Wrightsville Beach, NC: Dog Rules, Leash Laws & Parking Guide
Wrightsville Beach is a pet-friendly beach and a great place to have fun with friends, family, and pets. Their dog-friendly atmosphere allows your best friends to have a great time at the beach. The Wrightsville Beach dog rules ensure safety for all visitors in town.
The town of Wrightsville is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. Leisure and wellness activities remain at the center of this quaint beach destination.
Are dogs allowed on Wrightsville Beach?
Dogs are allowed on Wrightsville Beach from October 1 to March 31.

Wrightsville Dog Beach, North Carolina
Wrightsville Beach Leash Rules and Laws For Pets
- In Wrightsville Beach, all dogs are to be leashed.
- Dog owners should clean up after their dogs and properly dispose of their waste in trash cans. Several stations around the beach have complimentary dog waste bags.
- They don’t allow dogs on the Beach strand from September 30th to April 1st.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1 to March 31.
- All dog or pet owners in Wrightsville staying here for more than 15 days must get a pet permit.
- Violations of any pet laws of Wrightsville Beach will result in a fine of $250 for a first-time offence.
- Bring water to keep your pets hydrated. There are several water fountains for pets located around the loop.
- Dogs over four months old must wear a harness or collar. The rabies vaccination tag and current Town animal license tag must be worn at all times.
Wrightsville Beach Dog Permit
All residents and visitors of Wrightsville Beach need to register their pets if their stay exceeds 15 days. The permit period is from January 1 to December 31. The Annual License costs $10 and is issued from Town Hall. Owners will be asked to show proof of current rabies vaccination and expiry date.
Please provide details of your pet, including its age, breed, color, sex, legal residence, etc. Permits are issued Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Read Sunset Beach Dog Rules, North Carolina

About Dog-Friendly Wrightsville Beach, NC
Wrightsville Beach is one of the best Dog-friendly Beaches in North Carolina. Many condos and cozy beach houses are available for rental in Wrightsville. Some are beside the beach, while others are near the ocean or harbor.
- How to reach: The easiest way to reach Wrightsville Beach is by air. Wilmington International Airport is 10 miles away. The town of Wrightsville Beach is also easily accessible by car. Most tourists come down here by driving themselves or renting a car.
- Dog-friendly restaurants: Wrightsville Beach is a vast animal-loving community. South Beach Grill, Poe’s Tavern, Oceanic, Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, and Sundays are the few dog-friendly restaurants here.
- dog friendly hotels: Carolina Beach Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Vacation Rentals: Bryant Real Estate, Gale Winds, Sea Dog Retreat, etc. These rentals are fully furnished with outdoor decks or grill areas, a stocked kitchen, high-speed internet, and clean supplies.
- Beach hours: The Wrightsville Beach Park remains open from 6 am to 8 pm.
Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier
Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier is one of North Carolina’s first concrete fishing piers, located in Wrightsville Beach. The pier offers a tackle shop for all your fishing needs, a grill shop for food, and a souvenir store. It is a must-see for everyone visiting the area. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets from this place. This Wrightsville Beach pier is 1200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
Wrightsville Beach, NC Parking
Wrightsville Beach has more than 1,600 meters of parking spaces available. Paid parking is enforced from March 1 through October 31 for $5.00 per hour or $25 per day.
Things to do at Wrightsville Beach
- Wrightsville Beach offers many activities for tourists to enjoy. Water Sports like surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, etc., can be done in the magnificent ocean.
- You can opt for cruise tours or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. You can also trek on the well-known Loop of Wrightsville Beach.
- You can also rent bicycles to explore the island in an eco-friendly way.
- There are museums and educational centers where you can learn more about the town and its life.
- It’s also a shopper’s paradise. Several shops in the town center sell souvenirs and other attractive articles.
- Enjoy the beach vibe, great music, and amazing drinks at the legendary nightclub Red Dogs in Wrightsville Beach. Or enjoy a dog-friendly night out at Jimmy’s, one of Wrightville’s best beach bars, with special drinks and live music.
Wrightsville Beach Rules, NC
- Smoking is disallowed on the beach.
- Littering is prohibited on the ocean premises.
- Leaving beach equipment overnight is forbidden.
- Glass containers are disallowed on the beach.
- Beachgoers must fill the holes created by them before leaving the beach.
- Grilling and portable gas stoves are forbidden on the beach.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is disallowed.
- Fireworks and camping are forbidden.

When are dogs allowed on Wrightsville Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Wrightsville Beach after 5 pm throughout the year.
Why is Wrightsville Beach so popular?
Wrightsville Beach is a popular holiday destination for its scenic beauty and many tourist activities, such as water sports, delicious seafood, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife.
Is Wrightsville Beach free?
Wrightsville Beach is open to the public free of cost.
Can you drink beer on Wrightsville Beach?
Alcohol consumption is prohibited on this beach at all times throughout the year.
Is it safe to swim at Wrightsville Beach?
The ocean near Wrightsville Beach has moderate currents. Weak swimmers are advised not to enter the water.
What is Wrightsville Beach known for?
In general, Wrightsville Beach is one of the best stand-up paddleboarding hubs in the USA. It is also famous as a top surfing town, named by National Geographic. The beach attracts visitors who are eager to partake in water sports adventures.
Why is it called Wrightsville Beach?
The beach town is named after Judge Joshua Grainger Wright, who lived in Wilmington in the late 18th century. He made a summer home on the seacoast where he would come to take a break.
What part of Wrightsville Beach is best?
The northern part, known as Shell Island, is the best for people who love a more natural and scenic vacation.
Can you sleep on Wrightsville Beach?
Sleeping on the beach at night is strictly forbidden.
How far is downtown Wilmington from the beach?
Downtown Wilmington is around 11 miles from Wrightsville Beach, approximately 25 minutes from the beach.
Dog Beaches Near Wrightsville Beach
- Kure Beach
- Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
- Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
- Caswell Beach, North Carolina
- North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
- Surf City Beach, North Carolina
- Kill Devil Hills Beach, North Carolina
- Nags Head Beach, North Carolina
- Kitty Hawk Beach, North Carolina
- Corolla Beach, North Carolina
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, NC
- Bald Head Island, North Carolina
- Holden Beach, North Carolina
- Oak Island Dog Beach, North Carolina
- Sunset Beach
- Carolina Beach VS Wrightsville Beach
The information you have on here is incorrect. It should say:
On the sign it says dog are allowed after 5pm, and before 9 am.. This is false… (from September 30th to April 1st we don’t allow Dogs on the Beach strand)
All dogs are to be leashed if over 4 months. This is false….( All dogs are to be leashed).
You must have a permit to own a dog. This is false…(All dogs and cats are to be Licensed with a valid Rabies Certificate. Animal Licenses are available at Town Hall for 10 dollars)
Thans, the article is updated with the current informations.
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