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.

Freeman Park

Carolina Beach, NC

Freeman Park The dog-friendly Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC, welcomes dogs on a leash from April 1 to September 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under voice command and their owner is near. Owners must carry a minimum of two suitable plastic or paper waste containers until it can be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle. The bags must be produced and shown upon request. See Details

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach State Park Bring Fido to Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, NC. This pet-friendly public area features sandy trails among tall, Longleaf Pine Trees. It also provides great land for overnight camping. Just keep your pup on a leash at all times and clean up after them. See Details

Fort Macon State Park

Atlantic Beach, NC

Fort Macon State Park Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC. This state park includes an Antebellum-era fort, nature trails, a protected swim area, guided tours and a refreshment stand. Situated on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, the park offers undisturbed natural views of salt marshes, estuaries and dune fields. Your pup must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in historic buildings. See Details

Fort Fisher State Park

Kure Beach, NC

Fort Fisher State Park Leashed dogs are welcome year-round at dog-friendly Fort Fisher State Park in Kure Beach, NC. This very wide beach is ideal for Fido to run and swim with other dogs. Explore the one-mile trail that traverses the salt marsh and ends at an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River. Pet waste cleanup laws are strict, and bags are provided for this purpose. See Details

Oak Island Beaches

Oak Island, NC

Oak Island Beaches The Oak Island, NC beaches (Caswell, Yaupon, & Long Beach) are very family and pet friendly. Bring Fido for a run through the sand and water! From March 16th through October 15th, dogs must be leashed at all times in the public beach areas. See Details

Nags Head Beach

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head Beach Bring Fido to splash around in the water and roll around in the warm sand of the pet-friendly beach in Nags Head, NC. Year-round, owners are welcome to bring their furry friends for a day at the beach as long as they're restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. See Details

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Manteo, NC

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Take your four-legged companion for a splash at the pet-friendly Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Manteo, NC. This recreation area allows leashed dogs on all beach areas except those stated as swimming beaches. Pups are also allowed on the grounds surrounding the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the boardwalk and the nature trail. Note that dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. See Details

Emerald Isle Beach

Emerald Isle, NC

Emerald Isle Beach You and Fido can enjoy the shoreline together at the dog-friendly Emerald Isle Beach in Emerald Isle, NC. Walk with your pup, play in the water, or have a picnic on the beach. Leashed dogs are allowed year-round on the beach strand, but remember to clean up after your pets. See Details

Bald Head Island Beaches

Bald Head Island, NC

Bald Head Island Beaches Bring Fido to play in the sand at the dog-friendly Bald Head Island Beaches in Bald Head Island, NC. You and your pup can explore 14 miles of pristine beaches. You'll need to take a pet-friendly ferry to get there (from Southport), but once you arrive, you'll find that dogs are allowed off-leash on any of them year-round. The only exception to this is in turtle nesting season when dogs must be leashed from sunset to sunrise. South Beach features long stretches of sand and calmer waters, while East Beach is better for boogie boarding and surfing. If you don't want to bring beach gear along with you on the ferry, you can rent everything you'll need from Riverside Adventure Company. See Details

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Nags Head, NC

Jockey's Ridge State Park Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, welcomes leashed dogs. Some trails will take you into multiple environments, including wetlands, sandy beaches and grassy dunes. While this pet-friendly park also allows dogs on the sand dunes, note that sand spurs are present (ouch!). The sand can also reach temperatures 30 degrees higher than the air temperature, so ensure that Fido's paws are protected and water is always available during hotter months. 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

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Nags Head, NC

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Nags Head, NC, is pet friendly! You are welcome to bring your pooch with you to enjoy the beach year-round if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less. This secluded beach is popular among dogs and their owners who like to get away from it all. To preserve the cleanliness of the area, dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that their dogs leave behind. See Details

Topsail Beach Dog Beach

Topsail Beach, NC

Topsail Beach Dog Beach Enjoy a fun day at the pet-friendly Topsail Beach Off-Leash Dog Beach during the off-season in Topsail Beach, NC. Dogs must be on a leash from May 15th through September 30th. Additionally, all dogs must be on a leash from April 1 through September 30 of each year in the area designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) Unit L07 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and as clearly marked by the town. At other times dogs are required to be under voice command and can be off-leash. Owners must remove any waste left by dogs on the beach or in town. See Details

Duck Beach

Duck, NC

Duck Beach Dogs are allowed on the pet-friendly beach of Duck, NC! Here, pups may splash around unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye of their owner. Note that the town doesn't own public beach access, and access is only found at privately owned community spaces. Check with the homeowners association or your rental company for beach access questions. See Details

Caswell Beach

Oak Island, NC

Caswell Beach Bring Fido for some sun and sand at the dog-friendly Caswell Beach in Oak Island, NC. Your pup is welcome to join you at this beach year-round. Dogs must be on a leash during your visit. Please remember to carry plastic bags and clean up after your furry friend. See Details

Kitty Hawk Beach

Kitty Hawk, NC

Kitty Hawk Beach Bring Fido to enjoy some fun in the sun at the pet-friendly public beaches in Kitty Hawk, NC! From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, dogs are welcome on the beach on a leash no more than 6' long. At all other times during the year, dogs may be taken off the leash only if they will not disturb other people or on a leash retractable to 12' long. A leash must be with the owner at all times. See Details

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach, NC

Sunset Beach Enjoy the sand with Fido at pet-friendly Sunset Beach, NC. This shoreline allows dogs, but they must be leashed at all times. Official rules and regulations about visiting with your pup are on the official Sunset Beach website. See Details

Topsail Island

Topsail Beach, NC

Topsail Island Topsail Island is a dog-friendly beach community in Topsail Beach, NC. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash from May 15th through September 30th. At other times of the year, pets must be under voice command but can explore off-leash. All pets must be cleaned up after. Activities in the area include several local eateries, relaxing on the shoreline and a myriad of water sports like boating and surfing. See Details

Hammocks Beach State Park

Swansboro, NC

Hammocks Beach State Park Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro, NC is dog friendly. Pets are welcome on the beach but are not allowed in the water at the swimming area. Outside of the swimming area, dogs are allowed in the water but must remain on their leash at all times. See Details

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