Dog Friendly Beaches in North Carolina

Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in North Carolina where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand. Use the links/map below to find a dog-friendly beach in North Carolina.

Onslow County Beach Access #2

North Topsail Beach, NC

Onslow County Beach Access #2 Onslow County Beach Access #2 is a pet-friendly access point to North Topsail Beach's stretch of sand. Dogs may not run free within Onslow Beach Recreation Area and must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Dogs are only allowed beach access at the Pet Beach located south of the Sand Dollar Shores Pavilion. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. Onslow County Beach Access #2 is open to the public every day of the week from 8am to 5pm. See Details

Beach 4x4 OBX NC

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Beach 4x4 OBX NC ​Beach 4x4 OBX NC is a pet-friendly jeep rental company in the Outer Banks at Kill Devil Hills, NC. Rent a vehicle and explore where most tourists can't around the towns of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. As an added bonus, you can go on an adventure on the 4x4 only Carova Beach. Beach 4x4 OBX NC is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk. See Details

Island Express Ferry

Beaufort, NC

Island Express Ferry Fido can travel with you on Island Express Ferry, a dog-friendly ferry ride in Beaufort, NC. The ferry allows leashed dogs to ride with you for the 20 minute ride to Cape Lookout National Seashore. Because there are wild horses on Cape Lookout, your pup must stay leashed at the destination as well. See Details

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach, NC

Atlantic Beach The sandy beaches in Atlantic Beach, NC are dog friendly. This is a great place to walk with Fido or let him swim in the beautiful ocean. Fido must be on a leash during your visit. See Details

Hatteras Island

Hatteras, NC

Hatteras Island Pets are welcome year-round on Hatteras Island's 70 miles of dog-friendly shoreline. Owners are responsible for pups and should ensure that local wildlife is not disturbed when visiting. Use caution when bringing Fido to play, as summer days can be sweltering and cause damage to paws. See Details

Kure Beach

Kure Beach, NC

Kure Beach Bring Fido to explore the pet-friendly Kure Beach, NC! Your leashed pup can join you any time of day between October 1st and March 31st. Between April 1st and September 30th, pets are allowed on the beach during off-peak times. The official Kure Beach website has information on the regulations for a beach outing with Fido. See Details

Oregon Inlet 4WD Beach

Nags Head, NC

Oregon Inlet 4WD Beach Dogs are welcome at this 4-wheel drive beach across the street from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center in Nags Head, NC. All of the beach rules are posted on a sign at the drive-on entrance. There is plenty of space for fetch and swimming with your pup. Be sure to stay off the turtle nesting areas, which are clearly marked. See Details

Kill Devil Hills Beach

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Kill Devil Hills Beach The beach in Kill Devil Hills, NC, is pet friendly! Dogs are permitted on the beach before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pups must be controlled by the owner and handler if they are on the beach and always on a leash. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess Fido leaves behind. See Details

Manteo Beach

Manteo, NC

Manteo Beach Dogs are allowed on the pet-friendly beaches of Manteo, NC. Pets must be on a leash for the duration of their visit and under the control of their owner. Owners should clean up any mess that is left behind by their canines. Be aware of other people on the beach and keep your pet under voice command. See Details

Southern Shores Beach

Southern Shores, NC

Southern Shores Beach Dogs are welcome to visit the pet-friendly beach in Southern Shores, NC, with their owners. Fido is permitted on the beach before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM from May 15 to September 15. During the off-season, pets are allowed on the beach at all hours. Pups must be on a leash under ten feet throughout the entire year, and owners must clean up after their pets. See Details

Radio Island Public Beach Access

Beaufort, NC

Radio Island Public Beach Access Leashed dogs are allowed at Radio Island Public Beach Access, a pet-friendly beach in Beaufort, NC. This popular beach offers a large public boat ramp, fishing piers, numerous boat launches and plenty of parking. See Details

Figure Eight Island Beach

Wilmington, NC

Figure Eight Island Beach Furry friends are invited to explore the beautiful 4.5 miles of Figure Eight Island beaches near Wilmington, NC. Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the gorgeous shores with their owners from May 15 through September 30. This private island can only be accessed by owners or vacation renters via boat or a guarded bridge. See Details

Carolina Beach Pier

Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach Pier Carolina Beach Pier in Carolina Beach, NC is pet friendly. Bring Fido for a relaxing stroll down and back, featuring panoramic views of the water and beach. It's also home to High Tide Lounge & Tiki Bar, where you can enjoy drink and light eats alongside your pup. See Details

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wrightsville Beach Enjoy the sun and sand with Fido at the dog-friendly Wrightsville Beach in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Leashed pets are welcome on the beach during the off-season (October 1st to March 31st). Dogs must stay leashed during your visit. See Details

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Rodanthe, NC

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located in Rodanthe, NC, is comprised of beaches, dunes, freshwater ponds, salt flats, marshes and upland. Dogs are welcome year-round and must be on a leash at all times. Pups are not allowed on wildlife trails or on the west side of NC Highway 12 except in areas adjacent to parking areas. See Details