Top 19 Dog-friendly Beaches in North Carolina

Did you know that North Carolina boasts some of the most dog-friendly beaches in the country? With over 300 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of sandy spots for you and your canine companion to explore.

Whether you’re looking for off-leash adventures or serene spots for a quiet walk, this guide will help you discover the best dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina. From Freeman Park to Bald Head Island, we’ll cover everything to plan the perfect beach day with your pet. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!

These pet-friendly beaches offer the best pet policies, pet-friendly lodging facilities, and pet-friendly activities. From Oak Island to Caswell, North Carolina beaches deserve our “applause.” Visitors and their pets can splash, play, and go bork-driving. 

1. Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a famous town in North Carolina, United States. The beach offers visitors a wide range of activities, such as boat ramps, bike rentals, fishing, golf, and kayak rentals.

Beach residents strive hard to maintain a clean and healthy atmosphere on the beach. No alcoholic beverages, fireworks, camping, or smoking is allowed here.

Several dog-friendly water fountains are there on Wrightsville Beach. However, there are some guidelines to follow if you bring pets. You can collect dog waste bags from several stations on the beach.

Address: Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

2. Kure Beach

North Carolina’s Kure Beach is a long, slender, pet-friendly beach. It’s ideal for strolling, picnicking with family, or enjoying the scenery. Several public restrooms are available on the beach, and the beach hosts unique events year-long.

Kure Beach Pier, the NC Military History Museum, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area are some of the top tourist attractions. Pet-friendly hotels like Carolina Beach Inn, Captain’s Cove Motel, and Drifter’s Reef Hotel have provided excellent lodging experiences for Kure Beach’s visitors for years.

Address: Kure Beach, North Carolina, USA

3. Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach’s picturesque sea view never disappoints its visitors with its beauty. There are several beaches on Topsail Island, and many of them allow pets. It is a barrier island with a 26-mile-long beach that lies off the eastern part of North Carolina. 

The beach authority does almost everything to enhance its visitors’ experience. They host various exciting events year-round, like Thanksgiving, the Christmas Parade, Tree lighting, and more. The beach offers excellent spots for pier fishing. Some pet-friendly beaches near the beach are Topsails Inn, Quality Inn, Hampton Inn, etc.

Address: Topsail Beach, North Carolina, USA

4. Beaches of Oak Island

Oak Island is one of the top dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina. The island, which boasts approximately 10 miles of oceanfront along the 12-mile-long Oak Island, from which it gets its name, is located on North Carolina’s southern coastline. There are several beach activities to enjoy here. Watching the magnificent sunshine and sunrise is the most famous of them.

You can book magnificent spots on the beach for private weddings and ceremonies. Some dog-friendly rentals near the beach are Anchor Inn, Sea Salt, Fitz Us Fine, etc. Beana’s Kitchen, Bob’s Dogs, Joseph’s Italian Bistro, and other restaurants near the beach provide mouth-watering local cuisines.

Address: Oak Island, North Carolina, USA

5. Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is located on a stunning barrier island with the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound as its neighbors. The town balances the requirements of its residents, tourists, businesses, and the sensitive coastal environment. It is well known for its abundance of famous beaches and friendly residents.

Almost every tourist enjoys activities like going on a sport fishing adventure, exploring Maritime forests, and tasting delectable local cuisines. Visit the Oceanana Fishing Pier and Fort Macon State Park, which are surrounded by a rich history. Various exciting events on the beach will surely enlighten your mood here.

Address:  Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, US

6. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a pet-friendly beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina, with a nearly 900-foot-long fishing area. The resort town provides an extraordinary ocean view and an utterly pollution-free environment. The Sunset Beach Town Park, Ingram Planetarium Swing Bridge, and Museum are must-visits.

There are six splendid golf courts on the beach. La Cucina Italian Grill and Fibber Mcgee’s are top-notch restaurants near Sunset Beach. Several fine lodges and shopping complexes are also available here.

Address: Sunset Beach, North Carolina, USA

7. Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is most famous among the residents of North Carolina for its clean sandy beaches and mesmerizing sea view. The small town is located in Brunswick, North Carolina.

The nearest tourist attraction on the beach is the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Sea Turtle Nesting season is usually one of the most visited times of the year, lasting from the middle of May to August.

Parks and mini golf courts are available on the beach. Hotels providing the best accommodations near the beach are Ocean Isle Inn, Afterdune Delight, Witt’s Inn, Lakeview Relaxin’, etc.

Address: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, USA

8. Caswell Beach

Caswell Beach, located near the inlet of the Cape Fear River, has long sandy beaches and pleasant weather. It is famous for its clean beaches, fewer crowds, and magnificent locations. Oak Island Lighthouse is the top tourist attraction here. The beach allows dogs during a specific time of the year.

Shell hunting, surfing, kayaking, playing golf, and tasting fine local cuisines are some activities to enjoy here. There are rarely any shopping complexes and restaurants in the small town, so you may have to rush to Oak Island beaches for some basic needs.

Address: Caswell Beach, North Carolina, USA

9. Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a small town in North Carolina with few people. The family-friendly beach has extensive to medium-sized homes, duplexes, and lodges. Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is a top fishing pier here. AB Watersports on Atlantic Beach can be the perfect venue for water adventure lovers.

Salty Pirate Waterpark is a top tourist attraction with many modern waterslides and adventure games. Dogs are allowed on Emerald Isle; however, certain pet rules must be followed. Restaurants and bars like The Growler and The Trading Post serve high-quality delectable dishes.

Address: Emerald Isle, North Carolina 28594, USA

10. Corolla Beach

North Carolina’s most well-known beach town is Corolla, with 24 miles of pristine coastline. Corolla’s wild horses, Whalehead, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and Center for Wildlife Education are something everyone should visit on this beach. There are many shopping malls, excellent dining areas, and golf courts all over the beach. 

Resorts are limited on the beach, so pre-booking is a good decision. The Corolla beach offers breathtaking spots, ideal for wedding venues or honeymoons. Fireworks and campfires are strictly prohibited on the beach.

Address: Corolla Beach, 601 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927, United States

11. Fort Fisher Beach

Fort Fisher Beach, near New Hanover City, is another pet-friendly beach in North Carolina. Beach activities like hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, and picnicking, and you can enjoy driving here.

Basic amenities like classrooms, beach access, and foot rinse stations are on the beach. Camping facilities are yet to be available here, and the closest park with a camping facility is Beach State Park.

The beach is rich in wildlife, making it an exceptional place for photographers and birdwatchers. Luckily, some sea turtles can be seen nesting on the beach during warmer months. There is no charge for visiting the beach; however, fees for parking and certain events may be charged.

Address: 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449

12. Kitty Hawk Beach

Kitty Hawk Beach is a tiny but famous tourist destination. The small town has beautiful beaches and decorated residential areas. Many public beaches offer car parking. Restrooms with bathing facilities are also available on the beach. Lifeguards ensure the safety of tourists.

Top tourist attractions near the beach are Historic Corolla Park, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey Ridge State Park, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Jenette’s Pier, etc. Several restaurants are on the beach: Black Pelican, Rundown Cafe, Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet, TRiO Restaurant & Market, etc.

Address: Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, USA

13. Nags Head Beach

Nags Head Beach is unquestionably a popular beach destination in North Carolina. The beach is pet-friendly; however, some rules have to be followed. Fireworks and alcoholic drinks are prohibited, but beer is allowed on the beach. The beach also has more than forty beach access.

The top tourist attractions near the beach are Jennette’s Pier, Outer Banks Pier, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The beach hosts exciting and unique events throughout the year.

Address: 5401 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959. 

14. North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach is undoubtedly a famous dog-friendly beach in South Carolina. The family-friendly beach has basic amenities with good dining and lodging options. The beach never becomes overcrowded, so pre-booking is unnecessary. Topsail Beach abounds with its rich history, and its traces can be found here and there.

It is said that pirates once occupied the island. Paddling, kayaking, and fishing are some of the most enjoyed activities on the beach. Famous restaurants near the beach are Breezeway Restaurant, Beach Shop & Grill, Coras Isle-End Deli, etc.

Address: Topsail Beach, North Carolina, USA

15. Kill Devil Hills Beach

Kill Devil Hills beach is family-friendly, offering clean white sand beaches with many beach accesses. Basic amenities like good parking, restrooms, and lifeguards are on the beach. Throughout the summer, lifeguards are on the beach daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Fireworks, glass bottles, and bonfires are strictly prohibited. 

The top restaurants near Kill Devil beaches are American Pie, Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse, Firehouse Boil Delivery, etc. Avalon’s fishing pier has been a favorite of tourists for a long time. Several top-notch shopping complexes and motels are available on the beach.

Address: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948, USA

16. Surf City Beach

Surf City is unquestionably one of the best beaches in North Carolina. It is located on Topsail Island, with two bridges linking it to the mainland. The beach is a well-liked holiday spot, and many sea turtles are found there. Several golf courts are on the beach, Shipwreck Golf Point being the most famous.

Topsail Escape Room is the perfect house for adventure lovers. Several shopping complexes and restaurants will also be available to visitors. The beach continues to host unique concerts and events year-round.

Address: 100 North Shore Drive, Surf City, NC 28445

17. Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is near North Carolina’s coastline and east of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County. The beach’s golden sand is the perfect place to enjoy holidays with pets. The island has been recognized for the nesting activities of sea turtles. 

The Island is connected to the nearby town of Southport by ferry. People can enjoy different sports with their furry friends on the beach or visit the historical Old Baldy Lighthouse. Bald Head Island has many pet-friendly shops, holiday Inns, and restaurants.

Address: North Carolina 28461, USA

18. Holden Beach, NC

Holden Beach is a famous pet-friendly seaside in Brunswick County, Carolina. The sandy beach and lively city are perfect for a holiday blust with families with four-legged members. Holden Beach is primarily recognized as a family-friendly coastal town. 

There are many pet-friendly restaurants, and rentals are available here. Pets must be leashed and controlled by their owners. Fishing and other sports are organized on the beach for everyone. People can enjoy the nightlife at the HB Trolley Stop here. 

Address: North Carolina 28462, USA

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19. Oak Island, NC

Oak Island Beach is one of the most visited dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina. It’s located on the southeastern side of the state in Brunswick County. The sandy coastal area is a well-maintained spot for families and visitors. People can enjoy water sports and fishing on the public fishing piers extending to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Oak Island Recreational Center and Gulf Club are famous tourist spots in the area. People love to visit the Oak Island Light House. Many holiday rentals allow pets. The dog-friendly restaurants are best for enjoying meals with your munchkins. 

Address: North Carolina 28465, USA

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Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Me

Conclusion

Exploring dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina offers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for humans and their furry friends. From the serene shores of Bald Head Island to the vibrant sands of Nags Head Beach, these destinations provide the ideal backdrop for unforgettable adventures. By choosing these pet-friendly spots, you ensure a joyful experience for all. So, pack the beach gear, grab the leash, and head to North Carolina’s beautiful coastlines. The next great adventure awaits, promising cherished memories and wagging tails.