Three Dog Days in Portland, Maine

Start your day at Blvl for a pastry and coffee (I recommend the cardamom bun). Stroll to the Eastern Promenade Trail for a long, slow dog walk with stunning views of the ocean, islands, and watercraft. The East End Beach at the bottom of the hill allows dogs on a seasonal basis.

Insider tip: Head in the direction of the Old Port and you are bound to see a few expensive yachts docked at the Fore Points Marina.

Continue to the Old Port and grab lunch on the deck of the Porthole Restaurant & Pub. You may catch a live band as well. (Dogs allowed!) Swing back to Portland Paddle on the East End Beach for a kayak rental around the bay with your pup.

Check out the breweries on Fox Street with dog-friendly patios: Austin Street, Rising Tide, and Apres. They all often have food trucks for dinner, as well.

Insider tip: Catch the sunset at Sumner Park on North Street, where locals take in the sun setting on the city

Brunch at Bayside American Cafe. They have a dog-friendly deck and the best brunch around. Get a table pancake: you won’t regret it.

Once full, head to Casco Bay Lines on Commercial Street to catch a ferry out to Peaks Island. Rent a golf cart to cruise the island or take the 3.7 mile walk around the island. Check out the unique, Guinness record-holding, Umbrella Cover Museum at the beginning or end of your loop. Grab a drink and a snack at Jones Landing (Reggae Sundays) or The Inn on Peakes.

After returning on the ferry, choose between local favorites with dog-friendly patios like Taco Escobar on Congress Street or High Roller Lobster Company on Exchange for dinner.

Snag a breakfast sandwich and drink of choice from Tandem Coffee Roasters before you head over the Casco Bay Bridge towards Fort Williams. Stop in at The Cookie Jar for the best donut holes in Southern Maine! Enjoy a breakfast picnic at the park with a breathtaking view of the most photographed lighthouse in the US: Portland Headlight. Stroll the Cliff Walk, fly a kite, and/or explore the remains of Battery Hobart, an old military fort. If you’re still hungry, order a lobster roll from Bite Into Maine.

An afternoon at Willard Beach is up next. Park at Southern Maine Community College for a closer walk to the beach past the baseball field and a more secluded area of the beach. (Don’t forget the umbrella if you’re bringing your best, furry friend!)

North43 Bistro for dinner offers views of the Marina with a sleek ambiance.