Are you ready to pack up your human and hit the road? Massachusetts may not be one of the first places you think of for a dog-friendly vacation, but it should be! With its charming small towns, rich history, and endless outdoor attractions, Massachusetts dog friendly day trips are great for both adventure-seeking hounds and the more reserved type.
After an epic 59-day road trip through New England with my human, this mixed-breed rescue dog has gathered some excellent pet-friendly spots in Massachusetts that both you & your travel companion will adore. Let’s explore some lesser-known attractions and towns that are perfect for a dog-friendly getaway!
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Plymouth for Doggie Delights
Plymouth isn’t just about the rock and Mayflower; it’s also about us hounds! Make some friends & get your paws wet at Plymouth Long Beach, get some miles in at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, or get the belly full at Kupcakes & Kibbles.
Kupcakes & Kibbles offers healthy, fresh-baked treats—or “doggie beer & cigars” for pups who need to satiate their habits. To be truly impressed, check out the “Happy Pooch Meal” and the abundance of pet wellness items.
After indulging at the bakery, walk it off on your way to Plymouth Rock as you take in astounding views of the boats in the harbor. The downtown area is incredibly walkable. I love that Plymouth’s businesses are locally owned.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this iconic town’s sights and smells; you might even pick up some scents of your ancestors here!
Indoor Fun at JB’s Indoor Dog Park in Norwell
When the weather isn’t cooperating, head to JB’s Indoor Dog Park in Norwell. This climate-controlled play space offers a fantastic opportunity for socialization and exercise.
I, who can be a bit shy around new things, felt right at home in the friendly atmosphere of JB’s. The indoor park provides a chance for dogs to play and make new friends while the humans inevitably chat all about us. Props to the staff member who removed the toy bin when a toy-possessed dog arrived!
Boston’s Pet-Friendly Hotspots
Boston’s mix of history, culture, and pet-friendly accommodations make it a top destination for us hounds. It is a Mecca for walking! While my human knew Boston would have many of my biggest triggers (parking garages and bicycles, primarily), she took extra precautions to accommodate my nervous nature.
If you are a nervous-natured dog, like myself, get a parking spot at the $20/$25/day lots rather than a parking garage, which may end up costing you more anyway.
When you are ready to hit the pavement, Boston Common is a must! Here, you will find some of the country’s best squirrel-stalking opps, seemingly endless paved walkways, and inevitably a few dog meetups to join on your stroll through this magnificent green space.
After admiring every squirrel in the Common, strut over to Fenway Park. It offers a scenic and commercial walk whether you commute via Newbury St. or Commonwealth Ave; you won’t go wrong either way!
While at Fenway Park, throw some begging eyes at your caregiver and have them dish out a few dollars at a hotdog cart so you can snack while resting the bones for a few minutes.
Boston’s Park 9
When the clock strikes 4 PM, it’s time to head over to Park-9! Get your feel cooled off, or go in for a whole-body dunk in one of the doggie pools.
Other things I loved were that I could drink straight from the splash pad, wrestle or play tag with new friends, relax in Adirondack chairs away from the action, cheer my human on during a corn hole match, and climb onto one of the raised platforms to be “on top of the world”!
This dog bar is a treasure trove for us canines, and a testament to the Massachusetts dog friendly vibe. We love the added layer of safety with the “rufferees” on duty. Worth noting: Park-9 has another location in Everett, just 6 miles away.
Check out Bark Boston for daycare accommodations if you need a reprieve from Beantown’s commotion.
Pro-tip: Get a good night’s rest the night before! Boston offers so many hound-friendly spots that you will want to be at your best for this legendary city.
For more to do in Boston, read this post.
Dedham’s Dogtopia Daycare
Again, for this sensitive hound, one day in Boston was enough, but my human still wanted to explore the city. So, she found Dogtopia of Dedham for me, 21 miles from Boston.
Dogtopia’s staff was thorough, from check-in and temperament test to check-out and every moment in between!
I know you good dog owners spend an unhealthy amount of time worrying about our safety, comfortability, and happiness—you need not worry when we are at this place! If you need daycare, boarding, or grooming in the Boston area, Dogtopia of Dedham is a top-notch pet care facility.
Provincetown Might Be Made For Dogs
Provincetown’s New Orleans-style charm is a must-visit destination for dogs and dog admirers alike. The town’s immaculate streets, vibrant atmosphere, and pet-friendly establishments make it a joy to explore.
Of all the cities and towns I explored on my 59-day New England road trip, Provincetown had the most pups; happy hounds everywhere you look!
Stroll through the lively streets, pick up road trip snacks and toys at Paws & Whiskers, and revel in this unforgettable community! Whether you are a fan of art or history or just love a good walk with new scents, Provincetown will cater to your needs.
Five Rings Pet Resort
Five Rings Pet Resort in Hanson is a lifesaver for humans planning to explore Boston without us canine companions! With its excellent care and facilities, our owners can venture into the city knowing we are in good hands. Five Rings is only 27 miles from Boston.
While I did have a great day in “Beantown” (which my owner made all about me), one day of that much stimulation was enough for me. So, when she needed to finish exploring the city for an extra day, I kicked my feet up at Five Rings, made new friends, and relished every second of my stress-free environment.
If your travel companion needs a trustworthy place for daycare or boarding, Five Rings Pet Resort has my full endorsement. Bonus: you will not find the $100/day price tag for daycare and boarding like many places my owner was quoted in the Boston area.
Salem’s Rich History & Dog-Friendly Spots
Salem may not have been built on good ethics, but it treats us dogs well now.
Our first stop was Salem Common to get some of that energy out, stretch for the day ahead, soak in the perfectly manicured greenspace, and probably meet some other cute pups doing the same as you. While strolling aimlessly through the Common, don’t be surprised if your snout has led you to the Hawthorne House, one of America’s most haunted hotels. If it does, head on in!
The Hawthorne Hotel welcomes our kind for sightseeing, ghost hunting, and lodging with a $75 per night pet fee. Before leaving the property, drag your handler over to the Grand Ballroom at this Historic Hotel of America and see if you pick up any leftover energy from the 1990 Seance held there!
Continue your history lesson and go to The House of the Seven Gables, one of America’s most beloved historic homes. While only service dogs are allowed on mansion tours, all dogs are welcome in the Visitor Center, where you can learn the story of this manor made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
A few other recommended spots are Witch Pix (themed photoshoots of us furry friends), Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (a stellar fright), and Wynott’s Wands (manifesting your owner to meet your every command)!
Salem gave me a priceless feeling of safety on my 10-mile walk of the city. I hope you find the same welcome. This Massachusetts dog friendly city has something for pooches of all temperaments!
Scenic Strolls in Whitman Town Park
Whitman Town Park in Whitman, MA, is a charming spot for a leisurely stroll with your dog. The park features broad walking paths, open spaces for play, and plenty of spots for a squirrel-stalking session!
My caregiver and I ended up at this park by mistake—this gem of a discovery must be what Bob Ross meant by “happy accidents.” The tranquil setting and friendly locals make it a perfect destination for dog owners to spend quality time with us.
Plus, it allows you to mark off having gone somewhere on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bring a frisbee or ball to show off your skills in the open fields before heading over to scope out the ducks in the park’s pond. If you need to get a few more strides out, head across the street to strut your stuff in the walkable downtown.
Yarmouth’s Unique Dog Daycare
My human discovered Peticulars, a dog daycare and boarding center on Old Main Street in Yarmouth. It offered the perfect pet-sitting solution for when she needed to explore some “human-friendly” attractions in the area.
If you are a nervous hound like me, spending the day at daycare relieves the stress of both my human and myself since all I have to do now is play with new friends and get belly rubs. Otherwise, I would fear large crowds, be carried across every bridge, hunker down on the stairs, and worry about what other dogs exploring the town are doing near me.
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod, consider using this fantastic daycare. Let your owner know not to feel guilty about not including us in the travels that day—we will have a fine time at Peticulars!
Concord’s Literary Legacy
With its rich literary history, Concord is a must-visit for book lovers. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is the final resting place of literary giants like Louisa May Alcott, Thoreau, Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
My human has not yet taught me to read, but I hear those buried on “Author’s Row” contributed great works.
My travel companion and I took a peaceful walk through the cemetery, where we encountered many other travelers coming to pay their respects. I have explored several dog-friendly cemeteries in my time, but none with such remarkable energy as this one.
My handler had to pick me up and carry me around one section of the cemetery because I was afraid to walk through it. For those who appreciate literature, history, or even a good haunted hotel (Colonial Inn), be sure to add Concord to the itinerary!
Abington’s Historic Island Grove Park
In 2002, Island Grove Park earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places as a meeting place for Abolitionists during the mid-1800s and otherwise deemed “The Crown Jewel of Abington” by locals.
The 35-acre Island Grove Pond surrounds the park, allowing a leashed swim to cool the body down.
Us pooches and our owners can spend hours wandering the trails and taking in the pine-shaded park. We may even meet a few cute fellow pups along the way. Make sure to bring a tennis ball for a game of fetch in the pond!
The park’s history adds an extra layer of intrigue to your visit, making it a unique experience for history buffs and nature lovers. Pack a picnic, take in the views, and enjoy a day of exploration!
Lincoln deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique destination for art enthusiasts, and a dream come true for us canines! The outdoor sculpture park offers a lovely display of 60+ contemporary art pieces set within beautiful natural surroundings; it allows us pooches 30 acres to sniff and roam!
My travel companion and I explored the park’s trails, admired the diverse sculptures, and felt an array of emotions evoked by each piece. The combination of art and nature creates a truly inspiring experience. My personal favorite was “Best of All Possible Worlds”.
If you are looking to refine your artistic palate and impress your dog park friends with your cultural exploration, deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum will give you all the right tools.
Orleans’ Culinary Delights & Scenic Spots
Orleans (on Cape Cod) offers fantastic dining options and scenic locations, perfect for a day trip with your person. Land Ho! is a tasty spot for lunch, serving up epic fish and chips you won’t want to miss.
After a satisfying meal, explore the monastery grounds at the Church of the Transfiguration. This beautiful property provides a stunning backdrop for an afternoon stroll along Cape Cod Bay.
Nighttime Adventures in Scituate
Scituate is a picture-perfect coastal town ideal for a nighttime adventure with your caregiver. My owner and I took a long sunset stroll from Scituate Lighthouse to the charming downtown, where my snout led us straight to an ice cream shop on the waterfront. Ice cream is my favorite!
The welcoming Scituate locals, who could not keep their hands off me, and the town’s relaxing ambiance made our evening delightful. There’s something magical about exploring this town under the stars.
If you’re looking for a low-key destination with a welcoming vibe, Scituate is worth a visit.
Conclusion
From charming small towns to bustling cities, Massachusetts has no shortage of adventures waiting for you to take your human on! Whether exploring Salem’s historical sites, strolling the well-maintained town parks, or partaking in a “pup cup crawl” around the state, Massachusetts dog-friendly offerings go above and beyond to make us feel appreciated and catered to.
Plan your next road trip to this wonderful state and create unforgettable memories with your beloved human. With so many dog-friendly spots to discover, that wagging tail will need a break!
This article was written by Peyton Pittman, Rooney Roams’ owner and daughter of Melody. This is her first submission in “Dog Friendly” Destinations for Wherever I May Roam Blog.
