In North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands we know that pets are a part of the family, which is why we believe they deserve to come on your next beach vacation. Here we welcome your furry family members with 45 miles of wide-open beaches, pet-friendly places to stay, and activities even they can enjoy. Read on for our pet-friendly guide to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
Pet Friendly Places to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a single room or a vacation rental house with space to roam, there are plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options across the Brunswick Islands.
The Oak Island Inn, Anchor Inn Motel, and The Beach House at Oak Island all offer pet-friendly rooms. Additionally, find pet-friendly vacation rentals on Oak Island here. In nearby Southport, choose from chain hotels Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites or enjoy the bed and breakfast Carriage House Inn. Explore vacation rental options in Southport here.
Headed to Bald Head Island? Catch the ferry from Southport and settle into your pet-friendly vacation rental before a truly unique island vacation begins. Explore pet-friendly accommodation options on Bald Head Island here.
Holden Beach has plenty of pet-friendly vacation rental homes to choose from. Start your search here.
The Islander Inn on Ocean Isle Beach offers pet-friendly beachfront accommodation, but many vacation rentals are also available. Find the perfect home for your stay here. You’ll also find pet-friendly options on Sunset Beach, the southernmost of our islands. Start your search here.
Our inland towns of Leland and Shallotte are also excellent homebases during your stay. Find hotels in town here.
For more information on specific pet policies, please visit each property’s website.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Headed out for a family lunch or dinner? Don’t forget to bring Fido. Many restaurants across the Brunswick Islands allow pets.
You’ll find scenic pet-friendly outdoor seating at each of these restaurants:
- Fishy Fishy Café
- Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill
- Oliver’s on the Cape Fear
- The Lazy Turtle
- Mermaid’s Island Grill
- Inlet View Bar and Grill
- Waterfront Seafood Shack
For more pet-friendly restaurants check out our list here.
Pet-Friendly Breweries/Taprooms
Adults can enjoy a cold glass of a locally brewed Brunswick Island beer in the company of their leashed and well-behaved pets at these pet-friendly breweries.
- Makai Brewing Company in Ocean Isle Beach
- Leland Brewing Company in Leland
- Carolina Crab Brewing Company in Southport
Pet-Friendly Things to Do
Your pets can put their paws in the sand in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands! In fact, Caswell Beach and Oak Island are considered two of the most dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina according to tripswithpets.com. The presence of nesting sea turtles on our shores in the summer months means pet regulations and leash restrictions are tighter. However, spring and fall are some of the best times of year for you and your pet to enjoy a pet-friendly beach vacation in the Brunswick Islands.
Bald Head Island
Pets must be leashed from sunrise until sunset from May 1 through November 15 on Bald Head Island. Pets under direct supervision are permitted off-leash at all other times.
Caswell Beach
Leashed pets are permitted on Caswell Beach year-round. Pets under direct supervision and control of their owner are allowed off-leash from dawn until 9:00 a.m. year-round, and all-day from October 15 through March 15.
Holden Beach
Leashed pets are allowed on Holden Beach year-round before 9:00 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Leashed pets are allowed on the beach strand all day September 11 through May 19. Pets are not permitted off-leash at any time on the beach strand.
Oak Island
Leashed pets are permitted on Oak Island year-round. Pets under direct supervision and control of their owners are allowed off-leash in locations marked by beach access signs from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., October 15 through March 15.
Ocean Isle Beach
Leashed pets are allowed on Ocean Isle Beach before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. year-round. Leashed pets are allowed on the beach strand all day preceding the Memorial Day holiday and following the Labor Day holiday. Pets are not permitted off-leash at any time on the beach strand.
Sunset Beach
Leashed pets are allowed on Sunset Beach before 8:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. year-round. Leashed pets are allowed on the beach strand all day after Labor Day and the Friday preceding Memorial Day. Leashes must be no longer than 10 feet. Pets are not permitted off-leash at any time on Sunset Beach.
For more information, please visit our Plan with Pets page.
If you’re interested in adventures beyond the beach, consider a visit to the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson historical site. Learn the story of this pre-Revolutionary War town and the Civil War fort built in its place while strolling the grounds outdoor paths. Please note that leashed pets are allowed on historic site grounds but cannot enter the visitors center.
The Brunswick Nature Park is another natural attraction perfect for your pets. The park is open year-round and features miles of hiking and biking trails your dog will love.
Dog parks are located throughout the Brunswick Islands as well. To find the one closest to your accommodation visit our Parks page here.
Come See Why Pets Love NC’s Brunswick Islands
We can’t wait to welcome you and your pet to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands! Before your visit, check out our blog for tips on how to travel with pets and head over to www.ncbrunswick.com to start planning.