Dog Friendly Vacations On The East Coast – I’ve lived on the East Coast all my life, and as someone who loves to travel, I’ve certainly spent many years exploring various parts of the Atlantic Coast.
Whether it’s exploring breathtaking beaches or great hiking trails, my dog Zika and I are always on the hunt for the best dog-friendly destinations.
Dog Friendly Vacations On The East Coast
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend getaway, or a vacation getaway, check out these dog-friendly destinations to get an idea of where to explore next.
Dog Friendly Road Trips: 10 Places To Take Your Dog
When planning a vacation, you want to go somewhere where everyone in the family is welcome, including pets.
This requires a little more planning, as not all locations allow pets. In addition to finding dog-friendly accommodations, you should also include dog-friendly activities in your itinerary.
As you browse this list of dog-friendly East Coast vacations, we’ll also give you some suggestions on where to stay and what to do so that both you and your adventure buddies have the best vacation I’ve ever written.
Will you be driving to your destination? For more information on how to keep your pup safe while traveling, check out my 2024 guide to traveling with dogs (+Top Travel Tips).
Best Pet Friendly Destinations In The West
From dog-friendly adventures to pet-friendly cities, here are the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast.
There are plenty of dog friendly beaches along the Atlantic coast. At the risk of spilling the tea, Rehoboth Beach on the Delaware Bay is one of the best places to vacation with your dog on the East Coast.
If you’re on the southern tip of New Jersey, check out Rehoboth Beach, where the Cape May Lewes Ferry provides direct access to this charming seaside town. Dogs can walk for free.
If you visit before May 1st, dogs are allowed on the beach on a leash. Dogs can enjoy Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m., although there are some restrictions during the summer.
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Located near many state parks, this resort offers plenty of outdoor activities for your dog, including exploring the ponds, forests and wetlands of Gordon’s Pond State Park. Walk the old railroad crossing and the Breakwater Trail.
For dog-friendly restaurants, try The Big Chill Surf Cantina. Join your adventure with friends on our outdoor patio, listen to live music and enjoy delicious American cuisine from the Change Mains food truck.
Recommended dog-friendly activity: 4-hour pontoon boat rental at Dewey Beach (up to 3 dogs at $35 per dog).
Visit Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach, or Tarpon Bay Road Beach for beachside fun and relaxation. All beaches are dog friendly and there are no time or date restrictions.
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Bring your dog through New Jersey’s largest undeveloped mangrove forest. Visit the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or check out the dog-friendly Over Easy Cafe, which serves delicious cinnamon buns.
If your pup likes to shop, take him to the shops, bars and restaurants on Duval Street. If you love exploring nature, check out Key West’s Dog Beach.
Dogs are allowed at the Key West Tropical Forest Botanical Garden. There are over 15 acres of local botanical gardens and woodland to explore.
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End the day with a view of Key West’s famous golden sunset. We recommend going to Mallory Square for the best views.
New England Dog Friendly Vacations
Or, if your pups are wary of crowds, check out Higgs Beach Dog Park. You will have wonderful sunset views and your fur baby will be able to play with other four-legged friends.
For an East Coast vacation with your dog, the Golden Isles is another great option.
The Golden Isles includes several islands located off the coast of Georgia. If you love exploring places that are rich in nature and untouched by modern humans, this is the perfect place to visit.
65% of Jekyll Island remains undeveloped. Most of the island’s beaches allow dogs on a leash (up to 5 meters), so there’s plenty to explore.
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For ideas on where to eat on your island vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly Rah Bar patio. If your timing is right, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping on a delicious margarita.
Nantucket Island is known for its coastal charm, including lighthouses, a quaint downtown, museums and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Francis Street Beach is known for its calm waters and is dog friendly, making it the perfect place to take your pooch into the ocean.
But it’s not the only dog-friendly beach in the area. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach, and Jetty’s Beach are just a few of the dog-friendly spots you can explore on Nantucket.
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If you and your dog love to be surrounded by nature, Bar Harbor may be the perfect place for your next adventure.
Take your adventure buddies to Acadia National Park. There, you can explore more than 50 square kilometers of alpine lakes and hiking trails, with stunning views of the Atlantic coast.
Island Explorer is a free, pet-friendly public transportation system that takes you and your pet to the city’s most popular attractions.
Maine is a very dog-friendly state, so it’s no surprise that many downtown stores welcome pets. Take your dog souvenir shopping and be sure to stop by Bark Harbor for some treats.
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Stretching 130 miles along the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks are made up of a series of barrier islands dotted with charming beach towns. Also, most beaches accept dogs all year round.
With more than a dozen beach towns on the Outer Banks, you’ll never run out of fun activities to do with your fur baby.
If you’re visiting Kill Devil Hills, take your furry friend to visit the Bonzer Shack. This cozy surf shack offers not only delicious food and live music, but also a relaxing atmosphere, complete with a charming “patio,” corn bowl, and picnic table.
If you want to spend some time outside, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Some parts of the park are accessible by car, so you and your dog can enjoy a day of fishing.
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Or maybe you want to stop in Nags Head and visit Kitty Hawk Kites to pick up some souvenirs or buy a kite to fly on Nags Head Beach.
Bring your dog on an outdoor adventure at Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. There’s always something to do, making this one of the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast year-round. From skiing in the winter to camping in the summer, it’s an outdoor paradise.
Even if you can’t go directly to the ocean, there are plenty of water activities for dogs. Take your fur baby for a walk on Mirror Lake’s 2.7 miles of paved trails. Dip your toes in the water, then shop at the souvenir shops at the west end of the lake.
Another option is to take your pup on a forest walk along the Peninsula Nature Trail, or go hiking or skiing with your dog at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site.
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The busy streets of New York City may not be the best place to vacation with your dog, but next to the Big Apple, Long Island is one of the best dog-friendly getaways on the East Coast.
Long Island is America’s largest island. This land is full of activities for dogs. Explore Long Island with your dog and enjoy dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, breweries, farms, and more.
Greenport Harbor Brewing Company or Bright Eye Beer Company. Enjoy the beer atmosphere at dog-friendly restaurants.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, relax with a dog yoga session with your four-legged friend to find inner peace.
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End your day with a delicious dinner at American Brass. We are a seaside restaurant that prides itself on using local produce to create innovative and delicious dishes. Of course, there is also a yard where pets are welcome.
If you want to enjoy the beach while staying close to popular restaurants and shops, plan a dog-friendly vacation to the 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, you can walk the boardwalk and 8th Street Dog Beach all day for free.
If your dog likes to socialize with other pups, check out Wonder Bar’s Yuppie Hour. There is a fenced open area so dogs can socialize while people enjoy drinking and socializing.
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When it comes to dining, there are many restaurants with outdoor dog-friendly seating. Choose from Toast, Johnny Mac’s, The Chat & Nibble or Cross and Orange. Then stop by the Asbury Park Convention Hall, which often hosts dog-friendly events like flea markets and craft fairs.
Spend unforgettable moments with your dog
