Portland, Maine, is buzzing with activity, from a vibrant nightlife with local breweries to adventurous hiking with miles of coastline and forest. This city has something to offer everyone, including your four-legged companion. Traveling to Portland with your pup is easy, especially with many dog-friendly attractions, activities, and parks. Spend a day, or a week, checking these must-see attractions off your bucket list with your pup right by your side.
Best Pet-Friendly Beaches and Parks
Hit the beach with your best furry friend and spend some time outdoors. Portland, Maine, has an off-leash dog beach and plenty of fenced dog parks to let Fido run off some steam and play together with other canine friends.
Quarry Run Dog Park
Located immediately in Portland, Maine, this dog park offers seven acres for your dog to run and play off-leash. The fenced park also includes a smaller area for tiny dogs to play without their larger counterparts.
There’s plenty to enjoy around the park too. With countless acres of trails to explore in the immediate park area, you can spend hours with Fido enjoying the beautiful time outdoors.
Make sure to bring your waste bags and water. Extra towels or blankets for your vehicle may be a good idea too. This park can get muddy if it’s rained recently.
Kennebunk Dog Park
You’ll find a lovely off-leash dog park a little south of the Portland metro area. The park is fully fenced for your pup to run and play with fellow dogs. Plenty of benches and tables in the fenced area provide a place for humans to rest.
Kennebunk Dog Park may be better than Quarry Run Dog Park, especially on a rainy day. The mulch ground cover helps absorb rainwater and moisture, preventing a muddy play area.
East End Beach at Eastern Promenade Park Off-Leash Area
Within the city limits of Portland, Maine, there is only one genuinely dog-friendly beach area. The East End Beach at Eastern Promenade Park provides a beautiful off-leash area to let your dog play. You can find the beach on the Northwest Shore near Portland City Park.
Visitors can enjoy summer hours that extend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visit the park between 9 am and 5 pm for fun in the sun. Or, visit the beach during winter between 5 am and 10 pm.
Top Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Hit the trail and enjoy scenic views with several hiking paths in Portland, Maine. Whether adventuring along a few miles of the coast or trekking a whopping 28 miles to Casco Bay, your dog is welcome to join, pending you keep him leashed and clean up after your pet.
Eastern Promenade Trail
In total, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy maintains over 1600 rail trails nationwide. The Eastern Promenade Trail is a favorite for pet owners because it’s near Portland. Volunteers have entirely revamped the former railroad line, making it an ideal place to spend the day hiking with your dog.
A convenient parking area gives immediate access to the Eastern Promenade Trail. Please keep your pet on a leash throughout the hike, and always bring extra waste bags to clean up after your pet.
Sebago to the Sea Trail
Easily one of the most scenic pet-friendly trails, this trail encompasses 28 miles of beautiful coastline stretching from Sebago Lake to Casco Bay. Follow the Presumpscot River for most of the hike and experience breathtaking bay views alongside Fido. You’ll have the chance to encounter local wildlife on this hike, so keep your dog securely leashed.
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove Trail is one of the oldest trails in Portland. Initially developed in the late 1800s, Portland residents have maintained this trail for over 100 years. This trail is also among the most popular, so expect a crowd during peak times.
The trail follows Baxter Blvd in a park area. The 3-mile trail is used for multiple purposes, so keep a close eye on your leashed dog. Hike alongside beautiful gardens, fitness areas, and wildlife viewing spaces. The paved path makes it ideal for running, walking, or biking.
Because the trail is near the edge of a tidal estuary basin, the Back Cove Trail is popular with birders hoping to catch a glimpse of migrating species.
Edwin L. Smith Preserve
Although a little outside the immediate Portland area, this hike makes our list because it is perfect for a day spent with your pup. The nature preserve has more than 1,300 acres of wildlife habitat and a complex trail system connecting the various areas throughout the preserve. The Edwin L. Smith Preserve is one of the largest land parcels in Southern Maine.
Pets are welcome to accompany you as you traverse the nature area. Choose between various trails, including a range of lengths and difficulties. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the highest elevation point in the Kennebunkport region and see rare plants and animals.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries
After a long hike, enjoy a bite to eat. Many Portland restaurants and breweries allow dogs to dine alongside their owners if seated outside. Some restaurants even have a special canine menu with gourmet favorites like boiled carrots or specialty milk bones.
Little Tap House
Located in an ideal, quaint neighborhood, this gastropub is perfect for humans and pups. The tap house has plenty of outdoor tables that are dog-friendly. You’ll enjoy farm-fresh favorites or delicious seafood entrees while your pup can enjoy its own personalized menu. The Little Tap House offers a dog-specific menu with specialties like house-made milk bones and boiled carrots.
Ri Ra Irish Pub
Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and delicious drinks at Ri Ra, an Irish pub in Portland. The pub has a beautiful outdoor area with plenty of seating. Outdoor seating welcomes pets to join their owners when the weather is nice. The pub offers draft beers on tap and live music every Friday and Saturday evening.
Wilson County Barbecue
Barbecue lovers will rejoice at Wilson County Barbecue’s old-fashioned meat-smoking methods. Diners enjoy the abundant Southern hospitality of the team at this Portland, Maine, location. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio that gladly welcomes dogs. Plus, on Fridays, pups can enjoy pig ears as a special treat.
Definitive Brewing Company
Definitive Brewing Company offers draft beers and light snacks, perfect for enjoying a drink and a quick bite to eat. The brewery has ample picnic benches in front of the brewery that are pet-friendly. Definitive Brewing Company is known for its dessert-inspired beers like Euphoric Nights: Double Raspberry Marshmallow Delight.
Becky’s on Hobson’s Wharf
This locally loved diner has authentic food from Maine, with local seafood and a delicious lobster Benedict. There are plenty of outdoor tables on the heated patio where dogs can join their human companions. Be sure to try the Commercial Street Sandwich, a local favorite.
The Porthole
Eat your meal wharfside from this restaurant’s expansive deck. The outdoor seating overlooks the bay and is completely dog friendly. While The Porthole is open for delicious lunch options like fish and chips, lobster, and crab cakes, the restaurant also has an extensive breakfast menu. Patrons enjoy buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and corned beef hash daily for breakfast.
Top Dog-Friendly Attractions in Portland, Maine
Portland has plenty to offer visitors, including your pets. Many outdoor attractions, like the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, are pet friendly if your pet is friendly, leashed, and polite.
Casco Bay Lines
The beautiful Casco Bay is one of the most iconic images of Portland, Maine. Ferries operated by Casco Bay Lines frequently stop at the many islands surrounding the Portland area. You can purchase a ticket for your dog to board the ferry for under $5.
Dogs are allowed anywhere the ferries travel, pending they are leashed for the trip or secured in a pet carrier. Spend the day sightseeing on the water with your pup beside you.
Mailboat
Riding an actively working mailboat is a unique experience exclusive to Portland, Maine. The working mailboats deliver mail and freight along the islands of Casco Bay. You can bring your dog onboard the boat as long as your dog is friendly and remains leashed for the trip.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Experience history firsthand with Maine’s most famous railroad. Pets are welcome around the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad grounds and can even come along for a waterfront train trip. If you have a well-behaved and leashed dog, your pet can join you on your visit to the railroad.
Lighthouse
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is an iconic landmark that dominates South Portland. The lighthouse is easily accessible by taking Shoreway Trail. The 1.6-mile traverse is a dog-friendly hike that will take you past beautiful views of Casco Bay, historic Fort Preble, and Willard Beach, ending at the lighthouse.
If dogs stay on their leash, they are welcome to join along the trail. Ample parking is available in the Willard Beach parking lot.
Best Transportation Options for Pets
Transportation methods that allow pets are relatively limited in Portland, Maine, but not impossible. Ferries, managed by Casco Bay Lines, travel between Portland, Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Cliff Island, Long Island, and Chebeague Island. If your dog has a ticket to board and remains leashed for the journey, they are welcome to ride along on the ferry.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Portland, Maine
Staying in Portland, Maine, with your pet is easy, with several pet-friendly hotels. Most hotels charge a modest pet cleaning fee. Check before reserving your room to ensure your pet meets any restricted weight limits.
Hilton Inn Portland—Downtown Waterfront
Offering wonderful accommodations, a free morning buffet breakfast, and room for Fido, this hotel is one of the rare gems in Portland, Maine. Pets are welcome for a small fee of $50 for visits of one to four nights or $75 for pets for five or more nights. While you’re there, enjoy the waterfront views from this Hilton-branded hotel.
AC by Marriott Portland Downtown
Located in a prime location in central Portland, the AC by Marriott is a pet-friendly hotel. The hotel gladly welcomes dogs under 75 pounds with a $50, non-refundable pet fee.
Wassamki Springs Campground
Consider taking your pup camping with you for something a little more rugged. Located just outside Portland, the Wassamki Springs Campground is pet-friendly. The campground is open from May 1 through October 15, with variable pricing depending on the length of stay and time of year.
Top Dog Boarding Facilities and Daycare
Consider using a doggy daycare or boarding facility when your pup can’t join you on your adventure. Whether staying for a few hours or days, these top boarding facilities in Portland, Maine, can take care of your furry friend while you tour the town.
Roll Over Rover
Locally based in Portland, Maine, Roll Over Rover is the perfect solution for long and short-term daycare needs. Whether you require regular boarding or just a place for your pup to hang out for a few hours, Roll Over Rover has you covered.
This facility offers areas where dogs can exercise with other dogs. Your pup can go for off-leash group adventures or stay with a professional dog trainer for a simple dog walk around the immediate area.
Happy Tails
Offering a range of services, Happy Tails is a go-to for people visiting Portland, Maine. The facility offers daycare, dog walking, and dog training. With six different outdoor areas, your pet will have fun playing with other dogs.
Happy Tails‘ professionals work to pair your dog with dogs of similar size and energy levels. Most dog groups are between two and ten dogs. Break times include meals and rest. Rest assured, a professional staff member supervises playtime to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Brown Dog Inn
With almost 20 years of experience, the Brown Dog Inn is a popular dog boarding facility. The facility has over 14 acres of land and is close to Portland. Pets get to enjoy everything from playtime to swimming in their onsite pool. Professional caretakers are happy to give your pet a spa bath or a fresh pedicure while they stay at the inn.
Best Pet Emergency Facilities
While we never want anything worrisome to happen to our pets, having a plan in place in an emergency is a good idea. Portland, Maine, offers two emergency care clinics to help treat your pet if it becomes hurt or ill.
Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care
This emergency vet is a locally owned veterinary office and offers several specialty services. Established and operating for over 30 years, PVESCÂ professionals are experts in veterinary emergency care.
Able to tackle medical, surgical, and critical care services, the team is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is open every day of the year. Care is prioritized, so non-urgent cases may have to wait longer for treatment.
PetMedic Portland
PetMedic is staffed by trained professionals passionate about animal care. The team offers same-day appointments and is convenient for after-hours care. During the week, the office is open from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Appointments are also available Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. PetMedic Portland is even open on some holidays
