Kitty Hawk Off Leash Beach

North Carolina pups know that the some of the most pawfect beaches are on the furbulous Outer Banks. With 17 communities spread over 3 barrier islands and a stretch connected to the mainland, the Outer Banks is the place for all kinds of beach and water fun. Kitty Hawk is one of the Northern towns in the Outer Banks area that is just off the shores of North Carolina, and best of all for dogs, it has super dog-friendly beaches!

Between the Southern Shores and Kill Devil Hills communities, Kitty Hawk is most easily accessible via Highway 158, or Caratoke Highway, out of Point Harbor. Once off the bridge, Kitty Hawk is to the south. For the beach-goers, you'll want to get on Virginia Dare Trail, or Highway 12, which runs along the length of the beach on the east side. There are lots of access points for the beach, with parking at some of them, including Balchen Street, Fonck Street, Hawks Street, Maynard Street, the Kitty Hawk Bath House and Byrd Street. Bathrooms for the humans are offered at the Kitty Hawk Bath House and the parking area at Byrd Street.

Once you get your dog to the sand, note the time of day and year, because there are times when your dog can ditch the leash. That's right! From the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day, your dog can run off leash on any area of the Kitty Hawk beach at any time! For those pups who are not good under voice command, leashes can extend to a maximum of 12 feet during this time too. When your dog is off leash romping in the sand and splashing in the water, be sure to stay within 30 feet of them at all times and have a leash ready if needed. 

During the high tourist season from the Friday before Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day, dogs are still welcome on the beach, but will need to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet between the hours of 10 AM to 6 PM. Outside of those hours, dogs can go off leash if they are well behaved, as the off season rules apply. Dogs can play fetch, swim when there is no red flag out, and bathe in the sun with you. Surfing is pupular here too!

Be sure that whenever you are visiting Kitty Hawk's beach, you bring all the essentials for a fun and safe day. This should include water to share with your pup, and clean-up bags, and always stoop and scoop. All dogs on the beach should have a current rabies tag on their collars, and a local county license tag if they are residents.

For a memorable time on the pawrific Outer Banks, head to the beach at Kitty Hawk with your pup today!