Dog-Friendly Portland, Maine: What To See & Do With A Dog

If you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Portland, Maine – or just visiting with a four-legged friend – this coastal town has a way of winning people and their pups over. So what does dog-friendly Portland, Maine, have to offer? From restaurants and coffee shops to beaches, trails, and parks, read on to discover the very best of pet-friendly Portland, Maine.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Portland, Maine

Portland has earned a reputation as one of the best small cities for food in America, and luckily, plenty of its eateries welcome well-behaved dogs! Once patio season rolls around in late spring, more than 150 restaurants open their decks, porches, and patios to diners and their four-legged friends. From pet-friendly restaurants and breweries to dog-friendly coffee shops, here are some of the best places to eat around town.

The Thirsty Pig

Grab a seat on the spacious dog-friendly decking and dig into house-made sausages washed down with local brews. Would it be wrong to treat your furry friend to a hot dog here? We think not!

Location: 37 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

Little Tap House

Known as one of Portland’s top destinations for craft beer, LTH has a seasonal menu and 14 Maine beers on tap. Six dog-friendly tables line the sidewalk during the warmer months – perfect for people watching with your pup!

Location: 106 High St, Portland, ME 04101

Becky’s Diner

This no-frills waterfront diner is as popular with local fishermen as it is with visitors, and furry friends are welcomed with bowls of water on the covered porch upstairs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day long – come here for lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried clams, and blueberry pancakes – but maybe not all at once!

Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Duckfat

Famous for its duck-fat-fried Belgian fries, plus sandwiches and paninis that ‘just go’, Duckfat is a must-visit. Chew the (duck) fat with your four-legged furry on the dog-friendly patio here.

Location: 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

Bayside American Cafe

Favorites from the brunch menu (which is voted the best in Portland) include homemade corned beef hash, veggie homefries, and a smoked salmon plate – all served open ‘till close every day of the week. Grab a bowl of water for Fido on the dog-friendly porch out back, they’ll love it!

Location: 98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101

Nosh Kitchen Bar

If you’re craving comfort food after a day of adventures, head to Nosh. Their menu covers essentials like burgers, loaded fries, pizzas, and salads, and the dog-friendly patio is perfect for kicking back with an ice-cold drink.

Location: 551 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Hot Suppa

Get to this Southern-inspired brunch spot early, as they only allow one dog on the patio at a time. Specialities include chicken & waffles and pulled pork breakfast sandwiches, available from morning until 2 pm.

Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Allagash Brewery Tasting Room

This Belgian-style brewery has a dog-friendly outdoor tasting area, where you’ll find a dozen beers on tap and the on-site food truck, Bite Into Maine, which is famous for its award-winning lobster rolls.

Location: 50 Industrial Wy, Portland, ME 04103

Dog-friendly beaches in Portland, Maine

What are you doing in Portland if you’re not spending some time by the ocean?! While most beaches have seasonal or time-of-day restrictions for pups, there are still plenty of opportunities for a good run on the sand and a splash in the surf. Here are a few of the best dog-friendly beaches in and around Portland.

East End Beach

Right at the end of the Eastern Promenade Trail, East End Beach is Portland’s only public swimming beach. It’s rocky and sandy, and the shallow water is pretty cold, but clean. During the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), furry friends can play off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. – the rest of the year, they’re welcome all day long.

Location: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME 04101

Willard Beach

Located in South Portland, this pretty little beach is a popular place for dog walkers. Furry friends are free to roam off-leash from 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m., and are welcome on-leash outside of these hours.

Location: Willard Beach, South Portland, ME 04106

Mackworth Island (Falmouth)

Just a short drive from Portland, Mackworth Island has a 1.5-mile loop trail with beach access and beautiful views of Casco Bay. Four-legged friends are welcome on leash, and there are plenty of spots for pups to dip a paw in the water or rest under the trees.

Location: Andrews Avenue off, U.S. Rte 1, Falmouth, ME 04105

Higgins Beach (Scarborough)

A little further south, Higgins Beach is a wide, sandy stretch that’s perfect for pups who love to play. They’re free to explore off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer, and all day during the off-season.

Location: Higgins Beach, Scarborough, ME 04074

Cape Elizabeth, Portland

Dog-friendly activities in Portland, Maine

Fancy something a little bit different? Check out these dog-friendly places in Portland, Maine!

Explore the coastline at Cape Elizabeth

Roam the walking trails at Fort Williams Park with your favorite furry and snap photos at the Portland Head Light – Maine’s oldest lighthouse. While furry friends can’t go inside the lighthouse or museum, they’re more than welcome to join for a stroll around the grounds.

Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Take a walk along Commercial Street

Running along Portland’s working waterfront, Commercial Street is a mix of fishing docks, souvenir shops, and restaurants with outdoor seating. Many stores have water bowls and dog treats waiting out front, and the area’s wide sidewalks and sea views make it perfect for a leisurely wander with your pup.

Location: Commercial St, Portland, ME

Visit the Old Port & Harbor Fish Market

The Old Port is the beating heart of Portland, featuring cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and a ton of dog-friendly patios. Stop by Harbor Fish Market to admire the day’s catch before heading to a pet-friendly coffee shop for a snack.

Location: 9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101

Stroll through the Portland Farmers’ Market

Set in Deering Oaks Park, this market (open Wednesday and Saturday mornings in summer) is full of goodies. Pups are welcome to join as you browse – just keep them leashed and be ready for plenty of attention from dog lovers.

Location: 92 Deering Ave, Portland, ME 04102

Walk to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Take Fido for a short, scenic walk along the rocks to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, found at the end of a breakwater wall in South Portland.

Location: 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106

Check out one of Portland’s dog-friendly breweries

Portland takes its craft beer seriously, and the breweries here love their dogs! Local favorites like Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub and Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company have pet-friendly patios where you can enjoy a pint with your pup.

Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub: 396 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company: 9 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Treat Fido at Beal’s Famous Old-Fashioned Ice Cream

After a long day of exploring, swing by Beal’s for a well-earned dessert. They even have pup-friendly scoops so your furry friend can join in!

Location: 12 Moulton St, Portland, ME 04101

Dog-friendly hikes in Portland, Maine

Here are some of the best spots to stretch your legs (and paws!), plus a few extra trails worth sniffing out nearby.

Back Cove Trail

Keep our furry friend on a leash to enjoy one of Portland’s most popular walks – a 3.6-mile loop that circles the Back Cove, with lovely skyline views along the way. It’s mostly flat, and the path is wide enough to share comfortably with runners and cyclists.

Location: Portland, ME 04101

Eastern Promenade Trail

This trail runs for about two miles along Portland Harbor, connecting the Old Port to East End Beach. Pooch pals are welcome throughout, and there’s even an off-leash area near Fort Allen Park and the beach!

Location: Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME 04101

Fore River Sanctuary

Managed by Portland Trails, this 85-acre preserve is home to peaceful woods and the city’s only natural waterfall, Jewell Falls. Four-legged furries can explore on leash, and you’ll both enjoy the calm, shady paths that wind through wetlands and forest.

Location: 157-169 Rowe Ave, Portland, ME 04102

Crescent Beach State Park

Head south to Cape Elizabeth for one of the prettiest beach walks around. Crescent Beach State Park has a long stretch of sand and coastal trails that meander through dunes and wooded areas. Dogs are welcome on leash, and in the off-season, you’ll often see them enjoying a good run on the beach.

Location: 109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Bradbury Mountain State Park

There are various dog-friendly (on-leash) trails to choose from here, but the Boundary Trail has to be one of the most popular. The 2.3-mile loop makes for a great half-day adventure, with forest, exposed rock ledges, and gorgeous views.

Location: 528 Hallowell Rd, Pownal, ME 04069

Pleasant Mountain via Bald Peak Trail

This 4.6-mile trail is challenging, with steep sections and stunning views from the summit! It’s ideal for furry friends (and humans) who are used to hiking.

Location: 368 Mountain Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009

Oat Nuts Park Trail

The Oat Nuts Park Trail follows a former trolley line through the woods and connects to the Presumpscot River Preserve. It’s an easy, shaded route for you and your furry friend – keep an eye out for songbirds!

Location: 189 Summit St, Portland, ME 04103

Dog-friendly parks in Portland, Maine

Sometimes the best outings are simple – a game of fetch, a stroll, or just lounging in the grass while your pup makes friends. Portland has plenty of green spaces where dogs are welcome, from fully fenced play areas to scenic parks.

Quarry Run Dog Park

If your pup loves to socialize, Quarry Run is a great go-to. It has three separate play areas and trails that wind throughout, so there’s room for every energy level. Just note that the fencing has a few gaps, so it’s best for pups who are reliable off-leash.

Location: 1026 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103

Valley Street Dog Park

Valley Street Dog Park is a fully fenced, no-frills space that’s perfect for a quick runaround. There are always friendly dogs to meet, and don’t worry if you forget a ball – chances are you’ll find one there!

Location: 162 Valley St #138, Portland, ME 04102

Mayor Baxter Woods

Right in the middle of Portland, this 30-acre forest preserve is crisscrossed with walking trails. Parts of it are designated as off-leash zones during certain times of year – just check the signs at the entrance for current rules.

Location: 555 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103

Riverton Trolley Park

Once home to an old amusement park and casino, Riverton Trolly Park is now a peaceful spot for a walk with your pooch on the leash. Even though it’s close to one of Portland’s busier areas, the wooded trails along the Presumpscot River feel calm and quiet.

Location: 822 Riverside St, Portland, ME 04103

Bug Light Park

The paved paths here take you around Bug Light Park and lead to the lighthouse. There’s plenty of open space for throwing a ball, and four-legged friends are welcome on leash. On clear days, you can see all the way across the harbor to Portland.

Location: South Portland, ME 04106

So, is Portland, Maine, dog-friendly? Absolutely! With its mix of dog-friendly restaurants, beaches, parks, and trails, it’s safe to say Portland is a great place to explore with your pup!

View of Portland, Maine

Tips for pet parents in Portland, Maine

Keep your dog under voice command. While furry friends can roam off-leash in some places (like parts of Baxter Woods or East End Beach at certain hours), they must always be under reliable voice control.
Double-check off-leash times. Beach rules change with the seasons; for example, dogs are only allowed off-leash at East End Beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer. Always read the local signs before unclipping that leash.
Plan for trips away. With TrustedHousesitters, it’s easy to find a loving in-home pet sitter for every trip. Find out more by clicking below.

Connecting with pet sitters in Portland

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Portland, Maine

Check the tides. If you’re heading to coastal spots like Willard or Higgins Beach, check tide times before you go – low tide gives your pooch pal more room to play, and high tide can make the beach disappear fast!
Explore beyond downtown Portland. Locals love quieter dog walks at Fore River Sanctuary and Evergreen Cemetery trails – both perfect for a peaceful escape without leaving the city.
Explore Portland, Maine, as a pet sitter. Experience Portland through a pet’s eyes! There’s no better way to enjoy the city than with a furry friend by your side. Click below to find out how to start your pet sitting adventure.

House sitting in Portland