No bones about it...the Outer Banks is a dog's paradise!
From the beach to Jockey's Ridge, every member of the family is welcome on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. And, Seaside Vacations offers many dog-friendly Outer Banks rentals allowing your dogs to vacation with you! So pack up the car, grab the leash, check out our pet policy, and come on down. We'll see you - and your canine companion - at the beach!
Here is our list of Top Dog Spots on the Outer Banks - fun and unique places to take your 4-legged pal on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
1. The beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks.
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.
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
(252) 441-2525
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.
Just remember, 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 which can burn paws.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 Carolista Drive
Nags Head
(252) 441-7132
4. 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.
Please remember: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round if they are restrained with a 6 feet leash or less at all times.
5. 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.
You and your friend can also stand on the same spot where the Wright brothers made their first flights. A large granite boulder marks the spot where the first plane left the ground.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1000 N.Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 473-211
Seafood (try the dolphin boat!), burgers, great milkshakes, and much more can be found at this iconic drive-in located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk. And, for your canine friend, 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
(252) 261-6227
7. Duck Trail
The Duck Trail is a seven-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.
So, what are you waiting for? Your dog can't wait to start his Outer Banks vacation either!
Running on the beach (perhaps even chasing a few seagulls and crabs), swimming in the waves, catching tennis balls and frisbees... your furry friend will have tons of fun frolicking across the sand. Later, you and your pal can hang out and relax on the deck of your pet-friendly vacation rental.
