Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located in North Carolina along the islands of the Outer Banks, and stretches for over 70 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Making up most of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, the National Seashore goes from soundside to seaside, and covers the seven villages of Hatteras Island. Set up as a way to ensure that access to the beautiful beaches and landscape of these islands remained public, the National Seashore is a treasure for all to enjoy.

Most of the National Seashore is uninhabited, meaning if you drive far enough, you are about guaranteed to find your own personal stretch of beach on either of these two Outer Banks islands. There are many dog-friendly beaches to chose from that you and your pup can explore and relax on. From sandy beaches to salt marshes, to crashing waves and starry night skies, you will never run out of things to see at the National Seashore. 

The beaches at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are long and wide, making them a great place to walk your dog for a few miles or splash in the ocean. Dogs are welcome in the water and on the sand of every beach that makes up the National Seashore that is not a designated swim or bathing beach, and truly that is the bulk of them. Just take a drive down the main road that runs through Hatteras, Carolina Highway 12, from Rodanthe to the edge of the island to find any beach off the tourist area. The same highway continues through Ocracoke Island for even more pawsome beach areas. Pups must always wear a leash no longer than six feet. 

There are not many shady areas on these beaches, so it may be advantageous to bring a beach umbrella. You will find bathrooms scattered along some beaches, mainly near swim beaches and at all visitor's centers. Be sure to bring all essentials for a safe and fun day out, including water to share with your thirsty pup, snacks, and of course, clean-up bags. Always pickup whatever your pup lays down anywhere on these islands. 

To get to the National Seashore and the islands of the Outer Banks, you can cross the bridge out of Manns Harbor and travel across Roanoke Island to Nags Head Island, then drive south on Carolina Highway 12 till you reach the town of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island where the National Seashore begins. You can also take a ferry to Ocracoke, or from Ocracoke to Hatteras.

If you are looking for unique dog-friendly beaches to explore, pack up your adventure pup and head to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's gorgeous Outer Banks!