Visiting the Outer Cape with your dog offers a unique view of Cape Cod that combines natural beauty with a welcoming atmosphere. This area is celebrated for its expansive beaches, tall dunes, and artistic communities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. With your dog by your side, you can enjoy everything from beach outings to exploring the local arts scene in Provincetown, all within a picturesque New England setting
The Outer Cape encompasses the towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. From the secluded stretches of the Cape Cod National Seashore, ranging from Eastham to the artistic shores of Provincetown, each town offers its own unique blend of tranquility and scenic beauty.
Provincetown, at the very tip of the Cape, is a beacon of inclusion and charm. Many of the town’s eclectic shops, art galleries, and eateries welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy the lively street scene together. Provincetown also boasts trails and paths that meander through dune landscapes and along the shore, perfect for morning walks and ocean views.
Getting to the Upper Cape Cod
Getting to Provincetown and the Outer Cape with your dog is easy. For those preferring not to drive, the pet-friendly ferries to Provincetown offer a scenic and relaxing route across Cape Cod Bay. If you’re driving, Route 6 leads directly into the Outer Cape.
For detailed travel tips, including how to avoid the traffic, check out our comprehensive guide “Cape Cod Bound: Best Ways to Get There With A Dog (Driving is Optional)“.
Dog-Friendly Activities in the Outer Cape and Provincetown
1. Go To The Beach
Exploring the beaches of the Outer Cape with your dog can be the highlight of your trip, especially when you visit spots like the Cape Cod National Seashore and the dog beach in Provincetown.
At the Cape Cod National Seashore, leashed dogs are welcome on some of the non-guarded beaches, but it’s important to note that many areas close seasonally to protect wildlife, especially during bird nesting periods. Make sure to check current restrictions at the Cape Cod National Park website before you go.
In Provincetown, you can head to the dog-friendly beach located at the eastern end of town near the breakwater. This spot is not guarded, allowing dogs more freedom to play and explore off-leash, making it a perfect place for socializing and enjoying the water.
Before heading to the beach, make sure you are prepared by understanding the potential risks. Our guide, “Is It Safe To Take Your Dog To The Beach?” offers insights into several beach hazards you may not be aware of.
2. Explore the Town of Provincetown
Exploring Provincetown with your dog offers a delightful blend of pet-friendly experiences. The town itself is known for its welcoming atmosphere towards four-legged visitors. As you wander through the charming streets, you’ll notice many shops and galleries provide water bowls and treats right at their doorsteps.
The bustling Commercial Street, in particular, is a haven for pet owners, with numerous stores allowing pets to browse alongside their owners. This inclusive vibe makes Provincetown an ideal spot for enjoying a leisurely day of shopping and sightseeing with your dog.
3. Pilgrim Bark Park
Pilgrim Bark Park in Provincetown is a thoughtfully designed dog park that provides a safe and enjoyable environment where dogs can run, play, and socialize off-leash. Spanning over an acre, the park is divided into sections for large and small dogs, ensuring safe play for all sizes.
What sets Pilgrim Bark Park apart are its creative and artistic touches. The park features custom-designed benches, sculptures, and even a memorial section—all created by local artists, reflecting the town’s vibrant arts community. The park’s layout offers plenty of shaded areas, water stations to keep the dogs hydrated, and waste stations to ensure cleanliness. Make sure to read the Bark Park rules before going.
You can find the Pilgrim Bark Park at: 227 US-6, Provincetown, MA 02657
4. Explore the Dune Shacks Trail
Exploring the Dune Shacks Trail with your dog offers a unique hiking experience through the iconic dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This 2.4-mile round trip leads to historic dune shacks that have been a retreat for artists since the 1920s, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail’s sandy terrain can be challenging, especially in summer when the sand may get very hot and potentially burn dog paws.
To ensure safety, it’s best to avoid hiking during the midday heat of the summer and to bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities available on the trail. The path offers minimal shade, and blowing sand can be an issue on windy days.
The trailhead is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Snail Road, with parking available for only three cars. Directions and offline maps can be found on Alltrails.com. Leashed dogs are permitted on the trail, although some areas may be off-limits. Always adhere to posted signs to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for all.
5. Take a Walk Along the MacMillan pier
A walk along the pier in Provincetown is a delightful way to enjoy breathtaking scenery, fresh ocean breezes, and vibrant local culture. As you meander down the pier you will find the area is dotted with charming shops offering local crafts and strategically placed benches that offer the perfect spot to relax while watching the hustle and bustle of marine life.
6. Go for a Sail
Sailing is an integral part of the Cape Cod Community and a great way to spend a few hours on the water. For those looking to share this experience with their furry friends, there are several dog-friendly sailing charter companies available.
Dog Gone Sailing Charters offers pet-friendly trips. You can find them docked at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, MA. For bookings, you can reach them at 508-566-0410.
Another option is Hindu Sailing Charters, known for their 1.5-hour family and dog-friendly day sails around Cape Cod Bay. They are also located at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, MA, and can be contacted at 508-542-2996. Make sure to let them know you are bringing a dog with you.
7. Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watching provides public tours that welcome well-behaved dogs alongside their owners. However, before you decide to join, it’s important to consider whether your dog will enjoy the experience.
Most whale watching tours last between three to four hours, so ensure your dog is comfortable with being on a boat for an extended period. Dogs can suffer from motion sickness.
Additionally, make sure your dog has a chance to relieve itself before boarding. There will be no opportunities once aboard. You can find them at 307 Commercial Street #1 Provincetown, MA 02657. For bookings or questions, you can reach them at 508-240-3636. Make sure to tell them you are bringing a pet with you.
8. Take a Pedicab Tour
For a unique perspective on Provincetown, consider a Pedicab tour. These bicycle-powered cabs offer a leisurely and efficient way to explore the town’s highlights. Enjoy iconic sights, local shops, and scenic waterfronts comfortably, without the hassle of parking or excessive walking. There are a couple of dog-friendly companies.
- Commercial Street Pedicab – Tours run 1.25 hours and are available daily from 11am to 9pm, May to October. Well-behaved pet dogs are allowed as long as it is deemed safe. Call for more details: 508-257-1277
- P’town Pedicab provides customized tours that allow dogs. Call them to discuss the details of the tour: 508-487-0660
9. Fire Roads: Cape Cod National Seashore
The fire roads in the Cape Cod National Seashore offer a unique opportunity for visitors with dogs to explore the area’s natural beauty. Unlike most of the designated hiking trails where dogs are not permitted, these fire roads welcome furry companions, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely walk amidst stunning landscapes. One notable path is the Hatches Harbor Fire Road near Provincetown, a 3.3-mile easy route that’s ideal for a quick adventure with your pet.
Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on the fire roads throughout the year. However, access is restricted to Hatches Harbor (marsh and spit) during bird nesting season from April 1 to October 15 to protect the wildlife. Visitors are urged to respect all signage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
10. Enjoy a Ghost Tour
Provincetown Ghosts Tours offers an intriguing dog-friendly ghost tour that promises both thrills and chills. This unique walking tour takes you through the historic and haunted streets of Provincetown, where guides share eerie tales and legendary ghost stories tied to the town. Tours take about 90 minutes and depart daily at nine o’clock from The Coffee Pot at 315 Commercial Street, Lopes Square.
Reservations are highly recommended. Pets are free but need to be added to your reservations at the time of booking.
11. Provincetown Brewing Co.
Provincetown Brewing Co. offers a welcoming atmosphere for both beer enthusiasts and their canine companions. Guests can enjoy a relaxed setting where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at the outdoor patio. It’s a perfect spot for unwinding after a day of exploring.
You can find them at 141 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657, or call 508-413-9076
For more pet friendly breweries on the Cape visit our post on Dog Friendly Breweries & Vineyards on Cape Cod
12. Go For a Bike Ride
Going for a bike ride with a pet trailer is an excellent way to explore the scenic landscapes of Cape Cod with your furry friend. In Wellfleet, you can enjoy the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a picturesque and mostly flat route that winds through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to beautiful beaches, all on well-maintained paths.
There are a couple of bike shops in Provincetown that rent bikes with pet trailers. The Bike Shack is one of them. Located at 3 Shank Painter Road in Provincetown, Ma. Gale Force Bikes is the other and is located at 144 Bradford Street Extension in Provincetown.
13. Great Island Trail
The Great Island Trail is a scenic and challenging hiking trail located in Wellfleet, on Cape Cod. This trail offers breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay, salt marshes, and sand dunes. It’s known for its serene and remote atmosphere, providing hikers with a true sense of adventure as they traverse the diverse landscape. The trail spans between 3.9 to 8.8 miles round trip depending on which trail you take.
Dogs are welcome on the Great Island Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. This ensures both their safety and the preservation of the natural habitat. Be sure to bring plenty of water and be mindful of the tides, as parts of the trail can be submerged during high tide. As with all of the Cape Cod National Seashore, areas may be closed due to shorebird nesting.
Exploring the Outer Cape with a dog
Exploring the Outer Cape with your dog is a wonderful way to experience the unique landscapes and welcoming communities of this region. Tell us about your adventures in the comments below.