The North Shore is wonderfully welcoming to dogs, from Salem's historic streets to Rockport's scenic harbor. Whether you're grabbing lunch in Marblehead, shopping in Newburyport, or exploring Gloucester's rocky coast, this guide covers the best dog-friendly North Shore destinations.
Planning a full day exploring the North Shore? Pawmenities in Lynnfield offers cage-free daycare when your pup needs a break—or overnight boarding for longer adventures.
Book North Shore Daycare →Dog-Friendly Salem
Salem is one of the most dog-friendly towns on the North Shore, with numerous outdoor patios and walkable streets.
Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
- Bambolina (288 Derby St) — Wood-fired pizza with spacious dog-friendly patio
- Mercy Tavern (148 Derby St) — Gastropub with outdoor seating overlooking Derby Street
- Kokeshi (109 Essex St) — Asian fusion with sidewalk tables
- The Lobster Shanty (25 Front St) — Waterfront seafood, dogs welcome on deck
- All Day Breakfast Project (Essex St) — Brunch spot with patio seating
Dog-Friendly Walks & Attractions
- Derby Wharf — Half-mile historic wharf extending into Salem Harbor
- Salem Common — Central green space perfect for a stroll
- Chestnut Street — Beautiful historic architecture walk
- Collins Cove — Quiet waterfront area for peaceful walks
- Downtown Essex Street — Pedestrian-friendly shopping district
Pet-Friendly Shops
- Fetch (274 Essex St) — Dog boutique with treats, toys, and accessories
- The Barking Boutique — Natural pet supplies and gifts
- Many downtown shops welcome leashed dogs—just ask!
Dog-Friendly Marblehead
This charming seaside town welcomes well-behaved dogs at many establishments.
Restaurants & Cafes
- The Landing (81 Front St) — Waterfront dining with harbor views
- Maddie's Sail Loft (15 State St) — Casual harbor-side spot
- Shubie's Marketplace (16 Atlantic Ave) — Gourmet market with outdoor seating
- Stowaway Sweets — Ice cream and candy with outdoor benches
Scenic Walks
- Old Town — Wander narrow streets lined with historic homes
- Fort Sewall — Historic fort with harbor views
- Crocker Park — Overlook with stunning harbor panoramas
- Chandler Hovey Park — Lighthouse and rocky coastline
- Devereux Beach — Dogs allowed October-April
Dog-Friendly Rockport
Dining
- Roy Moore Lobster Co. (Bearskin Neck) — Outdoor lobster rolls with harbor views
- The Greenery (15 Dock Sq) — Cafe with outdoor patio
- Helmut's Strudel (49 Bearskin Neck) — German pastries, outdoor seating
- Bean & Leaf Cafe — Coffee spot with sidewalk tables
Walks & Scenery
- Bearskin Neck — Shop-lined peninsula with art galleries
- Front Beach & Back Beach — Sandy stretches (seasonal restrictions)
- Halibut Point State Park — Stunning granite quarry and ocean views
- Motif No. 1 — The famous red fishing shack, perfect photo op
Dog-Friendly Gloucester
Restaurants
- The Rudder (73 Rocky Neck Ave) — Waterfront seafood with deck
- Destino's — Local favorite with outdoor tables
- Sugar Magnolias (112 Main St) — Breakfast with patio
- Latitude 43 (25 Rogers St) — Harbor views, dogs on deck
Outdoor Spots
- Good Harbor Beach — Dogs allowed off-season (Oct-April)
- Stage Fort Park — Beach, picnic areas, and walking paths
- Ravenswood Park — 500+ acres of woodland trails
- Rocky Neck Art Colony — Stroll among galleries
Dog-Friendly Newburyport
Downtown
- Plum Island Coffee Roasters (10 Pleasant St) — Coffee with outdoor seating
- Mission Oak Grill (26 Market Sq) — Farm-to-table with patio
- Agave (50 State St) — Mexican with outdoor area
- Abraham's Bagels — Breakfast with sidewalk seating
Nature & Beaches
- Plum Island — Miles of beach (seasonal restrictions)
- Maudslay State Park — Beautiful gardens and trails
- Waterfront Promenade — Scenic Merrimack River walks
Dog-Friendly Peabody & Beverly
Peabody
- Brooksby Farm — Walking trails and seasonal activities
- Centennial Park — Open green space for walks
- Pet Life — Full-service pet store
Beverly
- Long Hill — 114 acres of gardens and trails
- Lynch Park — Beach and rose garden (seasonal rules)
- The Fish & Bone — Pet supplies and grooming
- Downtown Cabot Street — Dog-friendly shops and cafes
North Shore Pet Supply Stores
- Fetch (Salem) — Boutique treats and accessories
- Pet Life (Peabody) — Full-service with grooming
- Loyal Companion (Multiple locations) — Natural pet supplies
- The Fish & Bone (Beverly) — Pet supplies and services
- Especially for Pets (Danvers) — Local pet store
North Shore Beach Dog Rules
Important: Most North Shore beaches restrict dogs during summer:
- Dogs typically allowed: October through April
- Dogs typically prohibited: May through September
- Always check town-specific rules before visiting
- Leash requirements vary by beach
- Clean up required everywhere
Tips for Dog-Friendly Adventures
- Call ahead — Restaurant patio policies can change seasonally
- Bring water — Summer heat can be intense
- Check beach rules — Most beaches ban dogs May-September
- Respect leash laws — Required in most North Shore towns
- Visit off-peak — Early mornings are best for popular spots
Need care while you explore? Check out our North Shore boarding or daycare guide.