Although traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun, it can also be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. After all, unless you look into things beforehand, you can’t guarantee everywhere you go will welcome your dog. If you’re planning a trip to the “The Pine Tree State”, use this Maine dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

7 Dog-Friendly Activities in Maine

Because not everywhere is guaranteed to be dog-friendly, it’s important to look into activities before they go on your trip itinerary. Take a look at some of these dog-friendly activities in Maine to see if any of them are a must-do for your trip:

1. Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines

If you and your dog enjoy a good cruise out on the water and your travels bring you to Bar Harbor, drop in and sail away with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines. Not only can you and your dog explore Frenchman Bay by boat, but you can also meet Maggie.

She is the resident black Newfoundland who is also the most popular member of the crew. There are three cruises throughout the day to fit your schedule – a morning cruise, an afternoon cruise, and a sunset cruise.

2. Acadian Nature Cruises

If you’re still in Bar Harbor and can’t get enough of being on the water, you can opt for a more educational narrated cruise of Frenchman Bay with Acadian Nature Cruises.

Your leashed dog is welcome to join you for this two-hour cruise where you can search the skies and water for wildlife and enjoy the scenic views. You could see groups of migrating birds, eagles, seals, porpoises, and more!

3. Finestkind Lobstering Trip

It’s hard to think about Maine without also thinking about lobster at some point. If you’re in Ogunquit and you like history and being out on the water, consider a Finestkind Lobstering Trip.

You and your leashed, well-behaved dog can enjoy the gorgeous Ogunquit shoreline while learning more about lobstering and the scenic points of interest you will see along the way

4. Boothbay Railway Village

Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay is the perfect stop for fans of trains. Not only can you take a ride on an authentic steam and diesel train, but you can also visit the vintage village and check out over 60 model railroads and antique automobiles.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you everywhere as long as they are leashed – they are even allowed inside the buildings.

5. Wildwood Stables Carriage Tours

If your travels bring you to Seal Harbor and you want to get off of your feet for a bit, consider booking a tour with Wildwood Stables Carriage Tours.

This authentic carriage ride will take you along winding, country, and car-free roads. Your dog is welcome to join you as long as you have booked a private ride.

6. Island Explorer

The Island Explorer is located in Bar Harbor and is a great way to relax and enjoy exploring Acadia. Not only is this shuttle free, but it is also dog-friendly.

As long as your dog is well-behaved and leashed, they can join you as the shuttle takes you along Loop Road, to the Jordan Pond House, into Acadia National Park, and other popular areas.

7. Seashore Trolley Museum

Located in Kennebunkport is the Seashore Trolley Museum. This is the world’s largest and oldest electric railway museum.

Not only are there rides on restored streetcars, but there is also access to other exhibits, hiking trails, the museum store, and more. Plus, your leashed and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you for it all!

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Maine

After a day full of fun, you want to make sure you and your dog have a place to rest and relax. Because not all hotels allow dogs and dog-friendly rooms tend to be booked fast, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and book your room early. Here are some dog-friendly hotels in Maine to help kickstart your research:

1. Cottage Street Inn of Ogunquit Beach

The Cottage Street Inn of Ogunquit Beach offers dog-friendly room and cottage rentals in Ogunquit. They do not charge an additional pet fee, but they do collect pet shelter donations for the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA if you would like to contribute. You do need to contact them with details about your dog and your stay ahead of time in order to reserve a room.

As long as your dog is well-behaved and quiet while you are not around, you are permitted to leave them unattended in your room. The Cottage Street Inn has leashes, bowls, and beds available for use during your stay. There are also grassy relief areas on-site in addition to a park directly behind the premises.

2. The Beaches Motel & Cottages

The Beaches Motel & Cottages is located in Wells and offers dog-friendly rooms and cottage rentals along the beach. Two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. However, they do not allow dog breeds that are known for howling, so this may not be a good choice for Basset Hounds and other hunting dogs known for braying.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay and per dog. If it’s before June 15th, your dog is allowed on the beach any time during the day. After June 15th, dogs are only allowed on the beach in the morning before 8 a.m. and in the evening after 6 p.m.

3. The Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Should you need to stay overnight in Portland, Maine, consider booking a room at the Residence Inn by Marriott where the waterfront is just a short walk away. Two dogs of any size are welcome to join you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay.

As long as your dog is well-behaved and relatively quiet when you are not around, you are permitted to leave them in your room unattended. Just make sure you notify the front desk and leave your phone number with them before you leave. Also, grassy relief areas are available on the property.

5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Maine

Although you can always stop at convenience stores or roll through drive-thrus, doing so can make you miss out on the local flavor. Instead of missing out, consider grabbing a bite to eat at one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Maine if your travels will bring you nearby:

1. Scalawags Pet Boutique

Although it’s not a restaurant, Scalawags Pet Boutique is a great stop for your dog. Located in Kennebunkport, this pet boutique offers everything your dog might need, including plenty of different treat and food options.

You likely won’t find many options for food for you, but this can be a fantastic place to pick up some treats for your pooch. Plus, who better to suggest some local dog-friendly eateries than locals who love dogs?

2. Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters

Another great stop for your dog is Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters in Boothbay Harbor. They offer items for dogs, cats, and humans. So, you can find something for yourself and you can also find a lot of things for your dog.

From general supplies and toys to food, treats, and more, you should be able to find anything you need. And, if you need some suggestions for local dog-friendly restaurants, you’ll get some of the best recommendations.

3. The Red Barn

The Red Barn is located in Augusta. They are open year-round and specialize in chicken and seafood. You’ll find a lot of options on the menu plus plenty of sides and delicious desserts to choose from.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you in the large outdoor dining area. They may even get a few treats on the house!

4. Paddy’s Irish Pub

Paddy’s Irish Pub is located in Bar Harbor. They offer Irish-American cuisine and have spectacular waterfront views.

You can enjoy classic pub fare with a twist with options like crab and lobster dip, Irish nachos, Guinness BBQ pork, and more. Not only does the outdoor seating have the best waterfront views, but your dog is welcome to join you there.

5. The Thirsty Pig

The Thirsty Pig is a local dog-friendly restaurant in Portland. You order your food and beer from local micro-breweries at the counter and eat it outside at one of the many picnic tables where your dog is welcome to join you.

Not only does The Thirsty Pig make their own sausages, but they also have ten different varieties, including a vegan option! You can also order plain hot dogs, chicken sausage sandwiches, pulled pork, appetizers, sides, desserts, and more.

This Maine dog-friendly travel guide is a good place to start, but it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find somewhere else you want to go, just look into it first and make sure it’s dog-friendly before it makes it onto your trip itinerary.

If you’re headed somewhere else, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels and wagging tails no matter where your adventures take you!