Dog Friendly Vacations On The East Coast – I’ve lived on the East Coast most of my life, and as an avid traveler, you can bet I’ve spent many years exploring various destinations along the Atlantic coast.
Whether we’re exploring pristine beaches or amazing hiking trails, my dog Zica and I are always on the lookout for the best dog-friendly destinations.
Dog Friendly Vacations On The East Coast
So whether you’re planning a family vacation, weekend getaway, or vacation, check out these dog-friendly destinations for ideas on where to explore next.
Dog Friendly Vacations Across The United States
When planning a vacation, you want to make sure you go somewhere that welcomes the whole family, including pets.
Since not all areas are pet friendly, this requires a little extra planning. Not only do you need to find dog-friendly accommodations, but you also need to fill your itinerary with dog-friendly activities.
While we’re looking at this list of dog-friendly East Coast vacations, I’ve also included some recommendations on where to stay and what to do so you and your adventure buddy can have the best vacation ever.
Are you going to your destination by car? Check out my guide The Truth About Traveling With Dogs (+Top Travel Tips) 2024 to learn how to keep your dogs safe while traveling.
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From adventures your dog will love to pet-friendly cities, these are the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
There are many dog-friendly beaches bordering the Atlantic. Let me spill the tea and tell you that Rehoboth Beach on the Delaware Bay is one of the best dog vacation locations on the East Coast.
If you’re in southern New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy getaway because the Cape May Lewis Ferry takes you directly to this charming seaside town, and dogs walk for free!
If you visit before May 1st, dogs are allowed on the beaches on a leash. During the summer months, there are some restrictions, but dogs can enjoy Dewey Beach before 9:30am. and after 5:30 p.m.
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Located near several state parks, there is no shortage of outdoor activities you and your dog can enjoy, including exploring the lake, forest and wetlands of Gordon’s Pond State Park. I also recommend hiking The Junction and Breakwater Trail, which used to be a railroad.
For dog-friendly restaurants, try The Big Chill Surf Cantina. They have an outdoor patio where you and your adventurous friend can enjoy delicious American food from the Changing Mains food truck while listening to live music.
Recommended dog-friendly activity: 4-hour float boat rental at Dewey Beach (They allow up to 3 dogs on board for a $35 fee per dog.)
Visit Bowman Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and hang out 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 tour of the largest undeveloped mangrove forest at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or head to Over Easy Cafe, a dog-friendly restaurant with delicious cinnamon buns.
If your pup loves shopping, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants of Duval Street. If they want to explore nature, check out Key West’s dog beach.
Dogs are allowed at the Key West Rainforest and Botanical Garden, which has 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.
Beach Vacation With Dogs
Or, if your pup is squeamish around crowds, check out Higgs Beach Dog Park. You will still have a great view of the sunset and your fur baby will have the opportunity to hang out with other four-legged friends.
The Golden Isles is another great option when considering the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
The Golden Islands include the many islands off the coast of Georgia. This is a great place to visit if you want to explore places that are natural and almost untouched by 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!
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As for where to eat while on vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly Rah Bar patio and enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping on a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is known for its coastal beauty, with lighthouses, cute downtown areas, museums and a dog-friendly environment.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters and, being dog-friendly, it’s a fantastic place to introduce your pup to the ocean.
But it’s not the only beach-friendly beach in the area. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach, and Jetty Beach are just a few of the dog-friendly places to explore on Nantucket.
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If you and your dog want to get out into nature, Bar Harbor could be the perfect place for your next adventure.
Take your adventurous friend to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 50 square miles of mountain lakes and hiking trails with stunning 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 attractions.
Maine is an incredibly dog-friendly state, so it’s no surprise that most downtown stores are more than pet-friendly. Take your dog shopping for souvenirs and don’t forget to go to Bark Harbor for great food.
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Stretching 130 miles along the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks consists of a series of barrier islands dotted with charming seaside towns. Plus, most beaches are dog-friendly all year round!
With more than a dozen seaside towns on the Outer Banks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for you and your fur child.
If you’re going to kill the devil hills, visit your furry friend at the Bonzer Shack. This cozy surf shack not only serves great food and live music, but also offers a laid-back atmosphere with a corn hole and picnic tables in its charming “backyard.”
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you’ll find the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Certain parts of the park allow access by car, making it convenient for a day of fishing with your canine companion by your side.
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Alternatively, you can enjoy a visit to 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 East Coast dog vacations of the year because there’s always something to do. From skiing in the winter to camping in the summer, it’s an outdoor paradise.
Even though you’re not oceanfront, there are still plenty of dog-friendly water activities. Walk your fur baby along Mirror Lake’s 2.7-mile paved trail. They can dip their feet in the water and later you can shop at the gift shops 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 hike or ski with your dog through the John Brown State Historic Site.
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While the busy streets of New York 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 vacations 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.
Indulge in the beer scene at dog-friendly establishments like Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. 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 to find inner peace.
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Finish your day with a delicious dinner at American Brass. This is a seaside restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients to create innovative and delicious dishes. And, of course, they have a petting yard.
If you’re looking for beach fun while staying close to plenty of trendy restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a dog-friendly Jersey Shore vacation.
In the summer, dogs can enjoy the beach after 6am and before 8:30am. During the off-season, from October 1st to May 15th, they are free to walk the boardwalk and 8th Avenue Dog Beach all day.
If your dog likes to socialize with other pups, check out Yappy Hour at Wonder Bar. There is a fenced outdoor area so dogs can roam freely while their humans enjoy a few drinks and socialize.
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As for the food, there are many restaurants with outdoor seating for dogs. Eat toast, Johnny Mac, The Chat & Nibble or Cross and Orange. Next, stop by the Asbury Park Convention Center, which often hosts dog-friendly events like flea markets and craft shows.
Bring your dog for an unforgettable experience
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