No bones about it...the Outer Banks is a dog's paradise! Every member of your family is welcome on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina including your four-legged best friend! To make traveling with Fido easier than ever, Seaside Vacations offers many dog-friendly Outer Banks rentals so you can find the perfect accomodations for your family and your dog! So pack your bags (and the dog's favorite treats) and check out our daily recommendations perfect for those with a canine companion:
DAY 1: THE BEACH AND A COOL TREAT FROM JOHN'S DRIVE-IN
The wide, soft-sand beaches of the Outer Banks provide the perfect playground for your 4-legged pal to romp around. Just remember, the rules on leashes vary widely by town, so make sure that you follow all Outer Banks leash laws. (If you're here during the heat of summer, remember to only take your dog out on the beach during the morning or evening - the sand can reach temperatures so high it can burn your feet and your dogs paws!)
After a fun-filled romp on the beach, you and your furry friend can cool off with a nice treat from John's Drive-In. Located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk, they offer special ice cream "puppy cups!" Leashed, well-mannered dogs are welcome at the outer picnic tables.
John's Drive In
3716 Virginia Dare Trail (the Beach Road)
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
DAY 2: JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK
For a great outdoor adventure, head on over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This 426-acre park is home to hang gliding, kite flying, hiking, a visitor's center, museum and picnic facilities. This is a perfect place to explore and hike with your canine pal!
Again, remember that as the largest sand dune on the east coast, that's a lot of sand. And all that sand can get HOT in the summer. Please make sure you take safety precautions before having your furry friend accompany you. Be sure to bring plenty of water and keep in mind that the sand can get 10-20 degrees hotter than the surface in the summer.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
300 Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 3: CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE
As a National Park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore might just be the perfect place to take your 4-legged companion on the Outer Banks. WIth miles of uninterrupted beaches, you and your canine companion will have tons of room to play, fetch and cool off in the waves. Even the drive from Pea Island to Hatteras is an interesting and beautiful drive that any dog who loves car trips will enjoy!
Please remember: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round if they are restrained with a 6 feet leash or less at all times.
DAY 4: KITTY HAWK DOG PARK
Yes, your 4-legged children do sometimes enjoy going to the park and playing with others! The Kitty Hawk Dog Park is open to all residents and visitors of Dare County. In order to receive the keycode for entrance and exit through the gate, dog owners are required to complete the Kitty Hawk Dog Park Application and a rabies certificate. You should do this ahead of time (before your vacation) if possible so all you have to do when you arrive is enjoy the park! These precautions keep you and your dogs protected and allow them to have a fun, safe adventure with other dogs.
Kitty Hawk Dog Park
856 Midgett Rd.
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
DAY 5: NAGS HEAD WOODS
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is made up of 1,092 acres consisting of sand dunes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands - nestled within the heart of the Outer Banks. Hiking trails are open from dawn to dusk every day for foot traffic only. Please register at the outdoor information counter. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Roanoke Trail and Town Trail as well as on the gravel roadway; dogs are not allowed on the other trails.
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
701 West Ocean Acres Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
DAY 6: DUCK TRAIL
Duck Trail is a six-mile long, multi-use path that traverses the entire length of the town. The trail is primarily located on the east side of Duck Road (ocean side), except for the portion that is within the Town’s Village Commercial area. This scenic paved walk provides a safe recreational venue and great place for walking pets. Dogs must be licensed, have current rabies tags, be under their owner's control, leashed, and cleaned up after at all times.
DAY 7: WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Bring your 4-legged pal and climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breathtaking view of the Outer Banks - from sound to sea. Atop the Hill stands the 60 ft. Pylon - the site where Wilbur and Orville conducted their glider experiments.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1000 N.Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills
