The Best City To Visit In Maryland For A Pet-Friendly Getaway With Dining And Beach Fun

When it comes to a pet-friendly getaway that combines dining and beach fun, Ocean City, Maryland, is a vacation destination where dog lovers will absolutely thrive. This fun and Fido-friendly coastal city offers a charming blend of sun-soaked shores, delicious eats, and accommodations that warmly welcome both you and your four-legged furkids.​

Ocean City's gorgeous beaches are perfect for pet owners. From October 1 through April 30, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk. Just a short drive away, Assateague Island National Seashore offers year-round pet-friendly beaches where your furry bestie can explore the sandy shores and maybe catch a peek at the famous wild horses that live on the island. However, certain areas are off limits, so be sure to check ahead of your visit to know where you are allowed to bring a pet. Also, pets must be on a leash at all times to protect the wildlife on the island.

Ocean City is such a fun place to travel with your pet that you might want to stick around for a while. Luckily, there are lots of dog-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in the area — according to BringFido, there are nearly 200 to choose from. For a hotel steps from the boardwalk and beach, consider the Barefoot Mailman or the Hilton Garden Inn. BringFido also lists more than 50 dog-friendly restaurants in the area, so it's easy to find a spot for a bite or a beachside cocktail while out and about with your pet.

Ocean City's dog-friendly dining scene runs the gamut from casual beachside cafés to barbecue pits and upscale restaurants. For a relaxing bayside bite, check out Macky's, which offers free water for your dog plus a dog menu with dishes like a "Pug Burger" or "The Marmaduke," a 10-ounce flank steak just for your pup. Expect to spend between $15 and $40 for human food. De Lazy Lizard is another beachfront café with all the sunny island vibes you need for a beach-day bite, with most entrees in the $20 to $40 range. Plus, there's a "little lizards playground" for anyone who brought their human children along on the trip.

Ocean 13 is great for foodies looking for something upscale — the menu includes options like burgers, seafood delicacies (yum, crab mac and cheese!), surf-and-turf entrees like the NY strip and shrimp, blackened chicken alfredo pasta, pecan-crusted salmon, and more. Most burgers and apps are less than $20, but dinner entrees range typically between $25 and $40. Longboard Café is a similarly-priced spot that comes highly recommended per reviews, and surely your pet will enjoy the bacon the staff offers its pet guests.

For all-day breakfast options, check out The Bayside Skillet, which offers pet-friendly outdoor seating year-round (the deck is heated during colder months). The menu features a mouthwatering selection of omelettes, crêpes, frittatas, pan-fried potato dishes, and more (expect to spend between $15 and $25 per person). These are just a few of many recommended pet-friendly spots in Ocean City, so there are plenty more to discover on your visit. Just remember to keep your dog leashed when dining out. While many of these restaurants offer water bowls and even full pet menus, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm specifics before you drop in.

When considering a beach visit on the East Coast, Maryland's Ocean City is hands down the right one for your beach vacation when traveling with a pup. It's just about three hours from Baltimore and Washington D.C., and it's easy to get to via car, bus, or even plane. ​Beyond the beach, Ocean City offers parks and trails perfect for exploring with your pet. Doggy parents shouldn't miss the Ocean City Dog Playground, which has a fenced area for off-leash fun where your dog can make new friends and exercise safely.​ There are separate spaces for big and small dogs, and fun features like dog agility obstacles and a doggie pool. Be sure to submit the required registration form for a playground pass — a single-day pass is just $10, but there are multi-day and annual passes also available.

At Northside Park, you can bring your dog on a leash for a barbecue, fishing, or just jogging the trails. Pro tip: Make traveling with pets even easier with this genius Amazon product — the Modoker Dog Travel Bag. Plus, if you're traveling a distance to get to Ocean City, the bag is airline-compliant so you can bring it as your personal item. 

Although it's in Delaware, James Farm Ecological Preserve is about a half-hour's drive from Ocean City. This natural area is a hodgepodge of habitats, including forests, marshes, beaches, and wetlands — pets are welcome to tag along on a leash. For a day on the water, Island Watersports (about 20 minutes away from Ocean City) welcomes pets on some boat rentals (no jet boats), whether you're looking to day party on a pontoon boat or go fishing on a skiff.