Man’s best friend deserves a day on the beach.
While humans are, for the most part, the only ones allowed to enjoy the sun and sand on South Shore beaches during the summer, the dog-banning days are almost over for the season.
It would seem that mid-September is the magic time when some of the region’s beaches start allowing four-legged furry friends for some off-season fun. Others even allow them year-round.
Here are some of the region’s beaches where you can take Fido, Rex or Bella.
Wollaston Beach, Quincy
Starting Sept. 16, dogs are allowed back on Wollaston Beach. This shoreline is part of Quincy Shores Reservation and maintained by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. Because it’s a part of the DCR system, dogs aren’t allowed on its coastal and inland beaches between April 1 and mid-September.
Dogs also must be on leashes no longer than 10 feet.
Nantasket Beach, Hull
The DCR also manages Nantasket Beach Reservation, so dogs are allowed on this beach between Sept. 16 and March 31.
All dogs must be leashed when not on the owner’s property, according to town rules. Again, the 10-foot leash rule applies.
More:8 South Shore beaches where no resident sticker is required
Stodder’s Neck, Hingham
In certain areas of this peninsular park, dogs are allowed off-leash no matter the time of year. Stodder’s Neck, also managed by the state DCR, is surrounded by Weymouth Back River, where dogs frequently enjoy splashing on the beach.
Scituate beaches
The prohibition of dogs on Scituate beaches between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starts June 15 and ends Sept. 15. Free parking at the town’s beaches – Minot, North Scituate, Sand Hills, Egypt, Pegotty and Humarock – begins after Labor Day.
Similar to Hull, dogs in Scituate must be leashed at all times when not on their owner’s property.
Marshfield beaches
Dogs are allowed on Marshfield beaches year-round, so long as they’re on a leash. As an added bonus, parking restrictions lift after Labor Day, meaning no parking fees.
More:No permit? No problem. Beaches relax rules after Labor Day. And free parking, too!
Long Beach, Plymouth
Depending where you are on Long Beach, dogs are allowed year-round or only during the off season.
Leashed dogs that are under the control of their owners are allowed year-round in the management area known as “Zone 1 South,” which covers an area from the main parking area to the day parking area that is halfway down the peninsula.
From the day parking area to the end of the beach – from “Zone 1 North” to “Zone 4” – only allows leashed dogs from Oct. 1 through March 31. Otherwise, they are banned from this area.
Cape Cod National Seashore
While this technically isn’t the South Shore, it might be worth it if you’re up for a drive. The National Park Service, which manages the Cape Cod National Seashore, does not allow dogs during certain times of the year to protect nesting shorebirds.
Dogs are not allowed between April 1 and Oct. 15 at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Nauset Marsh in Eastham, Jeremy Point (Great Island) in Wellfleet, Hatches Harbor in Provincetown and Herring Cove in Provincetown. Restrictions could be extended based on nesting.
Wherever dogs are allowed, they must remain on six-foot leashes. For example, leashed dogs are allowed at freshwater ponds in Cape Cod National Seashore from Oct. 16 through May 14.
For more detailed information, visit the NPS webpage on bringing pets to Cape Cod National Seashore.
Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com.
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