Dog-Friendly Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Where to stay, eat, and explore with your dog in one of southern Maine’s best beach towns.
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Best dog-friendly stays
Walkable to downtown and the beach, with a generous pet policy for up to three pets.
A quieter east-side stay near the beach with grassy relief space and a modest nightly pet fee.
Close to Memorial Park and downtown, with pets of any size welcome.
Best places to play
Fenced off-leash area with separate small-dog section, benches, and waste receptacles.
Dogs are allowed seasonally with time restrictions; evenings are best in summer.
A scenic multi-use trail nearby for leashed walks and longer outings.
Know before you go
From May 15 to Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; leashed dogs are allowed from 5 p.m. to dusk.
On the beach during the summer season, leashes must be 12 feet or shorter.
The town dog park includes a general area plus a separate section for dogs 30 pounds and under.
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Stays in Old Orchard Beach
The Landings Inn and Cottages at Old Orchard Beach
A centrally located stay near Veterans Park and downtown, popular with travelers who want easy beach access and a flexible pet policy.
29 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteGrand Beach Inn
A quieter option on East Grand Avenue with beach access nearby and a simple one-pet policy.
198 East Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteDock House Inn
A small inn near Memorial Park and the train station that works well for short stays with dogs.
12 Heath Street, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteOld Orchard Beach Campground
A practical camping option with natural sites for tents and RVs, close to the beach and dog park.
27 Ocean Park Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteSun Retreats Old Orchard Beach
A resort-style camping stay for travelers who want more space and are comfortable paying a higher flat pet fee.
Little Miss Cottages
A cottage-style stay for travelers who prefer a more homey setup and easy dog acceptance.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Old Orchard Beach
The Shack
A popular ocean-side spot serving Maine seafood and local ingredients, with covered patio seating for dog owners.
27 W Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064-2633
Visit WebsiteJumpin Jake's
A casual seafood stop with lobster rolls, chowder, oysters, and a beer garden patio that welcomes dogs.
181 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064-1610
Visit WebsitePirates Patio and Galley
A fun seasonal stop with a sandy patio and a laid-back atmosphere near the beach.
2 Walnut St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064-2835
Visit WebsiteBeach Bagels
A reliable breakfast option for bagels, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee near the center of town.
34 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteLazy Days Restaurant
A family-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot with comfort food and a few sidewalk tables for dogs.
4 1st St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteThe Big Kahuna Bar & Grill
A seasonal casual eatery serving burgers, fried seafood, sandwiches, and hearty entrees close to the beach action.
Dog-Friendly Activities and Parks
Dog Park at Veterans Memorial Park
The town’s main off-leash option, with a fenced play area, double-gated entry, benches, waste receptacles, and a separate small-dog section.
1st St & Heath St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteOld Orchard Beach
A classic sandy beach where dogs can enjoy shoreline walks if you time your visit around the town’s seasonal rules.
11 1st St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064-2678
Visit WebsiteMemorial Park Dog Park
The official town dog park in Memorial Park includes one general fenced area and one section reserved for dogs 30 pounds and under.
Heath Street, Memorial Park, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteEastern Trail Access
A scenic multi-use trail system accessible from Old Orchard Beach for longer leashed walks, easy mileage, and quieter time away from the pier area.
Old Orchard Beach Campground
Even if you stay elsewhere, this area is known for roomy grounds and easy access to dog walking near the beach and trail connections.
27 Ocean Park Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Old Orchard Beach
This two-day plan balances beach time, patio meals, and easy walks while respecting local dog rules.
Day 1: Beach Town Arrival
Check into a pet-friendly stay like The Landings Inn and Cottages, Dock House Inn, or Grand Beach Inn. After settling in, head to Beach Bagels for breakfast at an outdoor table.
Take your dog to the Dog Park at Veterans Memorial Park for off-leash play, then stroll downtown and browse the quieter side streets near the beach.
After 5 p.m. in summer, bring your leashed dog to Old Orchard Beach for a shoreline walk, then have dinner on the covered patio at The Shack.
Day 2: Trail Time and Patio Lunch
Start with a leashed walk on the Eastern Trail access points near town for a calmer, more local side of Old Orchard Beach.
Grab lunch at Jumpin Jake's or Pirates Patio and Galley, then relax back at your hotel or campground before another outing.
Finish with dinner at Lazy Days Restaurant or The Big Kahuna Bar & Grill, then return to the beach for sunset if seasonal dog hours allow.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Portland
18 miA bigger coastal city with more dog-friendly patios, parks, and waterfront walks.
Kennebunkport
14 miA classic southern Maine getaway with scenic streets, harbor views, and dog-friendly strolling.
Biddeford
5 miClose by for breweries, river walks, and easy day-trip dining with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Old Orchard Beach?
Yes, but there are seasonal restrictions. From May 15 to Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Leashed dogs are allowed from 5 p.m. to dusk, and leashes on the beach must be 12 feet or shorter. Outside that period, dogs are generally allowed at any time on leash or under voice and sight control.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Old Orchard Beach?
Yes. The town dog park in Memorial Park, also listed as the Dog Park at Veterans Memorial Park, has fenced off-leash space plus a separate section for dogs 30 pounds and under.
What are typical pet fees in Old Orchard Beach hotels?
Many pet-friendly stays in and around Old Orchard Beach charge about $20 to $25 per night, though campgrounds and resort-style properties may use flat stay fees instead.
Can I bring my dog to restaurants in Old Orchard Beach?
Yes, many seasonal restaurants welcome dogs at outdoor tables or patios. Good options include The Shack, Jumpin Jake's, Pirates Patio and Galley, Beach Bagels, and Lazy Days Restaurant.
What kind of dog-friendly trip is Old Orchard Beach best for?
It’s best for travelers who want a classic beach-town weekend with evening beach walks, casual patio dining, and a simple off-leash dog park rather than a fully unrestricted beach destination.
Ready to plan more dog-friendly getaways?
Browse more city guides for pet-friendly stays, patios, parks, and trip ideas.
Browse More City Guides