Are you looking to plan a fun dog-friendly trip? Cape Cod is a wonderful destination for families with pets. Whether you are local to New England or traveling from other parts of the East Coast, you don’t have to leave your pup at home for this seaside getaway.

Ironically, I began this post over a year and a half ago after a trip to Cape Cod with some friends. I started a new job after taking a few months off from work and since then, just about everything has changed. After a global pandemic and another career change, my break from the blog is over.

Life had changed so much since getting a dog and I was afraid that traveling would take a backseat. This would be our first trip with her and we were excited and nervous. Fortunately for us, it wasn’t our friends’ first time traveling with dogs and they already had ideas of how to ensure the trip would be a special time for them as well.

Are you hoping to include your pet on your next family vacation? Here are 5 things to consider before planning your dog-friendly trip to Cape Cod:

1. Time of year

The season and the weather will likely have the largest impact on your trip. If you want to spend your days outdoors and at the beach, then you need to consider visiting during the summer. While the summer is more crowded with higher hotel and rental rates, the weather will be better for you and your family to enjoy. Keep in mind, however, that the weather in New England can be somewhat unpredictable and it isn’t uncommon to experience cold, rainy days in the summer, especially at the beginning and end of the season. You should also keep in mind that pets are not permitted at many beaches and trails during the summer.

Visiting in the winter is significantly less expensive and less crowded. While you may have to brave some colder weather to be outside, you will enjoy more trail and beach access on your dog-friendly trip without as many tourists.

2. Renting a house 

Home rentals are a great option for staying on Cape Cod and are essential if you are bringing along your four-legged friend. Many rentals allow pets and provide more comfort than you would get in a cramped hotel room. When equipped with a kitchen, outdoor barbecue, or patio area, a house also gives you the resources to prepare and enjoy meals with your pups nearby. Additionally, home rentals provide more space and are usually more cost-effective compared to local hotels (especially with larger groups). Most homes on Cape Cod do not have fenced-in yards, please keep this in mind when conducting your search!

If you want to book a rental home during the high season, you will need to book months in advance. Rental properties book fast and if you have particular needs for the home, you will want to start looking into your options as soon as possible.

3. Beach Access

While there are plenty of beaches on the Cape that allow dogs, there are some limitations depending on the time of year, time of day, and local wildlife activity. Each beach has different rules so it is important to look into the specific beach you plan to visit before heading out for the day! Access with leashed dogs is available at most beaches if you are visiting during the off-season between October and April. There are trails and portions of beaches that permit pets in the summer months, so don’t despair if you are hoping to plan a summer trip.

Herring Cove in Provincetown, Marconi Beach and Great Island in Wellfleet, and Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham all have portions that permit pets year-round. Visit the National Park Service for more details on pet-friendly beach access during the specific time of your trip.

4. Dog-friendly towns to visit during your trip

There are many towns on Cape Cod that are dog-friendly. Depending on which activities you enjoy, some towns will be especially fun for you and your pet.

In Provincetown, Pilgrim Bark Park boasts almost an acre of fenced land for your dog to roam with other furry friends. You can also take your dog for a stroll down Commercial St. where you are sure to run into locals and visitors alike walking their pups. Commercial St. does get quite busy during the summertime so please keep that in mind. If you want to get out on the water, several boat tours allow dogs. Dog Gone Sailing Charters provide half, full-day, and sunrise/sunset sails for the whole family.

From Provincetown, you can head south to Truro for a stop at Truro Vineyards. Leashed dogs can relax with you on the lawn while you enjoy wine and cheese from the tasting shop. In Wellfleet, you can enjoy a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, perfect for colder nights and fun for the whole family. In South Dennis, visit Fresh Pond Dog Park for your dog to run, swim, and play in a fully fenced enclosure.

5. Location of rental

So, where are you going to stay?! Based on what you and your family are looking to do on the Cape, there is sure to be a town and neighborhood to satisfy your needs. The location of your rental home can also provide you with more opportunities to explore the Cape with your dog. In addition to looking for a great location for nearby short walks, there are also bicycle trails throughout Cape Cod that you can walk your dog along. While most of the bicycle trails are only open to pets in the off-season, fire roads within the Cape Cod National Seashore permit pets year-round.

Regardless of when you visit, there are rules for you and your dog that should be followed at all times. Picking up your dog’s waste, keeping them on a leash, respecting wildlife, and knowing where you are allowed to go with your pet will make your trip that much more pleasant.

About Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an extension of the southeast corner of Massachusetts. It is known for its quaint, New England charm; its vibrant seaside towns; and is a summer destination of choice for many who live on the East Coast. To visit Cape Cod, you can fly into Logan International Airport in Boston (70 miles to Hyannis), TF Green Airport in Providence (80 miles to Hyannis), or you can fly directly into Hyannis with smaller airlines at the Barnstable Airport.

Since Cape Cod extends 65 miles, it is best to be visited by car. Keep in mind, only two bridges link to Cape Cod and during the peak season traffic can be intense.

What are you waiting for? Start planning!