Dog Friendly Vacations East Coast – I’ve lived on the east coast most of my life, and as an avid traveler, you might have guessed that 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 always find the most dog-friendly destinations.
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So whether you’re planning a family vacation, weekend getaway or getaway, turn to these dog-friendly destinations for ideas on where to explore next.
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When planning a vacation, you want to make sure you go somewhere with your family. All are welcome, pets are welcome.
Since not every place welcomes animals, this requires a little more planning. Not only do you want to find dog-friendly accommodations, but you also want to fill your trip with dog-friendly activities.
As we look through our list of dog-friendly East Coast vacations, we also offer some tips on where to stay and what to do so both you and your adventure buddy have the best vacation ever.
Do you reach your destination by car? Check out my guide The Truth About Dog Road Trips (+Top Travel Tips) for 2024 to learn how to keep your pup safe while traveling.
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From adventures your dog will love to pet-friendly cities, these are the best dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast.
There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Let me grab some tea and tell you that Rehoboth Beach on Delaware Bay is one of the best places for a dog-friendly vacation on the East Coast.
If you’re in southern New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach is an easy getaway as the Cape May Lewes Ferry takes you to this beautiful seaside town and offers free dog rides!
If you visit before May 1, dogs are allowed to roam the beach on a leash. During the summer, there are some restrictions, but dogs can enjoy Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. 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 ponds, forests, and wetlands of Gordons Pond State Park. I also recommend hiking the Junction and Breakwater Trails, where the railroad used to be.
For a dog-friendly restaurant, try The Big Chill Surf Cantina. They have an outdoor terrace where you and your companions can enjoy delicious American dishes from the Change Mains food truck while listening to live music.
Recommended dog-friendly activity: Pontoon boat rental for 4 hours at Dewey Beach (up to 3 dogs allowed on board for $35 each).
Visit Bowman Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach or Tarpon Bay Road Beach and have fun while relaxing on the sand. These are all dog-friendly beaches and there are no time or date restrictions.
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Take your dog on a Wildlife trek through the largest undeveloped mangrove forest in J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or head to Over Easy Cafe, a dog-friendly restaurant with delicious waffles.
If your kids love shopping, take them to the shops, bars and restaurants that line Triq Duval. If they enjoy exploring nature, check out Key West’s dog-friendly beaches.
Dogs are allowed in the Key West Botanical Garden & Rainforest, which has more than 15 acres of native gardens and forests to explore.
End the day by watching one of Key West’s golden sunsets. I recommend going to Mallory Square for the best views.
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Or, if your little one is around crowds, check out Higgs Beach Dog Park. You’ll also get to see beautiful sunsets and your little one will have the chance to play with other four-legged friends.
Golden Island is another great choice when it comes to the best dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast.
The Copper Islands consist of several islands off the coast of Georgia. This is a great place to visit if you enjoy exploring places that are natural and largely untouched by modern hands.
Jekyll Island is about 65% undeveloped. You can walk your dog on a leash (up to 16 feet long) on most beaches on the island, so there’s plenty to explore!
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For places to eat during your island vacation, check out Latitude 31’s dog-friendly patio “Rah Bar.” It’s a fun time, and you can enjoy beautiful sunsets while Sit down with a delicious margarita.
Nantucket is famous for its coastal charm, complete with lighthouses, a charming downtown area, museums, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Francis Street Beach is famous for its calm waters, and because it’s dog-friendly, it’s a great place to introduce your dog to the ocean.
But it’s not the only dog-friendly beach in the area. Surfside Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, Cisco Beach, and Jetties Beach are just a few dog-friendly places you can explore on Nantucket.
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If you and your dog enjoy being in nature, Bar Harbor may be the perfect place for your next adventure.
Take your traveling companions to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 50 square miles of mountain lakes and hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast.
Island Explorer is free pet-friendly public transportation that will take you and your dog to the city’s most popular attractions.
Maine is an extremely dog-friendly state, so it’s no surprise that many of the stores in town are more pet-friendly. Take your dog souvenir shopping and be sure to stop at Bark Harbor for a delicious meal.
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Stretching 130 miles along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks includes several barrier islands dotted with charming beach towns. Furthermore, most beaches are dog-friendly year-round!
With dozens of suburban beach towns, there’s no shortage of fun activities for you and your kids.
If you find yourself in Kill Devil Hills, treat your furry friends to a visit to the Bonzer Shack. This cozy surf shack not only serves delicious food and live music, but also offers a casual atmosphere complete with a corn stove and “backyard” picnic tables.
If you want to spend time outdoors, head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the iconic Cape Hatteras seals. Some areas of the park are car accessible, making them convenient for a day of fishing with your dog by your side.
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Or, you can stop in Nags Head, where you can visit Kitty Hawk Kites to buy souvenirs or buy a kite to fly over Nags Head Beach.
Take your dog on an outdoor adventure at Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. This is one of the most dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast year-round because there’s always something to do. From skiing in the winter to camping in the summer, this is an outdoor paradise.
Although you won’t be on the beach, there are plenty of dog-friendly water activities. Take your little one for a stroll along Mirror Lake’s 2.7km paved path. They can dip their feet in the water and then you can go shopping at the west end of the lake.
Another option is to take your kids hiking the Peninsula Nature Trail or hiking or cross-country skiing with your dog through the John Brown Ranch State Historic Site.
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While the busy streets of New York City aren’t the best place to take your dog on vacation, the Big Apple’s next-door neighbor, Long Island, is one of the friendliest vacation spots with the best dogs 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.
Enjoy a beer at a dog-friendly spot like Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. or Bright Eye Brewing Company.
Or, for a truly relaxing experience, slow down with doggy yoga, where your four-legged friend can join you in finding inner peace.
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End the day with a delicious dinner at American Brass. This is a beachfront restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to prepare innovative and delicious dishes. And of course, they have a pet-friendly patio.
If you’re looking for some fun time at the beach while being close to tons of trendy restaurants and shops, you’ll love planning a dog-friendly vacation at the Jersey Shore.
In the summer, dogs can enjoy the beach after 6 a.m. and before 8:30 p.m. Low season, from October 1 to May 15, they have freedom to stroll 8th Avenue and Dog Beach all day.
If your dog enjoys interacting with other pups, check out Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. There is an enclosed outdoor area where dogs can freely socialize while humans enjoy a drink and socialize.
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For lunch, there are many restaurants with outdoor seating for dogs. Grab a bite at Toast, Johnny Mac’s, The Chat & Nibble or Cross and Orange. Then stop at Asbury Park Auditorium, which often hosts dog-friendly events like flea markets and craft shows.
Bring your dog as a souvenir
