As America’s first beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina has certainly lived up to the shining reputation it has garnered as one of the east coast’s top beach destinations. In fact, it has quickly become one of me and Lady’s new favorite places to visit!
The Outer Banks is comprised of several quaint villages and towns, each exuding its own charm, unique attractions, pristine shoreline, and unique activities for vacationers with dogs.
The next time you’re planning a beach getaway with your pup, here are just some of the most fun places to take dogs in the Outer Banks that offer something for everyone in the family.
Before we dive in, be sure to snatch your FREE copy of our Doggie Packing Checklist! This handy list of canine travel essentials is the same one I use when preparing for a trip with Lady and ensures I’ll have everything I need to keep her healthy and happy during our trips.
If you’re planning a getaway with your furry companions, this checklist will be essential during the packing process!
Download your free copy right now and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about pet-friendly travel!
Ok..now back to the good stuff!
The Most Fun Places to Take Dogs in the Outer Banks, NC
1. Dog-Friendly Beaches
What’s a visit to the Outer Banks without spending some time on the beach? Luckily, most of the area’s most popular shorelines are pet-friendly!
Dogs are usually required to be on a leash, but most of the pooches we saw during our visit were able to run around freely with their owners (as long as they’re well-behaved and don’t disrupt other beachgoers). Just to get you started, here are some of our favorite dog-friendly beaches that we visited in the Outer Banks!
*Local Tip* Before I get too far, I should probably note that many of the beaches in the Outer Banks are accessible by car. This provides a fun and thrilling experience considered to be rare on the east coast.
However, I cannot stress enough that you’ll need a vehicle with four-wheel drive! I promise, if you try to drive out on those beaches with a normal compact vehicle, you will not make it far!
Also, you’ll need a beach parking permit if you’re planning on driving your vehicle onto the shores. Click here for more information about permits and how to get yours.
- Corolla Beach: Corolla is known as one of the more upscale and secluded villages in the Outer Banks. Therefore, visitors to Corolla Beach will enjoy a quiet and peaceful experience with plenty of space to soak in the sun and play in the sand. Of course, your pup will be welcome to join in the fun all-year-round! You may even spot some of the wild horses that this area is known for!
- Duck: The town of Duck is a small yet charming village with plenty of intriguing shops and restaurants to explore (GO TO DUCK DONUTS…you’ll thank me later). If you want to spend some time on the beach, you’ll have to be either a resident or a guest in one of the town’s vacation rentals since there is no public beach access. If you are staying in Duck, however, you and your pup will enjoy miles of pristine shoreline and very little to no dog policies!
- Nags Head: As one of the Outer Banks’ largest and most established tourism destinations, Nags Head offers plenty of public beach access. There are also two fishing piers and a historic lighthouse open for exploration. Just find a spot along the 11-miles of shoreline with your pup and get ready for a full day of fun in the sun!
- Kill Devil Hills: Since the Kill Devil Hills beaches tend to be the most crowded, dogs are not permitted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, when you do get the chance to lay out on the beach with your pup, you’ll enjoy miles of clean and beautiful oceanfront. While you’re there, be sure to grab an ice cold drink or an ice cream from one of the area’s several beachside shops!
- Kitty Hawk: Rich with history and tradition, Kitty Hawk is a favorite among nature lovers and those who appreciate the “small town” feel. Dogs are allowed to join you on the beach any time of year, and they can also explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve with you (more on that later)!
Interested in more dog-friendly beaches in the Outer Banks? Discover these other towns and villages that will warmly welcome your pooch with open arms.
2. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Did you know that the world’s first flight took place right here in the Outer Banks? Back in the early 1900s, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved their dream of soaring through the skies in Kill Devil Hills, which is now the site of the Wright Brothers National Monument.
This incredible dog-friendly attraction provides a number of fascinating things to see and experience, including the reconstructed hangar bay and camp used by the Wright brothers, a life-sized replica of their plane, and the line upon which they first took flight and landed.
The main attraction, however, is the spectacular stone monument that rests atop Big Kill Devil Hill. After a short hike up the former sand dune, you’ll discover a beautiful tower that commemorates the Wright Brothers’ historic achievement and sprawling views of the Outer Banks. It’s the perfect spot to take memorable photos with your family, dogs included!
3. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
If you and your pup are the adventurous types, then the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is a must!
Comprised of maritime forest, marshes, and brackish waterways, there is a plethora of ways to explore this peaceful slice of paradise. You and your dog can enjoy hiking along the nature trails, viewing local wildlife such as the Southern Leopard Frog and ospreys, or kayaking through the lush marshes.
Also, the reserve’s ideal location tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches creates the perfect opportunity to take a break and recharge in the uninterrupted beauty of nature.
4. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge is the largest natural sand dune system in the Eastern U.S. It’s also pet-friendly, making it one of the best places to take dogs in the Outer Banks!
As you’re wandering through the dunes, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported straight to the desert instead of a coastal town. Some of the most popular activities in the park include hiking, kiteboarding, hang gliding, and kite flying!
While the climb to the top of the dunes can be a bit of a challenge, the astounding views of the Roanoke Sound and the town of Nags Head are well worth the effort.
*Quick Note* If you plan on visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park, be aware that climbing to the top of the dunes requires a bit of stamina, plenty of water for both you and your dog, and comfortable walking shoes.
5. Historic Corolla Park
Resting in the shadow of the beautiful Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Historic Corolla Park is a must-see attraction in the Outer Banks. The best part? It’s free to the public and their dogs!
There are plenty of wide open spaces to enjoy a picnic and paved trails that provide lovely waterfront views. The park is also the home of Whalehead, a stunning 1920’s-era home and museum.
Although your canine companions are not permitted inside the museum or to the top of the historic lighthouse, there are still opportunities to enjoy both features from the outside and snap awesome pictures.
6. Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens is a Level II Accredited Arboretum inspired by Queen Elizabeth I’s love for beautiful flowers. The 10-acre garden is home to hundreds of species of vibrant native plants, flowers, herbs, and wildlife. The intricate Elizabethan-era sculptures that grace the gardens are just the cherries on top!
Since the landscape is always changing with the seasons, you’ll be able to marvel at an almost completely different garden each time you visit. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with your pup, I highly recommend this beautiful attraction!
Dogs are permitted within the gardens, but only one pet per owner will be allowed. Also, there is a $3 admission fee for pets (excluding service animals).
*Quick Note* Want to save some cash? Click here to find a $1 off coupon and more information about the gardens!
7. Bodie Island Light Station
As you’re driving down the stretch of road between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island, it will be difficult to miss the striking Bodie Island Lighthouse stretching towards the sky.
Bodie Island tends to be one of the Outer Banks’ most underappreciated locations, but it offers plenty of visitor activities including Gulf stream fishing, four-wheel drive beach access, and of course, the historic lighthouse.
The light that sits atop the 164-foot tall beacon can be seen as far as 19-miles out to sea. Dogs are not permitted to climb to the top the lighthouse, but it’s still worth a quick pit stop to explore the grounds and take great photos.
***
Whether you decide to spend your day lounging on the beach or exploring the local towns and villages, a visit to the Outer Banks, NC definitely belongs on you and your pup’s travel bucket list.
Do you have any other suggestions for Outer Banks dog-friendly activities? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
Also, don’t forget to take a look at all the other incredible places Lady and I have visited from our list of dog-friendly destinations such as First Landing State Park in nearby Virginia Beach or Colonial Williamsburg.
