Family beach vacations are the best, aren’t they? Spending a week at a time relaxing on sandy shores, sipping wine on decks with your pup curled at your feet, while your children frolic in the surf of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We at Lighthouse View believe that family vacations should be for the entire family, and because many of our Cape Hatteras beaches are dog-friendly, you won’t have to leave your lovable pet behind! Below are our picks for the top 5 pet-friendly beaches in the area.
Cape Point in Buxton
Cape Point is where the warm Gulf Stream and the much colder Labrador current meet, creating one of the most unique beaches on Hatteras Island. Located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, dogs are welcome here but must be on a 6-foot leash. This wonderful beach is also known for its disappearing island, as the sandbars are constantly shifting in the clash between cold and warmth. For those who rent off-road vehicles, the beach can be driven on, and for those who love to fish from the shore, this spot is a famous surf fishing spot.
Salvo Beach
The village of Salvo is quiet and remote, making it ideal for travelers who aren’t into crowds or who may be worried their pooch will get overstimulated by too many other dogs. The town is narrow, and visitors are often amazed that they can wander from the calm, tranquil waters of the sound to the intense, vibrant magic of the ocean within minutes. Also part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this beach is quite popular. And don’t worry. If you decide to check out the sound while in Salvo, dogs are also allowed there, as long as they are on a 6-foot leash.
Avon Beach
Home to the very last wooden pier built on Cape Hatteras, Avon Beach was originally known as Kinnakeet, a Native American word meaning “that which is mixed.” A part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, just as on the other beaches listed here, dogs are allowed on 6-foot leashes. Also allowed are off-road vehicles (with a permit) and beach bonfires from May 1 to November 15 (also with a permit). Beer is allowed on the beach as long as it isn’t in glass bottles, and we can assure you that the party on Avon Beach will be unforgettable.
Popular with surf fishers and star watchers, Avon Beach is reputed to have the darkest and most starry sky on the East Coast. Located approximately 8 miles away from your Lighthouse View retreat, this Cape Hatteras beach may be your sweet fur baby’s favorite.
Ocracoke Island Beaches
Offering one continuous stretch of beach that takes up 16 miles of Ocracoke Island, this isn’t technically part of Hatteras Island, but we figure it’s close enough. The beaches on this beautiful island are uninhabited and accessible only by ferry. Once home to a large family of wild ponies, you don’t have to worry about your leashed pooch chasing the wild animals. They have since been penned into a 180-acre enclosure for their safety and are definitely worth visiting.
FYI, the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach (there are no individual names of the beaches on Ocracoke) has been named the #1 Beach in America. We won’t argue with an expert, but we suggest you explore this beautiful beach with your pet and see for yourself if it is as good as they say.
Frisco Beach
Frisco Beach is located just 8 miles away from your comfy Lighthouse View rental. Swimmers will love Frisco Beach, as it offers the warmest waters in the area. In addition to being dog-friendly (don’t forget the 6-foot leash), Frisco Beach is a paradise for shell collectors. Shells are actually our favorite souvenir, costing absolutely nothing and adding a taste of the coast to our home décor.
Book Your Oceanfront Rental Today
Your pets aren’t just allowed on the dog-friendly beaches of Cape Hatteras; they are also welcomed in many of our Buxton, North Carolina rentals. We’ve included a cute little paw print on the listings in the attached link to signify which properties allow furry friends. Take a few minutes to browse and reserve your favorite Cape Hatteras retreat today!
