The ultimate guide to a dog-friendly East Coast vacation

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A golden retriever sitting on the porch of an Oregon Coast beach house
Waterfront view out of french doors from Cape Cod vacation rental

Calling all water-loving, tail-wagging travelers—long beach walks and outdoor adventures await on the East Coast. Forget sneaking Fido through the back door—these destinations from Maine to Florida aren’t just loved by dogs, but also pet parent-approved. And, we're here to sniff out the absolute best.

Dog-friendly islands and coastal retreats

Swanky island getaways welcome dogs with designated dog beaches, pet-welcoming patios perfect for naps in the sun, and vacation homes that treat Rover royally.

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Dogs cruise free on most Martha's Vineyard ferries before romping on pet-friendly beaches and dining alfresco at dog-friendly island restaurants.

sunset over the beach
Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head doesn't just allow dogs—it celebrates them with beach access, dedicated dog parks, and over 200 restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Kiawah Island, SC

Dogs live the good life on Kiawah with pet-friendly access on pristine beaches, a massive dog park, and 30 miles of trails in a maritime forest.

The path to the beach from a vacation rental in Key West, FL.
Key West, FL

Dogs soak up Key West's quirky vibe alongside their humans at cafés, during free pet-friendly sunset cruises, and at dog parks with ocean views.

Dog-friendly island and coastal rentals

Paw-friendly beaches

Sandy paws and salty fur define tail-wagging good times on the East Coast. At least destinations your pup can sprint, splash, and socialize without a single side-eye.

A drone shot of the coastline surrounded by hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Myrtle Beach, SC

Dogs enjoy dawn and dusk beach romps during summer and all-day access off-season. The Market Common district welcomes leashed visitors to its shops and restaurants.

Virginia Beach, VA

Dogs dig the north end of Virginia Beach, where they’re welcome year-round, while Red Wing Park's off-leash area gives pups room to zoom after beach time.

Golden Sands Condos in Ocean City, MD
Ocean City, MD

From October through April, Ocean City transforms into doggy heaven with full beach access, while the boardwalk welcomes leashed pups off-season.

Drone shot of a people walking on the beach with the ocean to the left and houses to the right.
Carolina Beach, NC

Freeman Park welcomes your furry friend year-round with minimal restrictions, while nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers miles of scenic trails where leashed explorers can roam.

Paw-friendly beach rentals

Nature and adventure-focused destinations

From mountain trails to kayaking expeditions, these destinations understand that the best memories include every family member, including the furry ones.

Outer Banks aerial
OBX, NC

Dogs have free rein on most Outer Banks beaches year-round—a rarity on the East Coast. After sandy adventures, hit the pet-friendly Nags Head Woods Preserve trails or join guided ‘kayaking with canines’ tours.

beach in cape cod
Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod's National Seashore offers designated pet-friendly trails and beaches where leashed dogs can explore tidal pools and dunes.

two chairs sit on balcony overlooking the ocean in bethany beach
Bethany Beach, DE

Beyond seasonal beach access, Bethany offers proximity to Delaware Seashore State Park's pet-friendly trails and stand-up paddleboarding with dogs.

St. Augustine, Florida drone shot.
St. Augustine, FL

History goes to the dogs in St. Augustine, where leashed pups can join ghost tours, explore Castillo de San Marcos grounds, and trot down ancient streets.

Dog-friendly adventure rentals

Ready to make tails wag from Maine to Florida? Pack your dog’s favorite treats, grab the leash, and book one of thousands of our pet-friendly vacation homes waiting for your whole family—whiskers, tails, and all. Because the best vacation memories should include everyone in the clan.

Dog-friendly vacation inspiration