Dogs on the beach

There is a great joy in watching one's four-legged buddy frolicking on the beach, playing in the waves and stirring up a sandstorm. Many dog owners travel to the Cape in the search of that perfect morning walk in the beach or an afternoon hike on the trails with the family pup. Some beaches allow dogs all year round, others permit them outside of summer months only. Here's the information about Cape Cod towns and their "dogs-on-the-beach" ordinances.

Off Leash Heaven

Race Point Beach in Provincetown allows dogs off leash from 6AM to 9AM all year long. Yes, that includes the summer. Dogs allowed on lead all day long. For the human companion(s) - beware of the strong undertows and the big surf.


On Lead and Restricted Access:

Cape Cod National Seashore

Dogs are allowed on lead all year long (including summer), except for nesting bird protected areas.

Orleans

From a point South of Nauset Beach parking lot to trail one, dogs are prohibited from May 15 to Labor Day. From a point South of trail one to the Chatham lnlet, all dogs must be on a leash of not more than 30 feet at all times, unless below the high tide mark, from May 15 through Labor Day. Dogs are prohibited from areas closed to vehicle or human traffic for Piping Plover protection.

Eastham

Allowed on leash from Labor Day until May 15. Also allowed at Dyer Prince Road/Rock Harbor Beach Area before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m between May 15 and Labor Day.

Barnstable

Dogs are allowed on Barnstable public beaches from September 15-May 15. Not allowed in the summer.

Chatham

Dogs are allowed on leash during the off season from September 16 until March 31.

Dennis

Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach from Labor Day until Memorial Day.

Falmouth

Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach from October 1 through April 30.

Harwich

Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach only from Labor Day until Memorial Day

Sandwich

Dogs are allowed on the beach, on a leash, only during the off season, October through March.

Wellfleet

Dogs are allowed, on a 6' lead, before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on the following beaches from the 3rd Saturday in June through Labor Day: Duck Harbor, Newcomb Hollow, Cahoon Hollow, White Crest and Maguire Landing.