Corolla named a top ‘dog beach’

Published 6:30 am Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The North Carolina coast is a hot pick for vacations, and not just for local families but for those nationwide.

From the diverse beaches, unique lighthouses and history of the northern Outer Banks, all the way down south to the quaint and charming Oak Island beach areas, it’s easy to find a great coastal spot that’s right for you. And, of course bringing the dog along for the fun completes the trip.

Travelwithpets.com, a pet-friendly travel guide and reservation service, recently traveled NC beaches, and found some stand out from the rest when it comes to your pup being able to join you in the surf and sand.

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In addition to the great pet policies for each selected beach, pet-friendly lodging options and nearby things to do helped each town rank on the list.

Corolla on the Currituck Outer Banks grabbed the number three spot, thanks in part to policies allowing pets year-round as long as they are leashed.

“It is a perfect place to bring your pet any time of year, since you won’t have to worry about the rules changing with the seasons,” travelwithpets.com wrote.

Corolla offers pet-friendly vacation rentals, hotels and inns from the north to south strip of the beach. In addition to the pet friendly places to stay, there are also great places to hang out besides the beach, including wild horse tours, historic sites and local sanctuaries. Many restaurants allow dogs to sit outside for dinner, too.

Number one on the list was Caswell Beach at the southernmost tip of North Carolina. Throughout the year, unleashed dogs under voice control may visit from dawn until 9 a.m., and from Oct. 1 through April 30, unleashed but controlled dogs are welcome on the beach from 3 p.m. until dark.

Oak Island Beach in southern NC made number two, where leashed pups are allowed year-round. Leash-free time is allowed Oct. 16 through March 15 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in certain area marked with signs.

Emerald Isle took the number four spot for its policy allowing dogs to play on the beach any time of year.

Topsail came in at number five for its policy allowing unleashed dogs on the beach in the off season. From May 15 to Sept. 30, leashed dogs are allowed.

Kitty Hawk gained an honorable mention on the list for allowing dogs on a six-foot leash on the beach from the Friday before Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every other time of year, the leash can be up to 12 feet.