Nauset Beach
Nauset Beach is a big, 10-mile long beach that is really popular with surfers. The waves are great and surfing is allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. You can also swim, boogie board, or go beach fishing for bass and blues.
The water is cool but really pleasant in the summer. It can get pretty crowded, though. You’re allowed to bring an off-road vehicle if you have a permit. There is usually a lifeguard at one part of the beach.
Dogs are allowed in the parts of the beach that aren’t guarded. But, there are some local regulations about where they can play all year and where they’re only allowed during the off season. These rules can be confusing, even for locals. So, just to be safe, you should keep your dog on a leash. That way, both you and your dog will have fun.
Address: Beach Road, Orleans, MA, Phone: 508-240-3775
Red River Beach
Red River Beach is a popular Harwich beach that is long and spacious. It is wide enough to allow for Frisbee tossing and has a boat ramp at the end of the parking lot. It is great for swimming, boogieboarding, and surfing because of the Nantucket Sound and moderate surf with small waves. Dogs are allowed with or without a leash during the off season and there are plenty of shells to collect along the shore.
Address: Uncle Venie’s Road, Harwich Port, MA 02645, Phone: 508-430-7553
Carson Beach
Carson Beach is a public beach located in South Boston. The beach forms part of a three-mile long park that stretches along the shoreline, from Castle Island to L and M Street beaches.
This beach is a popular spot for city dwellers looking to enjoy smooth sand and stunning views of Boston Harbor.
The beach facilities are adequate, though the water can be quite cold year-round.
Dogs are allowed on the beach from Labor Day to Memorial Day, as long as they are kept on a leash. The beach is large and wide, providing plenty of space for dogs and their owners to enjoy a run.
Address: 2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127, Phone: 617-727-5290
Rexhame Beach
Rexhame Beach is a Marshfield beach that is great for hiking, relaxing in the sun, and spending time with your dog. The beach is large, but it can be rocky in some areas. There are also limited facilities available, so it’s important to come prepared.
The lifeguard is on duty during the summer season, but dogs are allowed on the beach year round. Just be sure to keep them on a leash and out of the dunes where shore birds nest.
Address: Standish St, Marshfield, MA 02050, Phone: 781-536-2500
Nahant Doggie Beach
Are dogs allowed on Nahant beach? Yes, Dog Beach in Nahant is a great place to bring your pooch to enjoy the summer sun and waves. It’s one of the very few beaches on the North Shore that allows off-leash dogs during the season.
The beach is long and sandy with a rock wall that helps to keep dogs on their side of the beach. There’s also a grassy area above the beach with plenty of garbage bins for owners to clean up after their dogs.
The beach is popular for kiteboarding and windsurfing, so there are plenty of people around to enjoy the sunny shore.
Address: 1 Nahant Rd, Nahant, MA 01908, Phone: 781-485-2803
Nantasket Beach
Nantasket Beach is a popular summer destination for people living in cities. It has been open for over 150 years and offers many activities for visitors.
The beach is 26 acres large and has a mile and a quarter of oceanfront. It also has the historic Paragon Carousel, which was built in the early 20th century. Every summer, the beach has band concerts and public dance lessons.
Are dogs allowed at Nantasket Beach? Nantasket Beach is a great place to bring your dog during the offseason! Dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1st until April 30th. However, they are not permitted from May 1st until September 15th on Nantasket Beach Reservation and from June 1st until September 15th on all Town of Hull beaches.
Address: 212 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045
Plum Island Beach
Is Plum Island beach dog friendly? Plum Island Beach is a pet-friendly beach located in Newburyport, MA. Dogs are allowed to join their owners on the beach without a leash from October 15th to May 15th.
Unfortunately, dogs are never permitted on the Plum Island Refuge. The off-leash area of the beach is located near the lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15th through October 15th.
There is a parking fee for those who wish to park at the beach. The Harbormaster Department manages and operates the Plum Island Point Beach & Parking Lot located on the northern end of Plum Island.
Address: 83-199 N Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, MA, US, 01950-4315
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Fines for Violating Dog Regulations on Massachusetts Beaches
Dog owners who do not comply with the regulations for bringing their pets to the beaches in Massachusetts may face fines. The fines can vary depending on the specific beach and the severity of the violation.
For example, at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, the fine for not having a dog on a leash can be up to $100. At Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, the fine for not cleaning up after your dog can be up to $500.
Additionally, some beaches may have a system of warnings and escalating fines for repeat offenders. For instance, at Nantasket Beach in Hull, dog owners may receive a warning for a first offense, but subsequent offenses can result in fines of up to $50.
It’s important for dog owners to be aware of the regulations for bringing their pets to the beaches in Massachusetts and to follow them to avoid fines and keep the beaches safe and enjoyable for all visitors. It’s also a good idea to check with the specific beach for their policies and regulations regarding dogs before heading out.
FAQ
What beaches Can dogs go to in Massachusetts?
Although we’ve told you about the best dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts, there are also other beaches where you can bring your dog. Let’s briefly list them:
- Brant Rock
- Castle Island Beach
- Corn Hill Beach
- Craigville Beach
- Crowe’s Pasture Conservation Area and Beach
- Fort Phoenix State Reservation
- Head of the Meadows
- Horseneck Beach
- Jetties Beach
- Kalmus Beach
- Squantum Point Park
Can I bring my dog to the beach in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can bring your dog to many beaches in Massachusetts. But you must be aware of a number of rules that apply at most beaches during the summer season. Only during the off-season – from Labor Day to Memorial Day – do the dog-policy on the beach become more friendly.
Can I bring my dog to the beach in Cape Cod?
Cape Cod National Seashore beaches are a great place to enjoy the outdoors with your pet, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Pets must be on a leash at all times, and you must clean up any pet waste. It’s also important to respect wildlife and not disturb any animals or plants. By following these simple guidelines, you and your pet can enjoy the beach safely and responsibly.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Massachusetts? What are some dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts?
Some dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts include Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Crane Beach in Ipswich, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, and Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport.
Are there any restrictions for dogs at Massachusetts’ beaches?
Yes, there are typically restrictions for dogs at Massachusetts’ beaches, such as requiring them to be on a leash and to stay in designated dog-friendly areas. Some beaches may also have restrictions on the time of day that dogs are allowed.
Are there any fees associated with bringing my dog to a dog-friendly beach in Massachusetts?
Some dog-friendly beaches in Massachusetts may have fees associated with bringing your dog, such as a daily or seasonal pass. It’s best to check with the specific beach for their policies and fees.
Can I bring my dog to any beach in Massachusetts?
No, not all beaches in Massachusetts are dog-friendly. Some beaches may not allow dogs at all, while others may only allow them during certain times of the year or in designated areas.
What should I bring with me when bringing my dog to a beach in Massachusetts?
When bringing your dog to a beach in Massachusetts, you should bring a leash, waste bags, water and a water bowl, and any necessary medications or first aid supplies. It’s also a good idea to bring a towel or blanket for your dog to lay on.
Conclusion
Dogs in Massachusetts are not allowed on the beach during summer, but many beaches relax this rule in off-season. Dogs should be on a leash at all times. Check municipal regulations before taking your dog to any beach as the rules often change and are confusing even to the locals. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
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