Maine has many dog friendly beaches.  This is a quick reference on the dates and times dogs are allowed on town owned beaches in Maine during the Summer Season.  Click on the highlighted names for more information on dog beaches that we recommend in that town, including directions, parking information, current weather, photos and more to help you plan your visit.  Also be sure to check our Dog Friendly Places page for reviews on Dog Hiking Trails, Scenic Dog Walks, and more Dog Beaches in New Hampshire and Maine.

ME State Beaches: NO Dogs allowed on Maine State Beaches April 1 through September 30.  The following is a list of dog rules and regulations for Town Owned Beaches in Maine.

Dogs Permitted All Day

Saco, ME: Dogs permitted all day on-leash at Bayview, Camp Ellis, and Kinney Shores, April 1st through September 30th.  Please note that dogs are not allowed at Ferry Beach State Park during the Summer Season.

Kittery, ME: Dogs permitted on-leash at Fort Foster year round dawn to dusk.  Please note this does not apply to Seapoint and Crescent Beaches.

Dogs Permitted Off-Leash Under Voice Control During Specific Times

York, ME: Dogs permitted May 20 through September 20 after 6:00 PM and before 8:00 AM.  Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control between Sunrise and 8:00 AM.  Dogs must be leashed between 6:00 PM and Sunrise.

Old Orchard Beach, ME: (updated 2021) Between May 15 through Labor Day dogs are permitted off-leash 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. NO dogs allowed on the beach between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Dogs must be on-leash from 5:00 PM to Dusk. More importantly, dogs MUST stay 100 feet away from the restricted Plover areas. There will be fines for dog owners breaking these rules. Dogs are not allowed in the area known as The Square.

Kennebunk, ME: Dogs permitted June 15 through Labor Day after 5:00 PM and before 9:00 AM.  Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control.

Portland, ME: Dogs permitted off-leash under voice control Memorial Day through Labor Day before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM.

South Portland, ME: Dogs permitted off-leash under voice control May 1 through September 30 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Dogs Permitted On-Leash During Specific Times

Kennebunkport, ME: Dogs permitted June 15 through September 15 after 6:00 PM and before 8:00 AM.  Dogs must be leashed.

Wells, ME: Dogs permitted June 16 through September 15 after 6:00 PM and before 8:00 AM.  Dogs must be leashed.

Biddeford, ME: Dogs permitted May 25 through September 15 after 5:00 PM and before 9:00 AM.  Dogs must be leashed.

Kittery, ME: Dogs registered to Kittery residents are permitted on Crescent and Seapoint Beaches June 15 through September 10 after 5:00 PM and before 10:00 AM.  Dogs must be leashed.

Dogs Not Allowed

Ogunquit, ME: No Dogs allowed on Ogunquit Beach or Marginal Way April 1 through September 30.

Freeport, ME: No Dogs allowed on the beach at Winslow Park and Campground, and must be on leash in other areas.

Camden, ME: No Dogs allowed on Laite Beach, Barrett Cove, and Shirttail Point.

Bristol, ME: No dogs allowed on Pemaquid Beach May 1 through October 15.

Please visit our New Hampshire dog friendly beaches reference guide for more dates and times in that state.  You can also find more information on these beaches and more at our Dog Friendly Places page.