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Willard Beach

Willard Beach is a dog-friendly public beach in South Portland, ME. In the summer months, dogs can run off leash (under voice control) in the off-season, October 1 through April 30, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are not allowed on the beach except between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am and 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Willard Beach is a great sandy beach with cold, but inviting water for swimmers. Dogs love to play and romp on this scenic beach! Dog owners are required to have a leash in hand at all times. Off-leash dogs must be kept within 100 feet and under voice control. Pet waste must be bagged and properly disposed of in a trash receptacle or carried out of the park. Entry into sand dune vegetation by dogs and/or people is unlawful and strictly prohibited. Visit Website

Or call (207) 767-3201 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Willard Beach has received a rating of 4.0 out of 5 bones by 10 canine critics on BringFido.

  • Haley
    Jul 4, 2023
    Not very clean

    My dog unfortunately did not like this beach. It had a lot of seaweed on it and different dead creatures. It was also very small. I don’t recommend going to this beach.

  • Jennifer
    Oct 5, 2020
    Beautiful Spot

    Had so much fun with our pups here on a recent trip to Portland! Plenty of friendly pups for both of our girls to play with!

  • Brittney
    Aug 7, 2019
    love this beach

    Been here twice. everyone has been very friendly and responsible of their dogs.

  • Nicole
    More than a year ago
    Local Dogs = No Boundaries

    I agree with the last comment. I've noticed recently that many local owners aren't keeping a close eye on their dogs here. Last weekend I witnessed just this - a woman's poodle wouldn't leave a Spaniel alone (at least 20 yards from said woman) & they started to fight a bit. The woman (pictured below - twice, I wanted to make sure I called out it was a small spaniel) literally kicked the spaniel twice and was screaming about it being a safe way to break up a fight (that her dog started BTW). It's not - it's actually animal abuse. Needless to say - I won't be going back to this beach.

  • J
    More than a year ago
    Be Wary of the Locals

    Overall a great beach, however be aware that locals will often let their dogs run very free on this beach (like 20+ yard away from them free and not pay close attention to what their doing free). If your dog has any trouble at all with other dogs getting in their face, this might not be the best beach (or they should stay leashed while there).

  • Robert
    More than a year ago
    Excellent

    Most dog friendly beach I've been to! Everybody and all dogs super friendly.

  • Bartleby
    More than a year ago
    Morning Dog Park on the Beach

    Portland Maine is a mecca for people who travel with their dogs, and when visiting recently we began each day at this beach. We met dozens of dogs and were able to play with many of them. Off leash, splashing in the water, chasing balls, getting all sandy. A terrific way to start the day--if we lived here, we'd go every day. It seemed as though the locals feel the same way about it.

    Oh, there were no garbage cans to toss yer poop bags, FYI.

  • Gayle
    More than a year ago
    My dogs first trip to the I ocean

    Was perfect! The beach was quiet and loved playing. In the water and sand!

  • Pamela M
    More than a year ago
    Wonderful!

    We brought our dog here for a morning romp and it was fantastic! Lots of dogs- most off leash, some on leashes- and the other dog owners there were very nice! Our dog played at the shoreline and chased her ball. The other dogs were friendly and well-behaved! We had so much fun! Pretty beach too!

  • Win Clough
    More than a year ago
    Formerly lived at 33 myrtle ave

    WONDERFUL!! Many happy hours spent on Willard Beach with family and friends. Countless cherished memories....and pictures too! And yes, VERY dog friendly.

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Willard Beach