A Dog Friendly Guide To Visiting Portland, Maine

A dog at Portland Head Light at dog friendly Fort Williams Park

Portland, Maine is dog friendly! From dog friendly stores to dog friendly tours, Portland offers countless ways to explore the coastal city without leaving your dog at home. Below are some of the most dog friendly stores, restaurants, accommodations and attractions in dog friendly Portland, Maine.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you want to order room service at a luxury hotel within walking distance to dog friendly restaurants and bars or sleep under the stars in a secluded spot in the great outdoors, there are plenty of dog friendly accommodations around Portland to meet anyone’s tastes. Below are some of the most dog friendly hotels and campgrounds in and near Portland, Maine.

two dogs on a hotel bed at the dog friendly DoubleTree Hotel in Portland, Maine.
Relaxing at the dog friendly DoubleTree Hotel in Portland, Maine.

Dog Friendly Hotels in Portland

AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Pet Policy: One pet up to 75lbs is allowed for $50 per night (not to exceed $150 per stay).

Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs or cats up to 40lbs are allowed for a non-refundable fee of $50 per room per stay.

Cambria Hotel
Pet Policy: 1 pet allowed per room per night, with a 75lb weight maximum. Their Paws are Welcome package includes a pet-friendly amenity, provided upon arrival.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed for a non-refundable fee of $50 per pet per night.

DoubleTree Portland Maine
Pet Policy: Pets up to 75lbs allowed for a non-refundable fee of $75.

Fireside Inn & Suites
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs or cats are allowed in rooms (except suites) for an additional fee of $20 per pet per night. Pets may not be left unattended in the room.

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown – Waterfront
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs or cats up to 75lbs allowed for a non-refundable fee of $75 (1-4 nights) or $125 (5+ nights).

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Pet Policy: Up to two pets up to 100lbs allowed for an additional fee of $75 (1-4 nights) or $125 (5+ nights). Pets are not allowed to be left unattended in the room.

Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port
Pet Policy: Up to two pets allowed for a fee of $75 per stay. Stays of 7-30 nights require an additional $100 cleaning fee. The hotel has an individual pet limit of 50 lbs and combined weight limit of 75 lbs.

Inn at St. John
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome for no fee or size/breed restrictions. Dogs may not be left unattended in the room.

La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Portland
Pet Policy: Up to two domestic pets allowed for an additional fee of $25 per pet per night (for a max of $75 per room per stay).

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Pet Policy: Pets allowed in designated ground floor rooms for an additional non-refundable deep cleaning fee of $75 per stay. Pets cannot be left unattended in the room.

Portland Harbor Hotel
Pet Policy: Pets of any size allowed in designated rooms for an additional fee of $100 per pet per night.

Portland Garden Inn Portland Airport
Pet Policy: Up to two pets allowed for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Portland
Pet Policy: Up to two pets allowed for a refundable deposit of $50 per pet.

Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Pet Policy: Up to two pets allowed in designated rooms for an additional fee of $100 per room per stay. Well-behaved pets may be left unattended in the room.

The Westin Portland Harborview
Pet Policy: Up to two pets 75 lbs or less are allowed for a fee of $50 per pet per night (maximum of $150 per stay). Pets must not be left unaccompanied in the room.

Dog Friendly Campgrounds In/Near Portland

Bradbury Mountain State Park
Location: Pownal, Maine.
Located approximately 5 miles from Freeport and 23 miles north of Portland. There are approximately 35 dog friendly campsites at this state park full of hiking trails.

Cedar Haven Family Campground
Location: Freeport, Maine.
This family campground is close to downtown Freeport and around 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Dogs are allowed at campsites, but not in rented campers or cabins.

Desert of Maine Campground
Location: Freeport, Maine
Approximately 20 minutes north of Portland, this newly renovated campground has dog-friendly A-Frame cabins and glamping tents. There are no RV or tent sites. Up to two dogs are allowed for a $20 fee per dog per night.

Durham Leisure Campground
Location: Durham, Maine
Small family friendly RV park (no tent or pop-up sites) with 36 sites. Ten minutes from downtown Freeport and around 20 minutes to downtown Portland. Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed but may not be left alone inside campers.

Freeport Village Campground
Location: Freeport, Maine
Small, family-owned campground that is dog friendly and located less than two miles from the interstate. Full hookups available. No tent sites.

Sandy Pines Campground
Location: Kennebunkport, Maine
Tranquil campground tucked into a beach forest approximately 28 miles south of Portland. Dogs are not allowed in any of the glamping rentals but are allowed in the RV and traditional tent sites. Up to two dogs are allowed for an extra fee of $5 per dog per night.

Sebago Lake Family Campground
Location: Standish, Maine
Rustic, family owned campground with tent sites and full hookups approximately 25 miles from downtown Portland. Dogs are allowed for an extra $5.00/day and $25.00 for 7 days or longer. Dogs must be leashed at campsites and are not allowed on the beach.

Winslow Park and Campground
Location: Freeport, Maine
Around 25 minutes north of Portland, this family friendly campground has 100 pet friendly campsites, either wooded or with water views.

Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Campground
Location: Freeport, Maine
Located approximately 20 minutes north of Portland. The campground has over 150 pet-friendly campsites along the shoreline of the Casco Bay, through forests and along fields.

WHERE TO SHOP

A number of stores in Portland welcome your dog to join you as you shop. Here are some of the most dog friendly stores in Portland.

Cobwebs
Find clothing, furniture, jewelry, books and more at this small secondhand store where well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed.

Expressly Trends
Women’s boutique offering beautiful clothing and accessories for you, and some treats and love for your dog while you shop.

LeRoux Kitchen
Cooking store that offers everything from oil and vinegar to kitchen appliances and tableware. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome and can snag a treat at the register.

Liberty Graphics
Located in Old Port, the store sells screen-printed t-shirts. Friendly, on-leash dogs are welcome and can leave with a treat.

Longfellow Books
Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside this independent bookstore that offers an extensive variety of new and used books.

Print: A Bookstore
Independent bookstore on Portland’s East End with a big selection in a cozy and bright space. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed.

Silver Therapeutics
Recreational cannabis dispensary where on-leash, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you during your shopping.

The Fish & Bone
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to shop with you inside this pet food and pet supply store.

Treehouse Toys
Locally-owned toy shop offering toys, books, games, puzzles and more. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed so long as they don’t chew any toys!

Uncommon Paws
Dogs can accompany their owners while shopping at this family run boutique pet store offering a range of food, treats, clothing and accessories.

Venus and Mars Dispensary
Cannabis boutique offering a range of products and accessories for you, and a water bowl and CBD treat for your dog while you shop.

WHERE TO EAT

State law prohibits dogs inside restaurants where food is prepared and served on premises, but many restaurants in Portland allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Some breweries that don’t serve food also allow dogs inside their tap room, where you can bring your own food or grab a bite from a visiting food truck. Below are some of the most dog friendly restaurants and breweries/distilleries in Portland.

the dogs at Portland Head Light lighthouse
Lunch from the Bite Into Maine food truck at Fort Williams Park.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Portland

Becky’s Diner On Hobson’s Wharf
Waterfront diner serving American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dogs are allowed on the covered and heated outdoor porch on the second floor.

Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
Landmark seafood restaurant on Portland’s waterfront with great views and a covered patio. Dogs are allowed on the patio.

Eventide Oyster Co.
Small seafood joint serving New England fare known for its fresh oysters and lobster rolls. Dogs are allowed at their outdoor picnic tables.

Flatbread Company
Wharfside restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas with organic ingredients & free-range meats, made in traditional clay ovens. Dogs are allowed at the tables on their large outdoor deck facing Casco Bay.

Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub
Family-friendly brewpub offering American food & housemade. Dogs are allowed at their outdoor tables.

The Highroller Lobster Co.
Neighborhood diner serving lobster rolls and other seafood. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio.

The Honey Paw
Contemporary bistro offering Asian-inspired noodles & other bites with local craft beer. Dogs are allowed at their outdoor tables.

Little Tap House
Gastropub in the heart of Portland offering seasonally-inspired farm-to-table eats and regional craft beers. Dogs are welcome at any of their outdoor tables.

The Porthole
Classic Northeast diner experience offering a range of dishes, from breakfast to seafood. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor wharfside deck.

Portland Lobster Company
Seasonal wharfside lobster shack offering a range of sandwiches, burgers and seafood classics. Dogs are welcome at any of their outdoor tables.

Dog Friendly Breweries and Distilleries

Allagash Brewing Company
Rustic-industrial brewery that specializes in Belgian-style beers and serves food. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio.

Apres
Craft seltzery offering small-batch hard seltzers and gluten-free hard ciders. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on their large outdoor patio.

Austin Street Brewery
Industrial brewery serving a variety of beer styles with patio space and food trucks. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the patio at their Foxwood location. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside at their Industrial Way location.

Battery Steele Brewing
Craft brewery specializing in New English IPAs, lagers and ready-to-drink cocktails. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed inside the taproom or at their outdoor tables.

Belleflower Brewing
Family-owned, small batch craft brewery offering a range of beers from high-quality ingredients. Snacks are available and food trucks are often on-site. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio.

Definitive Brewing Company
Craft brewery offering a wide array of beers, including sours and fruit tinged IPAs. Only small snacks are available, but there are often food trucks on the weekends. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed both inside and outside.

Foundation Brewing & Pizza
Independent craft brewery focused on world class ales, lagers, and Detroit-style pizza. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio year-round.

Goodfire Brewing
Family friendly brewery offering a rotating selection of 16oz cans to go, draft pours and food on site from local food trucks. Dogs are allowed in their small outdoor space during the summer months.

Lone Pine Brewing Company
Small, low-key brewing offering unique, housemade beers and hard seltzers. Leashed and well-behaved dogs area allowed outdoors at their dedicated pet tables with leash tie outs.

Rising Tide Brewing Company
Family-owned brewery in the vibrant East Bayside neighborhood offering a range of beers and bites. Dogs are welcome on their spacious outdoor patio.

Root Wild Kombucha
Small brewery specializing in kombucha and tea infused beers. Small snacks are available and there are weekly rotating food trucks outside the tasting room. Their outdoor patio is dog friendly and has a pickup window to easily order with your dog.

Three of Strong
Craft rum distillery offering premium cocktails and spirits. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio. Pup-tails (dog-friendly mocktails) are available every day and are free on Sundays from 12 – 6.

WHERE TO PLAY

Whether you want to take a tour of the sights or let your dog frolic off leash, Portland and its surrounding areas offer a number of dog friendly attractions and places to play. Below are some of the best places to bring your dog. For a look at where dogs are allowed on or off leash in Portland, check here.

A dog looks out from Portland's Eastern Promenade trail.
Nico on the Eastern Promenade trail.

Dog Friendly Attractions

Casco Bay Lines
Take a unique boat tour on this working mailboat that delivers mail and freight to neighboring islands. Outdoor and indoor seating is available. Dogs must be leashed at all times and require a separate ticket (currently $4.50).

Maine Day Adventures
Take a historic walking tour to learn more about Maine’s maritime, industrial and cultural history. Dogs who are well-behaved and comfortable in group settings are allowed on the historic walking tour but must be noted/approved in advance.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Take a 40-minute ride on an open-air, historic train with views of the scenery along Casco Bay. Onboard narration provides a history of Maine’s narrow gauge railway and sights along the route. Dogs are allowed in coach so long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours
Take a narrated trolley tour to see the sights of historic Portland and/or visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Or take one of the day or sunset boat tours to see the lighthouses and wildlife along Casco Bay. Friendly, leashed and well-behaved dogs are allowed with the purchase of a separate dog ticket.

Thompson’s Point
During the summer months, visit Thompson’s Point on a Thursday or Friday for Summer Sunsets Live. Bring your dog along for live music, games, food trucks, artisan cocktails and craft beer.

Dog Friendly Beaches

East End Beach
Small sand and pebble-covered beach along the Eastern Promenade. Dogs are allowed off-leash and under voice control all day during the off-season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs are only allowed before 9:00am and after 5:00pm.

Willard Beach
Dog owners are required to have a leash in hand at all times. Off-leash dogs must be kept within 100 feet and under voice control (returning to the owner or keeper after one signaling or calling). Restrictions depend on time of year and time of day:
May 1st through September 30th: Dogs are allowed 7:00am – 9:00am and 7:00pm – 9:00pm only. From 7:00pm to 8:00pm dogs must be on leash. Dog toys and long leashes are not allowed on the beach.
October 1st through April 30th: Dogs are allowed 6:00am – 9:00pm. They are required to be on leash from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Dog toys are allowed to be used between Beach Street and Fort Prebble. Long leashes may be used.

Dog Friendly Parks

Eastern Promenade
78-acre park with sweeping views of the Casco Bay and direct access to the waterfront. Dogs are allowed on-leash in most areas and are allowed off-leash and under voice control in certain designated areas.

Fort Sumner Park
Enjoy sunset with your dog at one of the benches or picnic tables at this small overlook at the top of Quebec Street.

Fort Williams Park
5 miles from downtown Portland in Cape Elizabeth, the 90-acre park has open space, historical sites, and is home to Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Dogs are allowed on-leash everywhere and off-leash and under voice control in a designated area.

Payson Park
48-acre park along the shores of Black Cove and Fall Brook. Dogs are allowed on-leash only and are not permitted on the playgrounds or athletic facilities.

Quarry Run Dog Park (off leash)
Fully fenced, mostly shaded dog park with more than six acres of paths and an open area for your dog to run around. Hours are 6:30am to 10:00pm.

Valley Street Dog Park (off leash)
Fully fenced dog park with benches and open space for your dog to run around. Hours are 6:30am to 10:00pm.

The dogs on a dog friendly hike near Portland, Maine
Nico on a fall hike at Bradbury Mountain State Park near Portland.

Dog Friendly Hikes

Baxter Woods
30-acre nature preserve in the middle of the city that features tall pines, two ponds and open meadows. Dogs must be on an 8-foot leash at all times on the Northern Carriage Path and in all areas north of the Northern Carriage Path. In other areas, leash rules depend on time of day and year:
August 1st to March 31st: Dogs are permitted under voice control from 5am to 9am and from 3pm to 10pm. From 9am to 3pm all dogs must be on an eight foot leash.
April 1st to July 31st: All dogs must be on a max eight foot leash at all times.

Bradbury Mountain State Park
800-acre park north of Portland with over 21 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Park hours are 9am to sunset daily and there is a small fee to enter. Dogs are allowed on trails so long as they’re on a leash and cleaned up after.

Presumpscot River Preserve
60-acre nature preserve located on both sides of the Presumpscot River. Dogs are allowed on the trails, which offer wooded, scenic views.

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Approximately 30 minutes north of Portland, the state park offers well-marked trails through the woods and along Casco Bay. There is a small daily entrance fee. Dogs are allowed on trails so long as they’re on a leash and cleaned up after.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE?

What’s your favorite place to go with your dog in Portland, Maine? Let us know!