So it is officially spring, and within months it will be the hot months of summer when people flock to the beaches as close as they can find them to their homes. Luckily for me, the ocean is right down the street from my home and in April  Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts is already booming. There were no swimmers or sun bathers on April 4, but there were large crowds of families, couples, and individuals walking their dogs and enjoying the beams of soft sunlight as it dodged in and out of clouds with a high of 45 degrees. For New Englander’s, these temperatures call for light sweaters and flip flops. Others who grew up in warmer climates, may not be so amused.

Since dogs are not allowed on the beaches from May 1 to September 15, April and October become the perfect months for dog owners to bring their pets to the beach and roam free while the weather is still bearable before winter temperatures hit.

All dog beach laws are created differently by city and state. A good way to find out where and when your pup is aloud on the beach is to visit petfriendlytravel.com.

If you’re not a dog or pet owner, beaches are still an area of exploration when traveling to a new place. By checking out the Environmental Protection Agency you can find resources of where to find the perfect beach in this country for you.