Dog walking in South Portland

Willard Beach

Willard Beach is both a neighborhood and a beach on the eastern side of South Portland that is very popular with dog owners. Dog-friendly beaches can be hard to come by, and Willard Beach is one the best for people and for dogs to enjoy. Dogs are allowed to play off-leash here, provided they are under voice control and aren't aggressive with other dogs. Visitors to Willard Beach keep coming back because, not only do their dogs have such a good time, but they also say both the people and the dogs are some of the friendliest you will meet!

Knightville

Knightville is a modern, vibrant, and walkable neighborhood in South Portland that has recently undergone a revival. The community now boasts a mix of trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops along with several historic buildings. Hinckley Park can also be found in this SoPo neighborhood, and it's a great spot for your dog to get some exercise. The off-leash area isn't fenced in, so it is best saved for dogs under voice control. The park spans 40 acres, and it has two ponds to play or cool off in and a whole bunch of green space to race around on.

Ferry Village

Ferry Village is an area of South Portland often known for its lighthouse which was first built in 1855. The light is called the Portland Breakwater Light, although many call it the Bug Light and there is even a park in the area named after it. Bug Light Park is a large park with a designated off-leash area for dogs. The park is almost nine acres, and its beach access makes it a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and boating. You and Fido will both enjoy the sunshine and the breathtaking views of the harbor during your visit to Bug Light Park.

North South Portland

The northern tip of South Portland is often referred to as NoPo, and much of the area is surrounded by miles of gorgeous shoreline. You can also access the Eastern Trail here, which is part of a network of 1,600 trails that stretch across the United States. Abandoned rail lines throughout the country were brought back to life as trails, and are now being put to good use by dogs and dog walkers, bikers, hikers, and rollerbladers all over the country. This portion of the trail stretches for almost six miles, and it's a perfect route to take if you want to explore many residential areas of South Portland.

East Deering

East Deering is the easternmost neighborhood in all of Portland, Maine and it is only a 15-minute drive from South Portland. East Deering has a pawesome dog park that is definitely worth the quick trip to get there. Quarry Run Dog Park is a seven-acre fenced in, off-leash park that also has a separate section for small or shy dogs to play. Visitors to this park enjoy how friendly the other two-legged and four-legged guests are and that there is always someone to play with. When you and Rover are done playing at the park, you're right by several trails that showcase some of the most beautiful spots in Maine.