With its stunningly beautiful coastline, picturesque towns, and welcoming vibe, Maine is a dream destination for nature lovers and dog-lovers alike. Imagine strolling along gorgeous, sandy shores, with your favorite canine companion, joyfully exploring the surroundings. That great daydream can come true at the following wonderful, dog-friendly beaches, all within easy driving distance of Augusta, Maine:
Laite Memorial Beach
Camden, Maine
Located in one of Maine’s most famous and attractive coastal towns, Laite Memorial Beach is a top-of-the-list destination, including for everyone seeking great, dog-friendly beaches. From May 1 to October 1 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Best of all, during these times, dogs can be off-leash, as long as you maintain verbal and visual control and have a leash readily available.
Hadley Point Beach
Bar Harbor, Maine
Known for its peaceful atmosphere, sandy shores, and beautiful ocean views, Hadley Point Beach is a hugely popular spot for relaxation, sunset viewing, and enjoying the incredible beauty of the natural world. Located about 10 miles northwest of downtown Bar Harbor, Hadley Point allows dogs on leash. And before or after you hit the beach, you and your pooch can also enjoy plenty of additional dog-friendly areas for walking and hiking in and around Bar Harbor, such as Bar Island Trail and Schooner Head Path.
Reid State Park
Georgetown, Maine
Dishing up two miles of great hiking trails and its gorgeous, wide beach. Reid State Park is dog-friendly, with some restrictions. Dogs on-leash are enthusiastically welcome through the entire park, including on the beach from October 1 to March 31. From the top of Griffith Head, a rocky headland overlooking the park, you can view breathtaking seascapes, and spot the lighthouses on Seguin Island, The Cuckolds, and Hendricks Head.
Popham Beach State Park
Phippsburg, Maine
Featuring eye-catching wide sands and shifting tidal pools that are perfect for strolling near, this beach is also located near Fort Popham, which delivers endless opportunities for exploration and photography. You can even walk along the beach to Fox Island during low tide! Ideal for setting free your pup’s playful spirit against Maine’s rugged coastal beauty, the beach welcomes dogs on-leash from October 1 to March 31.
Fresh-Water Options
The beaches listed above offer you and your four-legged friend wonderful ocean-view walks, but the Augusta, Maine area also offers numerous fresh-water pond/lake alternatives, too. For example, the Belgrade Lakes Region, just north of Augusta, has multiple beaches at Great Pond, Long Pond, Messalonskee Lake, and McGrath Pond that are ready, willing, and able to provide a great dog-friendly experience. As always, be sure to check for any specific restrictions (leash, etc.) before visiting.