Great places for dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast

Great places for dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast

If you’re thinking about a vacation in the East Coast, there’s no reason for your dog to remain home or stay at a kennel. From scenic nature trails in Bar Harbor and lively pet festivals in Cape Cod to boating adventures off Ocean City, there are plenty of sights and activities guaranteed to give you and Fido a pawsome time. And with the abundance of vacation home rentals in the region, finding the right place to stay for a dog-friendly vacation on the East Coast is no problem at all.

Maine vacation rentals that are pet-friendly

Dog-friendly vacation opportunities abound in New England, and you’ll find a good number of them in the state of Maine. From trekking on a sandbar and off-leash romps on scenic trails to al fresco meals at pet-friendly restaurants, there’s plenty in the Pine Tree State to get your dog’s tail wagging. And with hundreds of pet-friendly Maine vacation rentals to choose from, finding the perfect home away from home for you and your 4-legged friend is a walk in the park.

A large, pet-friendly vacation home rental with colorful plants in downtown Bar Harbor

Pet-friendly vacation home rentals in Bar Harbor

Being so welcoming of dogs, it’s no wonder that this beautiful town is sometimes referred to as “Bark Harbor.” Situated on Mount Desert Island on Frenchman Bay, it’s the gateway to the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park where you’ll find tranquil lakes, sandy beaches, snow-topped mountains, and a leash-free space called Little Long Pond. Book a pet-friendly summer rental and make your way across a sand bar to Bar Island, whose hills provide breathtaking views of Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain.

Dog-friendly cottage rentals in Camden

Charming cottage rentals in Camden are the perfect headquarters for exploring this Midcoast Maine town’s attractions. You’ll find pet-friendly vacation home rentals right on the Megunticook Riveróperfect for morning splashes with your pooch and cozy cottages with breathtaking vistas of Ragged Mountain. Fasten Fido’s leash and you’ll be all set for a hike to Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, where you can enjoy views of Penobscot Bay. At Camden’s dog-friendly restaurants, get a bowl of chowder or a lobster plate to deal with the appetite you’ve worked up.

Pet-friendly mansions for rent in Massachusetts

If you’re looking to get pampered with your pup while on vacation in New England, Massachusetts has what you need in spades. You’ll find palatial vacation home rentals some on expansive waterfront estates with their own private beaches where you can luxuriate in hot tubs and whip up tasty meals in gourmet kitchens. The Bay State offers plenty of sightseeing and adventures you can enjoy with your furry family member, from winery tours in spring and outdoor concerts in summer to apple-picking in fall and snowshoeing in winter.

Wicker furniture on the stone-flagged patio of a pet-friendly vacation home by the water in Cape Cod

Dog-friendly vacation homes in Cape Cod

The quaint villages and towns on the Cape Cod peninsula are among the best places to experience the charming New England brand of “hos-pet-ality.” Book a luxe summer rental in Yarmouth and catch the annual Paw Palooza festival, which features food and entertainment for dogs and their humans. In Provincetown, Fido can run free on the beaches during certain hours all throughout the year. Downtown is also a canine-friendly spot; most businesses here have biscuits on hand for visiting dogs.

Pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Berkshires

Historic ranches, mountaintop mansions, and luxury cabins are just some of the upscale pet-friendly accommodations you can choose from for a getaway in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. Stay in historical North Adams for easy access to the Museum of Dog, where you can marvel at canine-inspired masterpieces by artists such as Mary Engel. In Richmond, you can take your dog on strolls along picturesque trails and stop by an orchard to pick apples. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s leash, as well as a bag for picking up after her.

Dog-friendly vacations in New Jersey

Tons of indoor and outdoor recreational activities await you in New Jersey. Between sandy beaches, lush state parks, and colorful shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone including pets. Dog-friendly vacation home rentals are plentiful in the Garden State, so whether you’re a couple traveling with your pup on a weekend escape or a large family with furry members going on an extended vacation, you’ll find a wide array of lodging choices that promise a pleasant and comfortable stay for all.

People strolling along Ocean City's boardwalk on a sunny day

Pet-friendly Ocean City, NJ rentals

Situated on a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City is a fun-filled destination for 2- and 4-legged vacationers. Head to Ocean City Dog Park where pooches can frolic in several recreation areas, or take Fido on a fishing adventure in Corson’s Inlet State Park. At Longport Dog Beach, your dog can run to his heart’s content all year round. Settle in for the night in a pet-friendly Ocean City vacation rental, be it a condo with a pool or a beach cottage with a fenced-in yard.

Dog-friendly weekly rentals in Wildwood

Wildwood is a wonderful city to explore with your canine best friend. You can bring him and his leash for a walk on the soft sands of Wildwood Dog Beach; if he needs to work off extra energy, there’s an enclosed off-leash area close by where he can gambol with other dogs. Come for the 4th of July celebrations and see costumed pups in the annual Patriotic Pooch Parade. Book a pet-friendly condo for a week or more, and stay comfy in air-conditioned rooms no matter how hot it gets outside.