Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has earned a real reputation as one of the most pet friendly beach destinations on the New England coast. From sunrise sprints on the sand to sunset dinners on a restaurant patio, there is a full day of adventure waiting for you and your dog. The key is knowing the rules, finding the right spots, and planning your time so that your four-legged travel companion enjoys every minute. Whether you are booking a pet friendly vacation rental in Old Orchard Beach or driving in for a day trip, this guide will help you make the most of it.
Know the Beach Rules Before You Go
Old Orchard Beach welcomes dogs, but the town has clear seasonal rules that every pet owner needs to know.
From May 15 through Labor Day, leashed dogs on a maximum 12-foot leash are welcome on the beach from 5 PM to dusk. Dogs are not permitted on the beach from 9 AM to 5 PM during this period. Outside of those months, the rules open up significantly. For the rest of the year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time, either on leash or under voice and sight control.
There is also one more important rule for the summer months. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, dogs are not allowed in the public way from the top of Old Orchard Street to the beach, including the area known as “The Square,” from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM. That means peak shopping hours on the main strip are not the time to stroll with your pup.
Any rule violation during summer can result in a $100 fine, and dog owners must remove all pet waste from the beach. Always keep your dog at least 100 feet away from roped or fenced areas marked as piping plover nesting zones.
The takeaway: Early mornings and evenings are prime dog beach time in the summer. Plan accordingly and you will have the waves nearly to yourselves.
The Dog Park at Veterans Memorial Park
When the beach hours are not in your favor, the dog park at Veterans Memorial Park is a great alternative. The town dog park includes a general area plus a separate section for dogs 30 pounds and under. It is a fenced, off-leash space with benches and waste receptacles, and it sits close to downtown so you can easily combine it with a meal or some shopping.
Pet Friendly Dining in Old Orchard Beach
One of the best parts of vacationing here with a dog is how many local restaurants welcome pets at their outdoor tables. Here are some of the most reliably pet friendly options:
Jumpin Jake’s
Jumpin Jake’s is a dog-friendly seafood restaurant in Old Orchard Beach where Fido is welcome to sit with you on the beer garden patio at a table with an umbrella. The menu offers oysters, lobsters, lobster rolls, chowder, blackened swordfish, steak, and pizza. It is a classic OOB experience with your dog right beside you.
The Big Kahuna Bar and Grill
The Big Kahuna Bar and Grill is a pet friendly eatery offering seasonal outdoor seating, where visitors can enjoy a bite for lunch or dinner. The menu ranges from smashburgers and fried seafood platters to sandwiches and hearty entrees.
The Shack
The Shack is a casual, ocean-side eatery serving up some of Maine’s best offerings using fresh, local ingredients. Dogs are allowed at outdoor tables on the pet friendly downstairs covered patio.
Ocean Park Soda Fountain
Ocean Park Soda Fountain in Old Orchard Beach welcomes Fido on their dog-friendly outdoor patio for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a perfect stop after an early morning walk on the beach.
Ocean Park Subs and Grocery
Fido is welcome to join you at one of the two outdoor pet friendly tables at Ocean Park Subs and Grocery, a seasonal eatery. Enjoy breakfast and lunch items like cinnamon buns, fresh coffee, lobster rolls, subs, wraps, and more. Do note that table service is not available, so someone in your group will need to go inside to order while the dog waits outside.
Nearby: Bayley’s Lobster Pound
Just a short drive away in Scarborough, Bayley’s Lobster Pound features entirely outdoor seating and is a pet friendly restaurant situated on the waterfront. Guests can sit with their pet along the water and order from a menu offering sandwiches, fresh fish, chowder, and lobster.
Where Dogs Are Not Welcome
It is just as important to know where your dog cannot go so you can plan around it.
Palace Playland does not allow dogs. This beachfront amusement park is a staple of Old Orchard Beach, but it is not pet friendly. Palace Playland is a five-acre family-oriented amusement park featuring over 28 rides and attractions. Leave your pup back at the rental for this one, or make sure someone in your group can stay with them.
Funtown Splashtown USA, located nearby in Saco, is also not a pet friendly facility. There are no kennel facilities at Funtown Splashtown USA.
Most indoor shops and restaurants along the main strip do not permit dogs inside, which is pretty standard. Stick to the patios and outdoor spaces, and you will be in great shape.
Great Trails and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond the beach, there are scenic options for hiking and exploring with your dog in and around Old Orchard Beach.
The Eastern Trail is a scenic multi-use trail nearby that offers beautiful routes perfect for leashed walks and longer outings. It meanders through lush coastal landscapes and gives your dog plenty of new sights and smells to explore.
Guild Park in Old Orchard Beach is a dog friendly area featuring a scenic trail where your pup can explore the natural beauty of the park. Bring your own bags and keep your dog leashed as per park guidelines.
For a longer day trip, the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is a pet friendly lighthouse where dogs are welcome to explore the outdoor areas of the adjacent Fort Williams Park, as long as they are leashed. It is one of the most photographed spots in all of Maine and absolutely worth the short drive. Check out the Old Orchard Beach Activities Guide for even more outdoor ideas close to town.
Stay Pet Friendly at Odessa by the Sea
The best part of a pet friendly vacation is not having to leave your dog behind at home. At Odessa by the Sea, pets are welcome across our properties for $50 per night per pet. Whether you are looking for a cozy cottage, a spacious condo, or a large beach house for a group, we have an option that works for your crew. Our Odena Beach House is especially ideal for pet owners, with its stone pathway leading directly to the beach gate just 50 yards away, an outdoor shower perfect for rinsing off sandy paws, and generous outdoor space for your pet to roam. The Union Avenue Beach House offers a fenced yard and a large shed for beach gear storage, making it a fantastic option for families traveling with dogs.
Check the Old Orchard Beach Events Calendar to plan your visit around the Thursday night fireworks and other seasonal happenings. Then book your stay and bring the whole family, leashes included.