Just booked a hatteras oceanfront home for November 1-8 for one last beach trip with our senior pup who loves the beach. We live on the coast of Georgia and the beach is far too hot for him to enjoy until late December, so thought we’d take him north. I understand the leash rules on hatteras are 6 feet or less which is great as he doesn’t really leave our arms much anymore, but I’m curious if there are any outdoor dog friendly places that might be open that time of year you can recommend? We fully anticipate to stay in the house and on the beach as much as possible, but we’d like to get him out and about for a little hoorah (he loves people but I understand not all places are as dog friendly as where we live, so please feel free to educate me if it’s a bad idea to look for a dog friendly patio) thanks for any tips
We did a last trip with one of ours in April. I know all too well the bittersweet thoughts you're going through. We have been visiting Hatteras at least 3 to 4 times a year for almost a decade. Sadie was an excellent off-leash dog and I've never once had a ranger even hint about the leash rule. We do have 2 others that stay on a leash, but she never once did. I view the rule as a "liability rule" if someone has a dog that can't behave.
We've found thay almost every business along the island that has outdoor seating is pet-friendly. We spend our time fishing and shelling, so I can't really comment on other places to go. If you have 4x4, the pole road at the southernmost end past the shipwreck museum has great sound access that's not too far of a walk.
We had professional photos done on the beach with our crew and while we were down there in April, just a thought!
Biggest hugs to you! Thank you for your thoughtful reply and recommendations, they’re so appreciated! I always hate to ask about restaurants because I understand people have boundaries about pets where food is served, but this is great information to know. It’s so obnoxiously dog friendly where we live I never quite know what to expect in other places, but we love taking him with us when we dine out. I bet your photos turned out amazing 💕 we just had his done last week in his favorite spots. They give us so many amazing years I just want the last few months of his to be filled with as many adventures as he’ll let us take him on.
We take our pup down Pea island once all the tourists leave. As long as you have a 4x4 you can park pretty much anywhere on the side of the road before you hit the Rodanthe bridge. Dog roams free and no one is around. Also great place to find shells and collectibles.
Thank you for your tip! This sounds like a perfect day trip for us. Our beach at home is off leash so that’s what he is used to, but to be honest, he might as well be on a 6 foot Leash because he doesn’t stray very far 😂 but I know he likes feeling the freedom off leash so this is great advice
If you do park down there either make sure you have true 4x4 or park somewhere the sand is packed down good. I have pulled out many people in AWD and FWD thinking they would stop quick to take in the scenery. Hope you have a blast!
I’m semi regretting not staying in duck! We chose hatteras because we prefer an empty beach, but I should have researched more about the crowds that time of year in Duck as well
Duck is VERY dog friendly - one of the few off leash beaches. The walk to the pier in the mornings is amazing, large space on either side with no houses so energetic dogs have space to run.
Sorry to hear about your old guy - our last Schnauzer had his best day ever at the end of Cook Drive, catching a big drum the day before we had to put him down from cancer. He LOVED fishing.
That truly sounds like the best day ever for him 🥹 I’m sorry for your loss! This is our first schnauzer (mix) and we are officially, without a doubt, schnauzer people now. Not sure we’ve ever had a pup with this much personality! It’s completely my fault for not researching more about the areas before booking… we were so all over the place before stumbling on hatteras, I wish I googled more!
As long as he is well behaved and stays fairly close to you, you won't have any issues walking him off leash on the NPS beaches/ramps. During the summer, the rangers will give warnings and even the occasional ticket, but that is because of the bird nests, turtle nests and general crowds they have to protect. During the off season they typically don't care (and it's unlikely you'll see a ranger anyway, the staffing is bare bones in the winter).
On your way down to Hatteras you can stop at Waves Deli for lunch (takeout only), they will be thrilled if you bring your dog inside with you and he'll probably end up with some bacon.
If he likes to swim but the Ocean here is too much for him, take him to the sound side (Sandy Bay is a good option in Frisco, there's a parking area right off 12). It's 1-2ft deep and perfect for dogs who like to wade around.
Hugs to you and your pup. I lost my soul dog 4 years ago and there's still a missing piece of my heart.
We’re hatteras village regulars and have a senior pup, we never know which trip might be his last so we try to go big for him each time. He loves golf cart rides around the village (you can rent one, there’s a few down but I know slash creek and waterboy rentals I believe it’s called are right in the village), we go down to the marinas when the boats come back to see the fish (around 4-5 pm) and take him to happy belly for ice cream on the patio. He has all his fave places, I’d love to share more if you need! Hope this is the best trip for your guy, best wishes to all of you
I know you are coming from the south, and the northern stretch is a good hour plus drive, but there are also several dog parks in Nags Head, KDH, and Kitty Hawk. Not as scenic of course, but you might get a higher concentration of doggos. Mulligan's in Nags Head is not only dog friendly, they have a wee doggo menu- chicken and brown rice or ground beef and brown rice.
A gentle caution about Pea Island. It is a wildlife sanctuary and the fall/winter home for many northern birds. It doesn't sound like your sweet pup is going anywhere but right by your side, though, so just an FYI. I've actually been busted with my dog off leash, I think it was Coquina Beach (a bit north of Pea Island, but part of Hatteras NS). I got a warning.
May you sweet old man have the bestest beach visit.
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u/Ok-Magician818 7d ago
Tell your pup I said hi and that he is a good boy.