Dog Friendly Vacations In The 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 destinations along the Atlantic coast.
Whether we’re exploring beautiful beaches or scenic hiking trails, my dog Zika and I are always on the lookout for dog-friendly spots.
Dog Friendly Vacations In The Northeast
So whether you’re planning a family vacation, weekend getaway, or vacation, check out these dog-friendly destinations for ideas on where to explore.
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When you’re planning a vacation, you want to make sure you’re going to a place where the whole family, including pets, is welcome.
Since not all venues are pet friendly, this requires a little extra planning. Not only do you need to find dog-friendly accommodation, but you also need to fill your itinerary with dog-friendly activities.
As we go through our list of dog-friendly East Coast vacations, I’ve included some suggestions on where to stay and what to do so that both you and your travel buddy have the best vacation ever.
To the destination by car? Check out my guide The Truth About Traveling With Dogs (+top travel tips) 2024 to learn how to keep your pup safe while traveling.
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From trips that take your dog to pet-friendly cities, here are the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
There are dozens of friendly beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. I will tell you that Rehoboth Beach on the Delaware Bay is one of the best dog vacation spots on the East Coast.
If you’re in the southern part of New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy drive because the Cape May Lewes Ferry takes you right to this beautiful beach town, and dogs ride for free!
If you visit the beach before May 1st, dogs are allowed on the beach. During the summer months, there are some restrictions, but dogs can enjoy Dewey Beach until 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 ponds, forests, and wetlands of Gordon’s Pond State Park. I also recommend walking the Junction and Breakwater Trail, which once functioned as a railroad.
For dog-friendly restaurants, check out The Big Chill Surf Cantina. They have an outdoor patio where you and your travel buddy can enjoy delicious American cuisine while listening to live music from the Changing Mains food truck.
Recommended dog activities: 4 hour pontoon boat rental at Dewey Beach (They allow up to 3 dogs on board for $35 per dog.)
Visit Bowman’s Beach, Lake Park Beach or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and relax on the sand. All those beaches are dog-friendly with no time or date restrictions.
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Take your dog on a Wildlife Drive through the largest giant mangrove forest in J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or head to Over Easy Cafe, a dog-friendly restaurant with delicious cinnamon buns.
If your pup likes to shop, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants on Duval Street. If they like to explore nature, try the dog beach in Key West.
Dogs are allowed in the Key West Rainforest and Botanical Gardens, where there are more than 15 acres of gardens and native forests 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 is afraid of crowds, visit Higgs Beach Dog Park. You’ll still have an amazing view of the sunset, and your fur baby will have a chance to chat with his four-legged friend.
The Golden Isles is a great choice when considering the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
The Golden Isles include many islands off the coast of Georgia. This is a great place to visit if you want to explore places that are natural and often inaccessible to modern hands.
Jekyll Island is about 65 percent undeveloped. Dogs are allowed on leashes (up to 16 feet) on most of the island’s beaches, so there’s plenty to explore!
Dog Friendly Days Out
As for places to eat during your island vacation, check out the dog-friendly Rah Bar at Lintang 31. The weather is perfect and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is known for its coastal beauty, along with lighthouses, charming downtowns, museums, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters, and because it’s dog-friendly, it’s a great place to introduce your pup to the ocean.
But this is not the only 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.
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If you and your dog like to relax in nature, Bar Harbor may be the perfect place for your next adventure.
Bring your travel buddy to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 50 square miles of mountain lakes and hiking trails with spectacular views of the Atlantic coast.
Island Explorer is free, pet-friendly public transportation that takes you and your dog to the city’s most popular destinations.
Maine is an extremely dog-friendly state, so it’s no surprise that most of the stores in town are more pet-friendly. Take your dog treat shopping 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 includes a series of barrier islands dotted with charming coastal towns. Plus, most beaches accept dogs all year round!
With more than a dozen beach towns on the Outer Banks, there’s no shortage of things for you and your fur baby to do.
Treat your furry friend to a visit to the Bonzer Shack when you go slaying Devil Hills. Not only does this cozy surf house offer delicious food and live music, but it also offers a relaxing atmosphere in its charming “backyard” with corn and picnic tables.
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If you want to spend some time outdoors, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the iconic Cape Hatteras Seashore. Some parts of the park allow vehicle access, making it suitable for all-day fishing with dogs.
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Or you can stop by Nags Head where you can visit Kitty Hawk Kites for a gift or buy a flight to fly on Nags Head Beach.
Take your dog on an outdoor adventure to Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. This is one of the best dog vacations on the East Coast 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 right next to the ocean, there are plenty of water activities for dogs. Take your fur baby for a walk on Mirror Lake’s 4.1 km paved trail. They can dip their paws in the water and later you can shop at the gift shop at the west end of the lake.
Another option is to take your pup on a forest walk through the peninsula’s nature trails or go hiking or skiing with your dog through the John Brown Farm 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 vacation spots on the East Coast.
Long Island is the largest island in the United States. And all that country is full of dog-friendly activities. Explore Long Island with your dog and enjoy dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, breweries, and parks.
Check out the craft beer scene at dog-friendly establishments like Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. or Bright Eye Beer Co.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, unwind with dog yoga where your four-legged friend can join you in your quest for inner peace.
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End the day with a delicious dinner at Kuningan America. This beachfront restaurant prides itself on using local ingredients to create innovative and delicious dishes. And, of course, they have an animal-loving side.
If you’re looking for beach fun near dozens of trendy restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a family vacation on the Jersey Shore.
In summer, dogs can enjoy the beach after 6 and until 8:30. During the holidays, from October 1st to May 15th, they can walk the boardwalk and dog beach on 8th Avenue all day.
If your dog likes to hang out with other pups, try Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. There is a fenced outdoor area so dogs can hang out freely while their humans enjoy a drink and socialize alone.
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As for food, there are many restaurants with outdoor tables for dogs. Grab a bite at 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.
Bring your dog for an unforgettable experience
