Of the three dog friendly beaches in Scarborough, Maine, Pine Point Beach at Hurd Park offers the most options for dogs, but be aware of the pipping plover restrictions. Scarborough has very specific rules as to where dogs are allowed during the spring and summer in order to protect the endangered pipping plover shorebirds. However, if you follow the signs and obey the rules, you’re guaranteed to have a tail wagging good time at Pine Point Beach!
April 1 to Labor Day: From Hurd Park north to Scarborough River, Dogs must be on-leash. This boundary extends all the way to the low water mark on the beach. To avoid this area, when facing the ocean at the parking lot at Hurd Park, remain in the front of the kiosk area and to the right. Depending on when you are there, Dogs can be off-leash in the nonrestricted area.
May 15 to Labor Day: From Hurd Park north to Scarborough River, Dogs must be on-leash. This boundary extends all the way to the low water mark on the beach. No Dogs allowed on entire beach between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From sunrise to 9:00 AM Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control, with leash in hand in the nonrestricted area. In the evening from 5:00 PM to sunset Dogs must be on-leash in the nonrestricted area.
After Labor Day to May 14: Dogs must be on-leash between the hours of 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All other times Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control, except starting in April when Pipping Plover restrictions are in effect.
Please note sometimes the birds don’t obey the rules, and additional areas may be roped off. Just follow the signs, and keep your dogs leashed in the restricted area, and you should be all set. This long sandy beach is approximately four miles in length, stretching from the jetty at the mouth of the Scarborough River and extending all the way to Dog Friendly Old Orchard Beach. Compared to Ferry and Higgins Beaches, also in Scarborough, Pine Point offers the most amount of room for dogs to run and play off-leash. However, as with most Maine beaches, space is limited on this very popular beach during high tide. There is a municipal parking lot at Hurd Park, and a nominal fee is charged from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Labor Day from 9:00 AM to to 5:00 PM. Please note that Scarborough State Beach does NOT allow dogs.
To plan your visit to Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, with more detailed information including directions, current weather conditions, photos and video highlights, click here. To learn more about the other dog beaches in Scarborough, including Higgins Beach and Ferry Beach, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page. There you will also find information on the less restrictive dog beaches in the area including adjoining Old Orchard Beach and nearby Kinney Shores in Saco.
