Visiting the Outer Banks in late summer, particularly at the close of August, presents a unique opportunity for dog owners seeking a quieter, yet still warm beach experience.
During our trip to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, in the last week of August, it was apparent that the number of tourists had dwindled as local schools had just resumed and the unofficial end of summer approached with Labor Day the following week.
This period, nestled between the bustling summer season and the official end of summer at the autumnal equinox on September 22nd, offers a perfect blend of warm weather, less traffic and fewer crowds. Ideal for enjoying the expansive beaches and local attractions with your dog.
While the reduced number of visitors offers more space and freedom for your dog to play on the beach and easier access to local attractions, it also brings some disadvantages, which we will discuss below.
Despite these drawbacks, the benefits of visiting the Outer Banks during this period are substantial. The milder weather is comfortable for both humans and pets, and the emptier beaches provide a peaceful backdrop for walks and relaxation.
During our stay, we were able to enjoy the expansive sandy beaches right outside our hotel, sand-boarded down the highest sand dunes on the Atlantic Coast, and explored cultural landmarks like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
In this post, I’ll share our experiences, highlighting where we stayed and what we did on our mini vacation, and explain why visiting the Outer Banks with your dog is a worthwhile endeavor.
Our Mini Vacations
As our kids reached their late teenage years, we found that taking shorter vacations worked best for us. It allowed us to explore new areas without becoming bored or running out of things to do.
Over the last few years, we’ve limited our stays to five nights or fewer in one location before moving to another destination for a few days. Our mini, mini vacations—often planned around long drives—help break up long drives, making them more enjoyable. On this occasion, they included college tours, which we managed with our dog in tow.
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Why the Outer Banks is Perfect for a Dog-Friendly Vacation
One of the main reasons we chose the Outer Banks for this year’s mini vacation is its reputation for dog-friendly beaches, a standout feature among East Coast beach destinations.
Unlike much of the East Coast—with the except of Florida, Block Island, RI and a few others areas—many of the public beaches in the Outer Banks welcome dogs.
Here’s a summary of the dog-friendly beach rules for towns along the Outer Banks:
- Corolla: Dogs are welcome year-round and must be leashed, with no specific leash length required.
- Duck: Dogs can roam off-leash on the beach, but must be under close supervision by their owners. The town does not own public beach access. Access is only through obtaining permission from private landowners or private associations.
- Southern Shores: Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 am and after 6 pm from May 15 to September 15. Leashes must not exceed 10 feet.
- Kitty Hawk: Dogs must wear a current rabies tag and be on a leash no longer than 6 feet during peak season between 10 am and 6 pm.
- Kill Devil Hills: Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 am and 6 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside these hours, leashed dogs are allowed.
- Nags Head: Dogs are allowed year-round on the beach with a leash no longer than 10 feet.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, but must be on a 6-foot or less leash. Pets are not allowed on designated swimming beaches or inside buildings.
Be sure to visit the official website of each town for the most current information on beach rules before your visit.
Where to Stay
The Outer Banks offers a wide range of dog-friendly accommodations. Depending on your budget and time-frame, you can choose between hotels or one of the many rental homes available in the area.
We chose to stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Kill Devil Hills, NC. We appreciated its convenient beach access directly across the street and the outdoor pool.
This hotel is very dog-friendly, offering amenities like a fenced-in, off-leash dog park on the premises. There are also multiple areas to walk your dog around the property, complete with complimentary clean-up supplies.
They even have a small deck with tables and chairs off the dining area where you can enjoy a free morning cup of coffee and breakfast with your dog while enjoying the ocean breeze.
To hear more about our stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Kill Devil Hills, NC visit our post (coming soon).
Our First Night
It was a long drive from home to the Outer Banks. By the time we settled into the hotel and grabbed something to eat, it was already dark, but the kids were eager to visit the beach.
Having private beach access was incredibly convenient—all we needed to do was cross the street. There was even a pedestrian walk sign that lit up to alert motorists when someone was waiting to cross the road.
Unfortunately, it was a cloudy night, so we couldn’t see the stars. However, the kids unknowingly participated in a classic Outer Banks tradition: ghost crabbing.
Ghost crabbing is a popular nighttime activity where families head to the beach after sunset, armed with flashlights, to search for these elusive creatures.
Named for their pale, almost translucent appearance, ghost crabs are known for their speed and their habit of burrowing into the sand. You can see one in the picture we took above.
Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on young children and dogs, as the darkness can be disorienting and may lead you closer to the surf than intended.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The next day we headed to Jockey’s Ridge State Park to try our hand at sand-boarding. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is known for being the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. The park offers breathtaking views of both the ocean and the sound, and it’s a great place to take in a sunset or just marvel at the vast expanse of sand.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Jockey’s Ridge. In addition to sand-boarding, you can try flying a kite, which is a popular activity thanks to the steady winds. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sign up for a hang-gliding lesson!
For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, several walking trails allow you to explore the unique landscape up close. The park also features a visitor center with interactive exhibits that provide a glimpse into the history and ecology of the dunes.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, but they are not permitted in any buildings or swimming areas, and they must remain on the trails. If you’re interested in sand-boarding, you can rent a sand-board from Kitty Hawk Kites, located right across from the park entrance on S. Croatan Highway in Nags Head, and then walk over to the dunes.
Kill Devil Hills Beach
After a few hours on the dunes, we returned the boards and headed to the beach. Our plan was to walk over to the dog-friendly Nags Head Beach since Kill Devil Hills restricts dogs on the beach during midday in the summer.
The entrance to Nags Head Beach was just a short walk away from our hotel and shared a public access parking lot with Kill Devil Hills Beach.
When we arrived in the late afternoon, we found that the rules were not being followed. I’m not sure if it was because the prime season had ended or because it was so close to dog-friendly Nags Head Beach, but there were several other dogs on the Kill Devil Hills side of the entrance that seemed to have been there all day.
So, we set up our beach gear right by the hotel access point and enjoyed the surf, under the watchful eye of the stationed lifeguard.
Be aware that violators can be fined for having a dog on the beach during restricted times.
This was only Bella’s second time at the beach—the first was our trip to Block Island. We guided her to the water to see how she would react, but she wasn’t too keen on it. So, she and I settled under the umbrella, and watched as the kids played in the surf for the rest of the afternoon.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
On our second full day at the Outer Banks, we decided to check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It’s located right down the road in Kill Devil Hills, NC.
This historic site commemorates the first successful powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903. While dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center, which features a replica of their plane and various exhibits, there’s still plenty to explore outside.
You can trace the distances of each test flight, walk up the hill to the impressive stone monument that marks the site of their groundbreaking achievement, and even peek into a replica of their camp.
When we visited, the temperature was in the high seventies. However, the direct sunlight and lack of shade made it feel significantly hotter. When visiting with your dog, it’s best to go early in the day before the heat intensifies and the paths become uncomfortably hot.
Make sure you stay on the paths to avoid sand spurs, and bring plenty of water to keep you and your pup hydrated. Dogs must be leashed at all times and remember to clean up after them.
For more details on our visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, along with plenty of photos and tips on safely exploring this site with your dog, check out our post, ”Visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial With a Dog.”
After visiting the memorial, we spent some time browsing various stores in search of the perfect t-shirts and sweatshirts to commemorate our trip, and then headed back to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.
Lifeguards on Kills Devil Hills Beach
When we arrived at the beach this time, the lifeguard station was unmanned. I found out just before our trip that starting in mid-August, lifeguard stations are manned based on availability. There was a roaming lifeguard who occasionally passed by us on a quad.
Raonoke Island and Manteo
On our third day in the Outer Banks, we headed over to Roanoke Island to explore the charming town of Manteo and visit the Elizabethan Gardens—both of which are dog-friendly.
Manteo is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup, offering scenic waterfront views, unique shops, and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the town is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a small but picturesque lighthouse that sits right on the waterfront. It’s a great spot for a photo op and a lovely place to take in the views of Shallowbag Bay.
We also stopped by the Roanoke Maritime Museum, which showcases the rich maritime history of the area. Dogs are welcome inside, so you can explore the exhibits together, including beautifully crafted model boats and artifacts from the region’s nautical past.
The surrounding grounds are also perfect for a walk, with lovely views of the waterfront and nearby barns with antique boats on display.
After wandering through town, we made our way to the Elizabethan Gardens. These beautifully landscaped gardens, created in tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, are a peaceful retreat that also welcomes leashed dogs.
It’s a wonderful spot to take in the vibrant flora and get a sense of the area’s history. Though, during this time of year many of the blooms had faded.
Watching the Sunrise
On our last full day at the Outer Banks, we decided to get up early to watch the sunrise over the water. The sky gradually shifted from deep blues to dusty pinks and oranges as the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the waves. It was a serene moment that made for some memorable photos and a perfect way to start the day.
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed straight to the beach. Since this was our last day, we wanted to make the most of it by spending as much time as possible playing in the surf before packing up for the next part of our adventure.
Eating at the Outer Banks with a Dog
One of the great things about the Outer Banks is that many restaurants offer dog-friendly outdoor seating, making it easy to dine out with your furry companion.
However, we often chose to eat at the hotel, taking advantage of the small kitchenette to prepare simple meals. We mostly had lunch back in our room, thanks to the full-sized refrigerator where we could store our groceries.
The supermarket was conveniently located just a few minutes away. Occasionally, we opted for takeout to enjoy at the dining table in the comfort of our hotel.
Challenges of Visiting the Outer Banks at the End of Summer
Visiting the Outer Banks at the end of summer has its own unique charm, but it’s not without some drawbacks.
One of the main downsides is that many of the restaurants and local businesses begin to operate on reduced hours or close early, especially during the weekdays. This can make it challenging to find a variety of dining options, particularly if you prefer to eat out later in the evening.
Another consideration is that lifeguard coverage on the beaches is not guaranteed after peak season. As the crowds thin out, some lifeguard stations may be un-staffed or have reduced hours.
This can be a safety concern if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water. It’s important to be cautious and swim only in designated areas, keeping an eye on local beach safety reports and watching for red flags.
Additionally, visiting the Outer Banks at the end of summer coincides with the onset of hurricane season. Officially it begins in June but often peaks from August to October.
This period can bring unpredictable weather, including storms and high winds that may disrupt travel plans or beach days. It’s wise to monitor weather forecasts closely and consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
Overall, the Outer Banks offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and rich history, making it an ideal retreat for late summer.
From dog-friendly beaches to local attractions that are less crowded this time of year, the region provides a perfect setting for both relaxation and adventure.
As you plan your visit, remember to check local regulations and be mindful of the weather, particularly during hurricane season.
Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking up the sun with your four-legged friend, the Outer Banks ensures a memorable escape from the everyday hustle.
