Pets are often considered family members, so it’s no surprise that many dog owners like to take their animals on errands around town or on vacation. You’re in luck if you want to bring your pooch to Boothbay Harbor. There are plenty of animal attractions, and dogs are welcome in many public areas. In fact, numerous shops have water bowls in front of their stores. With that in mind, these are the best pet-friendly things to do in Boothbay Harbor.
Best Boothbay Harbor Outdoor Activities for Pets
In general, dogs love being outdoors, and Boothbay Harbor has plenty of outdoor things for your furry friend to do. From hiking and swimming to kayaking and fishing, these are great activities for you to enjoy, too.
Boothbay Region Land Trust Preserves
Since 1980, Boothbay Region Land Trust has protected the natural lands and waterfront of the Boothbay region. It welcomes the public to its preserves for free all year. In Boothbay Harbor, there are four preserves with trails that are pet-friendly: Oak Point Farm, Penny Lake Preserve, Pine Tree Preserve, and Lobster Cove Meadow.
The Hendricks Head Hiking Trail is also near the Hendricks Head public beach on Southport Island.
In addition, there are 12 preserves across Boothbay and Edgcomb that welcome your furry friend as long as it’s well-behaved and stays on a leash when other people are nearby. However, it must remain on a leash at all times in some areas, so look for signage when you arrive.
Tidal Transit Kayak Company
The Boothbay region is one of the best places for river and sea kayaking, and Tidal Transit Kayak Company can provide everything that you need.
You can even paddle a kayak to one of the nearby lighthouses and public islands during your pet-friendly vacation.
Tidal Transit Kayak Company offers kayak tours of Boothbay Harbor and its surrounding region. The tour leaders are familiar with the area’s ecology and history.
The company also has bicycle and standup paddleboard rentals available.
Cap’n Fish’s Boat Trips
If you prefer to tour the water in a bigger boat, Cap’n Fish’s Boat Trips offers pet-friendly cruises. You have a variety of options:
- Lobster trap hauling and seal watching tour.
- Puffin nature cruise.
- Seal and whale watching tours.
- Damariscove Harbor and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse tours.
You can even book combination cruises. The tours range in duration from about one to three hours.
Other Pet-Friendly Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor
Pets Unleashed Photography
While your pet is enjoying dog-friendly activities, you can capture those moments with help from Pets Unleashed Photography. Photographer Natashia loves animals and to capture their personalities in her photos. Whether your dog is running free in a field or playing in the mud, she can turn that moment into a lifetime memory.
Boothbay Railway Village
If you like to visit museums, Boothbay Railway Village is the perfect one for a pet-friendly vacation. This recreated village is based on the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries. It features historical exhibits and a working steam train, and your well-behaved dog can walk and ride with you while on a leash.
Best Boothbay Harbor Pet-Friendly Restaurants
In between the dog-friendly activities that you do, you need to stop for sustenance. Fortunately, Boothbay Harbor is teeming with pet-friendly restaurants.
Shannon’s Unshelled
At Shannon’s Unshelled, you get to treat yourself with fast but fresh seafood dishes. The specialties at this locally owned eatery are homemade lobster stew and clam chowder. The Maine lobster rolls are bursting with flavor too. You can eat at the outdoor tables with your dog or take your meal to go.
Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Combining classic Maine dishes with a tapas-style menu, Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant has dog-friendly outdoor tables so that you can enjoy your meal with a harbor view. Some unique items on the menu include lobster waffles, spicy tofu tostadas, lobster mac and cheese, and scallop risotto.
Mine Oyster
With an outdoor patio and deck, Mine Oyster offers the closest dining to Boothbay Harbor because it stands over the water. The restaurant has a large menu of oysters, Maine lobster, fried scallops, sashimi and sushi, choice filet mignon, and cocktails.
Boothbay Lobster Wharf
The best place to get seafood straight from the ocean is Boothbay Lobster Wharf. This dog-friendly restaurant has outdoor tables, and you can watch the fisherman unload their catches while you dine. Aside from seafood, it serves hot dogs, burgers, wraps, and chicken. There’s a full bar for cocktails and live entertainment as well.
Wannawaf
When you have a hankering for something sweet, visit Wannawaf with your dog. This stand serves gourmet Belgian waffles, hot dogs and ice cream sundaes with a variety of toppings. Consider the hot dog-wrapped waffle to combine savory and sweet flavors. In 2018, Maine Magazine named Wannawaf as having the best hot dogs in the state.
Best Places That Offer Pet Services and Shopping
Whether you are just having a day out or are on a pet-friendly vacation, you might need dog supplies or grooming at some point. It’s also helpful to know where emergency services are in case the unthinkable happens.
Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters
Open all year, Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters is a pet supply store. Since 2012, it has provided food, treats, and accessories for dogs and cats. The knowledgeable staff can help you get what you need. You can even bring your pooch inside if it behaves well, is neutered, and remains on a leash.
Boothbay Canine
If your dog needs a bit of grooming or you need a little time to do non-dog-friendly activities, Boothbay Canine is the place to call. This facility offers dog daycare and boarding services as well as basic grooming. The staff can give your dog a brush-out, bath, nail trim and buffer, or ear cleaning.
Boothbay Animal Hospital
In case your dog has an accident while you’re out, Boothbay Animal Hospital can provide quality care. This veterinarian hospital uses X-rays, ultrasounds, and other advanced diagnostic procedures to diagnose and treat your furry friend.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
For convenient, pet-friendly accommodations during a vacation, book a room at Flagship Inn.
Our pet-friendly rooms are stocked with items from Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters because we want your dog to be comfortable too.
Our hotel is within walking distance of many dog-friendly activities and other things to do in Boothbay Harbor. In fact, a footbridge connects our property to the Penny Lake Preserve.
