Our 5 Favorite Dog Friendly Beaches on the East Coast

June 22, 2020

We at LockLatch are firm believers that a bit of vacation time can do wonders for the wellbeing of your dog. Most dogs love going to the beach and who can blame them? There’s something about a sunny sea breeze that uplifts the soul. Because of this we’re running a series of articles featuring some of our favorite dog friendly beaches and holiday destinations along the Gulf Coast, East Coast and West Coast of the United States.

Our coastlines are host to a wealth of idyllic getaways and hidden gems to consider. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to mention them all in this article but below you’ll find a few of our own personal top spots, destinations that have left us with more fond memories than we can count.

We know you and your furry friend are already excited to see what we have for you this time, so sit back, relax, and enjoy our pick of our 5 favorite dog friendly beaches along the East Coast. No matter where you’re headed this summer, we have you and your furry friend covered.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE

Delaware’s natural beaches are a truly underrated part of the East Coast. If you’re considering a holiday in New Jersey with your pet then you could do worse than these pristine stretches of sand, which offer so much to you and your four legged friend. Much of the accommodation in these areas is geared towards dog lovers and nowhere is this truer than in Rehoboth Beach with several pet friendly rentals available and even some dog friendly hotels, like the Atlantis Inn a mere two blocks away from the seafront. Dogs are allowed on most unguarded beaches, but for some of the busier beaches there are restrictions for example Dewey beach where dogs are only allowed before 9:30am and after 5:30pm during peak season.

GOLDEN ISLES, GEORGIA

The Golden Isles are a wonder. Including all of the islands along Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, these isles have everything you could desire in a destination. Jekyll Island and St. Simons are two of the most popular spots for those who choose to vacation here. On Jekyll you can find Latitude 31’s “Rah Bar” patio which welcomes all dogs with a friendly disposition. If you head to St. Simons Island instead you’ll soon discover that East Beach and Massengale Park both offer plenty of shoreline to leave your footprints on. Be sure to pop in at Frederica Park on the northern end of St. Simons Island if you find a moment. The dog park is a great place to take a breather while your canine companion gets all the off-leash time they can handle.

OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer 130 miles of pristine beaches for those who love to wander with their pets. We suggest taking your dog to Bonzer Shack in Kill Devil Hills where you can both enjoy some fantastic food and live music. If you want to work off some energy then Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the place for you. Your furry buddies will be able to run themselves ragged while you treat yourself with a visit to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Those of you who could do with a day of relaxation instead will be happy to hear that you can drive onto certain sections of the park to indulge in some well-deserved fishing time for the whole pack.

BAR HARBOR, MAINE

Maine’s Bar Harbor is a New England gem. Surrounded by the Acadia National Park, it includes more than 50 square miles of mountains and lakes, as well as hiking and biking trails. Our sporty readers should take note that the National Park lets owners go hiking and kayaking with their pets. To get to the park simply hop aboard the Island Explorer, a pet-friendly shuttle which will take you straight to the National Park or any of the other popular sites nearby. If you ever tire of the stunning coastline then we suggest the fantastic dog park, Little Long Pond, near Seal Harbor. As the name suggests, it has a great pond for any aquatic amigos you have with you!

BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND

Block Island holds a special place in the hearts of dog owners. Boasting 17 miles of sandy beaches, the island is meant to be explored on foot or by bike. Most of the beaches you’ll find here are quite sympathetic towards dogs but owners should be aware that the main beaches can get a little crowded in summer. Take this into consideration if your shaggy sidekick has a nervous nature. Those who want to visit the island can take the Block Island Ferry for a fun trip directly from the main land. Block Island is a stellar destination no matter how many legs you have.

And there you have it! There are so many truly special dog friendly beaches along our East Coast that it’s impossible to include them all. That’s why we need you, dear reader. Please feel free to email Steve on [email protected] if you have a favorite dog friendly gem you just have to let us know about! We would love to hear from you.

For more reading on pet wellness:

Pet Access Made Easy, Why Our Fans Love LockLatch

Five Simple DIY Dog Toys For Your Furry Friend