Dog-Friendly Trips: 6 of the Best USA Beaches that Welcome Your Furry Friend
Bringing our cherished pooches on our vacations is a terrific idea that makes our experience more joyful and relaxed. Nowadays, taking your dog on a trip is simpler and more affordable than ever. The number of dog owners has grown in recent years, and almost all consider dogs family members, according to a SpotOn survey. And these dog parents will likely want to take them along on their excursions.
Vacations to the beach are a dream come true for the whole family, including our pups, so if you plan your seaside break, you may look for a beautiful beach that welcomes dogs. Here are 6 of the most charming dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.
Dog Beach in Panama City Beach (Florida)
Dog Beach is located across from Pier Park and continues down the Panama City Beach shoreline. This beach is open from dawn to sunset, and leashes are needed. Less than a mile away, you can find Frank Brown Dog Park, which boasts three fenced-in playgrounds for your canine buddy to run free. The park also offers almost 2 miles of dog-friendly routes and greenways. November is the perfect time to bring your pup to Dog Beach. In addition, you can stay at one of the many pet-friendly accommodations in the 30a area or the Boardwalk Beach Hotel. You can also go for a bite with your pet outside at Shore Dogs Grill or Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant.
Coligny Beach Park in Hilton Head (South Carolina)
This pet-friendly beach entry point connects to one of Hilton Head’s most popular beaches. Dogs like walking down the beach at Coligny Beach Park at low tide, when they can splash in the calm waves crashing. The beach is available all year for dogs, although leashes are required from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Beach access with pets is before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Showers, wheelchair accessibility, beach chair rentals, and free parking are available at the beach. Furthermore, many of the nearby restaurants and shops accept four-legged buddies. Stay at the pet-friendly Sonesta Resort, or you can book a fantastic rental property of the many you will find in the area that welcomes your dog.
Fiesta Island Dog Park in San Diego (California)
Located in Mission Bay, not far from San Diego’s shores, lies the little island peninsula known as “Fiesta Island.” This island allows dogs to run and explore leash-free throughout its area! Even though Fiesta Island is not strictly a dog park, dogs are free to roam the island’s extensive beaches, shoreline, and inland areas off-leash has made it a popular destination for dog parents traveling to San Diego.
The beach wraps around the island and is accessible via the main road; the park is open 24 hours a day, but cars can enter between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. The beach is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the vistas of downtown San Diego. The beach’s services are minimal, although there are free dog waste bags and many bonfire pits for tourists.
This dog paradise is free to access, and parking is available wherever you pull over. And to make the most of your dog-friendly trip to Southern California, the area has many accommodations that welcome our furry friends, from hotels like The Dana on Mission Bay or The Salt Life rental property in San Diego.
Kitty Hawk Beach in the Outer Banks (North Carolina)
Perfect beaches in North Carolina are on the fantastic Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk is one of the northern communities in the Outer Banks area, located off the coast of North Carolina, and it features incredible dog-friendly beaches.
Dogs are welcome on Kitty Hawk beach but must wear a valid rabies tag. In addition, the owner must permanently remove feces and have a bag for waste collection. Between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash no longer than 12 feet from the Friday before Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day. Dogs may be taken off leash only provided they do not annoy other beachgoers and must be managed by the handler, who must stay within 30 feet of the dog at all times. The leash must always be with the owner.
After an early morning visit to the beach, you can head to Capt’n Franks or Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill for delicious hotdogs, sandwiches, seafood, and more. In addition, Kitty Hawk offers several dog-friendly places to stay, like the Gypsy Soul property, which is ideal for ten guests.
Willard Beach in Portland (Maine)
Willard Beach is a tiny beach in South Portland’s quiet neighborhood. The coast, about four acres, surrounds Simonton Cove and is popular with tourists and locals.
The beach allows dogs (on leash) with their parents from May 1 – September 30 from 7 a.m – 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dogs are also welcome to visit and run free during the day in the fall and winter. Only ensure you stay off the dunes and do not let your dog chase the wildlife.
This beach in Maine is close to unique pet-friendly eateries like Scratch Baking Company and Little Tap House. If you plan to visit the area, Harraseeket Inn is a fantastic lodging option for where to stay near Willard Beach.
Padre Island National Seashore in South Padre Island (Texas)
South Padre Island has miles of white sandy beaches and emerald waters. On-leash pets are welcome on the island’s lovely beaches but make sure vaccinations are up to date, and you have records of them just in case. Bring lots of fresh water and a bowl to keep your pup cool on hot days on the beach.
Dogs are welcome at the Padre Island National Seashore. Leashed dogs are permitted in camping areas and on around 60 miles of beach in the area. Please consider that dogs are not allowed in any buildings and at the deck of Malaquite Pavilion. You may use the pet access trail on the Pavilion’s north side.
After all the fun, you can enjoy the local pet-friendly dining spots, such as Lobo Del Mar Cafe, a casual eatery offering egg dishes, seafood, and burgers, or Mahi Nic’s, an outdoor seafood restaurant with fantastic waterfront views. And for accommodations, you can reserve a pet-friendly stay at a beachfront home like the Palm House. This property was featured in the Coastal Living Magazine.
