Sharing your next vacation with your furry friend might make your life more challenging, but it’s also highly rewarding. After all, your dog is part of the family, so including it in your getaway makes a lot of sense.
When traveling with your dog, the first step is to book pet-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, there are vacation rentals on Cape Cod that accept pets.
Next, you’ll have to find some activities for your pooch. The Cape has you covered there, too, as there are plenty of places to take your pet for some exercise and exploration.
Developing a plan will make your trip much more manageable. Here are three tips to make the most of your Cape Cod vacation with your dog.
1) Look Up Some Dog-Friendly Beaches
Much like at home, some beaches on Cape Cod don’t allow pets. However, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the beach entirely because they are welcome at plenty of oceanfront spots.
For starters, you can bring your dog to many beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore. Popular spots like Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, Marconi Beach, and Herring Cove Beach allow dogs in certain areas as long as you keep them on a leash and away from shorebirds. Remember that some beaches can close without warning if nesting shorebirds are discovered in the region.
You can also take your dog to the Off-Road Vehicle Beach at Sandy Neck in Barnstable and through the park’s Great Marsh Hiking Trail. However, dogs are prohibited from the main public beach between May 15 and September 15, so you’ll have to be aware of the rules as you explore.
The Knob in Woods Hole is a hiking trail with beaches, hills, and scenic sunsets over Buzzards Bay. It’s also dog friendly, as long as you keep your four-legged friend on a leash.
2) Head to a Dog Park
The beaches are great, but sometimes you’ll need to let your dog run off-leash. In these scenarios, heading to one of the region’s dog parks is the safest way to go.
Mashpee Dog Park enjoys a secluded location in the woods near Mashpee Pond. It has separate areas for small and large dogs and plenty of benches so you can relax while your pup plays.
In Provincetown, Pilgrim Bark Park is the place to be with your pet. It sits just north of Commercial Street in the downtown area and features plenty of sand, trees, and space for your dog to run. It also has a special area for small dogs weighing under 25 pounds.
Fresh Pond Dog Park in Dennis is popular with visitors because it combines a traditional dog park with a walking trail through the woods. Your dog can also go for a swim at this park if you head to the water, and there are picnic areas if you plan to make a day of it.
3) Visit the Hiking Trails
Dogs love to explore, and the mental stimulation they get from a hike is worth the time it will take you. You’ll also enjoy the stroll because you’ll see new parts of the Cape that many visitors miss.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs 25 miles between South Yarmouth and South Wellfleet. You can enter the trail at various spots along the way and bring your dog with you. Many people bike the trail because it’s paved, but you can also walk or run, depending on your preferences.
Brewster’s Nickerson State Park is just off the Cape Cod Rail Trail and is another great spot to hike with your dog. You’ll have to keep your pet on a leash, but you can visit eight freshwater ponds in this 1,900-acre forest. Keep in mind that pets aren’t permitted on the park’s public beaches.
Hawksnest State Park in Harwich is another scenic wooded area you can visit with your dog. There’s a special dog beach at the south end of Hawksnest Pond and plenty of trails to explore throughout your visit.
Fun For the Whole Family
Your trip to the Cape will be memorable for the entire family, and bringing your dog with you makes it even better. These dog-friendly spots are just a tiny sample of the activities you can participate in with your pet, as Cape Cod is an incredibly welcoming location for pups.
Make sure you look at the pet-friendly vacation rentals available as you plan your getaway to ensure you end up in the perfect home to meet your needs.
