Top 6 Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots in New England

Hire a dog sitter? Or take Buddy to the kennel? If you’re a pet parent who wants to vacation in New England, you can skip that dilemma!

There are numerous dog-friendly hotels, resorts, and destinations across the New England region, ranging from mountains to waterfronts and urban settings. However, there’s a significant distinction between places that merely permit pets and those that genuinely cater to dogs as valued guests. If you wish to not only include but genuinely pamper your dog, here are six fantastic spots where your furry family member will relish their vacation.

01. Maine’s Inn by the Sea Pampers Pups

Visit Maine’s Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, and you might feel a little out of place if you don’t have a leash in your hand! Well-mannered dogs are everywhere, frolicking along the boardwalk in the salt-scented air, lounging at breakfast tables by the bar, and relaxing on the patio while their owners enjoy drinks. The inn’s fine dining restaurant, Sea Glass, is mostly off-limits to dogs, but Crescent Beach at the end of the boardwalk welcomes them in the off-season (October through March).

Known for its natural setting and eco-friendly practices, Inn by the Sea was among the first resorts in Maine to embrace pets, making it one of New England’s most luxurious locations for dogs to unwind. Dogs can stay free in designated pet-friendly rooms furnished with water bowls and comfy L.L. Bean dog blankets. After a day of adventuring in local dog-friendly parks, trails, and beaches, they’re treated to Maine-made turn-down goodies. Moreover, Inn by the Sea offers an entire menu of added dog amenities, including grooming services, pet massages, and gourmet room service dining. The INNcredible Pets package even includes a personalized L.L. Bean dog bed for your well-treated pup.

02. Dogs Dig the Island Vibes at the Darius Inn

Does your dog perk up at the mention of “beach”? You might find them spinning in circles when you realize that all beaches on this New England island are open to leashed dogs. Furthermore, dogs ride free on the Block Island Express Ferry if they travel in approved carriers. This makes for an enticing plan to visit Rhode Island’s relaxed and scenic Block Island.

Just a short stroll from the ferry dock, the seasonal Darius Inn offers five pet-friendly suites adorned with vibrant, beach-chic decor and private porches. There is a nominal $50 fee per pet for each stay, which is in addition to room rates that include breakfast and happy hour. A beach is conveniently just steps away across the road, and pet-sitting services are available if you wish to partake in some fun while your sun-soaked dog enjoys a well-deserved nap after a day of outdoor activities.

03. Dog Mountain Should be on Every Dog’s Bucket List

Dog Mountain—along with the Dog Chapel—situated in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is a must-visit for every dog lover. This sanctuary, created by the late Stephen Huneck, sprawls over 150 acres on a mountaintop where dogs can freely run, swim, and roll through the verdant grass. Inside the chapel, pet parents honor their passed companions with touching tributes, showcasing the indispensable role dogs play in our lives.

The grounds are always open to the public free of charge, and sales of Huneck’s dog-themed artworks in the gallery support this extraordinary attraction. Dog Parties are hosted several times each year, allowing visitors to connect with fellow dog owners.

Pet-friendly accommodations can be found at several hotels, inns, and campgrounds near Dog Mountain.

04. Wilburton Inn Goes Beyond Dog-Friendly

The Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont is not just dog-friendly; it also hosts canine-themed events throughout the year. Events such as Cavapalooza and the annual Howl’oween Doggie Slumber Party and Canine Costume Ball are very popular. Throughout the year, there’s a charge of $40 per dog per night for guests who wish to bring their four-legged family members along. For those opting for a stay in one of the property’s vacation homes, a fee of $125 per stay applies. Additionally, in tribute to the four-legged innkeeper Jetson, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels always stay free!

05. Fairmont Makes Dogs Feel Like Fat Cats in the Big City

For many years, visitors of Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel were greeted by a dog named Catie Copley. Catie was not an owner or general manager but one of two resident canine ambassadors.

While the hotel bid a poignant farewell to Catie in 2017, the Fairmont Copley Plaza remains Boston’s leading dog-friendly hotel, with leashed pets of all sizes welcome for just $25 per night. Additionally, it serves as a notable destination for dog lovers traveling without pets who yearn for canine companionship. Black Lab Carly Copley can be invited by hotel guests who wish to take a dog for a stroll or run through the city. These walk packs even include a biscuit to reward this lovable staff member.

06. Dogs Feel at Home at Vermont’s Woodstock Inn

If your dog enjoys discovering new locations, venture to Vermont’s charming Woodstock Inn, which has recently started welcoming pets of all types and sizes. Director of Sales & Marketing, Courtney Lowe, notes that the pet-friendly policy has become “very popular,” particularly among guests opting for extended stays. Families with pets are charged a one-time fee of $125, regardless of how long they stay.

To accommodate guests’ differing needs, specific rooms in this classic, four-season inn are designated for pets to ensure separation from guests with allergies. These rooms are outfitted with Orvis dog beds and bowls for an added touch of comfort. Dogs enjoy returning to their own cozy quarters after exploring Vermont’s only national park, where leashed dogs are welcome on the trails at the nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park welcomes leashed dogs.