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Beach rules for dogs

Dogs at the national seashores and lakeshores

The national seashores are some of the best places to walk a dog by the water, but the rules are all over the map, and the seasonal beach closures catch a lot of people off guard.

Below is every national seashore and lakeshore we have checked, with its dog rule up front. Some welcome dogs on miles of open sand, others limit them to certain stretches or ban them in summer to protect nesting birds.

Bring water and a leash, mind the tides and the heat, and check the page for the exact beach where dogs are allowed.

13 places, each verified and linked
Photograph of Lake Superior sandstone rock stack under a blue sky.APISDog-friendly

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
National Lakeshore
The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.CAHADog-friendly

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
National Seashore
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud fCALODog-friendly

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
National Seashore
Yellow flowers bloom in the dunes along Malaquite Beach.PAISDog-friendly

Padre Island National Seashore

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
National Seashore
A bright sun begins to set into Lake MichiganSLBEDog-friendly

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
National Lakeshore
Wild horses on the dunes at AssateagueASISLimited access

Assateague Island National Seashore

Pets are allowed only in specific areas of the Maryland side of Assateague Island and are banned from all nature trails and the entire Virginia side.
National Seashore
Dune plants, beach, and ocean.CANALimited access

Canaveral National Seashore

At Canaveral National Seashore pets are allowed on the lagoon side, trails, and multi-use paths, but they are banned from the beach and boardwalks.
National Seashore
A curling wave breaks against the backdrop of a pink sunrise.CACOLimited access

Cape Cod National Seashore

At Cape Cod National Seashore pets are banned from nearly all walking trails and face heavy seasonal beach closures, so access is very limited.
National Seashore
Sand dunes covered with shrubs and grassesCUISLimited access

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Leashed dogs can visit Cumberland Island for the day but only on the southern end, and only if brought over by private boat since the ferry does not carry pets.
National Seashore
The Fire Island Lighthouse against a vibrant sunset.FIISLimited access

Fire Island National Seashore

Leashed pets can join you in some areas of Fire Island, but ocean beaches and the wilderness are closed to them for much of the year.
National Seashore
Ferry in the Pensacola BayGUISLimited access

Gulf Islands National Seashore

At Gulf Islands, leashed pets are welcome on trails, paved paths, and park roads, but they are banned from every beach and all forts and buildings.
National Seashore
Multi-colored sandstone cliffs rise out of Lake SuperiorPIROLimited access

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks allows leashed dogs in many front-country areas and on a handful of named trails and beaches, but the main hiking network, including the Lakeshore/North Country Trail and all backcountry, is closed to pets.
National Lakeshore
Waves wash in from the left onto a long, straight stretch of undeveloped, low-lying coastline.PORELimited access

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes allows leashed dogs only on a few named beaches and trails; all other trails, beaches, and off-trail land are closed to pets.
National Seashore

For a summer beach trip with a dog, call ahead or check the page, since the nesting closures move around each year.

Common questions

Why are dogs banned from some beaches in summer?

Most seasonal closures protect nesting shorebirds like piping plovers between spring and late summer. The same beach is often open to dogs the rest of the year.

Can dogs swim at the national seashores?

At the dog-friendly ones, usually yes, on a leash and outside the guarded swimming areas. Rinse the salt and sand off afterward and watch for rip currents.