Pet Friendly Beaches in the Brunswick Islands

Pets are welcome at all of NC's Brunswick Islands' beaches. In fact, tripswithpets.com named Caswell Beach and Oak Island numbers 1 and 2 respectively in its list of "Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in North Carolina."  After Labor Day to late May is a particularly favorite time to visit with four-legged loved ones as beach pet regulations are more relaxed then than during summer. Some beaches allow off-leash time for your dogs during specific hours or times of the year. Read on to learn more about leash requirements and town ordinances that may apply for specific locations and times.

Visit our pet-friendly accommodations page to find the perfect vacation rental, inn, or hotel for you and your pet.  Be sure to check out our list of pet-friendly restaurants in the Brunswick Islands.  If you're looking for some recreational areas off the beach to enjoy with your favorite family canine, many area parks are pet friendly and there are even dedicated dog parks. Share your photos of your dogs visiting the Brunswick Islands with us on Instagram with #ncbrunswickislands or #dogsofncbi.

Bald Head Island - Pets on the beach must be leashed from sunset to sunrise during turtle season, May 1 through November 15. All other times, pets are permitted off leash but must remain under direct supervision at all times.

Caswell Beach - Dogs that are leashed are permitted year round on the beach strand, as long as they do not pose a threat or nuisance to others. Dogs not leashed, but under the control of their owner, are permitted on the beach strand from dawn until 9:00 a.m year-round. Additionally, from October 15 through March 15, dogs not leashed, but under the control of their owner, are permitted on the beach strand all day.

Holden Beach - Holden Beach does not allow dogs on the beach from May 20th to September 10th between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Dogs must be on a leash at all times on the island.

Oak Island - Dogs that are leashed are permitted year round on Oak Island beaches. Dogs are allowed off their leash from October 15 until March 15 from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in locations marked by beach access signs.

Ocean Isle Beach - Dogs are not permitted on the beach strand between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the period of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be on a leash at all times on the island when off the premises of the owner, keeper. or guardian.

Sunset Beach - From the Friday preceding Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. After 6:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m., dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 10 feet. After Labor Day and before the Friday preceding Memorial Day, dogs are allowed all day but must be leashed.

Just remember, whenever you're on the beach with your dog regardless of location, please be respectful of others and the environment, and clean up after your pet.