By Susan Spisak
Maine’s reputation as being exceptionally dog-friendly is well earned. Known as Vacationland, the state is filled with charming villages, scenic towns, and bustling cities that warmly embrace pets and their owners. Life moves at an easygoing pace, inviting residents and visitors alike to slow down and enjoy the days with their dogs in tow. With its hundreds of dog parks, trails, lakeside and ocean beaches, and countless outdoor adventures, Maine offers infinite opportunities to explore its beauty and discover its many hidden gems together.
In Southern Maine, explorers should drive up Mount Agamenticus (there’s a small fee). There are marked hiking trails, and the sights from the almost 700-foot summit are spectacular: expect views of the Atlantic Ocean, the White Mountains, and even the Boston skyline! Pack a lunch for you, and kibble, treats, and water for bud as there are tables for picnicking.
Casco Bay at Nubble Light Photo Credit: Chris Thompson
Surf and sand lovers will appreciate the gorgeous beaches in this region. Don’t miss the 7-mile stretch of Old Orchard Beach, or Kennebunkport’s fabulous 3-mile Goose Rocks Beach. Among York’s beauties are the 1.5 mile Long Sands Beach, you can watch surfers if the waves are right! If your pooch is a swimmer and wants to take a dip, please remember his life jacket. Check websites for specific beaches/town regulations. Note: with pet-friendly accommodations and outdoor dining options, this area offers nice holiday escapes.
Portland delivers the best of city life with a small‑town feel—and dogs are part of the scene. The historic Old Port district invites you to stroll its cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants with pet‑friendly patios. Nearby East Bayside, affectionately known as “yEast Bayside,” is a hub for pet-loving breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters, making the neighborhood a popular stop. For fresh air, the Eastern Promenade has acres overlooking Casco Bay and Portland Harbor—perfect for a walk or relaxing break with your pal.
Just north of the city, Freeport is a favorite among shoppers. Many stores welcome canines, allowing browsing without leaving companions behind. Great retail therapy for sure, and you’ll likely meet others who share a passion for pets.
Stretching from Brunswick to Belfast, the Midcoast region highlights the state at its most iconic: rocky coastlines, lighthouses, working harbors, and classic Route 1 views. Camden, known as the town “where the mountains meet the sea," has a quaint downtown area and harbor. Several boat tours operate here, and some will allow your companion to join sightseeing trips. Camden Hills State Park is drivable, and there you can see Penobscot Bay and beyond. Its miles of trails have various difficulty levels, allowing young and old dogs alike to walk at their pace.
From July 29 through August 2, the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland’s Harbor Park is a must! There are many watering stations around the park for your four-legged. The food, of course, focuses on lobster. (My husband and I were in awe of the eats!) A bonus…they have a Dog Parade/Show on Friday, July 31st, at 2pm.
While you’re cruising with your bud near Boothbay Harbor, there are fruit stands along the way. If it’s blueberry season, from late July through early September, pick up some of these fresh berries and share a few with your co-pilot.
Another premier resort town is Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, perhaps one of the most well-known spots in Maine. Millions of visitors are drawn to the area and the adjacent “Crown Jewel,” Acadia National Park. Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks, and they’re permitted on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, provided they’re on a maximum 6-foot leash. Be sure to hit Cadillac Mountain which has magical sunrises and sunsets. If you’d prefer, you can drive the park loop instead of hiking and still take in the sites.
It’s worth visiting Ellsworth, a convenient, less crowded base for nearby Acadia National Park. Called the “Gateway to Downeast Maine” on the Union River, it offers its own dog-allowed attractions including antique shops, overnight accommodations, and eateries.
The state capital, Augusta, is in the heart of the beautiful Kennebec Valley in Central Maine. Only an hour from Portland, it’s a lovely, walkable city. Augusta has nice outdoor areas to explore with your faithful pet, including Capitol Park, one of the oldest outdoor designed landscapes in the state. With its 20+ acres and gardens situated between the State House and the powerful Kennebec River, it makes an unforgettable, historic stop. Viles Arboretum is an outdoor treasure as well that is cool for pets. It is a free, year-round, 224-acre botanical garden and nature preserve.
For another day trip, motor with your guy to the village of Rockwood in the centrally located Maine Highlands. It’s on the western shore of the breathtakingly beautiful Moosehead Lake, the state’s largest freshwater lake. Some say May is the best time to visit, but truly, all seasons are spectacular. There are swimming and boating options if your dog is acclimated. If waterfalls are your thing, be sure to experience one of New England’s most natural wonders, Moxie Falls. There’s a trail that leads you to the spectacular 90-foot vertical drop—one of the tallest in the state. The walk is a gentle one-mile journey, meaning a two-mile round trip, through an unforgettable fragrant forest.
Western Maine has plenty of activities for you and your pup. Naples touts itself as one of the most picturesque locales in this Lakes and Mountains region. As you drive into the popular area, you’re greeted by the Naples Causeway and Boardwalk that overlooks the pristine Long Lake and Brandy Pond. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, and pubs on the walkway, many in restored historic buildings. There’s outdoor dining, and they beg you and your dog to settle in and relax.
Rangeley is at the center of the Rangeley Lakes Region, a resort area characterized by vast forests, mountainous terrain (including the well-known Saddleback), and numerous large lakes such as Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, and the Richardsons. There are trails for walking and hiking, and in towns, plenty of overnight and dining options. In the winter, your dog can join you on snowshoe trails and while skijoring, a unique sport where he pulls you while you’re cross-country skiing.
Bridgton is another cute town, filled with trails and parks to explore. For a different experience, try the outdoor drive-in theater for a movie with your pupper. Take popcorn and your favorite candy for a good old-fashioned time!
For really outdoorsy folks, take your bestie way up north to “The County,” Aroostook. For moose spotting, drive along one of the many scenic routes that has bogs and wetlands where they prefer, or ask locals who’ll have the inside scoop on sightings. You can find cabins for overnighters, trails to hike through the Great Northern Woods, and lakes and watering holes for swims. Dining options are limited for owners with dogs, but there are campfire areas to grill.