If you and your pup are craving some salty air and sandy paws, Maine’s coastline is packed with stunning dog-friendly beaches. Whether you’re planning a playful day in the surf or a peaceful sunset stroll, these beaches offer the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments (and maybe even a professional dog photography session!) Maine is a paradise for pet lovers, with its rugged cliffs, pristine sands, and endless ocean views. Exploring these beautiful beaches with your dog isn’t just fun; it’s an opportunity to capture memories that last a lifetime. Imagine your pup bounding through the waves or posing proudly against a lighthouse backdrop…pure magic.

Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Maine where your pup can run, splash, and soak up the coastal magic.

Higgins Beach (Scarborough, ME) A local favorite, Higgins Beach welcomes dogs year-round, with off-leash hours from sunrise to 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during peak season (May 15 to Labor Day). The wide stretch of sand and gentle waves make it ideal for dogs to explore freely. The beach’s signature shipwreck, visible at low tide, adds a unique touch to photos, creating a dreamy location for capturing beachy dog portraits. Parking is available, but it fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early for the best experience.

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Goose Rocks Beach (Kennebunkport, ME) Known for its soft white sand and calm waters, Goose Rocks Beach is perfect for dogs who love to paddle and play. During summer, dogs are allowed before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., while the off-season offers all-day access. The beach is surrounded by picturesque homes and rocky outcroppings, making it a stunning spot for classic Maine coastal shots of your pup enjoying the breeze. A permit is required for beach access, which you can easily grab online or in town.

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Willard Beach (South Portland, ME) This small, charming beach is a hit with local dog owners. Dogs are allowed off-leash from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in summer, with more flexible hours in the off-season. It’s a cozy beach with views of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Fort Gorges, adding iconic Maine scenery to your photos. There’s even a freshwater hose near the entrance to rinse off sandy paws before heading home.

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Long Sands Beach (York, ME) Long Sands Beach stretches for over a mile, offering plenty of room to roam. Dogs are welcome from sunrise to 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during peak season, and all day in the off-season. The beach’s expansive shoreline and dramatic tides create dynamic scenery, with rocky areas perfect for candid action shots of your pup leaping over tide pools. Parking is metered, so bring some quarters or use the town’s app for convenience.

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Seawall Beach (Phippsburg, ME) For those who love quieter, more secluded spots, Seawall Beach is a hidden gem. Accessible via a scenic hike through Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, this beach offers pristine, untouched shoreline. It’s perfect for dogs who love to explore, dig, and run without the crowds. The trek to the beach adds an element of adventure, and the natural landscape with sand dunes, marshes, and ocean views — makes for truly breathtaking photos.

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Popham Beach State Park (Phippsburg, ME) One of Maine’s most iconic beaches, Popham welcomes dogs on-leash from October 1 to March 31. The beach’s wide sands, shifting tidal pools, and nearby Fort Popham create endless opportunities for exploration and photography. Climb the fort for panoramic views, or walk along the beach to Fox Island during low tide. It’s an ideal spot for capturing your pup’s playful spirit against Maine’s rugged coastal beauty.

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Fort Foster Park (Kittery, ME) This scenic park offers multiple small beaches, wooded trails, and historic fort ruins to explore. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the variety of landscapes makes it an amazing spot for capturing your pup’s adventurous side. The park’s long pier provides sweeping views of Portsmouth Harbor, and the rocky shorelines are perfect for those candid “explorer dog” shots. There’s a small entrance fee, but the diverse scenery is well worth it.

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Kennebunk Beach (Kennebunk, ME) Kennebunk Beach, also known as Mother’s Beach, is known for its gentle waves and smooth sand. Dogs are allowed before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer, and all day in the off-season. The beach’s calm atmosphere makes it great for more relaxed photos, capturing quiet moments of your dog gazing out at the ocean or trotting along the water’s edge. There are even dog-friendly water fountains and waste stations for added convenience.

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Crescent Beach State Park (Cape Elizabeth, ME) This beach offers a mile of sandy shoreline, surrounded by scenic dunes and forest trails. Dogs are welcome during the off-season, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers and their furry friends. The gently curving beach, framed by Cape Elizabeth’s rocky headlands, provides a beautiful setting for portraits, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is just right.

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Sand Beach (Acadia National Park, ME) If you’re up for an adventure, Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is a must-see. Dogs are allowed in certain areas, and the dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and forested surroundings create a striking setting for epic pet portraits. The beach itself is small but stunning, with unique pink-hued sand and views of the Beehive Trail looming above. It’s the perfect spot to capture your dog’s wild, free spirit against one of Maine’s most iconic landscapes.

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Make the Memories Last with Professional Dog Photography

Why not turn your beach day into something truly special? At Venture with Dogs Pet Photography, we specialize in capturing the bond between you and your pup in Maine’s most beautiful locations. From sandy snouts to splashes in the surf, we’ll document your dog’s joy in a way you can treasure forever.

Ready to plan your session? Let’s connect and create stunning beach portraits you’ll love!