Looking for ideas of where to travel with your dog? Check out some of the most dog friendly vacations in New England!
If you’re like me, a family vacation just isn’t complete without your furry family member. I hate leaving my German Shepherd dog Roscoe at home when I travel and have so much more fun when I can bring him along. But there are a lot of important considerations to keep in mind when planning a vacation with your dog. Which hotels allow dogs? Are there dog friendly restaurants and bars nearby? Are there activities in the area that you and your dog can enjoy together?
Luckily, New England is a very dog friendly destination. From hiking in the mountains to swimming along the coast, there are so many adventures for you and your dog to discover. After years of exploring New England with my dog, I’ve mapped out my favorite dog friendly vacation spots. With plenty of options for dog friendly hotels, restaurants, and things to do, these dog friendly trip ideas are sure to have your pup giving two paws up. So grab your favorite travel paw-tner and get ready to plan the ultimate dog friendly vacation in New England!
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont is one of the most dog friendly destinations in New England. Boasting incredible outdoor adventures and a hip, laid-back downtown, Burlington is as much a playground for canines as it is their companions. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do with your pup. Bike the Burlington Greenway along the shores of Lake Champlain, then stop to sample local beers at one of the city’s many dog friendly breweries. Burlington beer spots that allow patio pups include Foam Brewers and Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, while places like Switchback Brewing Co also allow dogs indoors. Church Street Marketplace, one of New England’s most famous pedestrian (and pup) friendly malls, has ample dog friendly dining and shopping. For pet friendly lodging, Made Inn Vermont, a quirky bed and breakfast within walking distance of downtown, offers a comfortable home away from home for you and your dog.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Burlington, VT
Plan a dog-friendly getaway to this mecca for outdoor adventure on Lake Champlain.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
When the dog days of summer strike, there’s no better place to be with your dog than Cape Cod! With miles of pristine coastline, an irresistibly laid-back charm, and countless outdoor activities, Cape Cod is the perfect summer destination for humans and dogs alike. You’ll especially love visiting Cape Cod National Seashore. This sun-washed stretch of sandy beaches and trails allows dogs on leash even during peak season. Afterwards, quench your thirst at Provincetown Brewing Company. They are so dog friendly (and socially conscious), there’s dog house sporting a sign that reads “I bite racists” in the beer garden. There’s also a number of pet friendly places to stay on the Cape. Pamper your pooch at the upscale resort Chatham Bars Inn or try “ruff-ing” it with your dog at a campsite in Nickerson State Park.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Cape Cod
Get my top recommendations for things to do with your dog on the Cape.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
For a laid-back seaside getaway with your dog, check out Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Just five miles south of Portland, it’s a great place to get away from it all without getting too far out of the way. The south end of Fort Williams State Park, home to the iconic Portland Head Light, has a large grassy off leash area where dogs can run and play. Of course you can’t visit Maine without trying a local lobster roll, and Bite into Maine has an outdoor food truck located in the park with pet friendly picnic tables. Higgins Beach is a popular spot for pups to frolic in the sand and splash in the water. After a long day of fun in the sun, unwind at Inn by the Sea, a luxury beachfront resort that offers over-the-top pampering for pets and their owners.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Cape Elizabeth, ME
Plan a New England getaway with your dog with this dog friendly guide to Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
You and your dog will love exploring Nantucket together. This tiny island off the coast of Cape Cod has virtually no traffic lights and plenty of quintessential New England charm. Right away from the ferry ride over, where you’ll spot plenty of fellow pet owners making the journey, it’s clear that Nantucket is a place that welcomes canine visitors. Choose from a wide range of dog friendly things to do, from strolling the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk to exploring historic lighthouses. There are numerous dog friendly patios in town, including breakfast hot spot Black-Eyed Susan’s and eclectic American bistro Queequeg’s. Sit and stay a while at the quiet bed and breakfast Brass Lantern Inn, which welcomes four-legged friends in select rooms for a nominal fee.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Nantucket
Discover the best places to eat, play, and stay in my dog friendly guide to Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Stowe, Vermont
This extremely dog friendly town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is a must-visit. Known as the ski-capital of the East, Stowe draws visitors from near and far to its world-class resort each winter. But with plenty of outdoor activities in every season, Stowe is the paw-fect place to vacation with your dog.
For big-time adventure, Smuggler’s Notch State Park offers miles of trails through a stunning stretch of the Green Mountains. For something a little more low-key (but just as much fun), you and your dog will love a stroll on the Stowe Recreation Path. This 11-mile paved path is dotted with dog friendly restaurants and breweries along the way. There’s also a number of dog friendly places to stay in the area for every budget. Luxury resorts like Trapp Family Lodge, Topnotch Resort, and the Lodge at Spruce Peak cater to creature comforts. But if you’re looking for something more affordable, consider staying with your dog at Field Guide Lodge or The Stowehof.
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Dog Friendly Guide to Stowe, VT
Get everything you need to plan a paw-fect visit in this comprehensive, dog friendly guide to Stowe, VT.
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