Pet friendly vacation rentals so your best friend can come to the beach too!
Choosing a pet friendly vacation rental is a great way to include everyone in the family. Coastal North Carolina happens to be one of the best pet friendly beach destinations on the East Coast. Choose from these popular destinations–Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Topsail Island—they are all happy to welcome you and your furry travel companions.
Pet friendly beach vacation locations
Things to Know When Visiting with Pets
Pet-friendly rentals in Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a four-mile stretch of scenic coastline crawling with pets (off-season between October 1-March 31). The dog-friendly beach is always a fun way to spend the day, but you’ll sniff out plenty of other ways to hang out with your pet during your stay.
Go for a walk on the 2.45 mile John Nesbitt Loop (or just The Loop), play with them in the grassy fields of Wrightsville Beach Park, or cool off in the shady 1-acre Harbor Way Gardens, which also has a dog water fountain. If you’re visiting between May and October, you can also bring your pet down to the Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market to meet other pets and friendly local vendors.
Pet-friendly rentals in Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach (or Pleasure Island) is a place for both you and your pet to find enjoyment this vacation. Carolina Beach sits on the northern shore with a charming pet-friendly coastal town atmosphere. It’s the ideal destination for enjoying outdoor adventures with your pet—from relaxing on the beach to treks in nature.
Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise on the beach with your dog and even enjoy off-leash fun year-round at Freeman Park. Escape the sun on the shady trails winding 8.5 miles through the Carolina Beach State Park. Let your dog stretch their legs running around the dog park at Mike Chappell Park.
Every October (this year on October 7), it hosts the Pets in the Park event at Carolina Beach Lake Park with fun activities like dog yoga, pet portraits, and a puppy kissing booth.
Pet-friendly rentals in Kure Beach
Kure Beach lies on the southern end of Pleasure Island. This area is riddled with history, waiting to be dug up by visitors exploring with their pets.
Relax on the beach watching anglers cast their lines from Kure Beach Pier, the oldest on the Atlantic Coast. Alternatively, venture off-shore with pet-friendly kayak excursions with our friends form Kayak Carolina. Explore the Fort Fisher Historic Site to see the South’s largest earthen fort used during the Civil War. Set off on the famous Basin Trail in Fort Fisher State Recreation area, where your dog will lead the way to a World War II bunker. If your dog still has energy, wear them out playing fetch at the Gurney Hood Barking Lot in Joe Eakes Park.
Pet-friendly rentals in Topsail Island
Dogs won’t be the only wildlife you see enjoying the pristine shores on Topsail Island. You might spot dolphins swimming nearby, and keeping your dog on a leash helps protect the resident loggerhead sea turtles on shore during nesting season but still gives plenty of wiggle room for your pet to have a good time. However, unhook those leashes during the off-sea- son and let them explore in the dedicated dog beach area.
Topsail Island offers approximately 26 miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline, so you’ll always find a place to set up for a beach day with your dog.
Need a break from the beach? Take in the sights while strolling the dog-friendly Soundside Park boardwalk or cross the Surf City Bridge to the mainland to visit the Surf City Bark Park, complete with trails, a dog water fountain, and other four- legged friends.
Pet-friendly rentals in Wilmington
Kure Beach lies on the southern end of Pleasure Island. This area is riddled with history, waiting to be dug up by visitors exploring with their pets.
Relax on the beach watching anglers cast their lines from Kure Beach Pier, the oldest on the Atlantic Coast. Alternatively, venture off-shore with pet-friendly kayak excursions with our friends form Kayak Carolina. Explore the Fort Fisher Historic Site to see the South’s largest earthen fort used during the Civil War. Set off on the famous Basin Trail in Fort Fisher State Recreation area, where your dog will lead the way to a World War II bunker. If your dog still has energy, wear them out playing fetch at the Gurney Hood Barking Lot in Joe Eakes Park.
You’ll have plenty of things to do at our area beaches with your pet. But to make the most of your stay, we’ve found several restaurants, shops, and more to include them in all the fun. Bookmark this page as a resource for places to go with your pet when staying with us.
Nearby Pet friendly Restaurants
Nearby Pet friendly Bars, Pubs and Breweries
Nearby Pet Supply Stores
Find Pet friendly vacation rentals for your next coastal North Carolina Adventure
Long gone are the days of checking your pet into a kennel while you head out for vacation. Wilmington Metropolitan area and our barrier islands are increasingly pet friendly, with dogs allowed on the beaches, pet-related events, dog parks, and many shops and restaurants springing up that always open their doors to pet patrons.
All beaches have different leash laws so be sure to check the regulations at whichever area you will be visiting.