Dog Friendly Activities in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a great place to visit with your dog year round.
Where to Stay?
Our cottage is always dog friendly. Dogs are welcome for a small cleaning fee.
Things to Do with your Dog
Dog Walks and Pet Friendly hiking trails. This one is a short distance from the cottage.
There are more lighthouses in Cape Cod’s Barnstable County than in any other county in the U.S. Pay a visit to one of the most historic at Nauset Light Beach. This impressive structure is part of Cape Cod National Seashore and was relocated to its current location in 1923. Pets are welcome to explore the grounds on a leash.
Restaurants
Dogs are allowed at some restaurants. Here are only a few.
Besides the name, The Black Cat Tavern is one of Cape Cod’s most popular restaurants for doggy diners. Find a table on the cute pet-friendly back patio (SEASONAL) and your pooch will be served a refreshing bowl of water. You can enjoy items from the raw bar or order a bowl of delicious New England Clam Chowder and a locally-brewed craft beer. Spanky's Clam Shack and Baxter's Boathouse across the street also accepts dogs when the outdoor patio is open.
Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, MA is dog friendly. People who prefer wine can visit Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth instead.
Dog Friendly Beaches
Here is the rundown.
During the summer months, the general rule is "No Dogs on the Beach" in most (but not all) Cape Cod towns.
In the off season, the rules are relaxed.
To leash or not to leash? Unless noted otherwise below, assume that leashing is required at all times.
Before you take your dog to the beach, make sure you know whether the beach is owned by the town, by the National Seashore, or by the Massachusetts State Parks system.
It's a critical distinction because the rules are different, depending on which entity is in charge of the beach! (See below)
Dogs on the Beach: CITY OF YARMOUTH RULES
Dogs are not permitted on Seagull Beach and Grey’s Beach (a/k/a Bass Hole Beach) from April 1 through Labor Day.
On all other beaches and ways to water in Yarmouth, dogs are not allowed from May 15 through Labor Day. For more info please visit
Yarmouth MA Beach Regulations
For other towns please visit each town website or Visit this website.
Dogs on the Beach: Cape Cod National Seashore Rules
Generally speaking, leashed dogs are allowed on Cape Cod National Seashore beaches year round.
However, during the summer months, dogs may not be on the lifeguard-protected parts of the beach.
It's okay to walk a leashed dog through the lifeguard-protected areas to get to the “non-protected” stretches of beach ... except when there are shorebird closures on or beyond lifeguard-protected beaches.
During shorebird nesting periods, pets are prohibited from posted areas. Passing through the posted areas is also prohibited.
National Seashore beaches are:
- Coast Guard Beach in Eastham
- Nauset Light and Marconi in Wellfleet
- Head of the Meadow in Truro
- Herring Cove and Race Point in Provincetown
Cape Cod National Seashore dog rules
Dogs on the Beach: MA State Park Rules
Scusset Beach State Reservation
At Scusset Beach State Reservation, no dogs are allowed on the beach. Although, it's not unusual to see folks walking their dogs at Scusset in the off season. ;-)
Scusset Beach Regulations [See the "Restrictions" section]
South Cape Beach State Park
Dogs are allowed on the the state-owned area of South Cape Beach in Mashpee from mid-September through April only.
South Cape Beach State Park Regulations [See "Restrictions" section]
Daycare/Overnight Boarding
Maybe want to spend the whole day at the beach or give your doggie some well deserved play time:
Howl-a-Day Inn (near cottage) offers daycare, overnight boarding and training https://www.howladayinncapecod.com/
Daycare Open Monday through Saturday (Closed Sunday) / Boarding Is Available 7 Days A Week (By Reservation)