Part 24 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Pine Tree State — and Maine is one of the most spectacular and dog-friendly destinations in the entire country. From the dramatic granite coastline of Acadia National Park to the charming lobster shacks of the Midcoast, the wild beauty of Baxter State Park, and the vibrant food scene of Portland, Maine is a road tripper's paradise.
🐾 Why Maine?
Maine is the Northeast's great wild frontier — a state of extraordinary natural beauty, fierce independence, and a deeply ingrained outdoor culture that welcomes dogs at every turn. Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire country, with miles of dog-friendly carriage roads and trails. Portland has become one of America's great food cities, with a dog-friendly culture to match. And the Maine coast — from Kittery to Eastport — is one of the most beautiful and varied coastlines in the world.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
The Bar Harbor Inn — Bar Harbor (Acadia)
A beautiful waterfront inn in the heart of Bar Harbor that welcomes pets. Steps from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor's excellent restaurants and shops.
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel — Portland
Zero pet fees in the heart of Portland's Old Port neighborhood, steps from the waterfront and the city's extraordinary restaurant scene.
The Claremont Hotel — Southwest Harbor (Acadia)
A beautiful historic inn on Somes Sound that welcomes pets. A quieter and more peaceful alternative to Bar Harbor for exploring Acadia.
The White Barn Inn — Kennebunkport
One of the most celebrated and luxurious inns in all of New England, welcoming pets in select accommodations in the charming town of Kennebunkport.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Eventide Oyster Co. — Portland
One of the most celebrated seafood restaurants in America with a dog-friendly outdoor area in Portland's Old Port. The brown butter lobster roll is legendary.
Thurston's Lobster Pound — Bernard (Acadia)
A beloved Maine lobster pound with a dog-friendly outdoor deck overlooking Bass Harbor. The quintessential Maine lobster experience.
Red's Eats — Wiscasset
Arguably the most famous lobster roll in Maine, with a dog-friendly outdoor area in the charming Midcoast town of Wiscasset.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Allagash Brewing Company — Portland
One of America's most celebrated craft breweries with a dog-friendly outdoor space. Their Allagash White is an American craft beer classic.
Maine Beer Company — Freeport
One of Maine's most acclaimed craft breweries with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor space. Their Lunch IPA is a Maine craft beer legend.
Oxbow Brewing Company — Newcastle & Portland
A beloved Maine farm brewery with dog-friendly outdoor spaces at both locations. Their farmhouse ales are extraordinary.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Acadia National Park
One of the most dog-friendly national parks in the entire country — leashed dogs are welcome on most trails and all 45 miles of historic carriage roads. The carriage roads are particularly spectacular and perfect for dogs of all fitness levels.
Baxter State Park — Millinocket
A wild and remote state park in northern Maine with dog-friendly trails through boreal forest. Note: dogs are not permitted on the summit of Mount Katahdin, but are welcome on many other trails.
Popham Beach State Park — Phippsburg
One of Maine's most beautiful beaches with dog-friendly access in designated areas. Stunning views of the Kennebec River mouth and the open Atlantic.
Bradbury Mountain State Park — Pownal
A beautiful state park near Freeport with dog-friendly trails to a summit with panoramic views of the Maine coast and White Mountains.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Portland (Old Port + Allagash + Eventide) → north to Freeport (Maine Beer Company + Bradbury Mountain) → north along the Midcoast (Red's Eats + Oxbow) → finish at Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor + carriage roads). Best enjoyed over 5–7 days.
🐶 Pro Tips
- Acadia's carriage roads are the single best dog-friendly hiking experience in the entire Northeast — don't miss them.
- Maine in July and August is spectacular but crowded — September is arguably the best month to visit with a dog.
- Bar Harbor gets extremely crowded in peak season — consider staying in Southwest Harbor or Northeast Harbor for a quieter experience.
- Maine's lobster pounds are casual, outdoor affairs that are almost universally dog-friendly — one of the great pleasures of a Maine road trip.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Maine we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 24 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 23: New Hampshire | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 25: The Ultimate Planning Guide →