Provincetown: America’s Most Dog-Friendly Town is a Must-See
Written by Elizabeth Pezzoni
Provincetown, Massachusetts is a vibrant oceanside town at the tip of Cape Cod that is known for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Named Dog Fancy Magazine’s most dog-friendly town in America, they welcome and spoil all their furry tourists with treats, water bowls, and even boat rides for the well-behaved! It is truly a dog’s vacation paradise with an abundance of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, trails, beaches, and one of the top ranked dog parks in the nation for you and your pooch to enjoy. Here are our favorites for your next pet-friendly stay in P-Town:
Commercial Street
Just strolling down Commercial Street offers up a wide range of activities for you and your dog to enjoy. There are plenty of shops and galleries to browse, most of which allow dogs inside. There are also ample food options to enjoy on the go, while others may prefer the many restaurants that feature pet-friendly outdoor patio seating. No matter where you decide to go, there will be no shortage of dogs and dog-lovers!
Parks & Trails
Once you’ve gotten your fill of shopping and chatting with locals, you can head over to the award-winning Pilgrim Bark Park, ranked one of the tops dog parks in the nation. Pilgrim Bark Park allows your dog to run off leash and even has a section of land designated solely for dogs under 25 pounds.
If you’re ready for a more secluded experience, you can check out Long Point Lighthouse Trail, a 5-mile loop along the beach and over a breakwater that features wildlife, amazing views, and the beautiful lighthouse, of course. This is the idyllic Cape Cod walk for hikers and ocean-lovers alike.
Other dog-friendly beaches in the area include Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach where you can walk along wooden boardwalk paths, soft white sands, and you may even spot seals or whales off the coast.
Or perhaps you’re more adventurous and prefer renting a kayak or bike with your dog or sharing a Whale Watch tour aboard the dog-freindly Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown Whale Watch. There’s plenty to do and to see!
Need Some Time on Your Own?
Whether you need some time to explore on your own or if you want your dog to make some new friends, you should check out the Provincetown Pet Resort. The resort offers daycare, grooming, and dog and cat boarding and even has different levels of suites to choose from. It also features a play yard for your pup to socialize, splash in the pool, or lay in the sun. When you go to pick him/her up later, stop in their adorable pet supply store for doggie bakery treats, toys, accessories, and gourmet pet foods. Your pooch will love you for it!
If You’re Staying for the Weekend
If you think one day is just not enough (we don’t blame you), there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels to choose from so you and your pup can both have a warm bed to retire to after a long day in the sun. One option is the Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s, a hotel that not only provides you with a luxurious and memorable experience, but your pet too! Each pet-friendly room comes with food and water bowls, dog beds, organic treats, complimentary pick-up bags, loaner leashes, and a complimentary copy of Fido Friendly magazine. Some rooms and suites even have jacuzzis and fireplaces, and the hotel is located right next to Pilgrim Monument Park where you can play with your dog on the lawn or explore the paths. This truly is the ultimate dog-friendly hotel.
More Resources
Hotels
Benchmark Inn
6 Dyer St. | 508-487-7440
Policies: The fee is $35 for the first night, and $10 for each additional night, cash only
Christopher’s By the Bay
8 Johnson St. | 508-487-9263
Policies: There is a $20/night fee
Harbor Hotel
698 Commercial St. | 508-487-1711
Labrador Landing
47 Commercial St. Units B & C | 774-538-9595
Lands End Inn
22 Commercial St. | 508-487-0706
Policies: There is a $50 fee per pet, no more than 2 pets are allowed per room, and pets must be under 90 lbs.
Surfside Hotel and Suites
543 Commercial St. | 508-487-1726
Policies: There is a fee of $40/day
Tucker Inn
12 Center St. | 508-487-0381
Policies: There is a $20/day charge
Veterinarians
Herring Cove Animal Hospital
83 Shank Painter Rd. | 508-487-6449