DOGGIE TRAVEL GUIDE: CAPE COD

There is nothing better than spending your dog days of summer at a Cape Cod beach. The warm sun, salty hair, sand in between your toes, outdoor showers, best seafood imaginable, and lots of laughs! It's the ultimate New England escape.

We're sharing how you can plan the perfect #dogfriendly weekend or week trip this summer to Cape Cod, Massachusetts!

Where to Stay

We stayed at an amazing dog-friendly Cape Cod vacation home in Eastham, MA! Which we were obsessed with by the way... This was a great central location to get to all the must sees! My favorite thing about this home is it had everything for everyone in the family. From a game room for the little ones, to the biggest comfy couch, a dining room to bring the family together, and a backyard that looks like it's straight out of a Disney movie (with an outdoor shower)!

We initially booked on airbnb, but you can find the home on VRBO here. Although, I'd highly recommend booking with Del Mar Vacation Rentals. They have tons of dog friendly cape vacation homes, just look for the little paw print in the right top corner of the listing. Be sure to check the fine print of each home for details for bringing your pup (i.e. size, how many, etc)!

Shhh!! Don't tell them Wren was on the furniture (that was a no no)! She was too cute not to grab a photo!

What to Do

Now there are endless things to do on the cape, but these are our favorite dog-friendly activities!

Dog Friendly Beaches

The #1 draw to the Cape is the beaches - and there are plenty that are dog friendly! Always keep your dog leashed and beware of the sharks (but seriously)! You'll see plenty of wildlife from starfish & protected birds to seals & whales.

Cape Cod National Seashore

This beach stretches from Nauset to P-town, so if your not staying in Eastham, it's likely you aren't far from a part of this beach! According to the NPS, "The National Seashore stretches over 40 miles & 40,000 acres of dune-filled beaches, salt marshes, & hiking and cycling paths"! Check out NPS's website for details on driving on the beach.

Cahoon Hollow, Wellfleet

This beach is perfect for a day-trip! Park at The Beachcomber (which is on a dune cliff overlooking the ocean) and walk down to the beach! Grab food at The Beachcomber to enjoy at your blanket! While you wait for your food, grab a mudslide - you won't regret it!

Nauset Outer Beach, Orleans

Drive out to your own spot - make sure to get a permit in advance!

Other dog-friendly beaches not too close to Eastham but you drive-by on your way through the Cape...

- Sandy Neck, Barnstable

- The Knob, Falmouth

Beaches to check out without your dog:

Anywhere on the bay! These beaches are best for swimming or at low tide! Check out Skaket Beach.

Don't forget your dog beach essentials, linked below!

Beach Cruiser Biking

There are tons of biking trails and remote roads to cruise around on. Wren loves sitting in the basket or running along side. Great way to get some exercise early in the day before heading to the beach!

Get a basket like Wren's, linked below!

Cape Cod League Baseball Games

We love catching a Chatham A's game after a day at the beach! The Chatham A's are just a short drive from Eastham, but the Cape League has games all over. Check out the schedule's here.

The players LOVED Wren. We didn't get any pictures because the players on the sidelines played with her the entire time we were at the game. This summer we'll be sure to get a photo!

Shopping

The Cape is known for it's boutique shopping. Each town has it's own area for shopping. They are almost always dog friendly! We did find the cutest dog store though, The Cape Cod Dog. It's a must see for bakery dog treats & dog accessories! Check out their google pictures, Wren is drooling. We got Wren the cutest cape style leash and matching collar harness (as pictured below) there! We also love Nauticollar!

Without the pup:

Minigolf - Also a tip for the 21+ ...they weren't strict on bringing drinks from the bar out on the course!

Where to Eat & Drink

If you are not from New England, you will quickly learn you can't start a summer day at the Cape without an ice coffee!

What we love about staying in a vacation home is the ability to eat at home, but what's a vacation without a meal out or two?!

Hole in One: Must stop for iced coffee, muffins, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, & lunch!

The Red Barn: Pizza! (also location of the Mini golf)

The Bistro on Main: Grab dinner after a Chatham A's game and sit on the patio!

PS! We decided to start our doggie travel guides while on this trip! We have much more to add and will be updating this with more restaurants over the summer of 2020!

Don't forget to get the cutest dog beach attire for your trip:

Be sure to share your travels with us in the comments or on instagram!

🐾 Wren

Don't forget to follow, like, & share on Instagram & Pinterest! Dogs are just as much a part of the family and should be able to come on your vacations! That's the reason why we share our dog friendly travel experience with you!