Want to take your furry friend with you on a relaxing beach trip? It can be hard to find beaches that accommodate dogs, and the restrictions can be confusing. At most beaches, there are different regulations depending on the time of year and time of day. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a beach that allows dogs to be off-leash during the summer season, but keep reading for a guide to the rules and regulations of the most dog-friendly beaches near Portland, ME.
East End Beach
East End Beach, located on the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, is one of the most popular beaches for dog-owners. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, dogs are allowed to be off leash and under voice control during all park hours (5AM-10PM). During the summer season, however, dogs are only welcome on the beach before 9AM or after 5PM, but can be off-leash and are welcome to play together, given that they respond to voice commands.
Willard Beach
Located in South Portland, Willard Beach has many of the same rules and regulations as East End Beach. Starting May 1 and ending September 30, dogs are permitted between the hours of 7AM and 9AM, and 7PM and 9PM. Dogs may be unleashed, but you must keep them under control and clean up after them. From October 1-April 30, dogs are allowed on the beach between 6AM and 9PM. If your dog is off-leash, they must be kept within 100 feet and must be kept away from sand dune vegetation.
Ferry Beach
Ferry Beach is a popular tourist destination in Scarborough. From May 15 to Labor Day, dogs are only permitted on the beach from sunrise to 9AM, when they can be off-leash, and from 5 PM to sunset, when dogs must be leashed at all times. Starting after Labor Day, unleashed dogs are allowed on the beach from sunrise to sunset, except for the hours of 1-3PM when they must be leashed.
Pine Point Beach
Scarborough’s Pine Point Beach is a long, sandy beach down the strip from Old Orchard. The beach is a popular spot for families looking for a fun day filled with water sports, great food, and relaxing on the sand. Pine Point has the same restrictions as Ferry Beach and also has a restricted area that is defined as that portion of the beach from the main beach access path at Hurd Park north to the Scarborough River. From April 1 to the day after Labor Day, this area is strictly prohibited to off-leash dogs due to the protection of endangered species Piping Plovers.
If you’d like to learn more about the beautiful state of Maine, or about local real estate opportunities whether you're buying or selling, be sure to contact Meservier & Associates.
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