Top Dog Beaches near Raleigh, NC

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Top Dog Beaches near Raleigh, NC

Introduction

Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, is teeming with things to do and places to go with your canine companion. The City of Oaks prides itself on its 10,000 acres of parkland, which include several dog parks, 180 miles of greenway trails, and 250 pooch-friendly restaurants. And when Fido needs some vitamin sea, dog-approved beaches are only a few hours away, as Raleigh is located in a state that's been blessed with over 300 miles of coastline and myriad seaside towns. So pack your beach bags and hop into the car when the waves call—a barking good time awaits at these dog-friendly beaches near Raleigh!

#5 Nags Head Beach

Nags Head is a pawpular holiday destination in the central Outer Banks, drawing vacationers with its state parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and of course, the beach. Furtunately, Nags Head beaches are dog-friendly, so there's no need to leave your pooch behind when you visit! The beaches here are relatively uncrowded even on busy summer days, so you and Fido can stroll along the shoreline without distractions. Just remember to keep your pup on a 10-foot leash at all times!

#4 Kitty Hawk Beach

Located ruffly 3.5 hours east of Raleigh, all of Kitty Hawk's public beaches are pup-friendly, making this vacation town furrific for a seaside romp with Fido! Doggos must be on a 6-foot leash between 10 AM and 6 PM from the Friday before Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day, and a 12 foot leash the rest of the year. Behaved pups can be off-leash as long as you stay within 30 feet of them at all times!

#3 Freeman Park Beach

About 2.5 hours south of Raleigh, this dog-friendly beach at the northern end of Carolina Beach welcomes canine beachgoers all year round! Note that doggos must stay on a leash from April through September. If you're visiting between October and March, you can let your pooch run free as long as they're under voice command. Be sure to carry at least two pick-up bags—beach patrol may ask you to show them!

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#2 Caswell Beach

The least pawpulated of all the Brunswick Islands beaches, Caswell Beach is the pawfect spot to enjoy some quiet time by the Atlantic Ocean with your pooch. Here, you and Fido will find sandy dunes, a lush marsh, and the 153-foot Oak Island Lighthouse. Well-behaved doggos are permitted year-round and may go off-leash from dawn until 9 AM. Fido can also explore the beach strand sans leash from 3 PM until dark between October and April.

#1 Topsail Beach

If you and your four-legged pal find yourselves on Topsail Island, head on over to Topsail Beach for some fun in the sun! Here, canine residents and tourists are allowed to play among the waves without a leash, except from May 15th through September 30th. Make sure your pooch is under voice command if you're taking their leash off, and always clean up after your furry charge!