Today is the day to celebrate those special four-legged members of your family! The Outer Banks isn’t only for humans to enjoy. The widespread seashore, numerous nature trails and dog friendly towns all welcome man’s best friend to play and explore. Celebrate National Dog Day by taking your pup on a walk at one of these top 10 pet-friendly outdoor locations on the Outer Banks.
1. The Beach
Pack up the car and hit any one of the Outer Banks beach accesses with your dog. Leashed dogs are welcomed on all of the public beaches. Some towns even allow well behaved dogs to walk the beach off their leash at certain times of the year. Your dog will love all of the new smells, swimming in the water and meeting new people and animals along the way. Outer Banks Leash Laws
2. Nags Head Woods
If you and your dog love a good hike, check out Nags Head Woods. This protected ecological preserve features a variety of trails that feature scenic marshes, ponds and dunes. This is a wonderful place to explore, especially during the fall and winter months. All leashed dogs are welcomed!
3. Downtown Manteo
Perhaps one of the most dog-friendly towns on the Outer Banks, downtown Manteo features various boardwalks and shops that welcome pets to join in on the fun. Stroll around the boardwalk with your pup and see the boats coming in and out of the harbor. Travel over the bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park and walk the boardwalk and scenic pathways.
4. Roanoke Island Dog Park
Located across from the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, this spacious dog park offers two separate fenced in areas for your dog to run around and play off leash. To get access to the park, sign up your dog at the Roanoke Island Parks & Recreation Office.
5. Nags Head Dog Park
Your dog will love playing with and meeting new animals at the Nags Head Dog Park. The park’s tree canopy offer a shaded location for your dog to play, along with two separate areas for small and large dogs. To get access to the park, sign up your dog at the Dare County Parks and Recreation Office.
6. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
The maritime forests and marshlands here are just right for adventurous dogs and owners! Take in the views, wildlife and peaceful setting during your walk.
7. Town of Duck
Manteo and Duck both offer pet-friendly downtown areas with soundfront boardwalks and unique boutiques to visit. Leashed pets are welcomed to attend the town’s outdoor events on the green and boardwalk throughout the year. If you live or vacation in Duck, well behaved pets are allowed on the beach without a leash. If your dog enjoys meeting new people and animals, this is a great place to socialize.
8. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Spread out across South Nags Head, Buxton and Ocracoke, the National Seashore offers protected beaches, soundfront areas and boardwalks for you and your pet to check out. Enjoy the scenic landscape and wildlife along the way.
9. Historic Corolla Park
Take your pet to the Historic Corolla Park for an afternoon of sightseeing and exercise. The famous Whalehead Club, Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Outer Banks Wildlife Education Center. Pets are not allowed inside the indoor venues, but are welcomed to walk the grounds on a leash.
10. Jockey’s Ridge
Climb the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast with your pet! This is also a wonderful location to experience a soundfront sunset. Sound access is also located nearby for your dog to swim and cool off.
Happy National Dog Day! We hope you get a chance to get out and play with your pup and enjoy all of the beautiful sights and sounds the Outer Banks has to offer. If you don’t have a dog, but want to explore these areas, stop by the Outer Banks SPCA. They welcome volunteers to take their adoptable dogs on walks and day trips. This is a great way to get your exercise and spend some time with a loyal companion.
If you’re searching for a pet-friendly community to live in on the Outer Banks, give us a call. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect Outer Banks home for you and your furry family members.