Cape Cod is an amazing little slice of New England that features tons of beautiful scenery and recreational areas, along with great beaches, food, and more. This peninsula stretches through six Massachusetts towns and is one of the most popular areas for tourists to visit in all of the Northeast. If you’re planning to take a trip to Cape Cod, there’s plenty of places to go and see. However, if you’re bringing your dog along, you might worry about where your pet can accompany you.
Fortunately, there are lots of places that are great for dogs in the region. This area is home to a wealth of parks and conservation areas, many of which permit dogs to enjoy nature with their owners. You can bring your pup to numerous trails and even some beaches and ponds. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places that permit dogs, so you can make sure both you and your pet make the most of your trip to Cape Cod.
However, some of these areas will restrict pets, such as leash requirements or not permitting dogs on the beach. Since Cape Cod encompasses several different towns, the local regulations are going to vary from park to park. As always, good practices as a dog owner, such as picking up after your pet and keeping them under control, are appreciated everywhere.
- Flax Pond – Dennis, MA
Located in Dennis off of Setucket Rd, Flax Pond is a simple oasis of nature. There are
no amenities or structures here, just a few walking trails and a sandy beach. However, it’s one of the best places to bring dogs in Cape Cod, because this little conservation area is one of the few places where dogs are permitted to swim in the region. So if you have a pup that loves the water, you can take them for a nice doggy paddle around the pond.
- Brewster Dog Park – Brewster, MA
If you’re looking to coordinate a doggy playdate or get your pup some canine socialization, this is a great place. The dog park is a recent addition to the area and is located behind the Police Station off Route 124 in Brewster. There are two distinct areas for dogs to interact- one for smaller breeds and the other for those that weigh more than 30 pounds, so you can keep pup safe while he or she plays. This park is open every week, during daylight hours only.
- Crowes Pasture – East Dennis, MA
This conservation area is an undeveloped slice of wilderness that offers gorgeous views.
It’s fairly isolated and features a forest, trails, and many rocky beaches. It also is notable because it permits the use of off-road vehicles. However, Crowes Pasture makes this list because it’s a wonderful place to bring dogs. They’re allowed at any of the Dennis conservation areas as long as they are leashed or in the control of an adult. Crowes Pasture is particularly special because there is plenty of space to go for walks or runs and calm water for your pet to wade into.
- Cape Cod Rail Trail – Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet, MA
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is ideal if you’re looking for a place to take your dog on a proper hike, run, or just a long stroll. It stretches for 25 miles and goes through six Cape Cod towns, offering many changes in scenery and different landscapes to enjoy. Dogs are allowed on the Rail Trail all year round, and the paths are smooth and easy to navigate. Be sure to be aware, as it is also a popular spot for biking.
- Nickerson State Park – Brewster, MA
Nickerson State Park features 1,900 acres of New England’s natural beauty. There are
many trails and ponds to explore with your pup, such as the Little Cliff Pond and Big Cliff Pond trails, which are easy to get to from the parking areas. Higgins Pond is another great option if you’re up for a more arduous hike. However, while dogs are allowed in Nickerson State Park, they are not allowed on the beaches unless they are service animals.
