When you want great views of the Maine waterfront where you can take your dog, consider Richard Carver Harbor Park in Owls Head. Known as a "pocket park," it's a small beachfront area in a busy port.
Richard Carver Harbor Park Dog-Friendly Details
Owls Head only has dog restrictions that prohibit dogs from running at large, so you and your pup can enjoy this small slice of Maine life. It's smart to start with your dog on a leash to prevent any over-excitement that causes poor manners (or selective dog memory of what "come" means), but if you have total voice control, enjoy off-leash! Just keep your leash in your hand.
It's important to pick up pet waste as it happens and bag it up. Carry it with you until you reach a trash can. One of the biggest complaints we hear from Mainers is that visiting dog owners just leave waste or "bag and drop" it. Keep Maine dog-friendly by being responsible.
Richard Carver Harbor Park Dog-Friendly Amenities
This park is less of a place to run and play and more to soak in the views while cooling off or getting a little water time in between activities. You'll need to bring all your supplies, including pet waste bags and drinking water.
Pick up some fresh lobster from one of the vendors flanking the beach.
There's a path that forms a square around the park, which is great for a "drying off" walk after a swim.
Is Richard Carver Harbor Park Safe for Dogs?
There are a lot of potential "squirrel" moments here with all the boats and birds around, but the beach is far enough from a main road that running into traffic shouldn't be an issue.
You can walk around part of the docks, but don't let your dog approach a stranger unless invited. You can check the water quality through the Maine Healthy Beaches Dashboard, but the closest beach to this harbor is Sandy Beach, about five miles away in Rockland.
There aren't lifeguards here, and the water can be quite cold.
Parking at Richard Carver Harbor Park
There's a free parking area at the entrance to the park. If you're parking at Owls Head Lighthouse, plan on a 15-minute walk to get to this Harbor Park.
