What is better than heading out for a lovely vacation in stunning Cape Cod? Being able to take your furry friend along with you! Cape Cod is well known for being a great vacation spot and a pet-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of restaurants, parks, beaches, shops, and places to stay that will accommodate both you and your pet pooch. So let’s dive right in and spot some of the best ways you and your dog can enjoy Cape Cod together!
Dog-Friendly Parks – Cape Cod is a super pet-friendly area known for having multiple well-tended dog parks perfect for canine companions of all ages and sizes. The dog-only Falmouth Dog Park is a 1.6-acre location with a separate little dog area, picnic tables, benches, and trash cans. The Mashpee Dog Park, located across the street from Heritage Park, is one of the more extensive facilities on Cape Cod and includes separate areas for tiny dogs/puppies and senior dogs and a large general area for dogs of all ages. Then there is the Pilgrim Bark Park in Provincetown, named one of the most incredible dog parks in the country, thanks to its supporters and volunteers. This park is one acre in size and has a regular dog park and a segment for dogs under 25 pounds.
Off-Road – Tired of the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist attractions and shops? Why not head a bit off the beaten trail and visit a local beach or head out on a hiking path? There are many well-marked trails all around the area that are a short distance from the city and allow you the perfect opportunity to catch some fresh air and beautiful views. In Brewster, Nickerson State Park boasts some of the most beautiful hiking paths and ponds for your dog to play in. Then there is the Morris Island route near Chatham, a 34-mile trek that provides a spectacular view of the Cape Cod shoreline beaches, marshes, and tidal flats. Kent’s Point in Orleans, Beebe Woods in Falmouth, Great Island Trail in Wellfleet, and Fort Hill Trail in Eastham are other routes you can enjoy.
Dogs are allowed on all beaches except Mashpee and Yarmouth, but only on leash with limits that can change each year. Dogs are allowed all year in the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown, except for shorebird nesting places and the Nauset and Province Lands cycling routes. During certain months (September-March/April), other beaches, such as Chatham and Dennis, allow dogs, and dogs are permitted on Freshwater Ponds from October 16 to May 14.
Go For A Ride – Want to do something a little more adventurous? How about going on a short cruise or even a flight with your canine companion? Several ferries and smaller boat owners have dog-friendly cruise or ferry options for your pet to join along on the ride, and there is even a dog-friendly airline for those who want to see Cape Cod from the air. Check out Hy-Line Cruises, Steamship Authority Ferries, and Cape Air & Nantucket Airlines for any of these fun options.
Enjoy A Meal With the WHOLE Family – Do you need to stop and get a bite to eat? There are numerous places on the Cape where you may bring your dog, but make sure to request a dog-friendly outside table when you arrive or phone ahead to check availability. Whether you’re in the mood for a pizza, burger, or a pint of beer, these places have you and your dog covered. Some even include special treats for your dog, such as cookies and water bowls, as well as dog-specific menus. Top Dog in Rockport, Center Square Grill in Longmeadow, JD’s Burgers and Pizza in Provincetown, Quatro in Hopkinton, and Jenna’s in Weymouth are a few pet-friendly restaurants.
Wind Down In Comfort – On Cape Cod, there are plenty of dog-friendly vacation rentals, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. When looking for the perfect vacation home, check the option that reads “Pets Allowed” to view a list of available houses that allow you to bring your dog. However, keep in mind that particular rentals may impose a non-refundable pet fee on top of a refundable pet deposit. There may be a limit on how many pets you can bring to your vacation rental. You can easily have a fantastic vacation with your dog on Cape Cod if you book early and obey the regulations.
There are numerous reasons why Cape Cod has been a favorite summer getaway for generations of New Englanders and visitors from around the United States. It offers some of the best beaches, an attractive, laid-back vibe, and countless recreational excursions for families, singles, and pet parents of all sizes and ages. There’s so much to do with your dog on dog-friendly Cape Cod, from lengthy walks on the beach to doggone excellent eateries. Isn’t it past time that you went exploring?
Are you looking to spend some vacation time in beautiful, friendly Cape Cod? Our Blue Hydrangea Cottage is perfect for families and couples looking to make the most of their time on the Jersey Shore. Book your rental today and enjoy proximity to some of the area’s best attractions and amenities that make our properties feel like home.
