dog-friendly beaches on cape cod
we’ll help you find the best beaches for dogs on cape cod
What’s more fun than chasing a tennis ball through the surf then shaking off all over your dry towel? Or finding a shady spot to curl up below a faded umbrella to nap? Our guide to dog-friendly beaches on cape cod will help you:
- find beaches open to dogs all summer long
- learn dog rules for beaches on cape cod
- get information on beach closures for nesting shorebirds
Select a town to see a full list of beaches that allow dogs on cape cod:
Barnstable
Barnstable
Barnstable beaches that allow dogs
Barnstable public beaches don’t allow dogs in the summertime. This includes beaches in Hyannis, Centerville, Osterville, and Cotuit.
But like many town beaches on cape cod, you can take your dogs in the offseason. In barnstable pets are allowed after September 16th and before May 15th.
Dog rules for Barnstable Beaches
- Dogs are not allowed on barnstable beaches in the summertime, from May 15th – September 15th
- Dogs are allowed on beaches in the offseason, from september 16th – may 14th
- Dogs are not allowed in protected areas that are closed due to piping plovers nesting
Public beaches in Barnstable:
Covell Beach
857 craigville beach road, centerville; Centerville Residents only
Craigville Beach
997 craigville beach road, centerville
Dowses Beach
348 east bay road, osterville; Osterville Residents only
Eugenia Fortes (aka East) Beach
Ianough Ave, Hyannisport; Hyannisport Residents only
Hamblin Pond
415 Route 149, Marstons Mills, MA
Hathaway’s Pond
1431 Phinney’s Lane, Barnstable
Hathaway’s Pond
1431 Phinney’s Lane, Barnstable
Joshua Pond
290 Tower Hill Road, Osterville
Kalmus Beach
670 Ocean Street, Hyannis
Long Beach
Long Beach Road, Centerville; Centerville Residents only
Loop’s Beach
281 Ocean Beach Ave., Cotuit; Cotuit Residents only
Lovell’s Pond
1444 Santuit Newtown Road, Cotuit
Millway Beach
307 Millway, Barnstable; Barnstable Residents only.
Oregon Beach
Cotuit Residents only.
Orrin Keyes Beach, aka Keyes beach
175 Ocean Ave., Hyannis
Ropes Beach
85 Old Shore Road, Cotuit; Cotuit Residents only
Sandy Neck Beach
590 Sandy Neck Road, West Barnstable
Sandy Neck Beach is a popular Barnstable beach with orv oversand driving permits available. more info on oversand beach driving on cape cod
Veterans Beach
480 ocean street, Hyannis
Wequaquet Beach
460 Shootflying hill road, centerville
Learn more
For more information about these beaches, check out:
Things to do in barnstable
Bourne
Bourne
Bourne beaches that allow dogs
Bourne beaches are convenient if you’re looking for a day trip to cape cod.The problem is that Bourne public beaches don’t allow dogs during the summertime. You’ll have to drive a bit further towards the outer cape during the summer season to find pet-friendly beaches on cape cod.
Dog rules for Bourne beaches
- Bourne doesn’t allow dogs on public beaches from May 1st – October 15th
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach in the off-season
- Remember to always clean up poop
- All public beaches and boat ramps require a Town of Bourne Parking Sticker
- All other Bourne beaches are resident only, except for Monument beach which requires proof of 1 or 2 week lodging for temporary sticker
Beaches in Bourne:
Barlows Landing
498 Barlows Landing road, BourneElectric Avenue Beach
32 Gardinier Ave., Buzzards BayGray Gables Beach
21 Gilder road, BourneHen Cove
180 Circuit Ave., BourneMassasoit Avenue
Massasoit Ave., PocassetMonks Park
Valley Bars Circle, BourneMonument Beach
22 Emmons road, BournePicture Lake
11 Old County Road, PocassetQueen Sewell (aka Bumps) Pond
Cherry Street, Buzzards BaySagamore Beach (aka First Beach)
Standish Road, Sagamore BeachSagamore Beach (aka Second Beach)
Sagamore road, Sagamore BeachSqueteague Harbor Beach
18 Squeteague Harbor road, Bourne
Brewster
Brewster
Brewster beaches that allow dogs
Brewster has nice bay-side beaches that offer large tidal flats to splash in at low tide, and some great sunsets reflecting off cape cod bay. Dogs aren’t allowed on public beaches in Brewster in the summer though, so you’ll need to look towards the outer cape beaches if you want to take your dog with you.
- Need a Brewster beach parking sticker? click here
Dog Rules for Brewster Beaches
- Dogs allowed on beaches in Brewster in the offseason only, from September 16 through May 14th
- Dogs aren’t allowed on beaches in Brewster during the summertime, from May 15th – September 15th.
Beaches in Brewster:
Breakwater Beach
Breakwater road, Brewster
Crosby Landing Beach
276 Crosby Lane Brewster
Cliff Pond Beach
450-498 Flax Pond Road, Brewster
Dogs are not allowed on the main beaches of Nickerson State Park, including Cliff Pond, but there’s miles of wooded hiking trails, great for kayaking, biking, and fishing too.
Ellis Landing Beach
200 Ellis Landing Road, Brewster
Linnell Landing
Lionel landing road, Brewster
Long Pond Beach
131 Crowells Road, Brewster
This freshwater beach is located on the Brewster side of Long Pond.
Paines Creek Beach
Paines Creek Road, Brewster
Point of Rocks Landing
Point of Rocks Road, Brewster
No parking lot
Robbins Hill Beach
Robbins Road, Brewster
Saints Landing Beach
Saints Landing, off of Robbins Road, Brewster
Learn more
For more information about these beaches, check out:
Things to do in Brewster, MA
Chatham
Chatham
Chatham beaches that allow dogs
Most Chatham beaches only allow pets during the offseason, but there are a few exceptions: Nauset Beach’s ORV trails, and Jackknife Beach.
The Nauset Beach oversand vehicle (osv) sticker is available in Chatham for chatham residents only. Everyone else can purchase it through the town of Orleans. It will cost you a small fortune, and the beach is closed much of the summer due to nesting birds.
The Jackknife Beach parking lot is free, making it the only free beach on cape cod that allows dogs during the summertime. Dogs are allowed in the morning and evening hours. Cool!
- How to get a Chatham beach parking sticker, or a Nauset Beach osv sticker (chatham residents only): click here
- Get a Nauset Beach osv sticker (via town of orleans): click here
Dog Rules for Chatham Beaches
- Dogs are allowed on Chatham beaches during the off-season only, from September 16 through April 30 each year
- Dogs not allowed on beaches in Chatham during the summertime, from May 1 through September 15
- The only exception is Jackknife Harbor beach, which allows dogs in the summer before 9:00 a.m and after 6:00 p.m.
Beaches in Chatham:
Cockle Cove Beach
435 Cockle Cove Road, South Chatham
Forest Beach
Forest Beach Road, South Chatham
Harding Beach
385 Hardings Beach Road, Chatham
Jackknife Harbor Beach
Orleans-Chatham Road (Route 28), Chatham
Jackknife Harbor Beach allows dogs in the summer on the Chatham side before 9:00 a.m and after 6:00 p.m.
Lighthouse Beach
30 Main Street, Chatham
Oyster Pond Beach
Stage Harbor Road, Chatham
Nauset Beach ORV Trails
Access via Beach Road, Orleans MA
Nauset Beach can be accessed on Beach Road in Orleans. Dogs aren’t allowed on the main public beach, but you can take dogs anywhere past exit one on the ORV trails (assuming that the oversand driving trails aren’t closed due to nesting shorebirds, which lead to beach closures during peak summer months most years.
Pleasant Street Beach
Pleasant Street, South Chatham
Ridgevale Beach
431 Ridgevale Road, Chatham
Things to do in Chatham
Dennis
Dennis
Beaches in Dennis that allow dogs
The beaches in Dennis don’t allow dogs in the summertime. But if you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach on cape cod in the offseason, Dennis has a bunch of great options.
- How to get a beach parking sticker in Dennis: click here
Dog rules for Dennis beaches
- You can’t take your dog to the beach in Dennis during the summer
- No dogs are allowed from memorial day-labor day on Dennis beaches
Beaches in Dennis:
Bayview Beach
Residents only
Chapin Memorial Beach
Cold Storage Beach
Corporation Beach
South Village Road Beach
(North Lot)
West Dennis Beach
(West Lot)
Glendon Street Beach (aka Durning Beach)
Harborview Beach
Harborview Beach
Howes Street Beach
Inman Road Beach
Mayflower Beach
Princess Beach
Scargo Beach
Sea Street Beach
South Village Beach
(south side)
West Dennis Beach
(East lot)
Eastham
Eastham
Beaches that allow dogs in Eastham
There are two categories of beaches in Eastham that allow dogs: Cape Cod National Seashore beaches and town-managed beaches. The cape cod national seashore beaches allow dogs, so we’ll start with those.
Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard beach is open to dogs all year long. It is a very beautiful beach that regularly ranks as one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. Coast Guard’s large parking lot has a shuttle bus to bring passengers to the beach. Note that pets aren’t allowed on the bus, so you and your furry friend will need to walk instead.
- Read our guide to coast guard beach
- See other dog-friendly beaches on cape cod
- view our dog-friendly guide to the beaches of the cape cod national seashore
Nauset Light Beach
Nauset light beach is also open to dogs all year long, pending closings for nesting shorebirds. The parking lot at nauset light tends to fill up by mid-morning in the summer as there isn’t a lot of room, so plan to arrive early to get a good space. You can buy daily or seasonal parking stickers at the booth. The National seashore dog rules for Nauset Light beach are the same ones shared by coast guard beach.
- Read more about nauset light beach
- view our dog-friendly guide to the beaches of the cape cod national seashore
National Seashore beach dog rules in Eastham
- Dogs must be on a leash up to 6 feet long
- No pets allowed on protected (lifeguarded) areas of beach during summer. Dog access allowed on each side of the protected areas.
- Dogs not allowed where there are nesting shore birds
- pets not allowed on shuttle bus, so plan on a hike from parking lot
Eastham Public Beaches (town-managed)
Most public beaches in Eastham are dog-friendly only in the offseason. To find an Eastham beach that allows dogs in the summertimes you’ll need to hit the National Seashore instead.
- How to get a parking sticker for Eastham public beaches: click here
Here’s a list of all the public beaches in Eastham that allow dogs in the offseason only:
- Bayberry Lane Beach
- Campground Beach
- Cooks Brook Beach
- First Encounter Beach
- Great Pond Beach
- Herring Pond Beach
- Sunken Meadow Beach
- Thumpertown Beach
- Wiley Park Beach
Town of Eastham Beaches: Dog Rules
- Eastham town bylaws prohibit dogs on public beaches from June 15 through Labor day.
- One beach in Eastham allow dogs during the summer, but only in the mornings and evenings: Rock Harbor Beach.
Rock Harbor Beach
Rock Harbor offers one of the greatest sunsets on cape cod. Rock Harbor beach at Dyer Prince Road is closed to dogs during the day in the summertime between June 15th – Labor Day. But pets are allowed in the morning before 9am and in the evening after 5pm during the summer, so you can get in a nice dog walk in the off-hours.
Dog rules for Rock Harbor Beach in Eastham:
- All Pets must be leashed
- Please clean up after your dog! The ecosystem at rock harbor is very fragile, please help preserve the beauty of this wonderful place!
- Cars in parking lot must have Town of Eastham beach sticker
Falmouth
Falmouth
Beaches that allow dogs in Falmouth
- How to get a beach parking sticker for Falmouth: click here
Dog rules for Falmouth Beaches
- Dogs not allowed on Falmouth Beaches in the summer, from May 1st–September 30th.
- Dogs allowed on beaches in Falmouth off-season only, from October 1st through April 30th.
Falmouth beaches
Bristol Beach
No public parkingChapoquoit
No public parkingFalmouth Heights Beach
No public parkingMegansite Beach
No public parkingMegansite Beach
No public parkingMenuahant Beach
Old Silver Beach
No public parking on reserved sideStoney Beach
No public parkingSurf Drive Beach
Wood Neck Beach
No public parkingLearn more
For more information about these beaches, check out:
- Dog-friendly beaches in falmouth, MA
Harwich
Harwich
Beaches that allow dogs in Harwich
Harwich has some nice beaches facing Nantucket Sound. The waves are usually calm and the water is warmer than you’ll find on the outer cape beaches.
No dogs are allowed in the summertime on Harwich public beaches, so you’ll have to wait until the offseason to visit with your pet. Harwich isn’t a far drive from Eastham, where the cape cod national seashore beaches welcome pets all summer long.
- How to get a Harwich beach parking sticker: click here
- Map of amenities at all Harwich public beaches: click here
- Harwich beach regulations: click here
Dog rules for Harwich Beaches
- Dogs are only allowed on beaches in Harwich during the off-season.
- Dogs not allowed on harwich beaches during the summer season, which ranges from Memorial Day – Labor Day each year.
- Dogs are allowed to walk the parking lot of Red River beach year-round from 7:30am-9:00am and also after 4:30pm
Beaches in Harwich, MA
Bank Street Beach
Bank Street Beach in Harwich requires a town parking sticker. The beach is very popular and the parking lot fills up early in the day. You used to be able to walk from the free town lot (from the beach heading up Bank Street take a left at rt. 28 and its just ahead on your right, near the Chamber of Commerce). But they don’t want you parking there all day for the beach.
Dogs are only allowed at Bank Street Beach during the off-season. There’s nice long Jetty bordering Wychmere Harbor if you walk to the left. And if you walk beyond the public beach to the right you can walk past other Harwich town beaches.
Earle Road Beach
A town of Harwich beach parking sticker is required at Earle Road Beach. It is a fairly small beach with a similarly sized parking lot.
Jacknife Harbor Beach (Pleasant Bay)
Jacknife Harbor Beach sits right on the Harwich/Chatham line off of Route 28. It’s one of the few free beaches on cape cod that doesn’t require a beach sticker.
There’s limited parking on one side of busy Route 28 and a bigger lot below. No dogs are allowed on the Harwich side of the beach during the summer season, but they are allowed in the morning and evening on the Chatham side which is accessible from the same lot.
It’s not the best beach in terms of sand quality. It tends to be rocky and covered with broken shells. bring foot protection as there is also glass, but not the smooth weathered kind you find at beaches with good surf. It’s more the “you cut your foot open and now you need stitches” type. Rusty bottle caps abound too. Wear sandals.
pro tip: pleasant bay beach’s access road and parking lot can flood at high tide during certain moon cycles, be aware or your tires will get to say hello to the ocean. At high tide the beach path becomes a puddle.
#1 BEACH DOG RULE for pleasant bay beach in harwich: clean up after your dog! People go clamming here, they don’t want to eat your pet’s fertilizer.
Jackknife beach in harwich is a fun place to swim after a tennis ball. the shallow, gentle waters of pleasant bay are great for youngsters or poor swimmers, dog and human alike. lots of hermit crabs, blue crabs, horseshoe crabs, even spider crabs will keep children entertained all day long.
It’s a great place to stand up paddle board or kayak. Watch out for the currents as the tide is going out in the river though, they can be quite strong and may pose a safety hazard for kids or pets who aren’t strong swimmers. Learn more: 3 fun kayaking trips from jackknife beach
Long Pond Beach
Long Pond has beaches in Harwich and in Brewster. On the Harwich side, Long Pond Beach offers a large dirt parking area with bathroom facilities and boat ramp. There’s a designated swim area that is roped off so that the boats don’t clunk you on the head. Due to the large lot size it isn’t likely to fill up.
Long Pond – Cahoon’s Landing Beach
You can also check out the much smaller Cahoon’s Landing Beach on Long Pond, which has a very small parking area with porta-potties. This parking lot does fill up on summer days but if you get shut out you can always keep driving to the main Long Pond beach and you should be all set.
Pleasant Street Beach
Pleasant Street beach is a popular beach with a large parking lot that usually fills up during nice days in the summer. A town of Harwich parking sticker is required.
If you get there and it’s full, head back towards Lower County road and take a right to try Earle Road Beach which is close by.
Red River Beach
Red River Beach is a long, narrow beach with a large parking lot. It is the only beach in Harwich that sells daily parking passes. Because it is so long, you’ll have more room to spread out your towel here than at most other beaches in the area.
There are lots of jetties (and occasionally lots of seaweed onshore). Drive to the left to the far end of the parking lot for a great beachcombing, there’s a path down the shore side to a narrow river that fills with the tides.
Red River Beach is the only beach in Harwich that allows dogs in the summer – but not on the sand. Dog walking is allowed in the parking lot from 7:30am-9:00am and also from 4:30pm-dusk year round.
Sand Pond
The beach sand here may not be as sandy as the name implies, its kind of dirty. But Sand Pond is a nice freshwater beach with a roped off swimming area. The beaches and pond allows dogs after Labor Day. Kids can get swimming lessons here in the summertime.
You need a Town of beach sticker to park in the lot. Sand Pond’s parking lot is located at 180 Great Western Road in Harwich.
Mashpee
Mashpee
Beaches that allow dogs in Mashpee
Sorry, we don’t know of any public beaches in Mashpee that allow pets in the summer. bummer.
Mashpee has one ocean beach and two pond beaches, none of which allow dogs year-round. The state-owned portion of South Cape Beach allows dogs in the offseason only.
If you want to take your dog to the beach on cape cod in the summer you’ll need to keep driving further along route 6 until you hit Eastham and the start of the cape cod national seashore beaches.
- how to get a mashpee beach parking sticker: click here
Orleans
Orleans
Beaches that allow dogs in Orleans
The beaches of Orleans are some of the nicest beaches on cape cod. Dogs aren’t allowed on public beaches in the summertime unless you get the ORV sticker to Nauset Beach.
Orleans dog rules and regulations
The dog rules for most beaches in orleans allow pets in the offseason only, from the day after Labor day through March 31st.
Special rules apply for Nauset Beach’s ORV trails and for Rock Harbor (where dogs are allowed only he extreme off-season, from after Columbus Day up until the Thursday before Memorial Day each year).
- How to get an Orleans beach parking sticker: click here
Nauset Beach dog rules
- North of Parking Lot, dogs allowed off-season only. Dogs are not allowed from April 1st to Labor Day.
- South of Parking Lot to Trail #1: Dogs allowed off-season only. Dogs are not allowed from April 1st to Labor Day.
- South of Trail #1 to Chatham Inlet:
- Dogs are allowed during the summer season, but they must be on leash of not more than 30 ft. at all times from April 1st through Labor Day
- Dogs are allowed off-leash after Labor Day
Skaket Beach dog rules
- Dogs allowed off-season only. Dogs not allowed from April 1st through Labor Day.
Rock Harbor dog rules
- Dogs allowed after Columbus Day up until the Thursday before Memorial Day.
- Beach parking stickers are not required fo rhte parking lot for Rock Harbor
Dogs are not allowed on areas closed to human or vehicle traffic due to nesting piping plovers.
Make sure to call ahead if you’re planning to buy a beach sticker during the summer so that you can take your dog on Nauset Beach’s oversand driving trails. Nauset’s orv trails are typically closed from the end of may through early-mid august due to piping plover menace, so plan accordingly.
dogs should be prepared to battle sharks on extended swims, great whites hunt off nauset all summer long and a splashing dog can look mighty tasty at times.
Nauset Beach
Nauset Beach is one of Cape Cod’s best beaches. It faces East to the open Atlantic Ocean, so the water is very cold. Strong surf and heavy currents can make it tough to swim. Plus there’s tons of great white sharks so you’d better not swim out to far anyway.
It used to be a great place to surf and fish from shore. No longer. The overpopulated seals took care of the striped bass. The growing numbers of sharks make swimming after a tennis ball a life-or-death game. Use caution before letting your dog swim here.
The parking lot is large but does fill up on busy days (especially weekends). You can buy a daily parking pass for Nauset Beach at the entrance booth. There’s a nice bathroom facility and snack bar. view a webcam of nauset beach
Nauset Beach ORV trails
The ORV trails at nauset beach in orleans are open to dogs all year long, including summers. but there is a catch.
Nauset beach’s off road vehicle trails south of the main parking lot are usually closed or greatly restricted for most of the summer due to piping plover nests (often memorial day through labor day). so don’t bother planning to get an orv sticker if you’re only here for a week or two mid-summer, as it’ll likely be closed.
more info about orv trails and oversand beach driving on cape cod
When nauset beach’s ORV trails aren’t closed due to piping plovers, they’re an awesome place to take your pet. The ORV area of Nauset beach allows dogs off-leash after Labor Day.
Rock Harbor
Dogs are allowed at the beach next to Rock Harbor after Columbus Day up until the Thursday before Memorial Day. Dogs are prohibited from The Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Rock Harbor is a very sensitive ecosystem, be very careful about cleaning up pet Waste if you visit during the offseason.
Eastham has access to Rock Harbor as well. Dogs are allowed there in mornings and evenings, but you need and Eastham sticker to park.
Skaket Beach
Dogs are allowed on Skaket Beach in the offseason only. Pets are not allowed from April 1st – Labor Day.
Skaket Beach has a nice tidal pool and no waves so it’s a great place for young kids. The water is definitely warmer on this bay-side beach compared to the cold of Nauset.
You can buy a daily parking pass for Skaket Beach at the entrance booth.
Things to do in Orleans, MA
Provincetown
Provincetown
Beaches that allow dogs in Provincetown
Provincetown has some of the best dog-friendly beaches on cape cod. It also has the only public off-leash dog beach on the cape, in additiona to being one of the most dog-friendly towns in America.
Dog Rules for Race Point Beach and Herring Cove beach:
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Pets are not allowed on protected (lifeguarded) areas of beach during summer
- Dogs are not allowed where there are nesting shore birds
- Dogs not allowed on Province Lands bicycle trails
- Clean up your dog’s poop
Race Point Beach
Cape cod national seashore
race point beach is open to dogs all year long. Check the National Seashore’s dogs info page to make sure that it isn’t closed to pets due to nesting shorebirds, which happens most summers.
Race Point Beach is amazing. One of the most beautiful spots on the cape. Whales swim just offshore for most of the summer. Lots of seals, and of course the occasional great white shark.
Race Point has some of the best ORV trails on the cape as well. Even when closed for piping plovers, they usually keep stretches open with limited access. It can get crowded, but at least you’re out there! There is a section for campers as well if you’re really looking to settle in on a beach for a few weeks.
Race Point’s ORV trails have amazing views. Head towards Powerline Road to get an up close view of a Race Point Light Station. If you really want to immerse yourself, you can even sleep there.
Herring Cove Beach
Cape cod national seashore
Herring cove beach is open to dogs all year long. Check the National Seashore’s dogs info page to make sure that it isn’t closed to pets due to nesting shorebirds, which happens most summers. In recent years the left side of the beach has remained open to pets even as most of the other Seashore beaches had restricted access.
Herring Cove Beach is the most popular beach on the National Seashore. Amazing sunsets, good sized parking lot, a concession stand, great bathrooms. It’s a great beach.
Dogs don’t wear bathing suits. Most people do. But not all people. Especially at Herring Cove beach. Be aware if you have kids. Don’t hike too far to the left on the public beachor you’ll be in for some interesting questions from your children.
The nude beach requires some walking to get to, so if you stay near the main parking lot and you’ll be safe. If your dog is dying to see some naked bodies but you’re too lazy for the long walk you can park your bike near the wooden fence that sits a ways the left of the main Herring Cove parking lot.
Provincetown Public Beaches
Dog rules for Provincetown Beaches (Town-Managed)
- Dogs may be off leash on P-town beaches from 6am–9am and 6pm–9pm, from Memorial Day through November 1st
- From November 2nd through the day before Memorial Day off-leash dogs are allowed from 6am to 9pm
- Clean up poop!
Off-leash dog beach on Commercial Street
Provincetown has the only public off-leash dog beaches on cape cod. In the summer pets are allowed in the mornings and evenings at all town beaches. Super cool!
These morning/evening off-leash times are in place from Memorial Day through November 1st. Outside of those days dogs are allowed off leash from 6am to 9pm.
The highlight of your dog’s vacation will be to run off-leash in p-town with some new furry friends.
You can access several stretches of off-leash beaches just off of commercials street, there’s multiple paths that lead you to different sections.
The same rules apply as at a dog park – don’t bring aggressive dogs or animals that don’t respond to your voice commands. That being said, most dog owners we’ve met here are cool so you’ll have a blast! And of course always clean up after your pet. Some beaches have bags but they’re often empty in the summer season.
Learn more
For more information about these beaches, check out:
Things to do in Provincetown
Sandwich
Sandwich
Beaches in Sandwich that allow dogs
Sandwich has some nice bay side beaches, but they don’t allow dogs in the summertime.
Dog Rules for Sandwich Beaches
Sandwich has different dog regulations for their saltwater beaches than for their ponds.
Saltwater Beach Dog Rules
- Dogs not allowed from April 1st to September 15th each year
- Dogs are allowed in offseason, from September 16th to March 31st.
- Keep dogs under close control
- Pick up doo-doo
Dog regulations for all other beaches in Sandwich
- Dogs not allowed from May 15 through September 15
- Dogs allowed from September 16th through May 14th.
- Keep dogs under close control
- Pick up dog poop
Public beaches in Sandwich, MA:
East Sandwich Beach
North Shore Boulevard, Sandwich
Sandy Neck Beach
Accessible from the main entrance at Sandy Neck Road, Barnstable
Town Neck Beach/Boardwalk
Wood Avenue, Sandwich
First Beach
Corner of Town Neck Road and Freeman Avenue, Sandwich
Snake Pond Beach
Snake Pond Road, Sandwich
Wakeby Lake/Ryder Conservation
South Sandwich Road, Sandwich
Peters Pond Property/Oakcrest Cove
34 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Sandwich
Truro
Truro
Truro beaches that allow dogs
Truro has some of the most beautiful beaches on all of cape cod. This town hasn’t changed much since the 1960’s when much of it because designated as Cape Cod National Seashore. Beaches are often less crowded here than on other spots on the Cape.
There are different dog regulations for Truro’s beaches depending on whether you visit the town-managed or the national seashore areas.
Head of the Meadow Beach (Cape Cod National Seashore)
Dog Rules
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Not allowed on protected (lifeguarded) areas of beach during summer
- Not allowed where there are nesting shore birds
- Dogs not allowed on Province Lands bicycle trails
- Clean up your dog’s poop
head of the meadow beach is open to dogs all year long. At least in theory.
Head of the Meadow beach is one of the nicest beaches on the cape. The national seashore beach is adjacent to a town owned beach that shares the same entrance road off of route 6. Because of the remote location in truro, it is typically less populated than other National Seashore beaches.
The National Seashore side of Head of the Meadow beach extends far to the left. It often gets closed for pet access during the summer due to nesting shorebirds. Oftentimes large sections of the beach will get roped off to protect them.
Truro Beaches (Town-Managed)
Dog rules for Truro public beaches
- All dogs are prohibited between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, from the third Saturday in June through Labor Day.
- Dogs are allowed from the day after Labor Day through the third Friday in June.
- Pets are not allowed in areas protected due to plovers nesting.
- View beach rules for Truro public beaches
Public Beaches in Truro, MA
Ballston Beach
Residents Only. Beware of sharks, Truro! You have some might hungry great whites cruising offshore here. In 2014 a swimmer got attacked at Ballston beach. Worth keeping in mind before swimming far offshore or throwing a tennis ball.
But don’t live in fear over great white sharks, because realistically you’re swimming with sharks off of all the outer cape beaches. They want seals, not you or your dog.
- Learn how to avoid getting eaten by a great white shark
- learn more about sharks on cape cod
Beach Point
no sticker required, Residents Only
Cold Storage Beach at Pond Village
Residents Only
Great Hollow Beach
Residents Only
Coast Guard Road Beach
Residents Only. Very limited parking. beware of pedestrians, lots of foot traffic here, especially due to coast guard road being a short walk from a nearby dog-friendly campground.
Coast guard road beach has ORV trail access in the evening for fishing purposes only. The trail runs right through where people sit, so watch out! There isn’t an air station here, so make sure you bring your own air pump if you plan to drive out. Learn more about ORV Trails on Cape Cod beaches.
Note that Coast Guard Road beach is different from Coast Guard Beach in Eastham.
Corn Hill Beach
public parking available
Fisher Beach
Residents Only
Head of the Meadow (town-managed side)
Public parking available on the side of Head of the Meadow Beach that’s managed by the town of Truro. Note that the dog rules here differ from those on the part of this beached managed by the cape cod national seashore. Keep this in mind when walking your dog back and forth between the National Seashore side and the Town of Truro side.
Long Neck Beach
Residents Only
Noons Landing
No sticker required
Ryder Beach
Residents Only
Things to do in Truro, MA
Wellfleet
Wellfleet
Wellfleet beaches that allow dogs
Cape Cod National Seashore
Marconi Beach
Marconi is another great beach for dogs on the national seashore. Lots of room here, with a huge parking lot rarely fills up. This beach has some really tall sand dunes, and a matching set of tall wooden stairs. Plan on walking a bit to either the right or the left on the beach to get to the unprotected area.
The high dunes block the setting sun, so this isn’t the spot to watch it go down. Better off heading further up the coast to Herring Cove for that.
The beach is named for the italian inventor who successfully completed the first transatlantic wireless communication between the U.S. and England in 1903. Most people don’t bother checking out the Marconi Station exhibit, but it is interesting. No dogs allowed there though.
Dog Rules for Marconi Beach
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Not allowed on protected (lifeguarded) areas of beach during summer
- Not allowed where there are nesting shore birds
- Clean up your dog’s poop
Wellfleet Public Beaches (town-managed)
Dog Rules for Wellfleet Public Beaches (Town-Managed)
- Pets are allowed all summer long
- Dogs must be on a leash between May 15 – October 15
- Pets not allowed on lifeguarded areas 9:00am – 5pm during summer
Cahoon Hollow Beach
Cahoon Hollow Beach is the home to the Wellfleet Beachcomber. The parking lot is usually mobbed during the summer. But in late afternoon the beach crowd thins out and the bar crowd sets in. Great place to have a beach fire and some drinks while the sun sets.
The sand at Cahoon Hollow Beach is the dirtiest sand on cape cod. It will leave a fine grit on you, so be advised and don’t wear your new white sundress.
Newcomb Hollow Beach
White Crest (Surfer’s Beach)
White Crest Beach (also known as Lecount Hollow Beach) has some good waves and is popular with surfers, a fun place for dogs who are strong swimmers.
Lecount Hollow Beach (Maguire’s Landing Beach)
Other public beaches in Wellfleet:
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Burton Baker Beach
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Cahoon Hollow Beach
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Duck Harbor Beach
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Indian Neck Beach
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Long Pond
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Mayo Beach
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Powers Landing
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The Gut (Great Island)
Yarmouth
Yarmouth
Yarmouth beaches that allow dogs
Dog Rules for Yarmouth Beaches
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach in the summer in Yarmouth.
- Dogs are allowed on Yarmouth beaches in the offseason, from the day after labor day to May 14
- Dogs are prohibited from May 15–Labor day on these beaches
- At seagull beach and Grey’s beach, dogs will not be allowed from April 1–labor day
- Dogs must be leashed
- Clean up poop!
Dogs were first alloed on beaches in yarmouth starting in 2016. respectful dog ownership will ensure that yarmouth continues to allow dogs on their beaches for a long time.
Public Beaches in Yarmouth, MA:
Bass Hole (Grays Beach)
Amenities: Picnic Area (groups need reservations), Pavilion, Boardwalk, and Bathrooms.
View map of Bass Hole aka Grays Beach
Bass River Beach (Smugglers)
Smugglers beach in Yarmouth offers the following amenities: Bathhouse, Food Concession, Boat Trailer Parking, Boat Ramp, Fishing Deck, Large Parking Area, Handicapped Accessible.
Bay View Beach
Bay View Beach offers seasonal Porta-Johns and is handicapped Accessible.
Colonial Acres Beach
Colonial Acres Beach is a small beach with a small parking area. It offers the following: Marina, Wooden Bridge, and seasonal Porta-John.
View map of colonial acres beach
Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach has a marina and a Jetty. It’s a small parking area that is handicapped accessible.
Parker’s River Beach
Parker’s River Beach has a playground, a bathhouse, Food Concessions, Showers, Concrete Walk on Seawall, a Pavilion, and it is Handicapped Accessible.
View map of parker’s river beach
Seagull Beach
Seagull Beach is the largest beach in Yarmouth, MA. Note that Seagull beach has different rules for dogs then other beaches in Yarmouth, dogs are prohibited much earlier in the season.
It offers amenities such as a Bathhouse, Shower, Food Concessions. It has a large Parking Lot that is Handicapped accessible. There is a daily Admission Charge.
Seaview Beach
Seaview Beach has a concrete Walk on Seawall, a Picnic Area, and a Seasonal Porta-John. There is a daily Admission Charge.
South Middle Beach
South Middle Beach is residents-only. It has a Large Parking Lot with a Bathroom Facility, and it is Handicapped Accessible.
view map of south middle beach
Wilbur Park Beach
Wilbur Park Beach has a picnic area and a Boat Ramp.
Windmill Beach
Windmill Beach is a small beach with a historic Windmill. The parking area is tiny.
Learn more
For more information about these beaches, check out:
Learn more about beaches for dogs on cape cod
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Find dog-friendly beaches by town
Visit the cape cod national seashore
The cape cod national seashore beaches are regularly voted among the best beaches in the U.S. Most national seashore beaches are open to dogs all summer long, but make sure you check out the NPS site to check for beach closures due to nesting shorebirds before you plan to visit.
The cape cod national seashore beaches are regularly voted among the best beaches in the U.S. Most national seashore beaches are open to dogs all summer long, but make sure you check out the NPS site to check for beach closures due to nesting shorebirds before you plan to visit.
dog-friendly guide to the cape cod national seashore beaches
The Cape Cod National Seashore are the most dog-friendly beaches on Cape Cod. The National Seashore’s dog rules allow pets throughout the summer, although access frequently gets restricted due to nesting shorebirds. The National Seashore’s sprawling sand dunes frame endless stretches of white sand under the crashing power of the Atlantic ocean. The beaches are perfect for long dog walks,
dog-friendly guide to the cape cod national seashore beaches
The Cape Cod National Seashore are the most dog-friendly beaches on Cape Cod. The National Seashore’s dog rules allow pets throughout the summer, although access frequently gets restricted due to nesting shorebirds. The National Seashore’s sprawling sand dunes frame endless stretches of white sand under the crashing power of the Atlantic ocean. The beaches are perfect for long dog walks, sunbathing, surfing, fishing for striped bass, and endless rounds of fetching a tennis ball from the surf. In this article we’ll discuss the cape cod national seashore dog rules and show you the best places to go to plan your vacation.
find things to do on cape cod with your dog after the beach
explore dog-friendly activities by town
dog-friendly restaurants on cape cod
Select a town on cape cod from the list below to find dog-friendly restaurants near you:
