On your next trip, do you not want to leave your furry child behind? Don’t worry, there are many of dog-friendly holiday destinations on the East Coast for you and your pet to enjoy together, whether you’re searching for a warm log cabin or long stretches of sandy beach.
Vermonters, Floridians, and everyone in between may travel by vehicle to these ten locations along the Atlantic.
1: Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach
The natural beach length in Delaware is a terrific underappreciated gem. Take the Cape May Lewes Ferry across Delaware Bay if you’re anywhere close to southern New Jersey. Pets travel for free!
When looking for lodging, there are a number of dog-friendly vacation rentals and motels available, such the Atlantis Inn, which is just two streets from the beach.
Does your dog like the beach and surf? There are many of beach destinations in Delaware that you may visit with your dog. Dogs are permitted on beaches in the nearby town of Dewey Beach at any time of year, but only before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. in the summer.
Take your dog to “Cinema by the Surf,” a free outdoor movie screening at nightfall at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, after a tiring day in the sun. The Big Chill Surf Cantina is a great place to locate restaurants that welcome pets. You may enjoy food, drinks, live music, and company with your favorite four-legged companion in the outside section of this surf pub. The Junction and Breakwater Trail, a former railroad, is a terrific place to walk your dog when you’re ready to get your legs going.
2: Florida’s Sanibel Island
Notable for its assortment of seashells and magnificent sunsets along the Gulf Coast, Sanibel Island offers a number of pet-friendly beach home rentals and lodging options, including the Gulffront Tropical Winds Motel & Cottages.
At any moment, unwind with your dog at Tarpon Bay Road Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach, or Bowman’s Beach. Visit JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to explore the natural world; you can even bring your dog along for the Wildlife Drive tour through the mangrove jungle!
Try the cinnamon buns at the Over Easy Café or go to the Island Cow for breakfast. You may also enjoy meals, beverages, and a stunning sunset at the Mucky Duck’s outdoor picnic tables while eating with your dog on nearby Captiva Island.
3: Georgia’s Golden Isles
The islands of Jekyll, St. Simons, and several smaller islands off the coast of Georgia are together referred to as the Golden Isles. You and your dog may visit most of Jekyll Island’s beaches whenever you like since around 65% of the island is undeveloped and natural. In addition, the islands provide a wide variety of hotel alternatives that welcome dogs.
Savor seafood and a sunset on the “Rah Bar” terrace at Latitude 31, a waterfront location that allows dogs. Dogs may run down the coast and swim in the water in Massengale Park and East Beach on St. Simons Island. Is your dog aching to interact with other dogs? On the northernmost tip of St. Simons Island, visit Frederica Park. Your dog will love this dog park, where they can run about and make new friends. Just remember to observe dog park rules to ensure a happy and safe visit!
4: Massachusetts’s Nantucket
There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches, museums, historic lighthouses, and a busy center on Nantucket.
Steps Beach and Nobadeer Beach are great places to escape the seasonal beach crowds with your dog. There’s lots of space for beachside activities. Francis Street Beach, which is renowned for its calmer seas, also allows dogs. As long as your dog is in a carrier, you and your pet may go to these beaches for free with the Wave shuttle. This shuttle can also transport you to Nantucket’s downtown, the ferries, and the airport!
Dogs are welcome at Cisco Brewers, a brewery, distillery, and vineyard that also provides tours and outdoor seating. Remember to visit the Milestone Cranberry Bogs, where you may stroll beside acres of deep red cranberries with your dog.
5: Maine’s Bar Harbor
Everyone can find something to enjoy in Bar Harbor, with its action-packed downtown, mountains, and sea. This New England town is bordered by Acadia National Park, which is home to more than 50 square miles of lakes, mountains, hiking and bicycling trails, and gorgeous coastal vistas. This makes it the ideal destination for dog-friendly vacations. Not to add that dogs are welcome in the park!
Take the free, pet-friendly Island Explorer shuttle to Acadia National Park and many more well-known locations as you navigate Bar Harbor. Make sure to visit the pet-friendly stores in downtown, particularly Bark Harbor, a neighborhood pet store, for a distinctive treat straight from the “barkery.”
In addition, there’s a fantastic dog park with pathways for nature enthusiasts and a pond for “sea dogs” between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Leashed dogs are welcome to go with you on the Acadian’s boat trips if you choose to explore by water. Take your pet friend on a two-hour Frenchman Bay cruise.
6: North Carolina’s Outer Banks
A 130-mile chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is known as the Outer Banks. These islands are well-liked for family holidays and are home to several charming beach villages, each with its own distinct personality. The best part is that most beaches allow dogs year-round!
Take your dog to Bonzer Shack if you happen to find yourself in Kill Devil Hills. Great meals and live music are available at this modest surf shack. You can also play cornhole and enjoy snacks at their picnic tables in their “backyard.” Alternatively, go to John’s Drive In in Kitty Hawk for lunch, where they provide “puppy cups” of ice cream for your furry friends.
Another great location to take your dog to see the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is Cape Hatteras National Seashore. In certain areas of this park, you may even drive your vehicle and go dog fishing for the day. The town’s whole length is covered by the seven-mile, multipurpose Duck Trail.
Asbury Park, New Jersey is #7.
Asbury Park has grown to be one of the Jersey Shore’s most visited locations quite rapidly. There’s something for everyone on the beachfront and in downtown, with a great array of hip eateries and retail establishments.
There are many of dog-friendly home rentals in the area, and the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel accepts dogs up to 30 lbs. if you’re planning an overnight visit. Dogs are allowed on the beaches between 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., despite the summer months being the busiest. Dogs are allowed all day on the 8th Avenue Dog Beach and the boardwalk during the off-season, which runs from October 1 through May 15.
It’s imperative that you attend “Yappy Hour” at the renowned Wonder Bar if you’re in town in the afternoon. Dogs are allowed to mingle in the enclosed outside space as their owners partake in some beverages and socializing of their own. Remember to include some dog treats in your bag as a thank you for your dog’s good behavior with their friends!
The next morning, go to one of the numerous eateries that provide outside dining for you and your dog for brunch, such as Toast, Johnny Mac’s, Cross and Orange.
All year long, the Asbury Park Convention Hall is the site of many dog-friendly activities, including artisan fairs and flea markets. They personally choose fantastic sellers, many of whom provide items for dogs!
#8. Lake Placid, New York
Outdoor-loving dog and pet parent pairs will love Lake Placid’s Adirondack Mountain location, which offers skiing, bicycling, fishing, and hiking opportunities all in one trip.
Stay at the Lake Placid Lodge, which boasts wood-burning fireplaces for chilly evenings, porches to sip your morning coffee on, views of the shoreline and mountains, and a welcoming policy for well-mannered pets. They even provide your dog an own bed and fresh biscuits. Is taking your dog camping more your style? For you and your pet, there are several cabins and campsites suitable for RVs, tents, and trailers.
Additionally, there are a number of dog-friendly lakes and trails in the area so you can enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged companion. At Mirror Lake, a 2.7-mile paved walk allows you and your furry friend to enjoy the lake’s views. After that, wander along the west side of the lake. You may browse while your dog is allowed inside a number of the businesses.
#9.Rhode Island’s Block Island
Block Island is a picturesque holiday destination that welcomes dogs and has 17 miles of sandy beaches. For dog owners who are active, it is best explored on foot or by bike. The majority of the beaches welcome pets, however you may want to stay away from the main beaches on the east side of the island during the summer months because of the crowds.
Even the enjoyable Block Island Ferry, which connects the island to the mainland, accepts leashed dogs. Dogs are welcome guests at several of the island’s inns and vacation homes. Get a smoothie at Juice ‘n Java; they also provide water and snacks for your pet.
10: Vermont’s Stowe
Though the word “green” suggests otherwise, visiting Vermont’s Green Mountains in the autumn or winter is a must-do experience, especially with their vibrant fall foliage and fresh white snowfall.
Numerous campsites with rustic log cabins—some of which are dog-friendly—and miles of hiking paths suitable for hikers of all ability levels can be found in the charming community of Stowe. The Muddy Moose cottages in Morrisville are our top choice; they’re a little bit off the main trail to the charming stores and eateries in Stowe town. These cabins accommodate up to two dogs for an additional $15 per night, and upon arrival, your dogs will get dog bowls and snacks.
These cottages are surrounded by a number of hiking paths and include an entertainment area with games, a wood-burning fire, and dog artwork—you can definitely tell the owners love their dogs! Enjoy your coffee and your pup’s company while you relax on the porch and take in the beauty of the mountains.
For you and your four-legged companion, Smugglers Notch State Park also provides breathtaking vistas of ponds, streams, and waterfalls.
