Want to take your dog on an adventure through the Upper Cape? Finding pet-friendly accommodations and activities may sound daunting. Relax. Cape Cod is full of hiking trails, restaurants with outdoor seating, and friendly locals.
Remember to bring a leash, water, bags, and proof of vaccinations and get ready to hit the road with your best friend. No matter what, Fido will be happy because they get to spend the day with their favorite person.
Saturday Morning
Start the weekend with some retail therapy at Uptown Dog Cape Cod in West Falmouth. Far from a typical supply store, this pet bakery and boutique offers high-quality goodies. Let Fido sniff around and pick out a new toy. Gourmet treats like the corgi cannoli and shark attack cookie are popular choices from the bakery.
Stock up on all-natural flea and tick deterrents to avoid any unexpected guests on the trip. Afterward, take a nice stroll down Quahog Pond Road and cool your feet and paws along the shores of Fresh Pond.
Saturday Lunch
After a nice walk, it’s time for a treat, and what could be better than sharing a dog with your dog on a summer’s day? Outdoor tables at Doggsz & Hoggz are pet-friendly, and the drool-worthy specialty hot dogs are 100% beef, gluten-free, and preservative-free.
Saturday Afternoon
For both a pet-friendly and classy affair, attend a wine tasting at Cape Cod Winery. Typically held in the outdoor tents, leashed dogs are always welcome. A perfect blend of casual and refined, sit in the shade with your pooch while sipping on their beloved Rosé Mermaid Water or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
Saturday Dinner
For fresh shellfish, lobster rolls, buffalo shrimp, and more dine at the Falmouth Raw Bar. Sit at any of the twenty outdoor tables available to dog owners and be doted on by the friendly staff.
Saturday Evening
Run off some energy built up from all the food and shopping at the Falmouth Dog Park. Upper Cape’s only dog park is great for off-leash fun any time, but your dog will be happiest after the heat of the sun has passed. Solar lamps provide plenty of light to play by as the day winds down.
Three fenced-off sections allow the park to accommodate dogs of any size, from Chihuahuas to Newfoundlands. Water is provided for dogs from May to October, as well as bags for messes. Humans will appreciate the art featuring a mini-dog park made of recycled materials and a gorgeous tile wall.
Sunday Morning
Get the day going with a leisurely stroll along Shining Sea Bikeway. Not just for cycling, this paved path is great for getting the heart going first thing in the morning. Lined with beautiful native Cape flowers and trees, a walk is a beautiful, relaxing way to start the day.
Though it runs from Falmouth to Woods Hole, walks can be as long or short as you like, and amenities like bathrooms and picnic tables are scattered throughout.
Sunday Lunch
Not everyone knows this, but Dairy Queen has a special Pup Cup to spoil your best friend. Give the ultimate cool-down snack of vanilla ice cream topped with a dog treat so you won’t have to share your own cone. Meanwhile, humans can chow down on their signature Blizzards, Dip Cones, and sundaes. (Don’t worry; on a fun Cape Cod weekend, it’s ok to have ice cream for lunch. Fido won’t judge.)
Sunday Afternoon
For some exercise and experience in the great outdoors, head up to Sandwich for hiking in Shawme-Crowell State Forest. With over 700 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak woods, there’s no better place for dogs to hike and explore. They’ll love sniffling along the trails searching for squirrels and chipmunks; just make sure to keep them on-leash so they don’t run off.
Sunday Dinner
Finish off the evening in Sandwich with the freshest and friendliest seafood dinner at Captain Scott’s. Enjoy crab cakes, clam chowder, and scallops at one of the five dog-friendly tables outside and maybe treat Fido to a cheeseburger as a reward for being so good all weekend.
Important Note: Pets are only allowed on Upper Cape public beaches during the offseason.
By Digital Content Coordinator, ALLISON BENNETT
Image Credit: Scott Bennett, Cape Cod Winery, and Falmouth Dog Park
Massachusetts: Boston
Other States: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island
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