If you’re bringing your pooch to Midcoast Maine this spring or summer and planning a pet-friendly getaway, we’ve got you covered.

From scenic trails and rocky shorelines to dog-friendly restaurants and the Maine Lobster Festival, Maine offers plenty of adventures for you and your pup to enjoy together.

Trails & Beaches

Exploring the beauty of Midcoast Maine with your furry friend is a popular pastime, thanks to the region’s abundance of dog-friendly trails and beaches. According to Bring Fido, here are some top spots to consider around the Midcoast:

  • Camden Hills State Park offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails with stunning views of Penobscot Bay at the top. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
  • Owls Head State Park is a small state park with two short trails, one to a beautiful rocky beach and the other to a lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed in the lighthouse, but there is green space near the parking lot for them to walk as long as they are leashed. The beach is also available to dogs and their owners between April 1 and Sept. 30.
  • Birch Point State Park is also located in Owls Head with 62 acres on Penobscot Bay to explore, including a sand beach. There’s also a picnic area that you can enjoy with your leashed pup. The park is dog-friendly from Oct. 1 to March 31.

Stores & Restaurants

More than 30 restaurants in the Midcoast area welcome leashed dogs out on the deck or by the picnic tables. So, whether you’re enjoying an upscale dinner at 40 Paper in Camden, a classic lobster boil at Claws in Rockland, or a waterfront restaurant named after a dog (The Sea Dog) in Camden, your buddy can sit right next to you.

In the Midcoast Maine area, dog-friendly stores include Maine Sports Outfitters, Loyal Biscuit, (a great place to pick up toys or food for your furry friend, with a self-serve dog wash), and Pet Quarters.

The Maine Lobster Festival

Saving the best for last, the Festival has always allowed dogs on leashes and provides 12 watering stations throughout the grounds. This year, we’re pleased to announce a new event that promises to wag tails and capture hearts: the inaugural Maine Lobster Festival Dog Show! Starting with a fun Dog Parade that winds around the Festival grounds, the main event commences with a contest: Best Costume, Best Hair and Best Trick. Get your cameras ready for what is sure to be an event filled with laughter and doggy pride.
 

Start researching your tickets, flights and dog-friendly accommodations for the Maine Lobster Festival happening  July 30-Aug. 3, 2025. For the fourth year in a row, admission is free! For more information, visit: www.mainelobsterfestival.com.