The Outer Banks is filled with adventure, relaxation, and wonderful memories to be made. However, it’s not a family vacation without your whole family, including your pets. Luckily, the Outer Banks is one of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations on the east coast.
There are plenty of pet-friendly beaches, restaurants, houses, and local attractions to keep you and your furry friend busy. Below we have picked out some of our favorite things to do and places to visit with our dog that you should consider when planning your OBX vacation.
Lodging
Pet-friendly places to stay are sometimes hard to find. That is until you have visited the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Here we have many rentals ranging from locations on the beachfront to the sound side and everywhere in between. Oceanfront and oceanside condos are located directly on the beach with oceanfront condos providing the most inhibited views of the waterfront. It is important to note that each resort will have its own set of rules including the cost per pet/stay as well as their pet policies.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
It comes to no surprise to us that the dogs may love the beaches just as much as the humans do here. That is why there are several beaches that allow you to bring your dog. Each beach has its own set of rules and regulations you must follow in order to bring your pet to the beach. One rule they all share is that you must pick up any pet waste upon depositing.
Duck Beach
At Duck, we welcome dogs and they are allowed to be unleashed as long as the owner is keeping a watchful eye on their pet. These beach accesses are limited to the group of Homeowners, residents and their guests.
Southern Shores
At Southern Shores, dogs may be on the beach before 9 a.m and after 6 p.m from May 15- September 15. It is a year-round policy that each dog must remain leashed and the leashes can be no longer than 10 feet. The same rules will apply during the off-season as well.
Kitty Hawk
At Kitty Hawk, dogs may be on the beach but they must display a current rabies tag. Between the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day, dogs must be on a leash that does not exceed 12 feet, from the hours of 10 a.m to 6 p.m. You are able to take the dog off the leash as long as they are controlled by the owner and remain within 30 feet of the dog at all times.
Kill Devil Hills
At Kill Devil Hills, dogs may not be on the beach between the hours of 9 Am to 6 Pm from memorial day to Labor day. All other times, dogs may be on the beach as long as they are leashed and under the control of their owner or family member.
Nags Head
At Nags head, dogs are welcome on the beach year-round as long as they are on a leash not exceeding 10 feet.
Manteo
At Manteo, dogs may be on the beach as long as they are on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, dogs may be on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash 6 feet or less at all times.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Sometimes the greatest part of a vacation is finding new, local food to try. Having a nice, relaxing meal with your family while catching up on the day is the perfect way to end a night or start a day. That includes your dog too. We know they are an important family member as well, so it is important that you are able to include them in everything you do on vacation. So while discussing dinner plans, consider these dog-friendly restaurants.
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row
With seating options, indoor and outdoor Mulligans is the perfect place to bring your dog. The outside dining area is designated for doggy dining. They even have their own dog menu, so your pup can enjoy a delicious meal while you do too.
Pamlico Jacks
Enjoy the natural beauty and delicious island cuisine at Pamlico Jack’s Soundfront Restaurant & Bar with your furry friend. Enjoy a nice dinner on the back porch with your dog and experience the view from the open-air sound front deck.
Shipwrecks Taphouse and Grill
Newly located in the OBX area, Shipwreck is one-of-a-kind and is pet-friendly. If you’re wanting a pawsome dinner this is the place for you. They even have a menu specifically for pets that are served on a souvenir frisbee.
Sooey’s BBQ in Nags Head
Authentic award winning eastern NC hickory-smoked bbq, chicken, beef and ribs. Dine with your god in the outdoor pet-friendly seating. Enjoy the oceanfront view while on their deck.
Fun Places to Take Your Dog
The Outer Banks in North Carolina is the perfect place for every member of the family including your pets. It is important to find things that everyone in your family enjoys and can attend. Finding places that allow you to bring your dog in the Outer Banks is simple. Here are a few of our favorite places to bring our pets.
The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
Home of the very first flight to ever take place, this incredible monument is a dog-friendly attraction worth seeing. See the reconstructed hangar bay and camp used by the Wright brothers, a life-sized replica of their place and a line upon which they first took flight and landed. You can use this time as a learning experience for yourself or the kids in the family while allowing the dog to get some of their energy out.
Jockey’ Ridge in Nags Head
This is the largest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. You can wander through the dunes, and feel transported to the desert. Within the sand dunes you can hike, kiteboard, hang gliding or kite flying. It is a great place for the family or to play some fetch with your dog. If you plan on climbing to the top of the dunes you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the Roanoke Sound and the town of Nags Head. If you do make the trip, remember to bring water for not only you but also your furry friend, as well as comfortable shoes and a leash.
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Made up of the maritime forest, marshes and brackish waterways, there are many ways to explore this peaceful paradise. You and the pup can hike along the nature trails while viewing wildlife or kayak through the lush marshes. The location is perfect for just taking a break from all of the hustle and bustle.
Elizabeth Gardens
The Elizabeth Gardens is a level II Accredited Arboretum inspired by Queen Elizabeth I’s love for flowers. The garden is over 9 acres and has hundreds of vibrant, native plants. Flowers, herbs and wildlife within. The landscape is always changing so you are likely to see a completely different view each time you visit. Bringing your pup is a must, but get ready for them to be overwhelmed with all of the different smells they are going to experience. It is a $3.00 fee for pets and there is only 1 pet allowed per owner.
Historic Corolla Park
Enjoy the view of the beautiful Currituck Beach Lighthouse at the Historic Corolla Park. The best part is, it’s free and you can bring your dogs too. Though you will not be allowed to bring your pooch inside the museum or the top of the historic lighthouse, there are still plenty of places to walk around and grab a few photographs.
Whether you are grabbing some authentic cuisine or running on the beach-maybe even chasing birds or crabs, the Outer Banks has it all. Bring your family, friends, and your pets. The perfect beach vacation awaits the whole family. Your family and furry friends will have a wonderful time digging in the sand or frolicking through the Elizabeths gardens. We hope to see you and your pets soon.