If your idea of the perfect Summer adventure with your four-legged best friend involves a few sandy paws prints, some cool salty air, and taking in some gorgeous scenery, Maine has you covered! With its rugged rocky coastlines, quiet coves, and soft-sand beaches, this state is full not only gorgeous scenery, but an abundance of dog-friendly beaches for you and your pup to explore together. From beaches that are friendly for all dogs, to off-leash beaches that are dog-friendly throughout Maine, to just wondering if there is a close by location where you can take your dog swimming, this article has you covered!

As a Mainer, and local dog photographer based out of Portland, Maine, I’ve been all over this gorgeous state that I get to call home. And as your local dog-friendly location tour guide and expert, here are 18 of the best beaches in Maine I would recommend to visit with your dog to either just enjoy, or for a professional dog photography session of your own! Each one is unique, enjoyable, and a perfect place to soak up some some of Maine’s Summer Season.

1. Willard Beach - South Portland, Maine.

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Willard Beach is a neighborhood favorite for locals. This beach is easy accessible, with a larger parking lot. This beach is a dog’s dream to run, play, and splash through the surf, and is one of the top dog-friendly beaches near Portland, Maine! With gorgeous views of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse on top of the easy-going vibe, this beach makes a great choice for relaxed outings. A point to note about his beach too, is that it is friendly for both dogs that can be off leash, and for dogs that require staying on leash! However, there are very specific hours in regards to not only this, but also to when dogs are allowed on the beach in general as a whole. Please see date and time restrictions below!

Starting May 1st through September 30th, dogs are permitted on the beach from 7am to 9am and 7pm to 9pm.
- During the hours of 7pm to 8pm, dogs must be on a leash.
From October 1st to April 30th, dogs are allowed from 6am to 9pm.
- Dogs must be leashed from 10am to 3pm.
All dogs must be leashed at all times when traveling to and from the parking lot, inside the lot, and when walking past the playground.

2. Ferry Beach - Scarborough, ME

Located just south of Portland, Ferry beach in Scarborough, ME is another favorite for locals and their dogs. While it shares a name with the more well-known state park in Saco, this Ferry Beach is nestled in a residential area and feels much more tucked away. It is gorgeous, scenic, and usually is not overly crowded with other people or dogs. I suggest getting there early though if your dog prefers to avoid crowds! I have done many dog photography sessions here, and have always gotten there right on sunrise. The scenery is gorgeous, and the surrounding are peaceful and serene. Local Tip: There are also dog specific dates and time rules in regards to this beach. I have listed them below for you! There is also well posted signage around the beach if you ever have any questions.

April 1 – Labor Day (Seasonal Restrictions):

No dogs allowed from the south end of the municipal parking lot to Ferry Rock and along the full length of Western Beach.
These areas are clearly marked with signs and maps at the kiosk.

May 15 – Labor Day (Time-of-day restrictions apply):

No dogs allowed anywhere on the beach from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
From sunrise to 9:00 AM: Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control (leash must be in hand), in non-restricted areas.
From 5:00 PM to sunset: Dogs must be on-leash in non-restricted areas.

After Labor Day – May 14 (Off-season):

Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control at most times.
Between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Dogs must be on-leash.
Note: Starting in April, additional restrictions may apply due to nesting Piping Plovers.

3. Goose Rocks Beach - Kennebunkport, ME

With soft white sand and calm water, Goose Rocks Beach is a picturesque escape for dogs and their humans. A beach permit is required (easily purchased at kiosks of the general store. You can find out more information here), but the beauty and scenery are worth it this extra step. This beach offers the perfect combination of southern Maine’s sandy beaches mixed with some of the more typical rocky coastlines that Maine is known for that are scattered throughout. Just like many of Maine’s beaches, here are date and time restrictions that dogs can access the beach. You can easily find a chart of these dates and times here!

4. Long Sands Beach (York, ME)

One of the best beaches in Maine for dogs who love to run, splash, and explore. This beautiful mile-long stretch in York offers plenty of open space to move freely and take in the ocean air. Dogs are welcome before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during the summer, and all day in the off-season, making it a favorite for early risers and sunset seekers alike.

The shoreline shifts with the large tides we have here in Maine, creating rocky nooks and shallow pools that decorate the coast line. While gorgeous to take in, they are also perfect for curious noses to splash, sniff, and play in. Being a local and Mainer, I can truly say that Long Sands Beach is one of my favorite places to bring dogs. Whether it be my own to stretch their legs, or for a client to capture some dog portraits of their four-legged best friend, it is the kind of place where dogs can just be a dog. Just a side note as well, parking is metered at this beach. There is an app that you can download to pay for parking, or there is always the old school way of filling the meter with any spare change you may have hanging around!

5. Kettle Cove -Cape Elizabeth, ME

A local favorite that is more quiet and less frequented than some of the other beaches listed here. Just 20 minutes from Portland, Kettle Cove is an easy drive to get to, and tucked in right next to Crescent Beach State Park. While modest in size, it offers a stunning mix of sandy shoreline, rocky ledges, grassy trails, and tidal pools, perfect for dogs who love a little variety. The cove is especially beautiful in the off-season when it's quieter and more open to leashed dogs.

There's a short loop trail along the bluff with sweeping ocean views and plenty of photo-worthy spots, especially during golden hour. Parking is available at the state park entrance, and the area connects easily to nearby coastal trails if you and your pup are up for more exploring. Like with many beaches in Maine, there are date and time restrictions for dogs, so please research this prior to visiting, and follow all posted signage throughout the beach.

6. Sand Beach - Acadia National Park, ME

Tucked into the heart of Acadia, Sand Beach is small but absolutely breathtaking. Framed by rugged cliffs and dense evergreens that Acadia National Park is known for, it feels like something out of a storybook. Dogs are welcome in designated areas during certain times of the year, and if you're the kind of person who doesn’t mind trading a bit of effort for an unforgettable view, this one’s worth the drive Downeast.

The beach itself has a soft pink tint to the sand, and the Beehive Trail rises dramatically just behind it, giving you a backdrop that feels both wild and iconic. It’s a beautiful place to let your dog take it all in. Please note that from June 15 to September 8, dogs are not permitted on Sand Beach. During the rest of the year, dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be leashed at all times.

7. Higgins Beach -Scarborough, ME

Higgins Beach is a local go-to for good reason. With soft sand, gentle waves, and large spaces to run, it’s one of the best places to start your day with your dog by your side. Dogs are welcome year-round, with date and time restrictions for on and off leash access. I have listed these below for you! A little fun fact about this beach? If you time it right during low tide, you’ll even spot the remains of a shipwreck just offshore, yes, really! It’s one of those fun little details that as a local Mainer that I like to share with others. This is also a client favorite for its backdrop for my dog photography. The dogs have the best time, and that happiness really comes through in the photos! Another key point is that while parking is available, it can fills up really fast, so early mornings are your best bet to snag a spot.

May 15-Labor Day
- Off-leash access from sunrise until 9 a.m and after 5 p.m.
- Dogs are required to be leashed at all other times.

8. Pine Point Beach - Scarborough, ME

If your dog lives for wide-open spaces and salt air, Pine Point Beach is a must for all dogs, but especially for high energy dogs! Located at the northern end of Old Orchard Beach, this stretch of sand feels expansive and breezy—the kind of place where your dog can really stretch their legs and enjoy what a Maine Summer has to offer.

During the summer, dogs are allowed before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., and all day in the off-season. At low tide, the beach opens up even more, creating a mirror-like surface that’s beautiful to just take in, or as a backdrop for your dog’s very own professional photoshoot. It’s a simple beach in the best way—easy to get to, gorgeous soft sand, salty ocean breezes, and plenty of room to just enjoy being outside with your dog.

9. Kennebunk Beach/Mother’s Beach -Kennebunk, ME

While this beach goes by two different names, it has one gentle stretch of coastline that is perfect for spending some slower mornings and quieter moments with your dog. The beach is made up of smooth soft sand, calmer waves, and a quieter energy. This is an ideal spot for dogs who prefer sniffing and strolling to sprinting through the surf.

All dogs are welcome before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during the summer months, and all day in the off-season. It’s one of those places where time feels slower, and if you're looking to capture peaceful, reflective images of your dog by the sea, this beach sets the perfect tone. I can personally vouch that my senior dog loves coming here. While she has a little bit of pep in her step left for an 11 yo lady, she prefers just meandering along, and this is one of her favorite places to do this!

10. Fortune's Rocks Beach - Biddeford, ME

Tucked along the coast of Biddeford, Maine, Fortune's Rocks Beach is a long, windswept stretch of sand. Dogs are welcome before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during the Summer season, and all day in the off-season. With rolling waves, open sky, and a moody, dramatic backdrop, it's the kind of place where your dog can run free and you can just breathe. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet sunrise stroll or a little wild beach energy, this spot offers both with plenty of space for paws to roam and salt air to soak in. Local tip: this beach is well known for finding sea glass, especially along its Southern, rockier end!

11. Wells Beach - Wells, ME

Wells Beach offers one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in southern Maine, making it a dream for dogs who love a good long walk (and humans who love a good view). Dogs are allowed before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during the summer, and all day in the off-season. With plenty of space to roam, rocky outcroppings to explore, and a wide open sky overhead, this beach is ideal for everything from long-winded zoomies to slow, sniff-filled strolls. It's a simple, classic Maine beach, perfect for letting your dog be themselves and soaking up the fleeting Summer weather we have here in Maine.

12. Crescent Beach State Park - Cape Elizabeth, ME

Tucked just 8 miles south of Portland off Route 77, Crescent Beach State Park offers that perfect balance of natural beauty and peaceful simplicity. The mile-long shoreline curves gently between grassy dunes and forested trails, creating a setting that feels both expansive and tucked away. While dogs aren't permitted during peak season, they're welcome on-leash in the off-season.

During the cooler months there are fewer crowds, softer light, and more space to enjoy the wide-open areas. Beyond the beach itself, you'll find a quiet loop trail that winds through pine groves, meadows, and even a small orchard before leading you to tucked-away coastal coves. This location offers the perfect combination of wooded trails and beachy goodness.

Whether you're chasing golden light at sunrise, wandering into the woods, or simply walking side-by-side down the shoreline, Crescent Beach is one of those spots that reminds you why Maine is so special.

13. Popham Beach State Park - Phippsburg, ME

Popham Beach is one Maine’s most well-known beaches. With sweeping views, rolling surf, and a landscape that shifts dramatically with the tide, it’s easily one of Maine’s most iconic beaches, and a personal favorite of mine for off-season adventures with your dog.

Leashed dogs are welcome from October 1 to March 31, and while not in the prime season, the timing really couldn’t be better. Off-season allows for fewer crowds, easier parking, golden light, and being able to enjoy the expanse of the beach without a large number of people around. At low tide, you can even walk across the sandbar to Fox Island, just be sure to know your tide schedule and head back to the mainland well before the tide rolls in. There is a very strong rip current through this area, so please be cautious while doing this.

The beach is backed by sand dunes and bordered by the historic stone walls of Fort Popham, which you can climb for panoramic views of the beach and surrounding coastline.

14. Fort Foster Park - Kittery, ME

Fort Foster is one of those places that feels like a full-on adventure wrapped into one coastal stop. With quiet walking trails, rocky shorelines, little pocket beaches, and the remnants of an old fort to explore, there's no shortage of spots to let your dog's curiosity take the lead. Dogs are allowed on-leash only, and the park is typically open from Memorial Day through mid-October, so plan accordingly.

If your pup loves variety of sniffing along wooded paths one minute and climbing tide-worn rocks the next, this place checks every box. There's a long wooden pier that stretches into the harbor with sweeping views of Portsmouth, and when the tide is out, the shore opens up to reveal all sorts of treasures for them to discover.

There is a small entrance fee (usually around $20 per car for non-residents), but it is honestly worth every penny for the mix of landscapes and room to roam. Just be sure to bring water, follow leash rules closely (they're strictly enforced here), and pack in whatever you need. This is definitely more of a "bring your own everything" spot, which only adds to the quiet, off-the-map feel.

15. Little Hunters Beach - Acadia National Park, ME

If you're craving a beach that feels completely off the radar, Little Hunters Beach is exactly that. Tucked along Acadia's scenic Park Loop Road, this quiet cove is made entirely of smooth, rounded stones instead of sand, and you'll likely hear the sound of the rocks shifting with every wave before you even see the water. It's not a place for full-speed zoomies, but if your dog enjoys climbing, sniffing, and exploring slower, more sensory-rich spaces, this spot is magic.

Dogs are welcome on-leash here (as in all of Acadia), and because it's lesser known, you'll often have it to yourselves, especially early in the day or late in the afternoon. The short trail down to the beach feels like a little secret in itself, and the light filtering through the trees onto the stone beach below? Gorgeous.

16. Hadley Point Beach - Bar Harbor, ME

Tucked away from the crowds and chaos of Acadia’s busier spots, Hadley Point Beach is a peaceful, dog-friendly stretch along the northern tip of Mount Desert Island. It’s not your typical postcard beach, it’s a little rugged, a little rocky, and full of charm in a quiet, unassuming way that Maine does so well. The shoreline is a mix of pebbles, seaweed, and driftwood, with calm waters that are perfect for a slow walk and some sniff-heavy exploring.

Dogs are welcome on-leash, and it’s one of the few Acadia-area beaches where you can usually find a little less foot traffic to just enjoy the moment. You’ll often find locals here walking their dogs in the early morning or unwinding with a sunset view over Frenchman Bay.

If you’re looking for a calm, no-frills beach day with your dog where you can just exist together without distraction, Hadley Point Beach is the place.

17. Mackworth Island State Park - Falmouth, ME

Macworth Island isn't technically a beach destination, but if you and your dog love quiet trails, salty air, and the occasional tucked-away shoreline to dip your toes (and paws) into, this little island loop is a dream. It is a favorite of mine and my dogs as well! Located just outside of Portland in Falmouth, Maine, the trail circles the island and offers beautiful views of Casco Bay, with a few small, pebbly beach coves scattered along the way.

Dogs are welcome on-leash, and this is the kind of place where your pup can take in a little bit of everything: woods, water, driftwood, and wooded trails. The beaches here aren't wide open, but they're perfect for a quick splash in the water.

The full walk is just over a mile, making it a manageable, scenic outing that's equal parts refreshing and relaxing. If you're looking for a slower-paced adventure close to the city where your dog can explore Maine's coastal beauty without the crowds, Macworth Island is a little gem that delivers every time. Local tip: Parking can be tricky here. The parking lot is small so there are limited spaces available!

18. Arundel/Colony Beach - Kennebunk, ME

Tucked away just beyond the bustling downtown of Kennebunkport, Arundel Beach (often called Colony Beach) is a small, rocky beach that feels like a local secret. It's a great choice for dogs who enjoy climbing over rocks, sniffing along the shore, and taking in ocean breezes without the big crowds.

There's no expansive stretch of sand here, but the charm lies in the textures. From stone, seaweed, to driftwood, this beach has every detail that makes up a quintessential Maine coastline. Dogs are typically welcome before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in the Summer, and all day in the off-season. Please note that parking is limited, so arriving early is your best bet to secure a spot!

Making the Most of Maine's Dog-Friendly Beaches

These beaches I’ve listed above aren’t just places that I grew up going to, they are tried and tested locations by a native Mainer who has spent years exploring and enjoying Maine’s coastline. I can truly say that every professional dog photoshoot I have ever done at one of these Maine dog-friendly beaches, the dogs have LOVED their time there, and really got to be themselves. These locations are amazing places to let your dog stretch their legs while you both get a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy all that Maine's coastline has to offer. Whether you're chasing waves, catching your breath at the top of a dune, or just watching the tide roll in, these are the memories and adventures you will look back at and smile upon knowing that you got to spend them with your dog. If you’re anything like me and this sound like the absolute best day, let’s connect! Turning you and your dog’s beach adventure into something extra special and extra meaningful is the perfect way to spend Maine’s Summers months together. Here at Gina Soule Photo we’re all about capturing these special moments to not only celebrate the love, bond, and friendship that you share, but also for capturing these moments now. We’re lucky if we get 10 Summers with our dogs, embrace the moment, enjoy the experience, and take the pictures. You won’t ever regret having them or the art that we create from them, only not taking them.

Ready to get planning your dog’s ultimate Maine Pet Photography session? You can reach me here to get the process started! Want to an inside look at what my sessions include first? You can find a first hand look at my sessions on my session page that I have linked here.

📍Save this list of the 18 best dog-friendly beaches in Maine for your next outing, and if you're ever dreaming of turning your favorite beach-adventure into one-of-a-kind portraits and custom artwork, I'm always here to help make it happen! Shoot me an email for more Maine dog-friendly suggestions, or to schedule a session at ginasoulephoto@gmail.com.

The Best 18 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maine to Visit!