Dog-Friendly Groton, Connecticut

From shoreline walks and off-leash beach time to pet-friendly hotels and casual seafood spots, Groton makes an easy dog-friendly base on the Connecticut coast.

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Groton, CT

8.4 Pet-Friendly Score
Avg Pet Fee: $75-125
Dog Parks: 5
Off-Leash Beach: Yes
Outdoor Dining Law: Yes

Best for waterfront walks

Bluff Point State Park

A standout coastal preserve with wide trails, salt marsh views, and leashed-dog access; dogs are restricted from the beach April 1 to September 1.

Esker Point Beach

One of the rare shoreline spots in the area where dogs are allowed off leash under voice control, outside of events.

Best dog-friendly stays

Hampton Inn Groton

Reliable Hilton option with pet-friendly rooms, easy I-95 access, and a relief area with waste stations.

Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton

Good fit for travelers who want a full-service stay close to Groton and Mystic attractions.

Best casual dining with dogs

Costello's Clam Shack

Seasonal seafood shack with water views and dog-friendly outdoor tables.

The Spot Cafe

Local tavern with a spacious seasonal patio, umbrellas, and fire pits for cooler evenings.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in and around Groton

Hampton Inn Groton

4.1/5
Hotel

A convenient Groton base near I-95 with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and one of the more flexible local pet policies.

$$ Pet fee: $75 per pet for 1-4 nights; $125 per pet for 5+ nights Welcomes 2 pets of any size. Dogs and cats allowed. Pets may be left unattended in rooms, and there is a pet relief area with waste stations on site.

300 Long Hill Rd., Groton, CT 06340

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Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton

4.2/5
Hotel

Recently renovated full-service hotel with an indoor pool and easy access to Groton, Mystic, and the submarine museum.

$$ Pet fee: $75 for 1-4 nights; $125 for longer stays Allows 2 pets up to 75 lbs. Dogs and cats welcome. Grassy pet areas on the property.

224 Gold Star Highway, Groton, CT 06340

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Ramada by Wyndham Groton/Mystic

3.5/5
Hotel

Budget-friendly stay near Mystic Seaport and local highways, useful for short trips with dogs.

$ Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Allows 2 pets up to 50 lbs in designated rooms. Dogs and cats welcome. Pets may not be left unattended.

156 Kings Highway, Groton, CT 06340

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Motel 6 Groton CT - Casinos Nearby

3/5
Motel

A simple low-cost option for travelers prioritizing no pet fee and quick overnight access.

$ Pet fee: No additional fee Welcomes 2 dogs up to 20 lbs. Dogs may not be left unattended. Grassy relief areas on site. Cats not permitted.

404 Bridge St, Groton, CT 06340

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Residence Inn Mystic Groton

4.3/5
Extended-stay hotel

Suite-style Marriott property just east of Groton with kitchens, extra space, and a practical setup for longer dog-friendly stays.

$$$ Pet fee: $100 per stay Allows 2 pets of any size. Dogs and cats welcome and may be left unattended. Ground-floor pet-friendly rooms have access to outdoor pet stations.

40 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355

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Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

4.6/5
Hotel

A refreshed select-service option near Mystic attractions with free breakfast and pet-friendly rooms.

$$ Pet fee: $75 for 1-4 nights; $125 for longer stays Allows 2 pets up to 75 lbs. Dogs and cats welcome. Grassy pet areas available.

55 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355

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Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Groton

Costello's Clam Shack

5/5
Seafood shack

A classic seasonal seafood stop with water views and outdoor tables where dogs are welcome when weather allows.

$$ Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables whenever the weather is nice.

145 Pearl St, Groton, CT 06340

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The Spot Cafe

4/5
American tavern

Local favorite for burgers, comfort food, and drinks, with a roomy patio that works well for dogs.

$$ Outdoor seating is available; BringFido notes a spacious seasonal patio that welcomes leashed dogs.

11 Buddington Rd, Groton, CT 06340

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The Fisherman Restaurant at Long Point

4/5
Seafood restaurant

A sit-down seafood option in Groton Long Point with outdoor seating and a more polished coastal feel.

$$$ Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.

937 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton, CT 06340

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Bank & Bridge Brewing

4/5
Brewpub

Veteran-owned brewpub nearby in Mystic with a heated patio/beer garden and a strong casual menu for lunch or dinner after a walk.

$$ BringFido lists the outdoor patio as dog friendly for leashed dogs.

54 W Main St, Mystic, CT 06355

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Mystic Diner & Restaurant

4/5
Diner

An easy breakfast-or-anytime option just outside Groton where dogs can join you at outdoor tables.

$$ Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.

253 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355

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Jealous Monk

4/5
Beer hall

Popular Olde Mistick Village stop with a heated patio and beer garden, good for a relaxed meal with your dog after sightseeing.

$$ Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor heated patio and beer garden.

27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355

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Dog-Friendly Parks, Beaches, and Activities

Bluff Point State Park

4.8/5
State park

Groton's signature dog-friendly outdoor destination, with broad coastal trails, wildlife viewing, and Sound-side scenery.

Leashed dogs are welcome. Dogs and horses are not permitted on the beach from April 1 to September 1.

55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340

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Esker Point Beach

4.3/5
Beach park

A rare local beach where dogs can enjoy shoreline time; also has picnic areas and kayak/canoe access nearby.

Dogs may be off leash if under voice control; dogs are not permitted during events. Off-Leash

900 Groton Long Point Road, Groton, CT 06340

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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

4.5/5
Historic park

A scenic hilltop Revolutionary War site with open lawns, monument views, and leashed-dog access.

Leashed dogs are allowed in most Connecticut state parks under DEEP rules.

Park Ave, Groton, CT 06340

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Pequot Woods Park

4.2/5
Park

A quieter wooded option with a roughly 3-mile loop, boulders, and pond views for a lower-key hike with your dog.

Dogs can join you on the trails but must be kept under control at all times.

Pequot Avenue, Groton, CT 06340

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Haley Farm State Park

4.4/5
State park

Open-space trails and access to part of the Mystic-to-Groton path make this a good add-on for active dogs.

Leashed dogs are welcome on trails in accordance with Connecticut state park rules.

24 Haley Farm Ln, Groton, CT 06340

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Copp Family Park

4/5
Town park

A large local recreation area with walking space, sports facilities, and room for an easy on-leash stroll.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

1300 Poquonnock Rd, Groton, CT 06340

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A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Groton

This two-day plan mixes shoreline time, easy meals, and flexible stops that work well with a leashed dog.

Day 1: Coastal trails and casual seafood

Morning

Start with a long leashed walk at Bluff Point State Park while temperatures are cooler and the trails are quieter.

Afternoon

Head to Costello's Clam Shack for lunch at an outdoor table, then spend time at Esker Point Beach if your dog enjoys sand and water.

Evening

Check into your hotel, freshen up, and have a relaxed dinner on the patio at The Spot Cafe.

Day 2: History, harbor views, and Mystic add-ons

Morning

Walk the grounds at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, then grab breakfast or brunch at Mystic Diner & Restaurant on the patio.

Afternoon

Explore nearby Mystic with your dog, stopping at Bank & Bridge Brewing or strolling outdoor areas around Olde Mistick Village.

Evening

Wrap up with a waterfront dinner at The Fisherman Restaurant at Long Point or another outdoor table before heading home.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Mystic, CT

5 miles

Historic seaport town with more dog-friendly patios, shops, and waterfront walks.

Stonington, CT

10 miles

A charming coastal village with harbor views and relaxed outdoor dining.

New London, CT

3 miles

Close by for ferry access, downtown walks, and additional hotel and dining options.

Westerly, RI

18 miles

A good add-on for beach-town energy, shopping, and more Southern New England day-trip options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Groton, Connecticut good for dogs?

Yes. Groton is one of the better dog-friendly bases in southeastern Connecticut thanks to pet-friendly hotels, multiple trail systems, outdoor dining options, and access to shoreline parks.

Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Connecticut?

Yes, if the restaurant chooses to allow dogs and has approval from its local health department. Since 2023, Connecticut restaurants may permit pet dogs in outdoor dining areas on a case-by-case basis.

Can dogs go off leash anywhere in Groton?

Esker Point Beach is a notable local option where dogs may be off leash under voice control, though dogs are not permitted during events. Most other parks and trails require dogs to remain leashed or under close control.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Groton?

Some are, but rules vary by location. Esker Point Beach is the most dog-friendly local beach. At Bluff Point State Park, dogs are welcome on trails, but dogs are not permitted on the beach from April 1 through September 1.

What are the typical hotel pet fees in Groton?

Expect many chain hotels in the Groton area to charge around $75 for shorter stays and up to $125 for longer stays, though budget properties may charge less or no pet fee at all.

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