Cliff Lodge
Nantucket Dog Guide
Weekend
A three-day rhythm at Cliff Lodge — early beaches, an island hike, dog-friendly tables, and a slow Sunday exit.
All times are suggestions — adjust for your dog's pace.
Ferry day. Salt air, a first walk, and an easy evening.
Lodge3:00 PM·
Drop your bags, let your pup sniff every corner of the room. Pick up a local map at the front desk. The ferry terminal is a 10-minute walk — soak up the first glimpse of cobblestones and hydrangeas on the way in.
Trail4:30 PM·
Just up Cliff Road from the lodge. Off-leash friendly, 1.5-mile loop through a former golf course with views over Nantucket Sound. Your dog will lose their mind in the best way. Bring water — no facilities on trail.
157 Cliff Rd
Trail detailsTake the free Cisco Van from the corner of Chestnut & Federal (runs every 20 min in season). Brewery + winery + distillery all in one, with a massive dog-friendly outdoor patio and live music most evenings. Get there before 7pm for a good seat.
Lodge8:30 PM·
Dogs (and humans) are tired after ferry day. Grab something light — a sandwich from a takeout spot, or order in. Early morning beach tomorrow.
Two beaches, the best hike on the island, and dinner under the table.
Beach7:30 AM·
This is the sweet spot. Before 9am, beaches are less crowded and dogs are fully welcome on leash. Jetties has calm water and is right in town. Children's Beach is a harbor walk great for watching the ferries. Bring coffee.
Jetties: Hulbert Ave
Beach detailsCoffee9:30 AM·
Best coffee on the island, outdoor seating, dogs welcome. Get there before the summer crowd hits.
15 Washington St
The best walk on the island. Rolling meadows, a pond, and an ocean finish. Do the full 6.5-mile loop if your dog has the legs for it, or turn back at the Ram Pasture viewpoint (~3 miles). Pack water and snacks. Exposed trail — go early and use tick prevention.
Dining1:00 PM·
On the way back from Sanford Farm. Pick up sandwiches and eat at the outdoor picnic tables. Dogs welcome outside. The chicken salad on ciabatta and the lobster roll are both excellent. Get there before 1pm or expect a line.
33 Bartlett Farm Rd
Beach3:00 PM·
Nobadeer is the one off-leash-all-day exception on Nantucket — south shore surf beach, wide open, bring a ball. Dionis is calmer, sheltered, better for anxious dogs or swimmers.
Nobadeer: off Nobadeer Ave
Beach detailsDining6:00 PM·
The most dog-welcoming nice dinner on the island. Outdoor patio on Oak Street, seasonal seafood, great cocktails. Make a reservation. Dogs sleep under the table while you eat the best clam chowder you've had in years.
6 Oak St — (508) 325-0992
Sweets8:30 PM·
Walk the cobblestones down to Straight Wharf. Order your dog a pup cone with a Milk Bone on top. Get yourself the warm waffle cone. Stand on the dock watching the harbor lights. This is the moment you post on Instagram.
10 Straight Wharf
One last sandwich, one last walk, and a ferry home.
A short walk from Cliff Lodge on Cliff Road. The best sandwich on the island, eaten on their shaded picnic lawn with your dog at your feet. Get here early — they close at 4pm and lines form fast in summer.
Beach10:00 AM·
Before the 9am crowd window closes. Harbor views, calm water, a good final fetch. Watch the morning ferries come in. Say goodbye to the island properly.
Harbor View Way
Beach detailsTown11:30 AM·
Most properties hold bags after checkout. Walk the historic downtown — cobblestones, hydrangea-lined streets, independent shops. Dogs welcome nearly everywhere outside.
Ferry1:00 PM·
Leashed dogs allowed on both Steamship Authority and Hy-Line. On Steamship, dogs stay on the car deck or outdoor areas (not the cabin). Bring treats and a mat. Your dog will sleep the whole way.
Ferry detailsSafe travels home — see you next season.