Warmer weather is coming and that means it’s time for you and you’re pup to get outside! There are few things more satisfying than seeing your canine friend run in the sand and fetch a stick or two from the surf. Plus, the ocean breeze will be good for you too, you hard working human you.
In Massachusetts, it can be a little difficult to find a dog-friendly beach. Most of them are reserved for human’s only. But we’ve done a little leg work for you and here’s a list of beaches in the state where you and your dog are welcome to play!
Dog Beach – Nahant
While parking is not very convenient at Dog Beach, once you’ve parked your best friend is allowed to run around off-leash to his hearts content before May 1st.
Plum Island – Newburyport – Dogs are allowed from October 15th to May 15th but note that dogs are never allowed on the Plum Island Refuge.
Salisbury Beach – Salisbury – Dogs are allowed all year on leash on the riverside of the reservation.
Harbor Beach, Breakwater, Race Point Beach and Herring Cove – Provincetown
P-town, as the locals call it, has miles of dog-friendly beaches so if you’re heading on a a little Cape Cod excursion bring your pup and spend a day strolling this quaint tourist community and then catch some rays on the sand.
Salem Willows Park – Salem
The beach may be small but its a lovely place for your dog to take a dip. ‘s a place to let your dog cool off while swimming off of a small beach. The next time we head up to Salem for lunch we will make a point of checking this spot out.
Salisbury Beach – Salisbury
Dogs may be let off-leash in the Riverside portion of the beach and then on the main beach and campground they may enjoy a stroll until May 1st as long as they’re kept leashed.
Duxbury Beach Park – Duxbury
This is a bit of a drive but here you can spend time with your dog from 8:00 AM to sunset in designated areas. According to their website between April 1st and September 15th, dogs must be kept on-leash so as not to bother other beach goers.
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A note on beach etiquette for dogs and their humans.
One might ask, “Why is it so hard to find a dog-friendly beach?”
Well, in recent years, dogs have been banned from beaches for too main reasons – to put it bluntly, poop and being wet, rambunctious pups. How can we maintain access for dogs? Be a glowing example of the perfect beach guest.
- Always clean up after your dog using a poop bag or pooper scooper
- Do not let your dog visit with other beach-goers or dogs, unless welcomed. Even the most loving dog owners aren’t fond of being snuggled involuntarily by a wet, sandy pup.
- Be a good dog parent and pay attention to your pooch when they are running free. If using an official off-leash area, your dog needs to be well-behaved and must listen to your verbal commands.
- Always keep your dog leashed when there is a leash law
If you’d like to see more dog-friendly beaches you can visit New England Dog Travel take a look at their list. Do you have a favorite beach that we missed? Let us know! Email judy@justdogsnewburyport.com.