Canine Companions Go to Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Luie Boone
- Aug 20
- 7 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
No, Luie Boone, we are not talking about a Cod with a red cape billowing out from behind it. We're talking about a vacation to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which is a beloved coastal destination known for its charming towns, sandy beaches, and relaxing atmosphere. It also happens to be incredibly dog-friendly. You'll find that many of Cape Cod’s towns are more than happy to welcome four-legged visitors. From beaches, trails, dog parks, and outdoor dining, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your canine companion to explore together.
The town of Bourne is often considered the gateway to the Cape. It is a fantastic first stop for pet owners. While its public beaches do restrict dogs from May 1st to October 15th, leashed dogs are welcome during the off-season months. So be sure to plan your vacation with your furry friend wisely. The town itself features scenic walking spots, including the Cape Cod Canal Trail and Little Buttermilk Bay Woods. These spots are both perfect for peaceful strolls with your dog. Bourne also has several restaurants with dog-friendly patios, including local favorites like the Sagamore Inn and the Seafood Shanty. Boone is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventure, kayaking, or walking along the waterfront. This is a relaxing place to take in the natural beauty with your pup right by your side!
Provincetown is a town located at the tip of the Cape, and it is perhaps the most dog-welcoming town in the area. During the summer months and all-day during the off-season, dogs are allowed off-leash on town-owned beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. The main street of Provincetown is filled with pet-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes—with many offering water bowls and dog treats. Pilgrim Bark Park is one of the best-designed dog parks in the state. It gives dogs a place to run freely and socialize. Numerous other accommodations also cater to pet owners, which makes Provincetown a top-pick for canine-inclusive travel.
Situated along the National Seashore is the town of Eastham. It offers miles of scenic, dog-friendly walking and biking along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Beaches—such as the Coast Guard and Nauset Light—have seasonal rules, but many do allow dogs in designated areas or during off-peak times. Nature lovers will appreciate the mix of forest and beach landscapes.
Wellfleet is another gem of a town for dog owners. With its quiet charm and beautiful outdoor spaces, there's so much to explore and do together. Duck Harbor Beach is one popular spot for dog walking, particularly during sunset. Luie Boone loves a good sunset! Wellfleet also offers trails, such as Uncle Tim’s Bridge. This bridge is a scenic marsh path, which is great for pooches. Luie Boone also reckons it could be an ode to one of his hooman brothers, Tim! Overall, the laid-back nature of Wellfleet makes it ideal for relaxed, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
In the town of Brewster, pet owners will find access to forested trails and bayside beaches. These spots are great to visit, especially outside of peak summer season when there is less activity and more room for zoomies. Located nearby is Nickerson State Park. With its kettle ponds and wooded paths, this state park is a great place for hiking with dogs.
Chatham is a town known for its quaint downtown and coastal beauty. It also welcomes dogs at specific times on beaches, like Chatham Lighthouse Beach. Luie Boone says that his hoomans will have to check into those specific times, because he needs to see the lighthouse on that beach! The village area of Chatham features boutique shops and outdoor cafés, where dogs can join you for a meal or a stroll. With a more upscale, quiet feel, Chatham is a lovely destination for pet owners seeking a balance of nature with the well-known New England charm.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Provincetown, hiking trails in Eastham, or relaxing on a quiet beach in Bourne, Cape Cod is full of dog-friendly options that make it easy to include your best friend in every part of your vacation.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Lieutenant’s Lodge
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 1.5 baths and an outdoor shower.
Photos courtesy of The Heart of Cape Cod
It features the following amenities:
On a bluff overlooking Cape Cod bay
Large sun porch, which is located on the first floor
Huge wrap around porch with deck furniture
Porch is just 100 feet from the stairs to the beach
There is a path to the stairs that lead to beach below
Gas grill & patio furniture, including outdoor dining area and lounge set
Kayaks provided
Upon arrival you receive a dog crate, bowls, towels, poop bags, and dog biscuits (Luie Boone absolutely loves the hospitality and, probably, will have all those dog biscuits chowed down in seconds)
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I’ve got some big tail-wagging news: my hoomans are taking me to Lt Lodge on Lieutenant Island in Cape Cod! Pretty perfect, since one of my nicknames is Lieutenant Boone. The lodge is a rustic beach house from the 1920s—once a hunting lodge, now a cozy spot perched on a bluff overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Best part? Stairs right off the porch lead straight to the beach. Zoomies incoming (don’t worry, I’ll keep it safe). The island is reached by a bridge, but when the tide is over 10 feet, the road can flood. Sometimes residents pull over and wait it out, usually only about 30 minutes before the road is clear again. Inside the home, there’s plenty of space: four bedrooms, a sleeping porch, a cozy living room, and a full kitchen where I’ll be on snack patrol. There’s even an outdoor shower for sandy paws. No Wi-Fi here, but that just means fetch, fresh air, and belly rubs instead of emails and meetings. Even cooler? Lieutenant Island is home to diamondback terrapin turtles! They’re rare and protected, living in the salt marshes and creeks around the island. My hoomans say summer is nesting season, so if we’re lucky, we might spot some mama turtles or even hatchlings heading for the water. I promised to admire them quietly and not bark—even if they give me side-eye. And of course, I’m bringing Spike, my stuffed turtle buddy, so he can meet his wild cousins too. He’s not real, but don’t tell him that—he’s very excited. Just like me!
Paws Venture Here
Dog Beach
Are you looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy some time with your furry friend? The Dog Beach is an excellent option. This small, sandy beach is a popular destination for dog owners. And it's got "dog" right in it's name! Luie Boone doesn't think it could get more welcoming than that.
Nickerson State Park
This 1,900-acre state park is popular among visitors and their canine companions, especially the ones looking to enjoy the wooded trails that weave around the ponds in the area.
Marconi Beach
This beach is known for its massive sand dunes... not its macaroni, Luie Boone. Your best buddy is welcome to join you for a walk along the shore and take in all of the scenic views. The beach is accessible via a set of stairs (again, no tumbling allowed!).
Uncle Tim's Bridge
There is a small public parking area located just up the street from Uncle Tim’s Bridge. Once you walk across the bridge, you will be on Hamblen Island—which is full of beautiful meandering walking trails that lead you out to the beaches along the Wellfleet harbor. The views are spectacular and the serene location makes this a perfect spot for a picnic for you and your best friend.
Dog Gone Sailing Charters
Your furry family member will enjoy the experience of sailing on Cape Cod Bay. That's why you need to stop at the Dog Gone Sailing Charters and get a ride! Dogs of all sizes are welcome aboard and there are life vests in all sizes for the pups! And, guess what? There are no fees for the dogs to sail.
Breakwater Walk
Located at the beginning of Provincetown's West End, the dog-friendly Breakwater Walk provides hiking access to the very tip of Cape Cod at Long Point Light House. Be sure to enjoy this great swimming location and utilize the area for gathering shellfish!
Herring Cove Beach
You can bring Fido for a walk along the shore, while you take in some sunshine and scenic coastal views. Please take note that seasonal dog closures are in effect annually from April 1 through October 15. These exist to protect nesting and staging shorebirds.
Tin Pan Alley
This is a trendy eatery that serves up a variety of delicious New American cuisine. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their dog-friendly outdoor tables and enjoy a pup chicken or burger!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I have heard plenty about Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Lots of good things, like that the beaches are great and perfect for splashing around. However, I'm hearing the bridge traffic is not great. You start the trip excited, nose pressed to the window, dreaming of seagulls and peanut butter cookies. Then suddenly the car slows down… and it doesn’t move again. You’re stuck on a bridge, either the Sagamore or the Bourne. You're surrounded by hot metal, grumpy hoomans, and absolutely no grass. One dog said that his family sat there for two hours with nothing to do and nowhere to go! Another dog told me that her cousin had to pee in an empty coffee cup. I can’t even imagine. You can smell the ocean, but you’re trapped in the car like it’s some cruel joke. Still, I want to go. I hear the beaches are amazing, with all the sand to roll around and get really dirty in. To manage this bridge traffic, we will just have to leave early and be sure to pack some snacks. I will bring Spike, my turtle for comfort while we wait. Cape Cod sounds worth it. Just… beware of the bridges!
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