Your next beach vacation won't be the same without your family's fur baby. This blog post will serve as your guide to an unforgettable pet-friendly Oak Island vacation. With a plethora of dog-friendly accommodations and many local establishments that welcome Fido, you will love your next trip to this slice of North Carolina paradise. Well-behaved dogs and humans are welcome on our little island!
Pet-Friendly Oak Island Vacation Rentals
Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island offers a wide selection of dog-friendly rentals in Oak Island. Whether you are traveling with a large group or just your immediate family, we have a place for you to stay with your pet. Before check-in, you will be charged a non-refundable dog fee (plus tax). This dog fee is for additional cleaning, flea spray, etc. Please note that a security deposit is required for most pet-friendly homes.
For more information about staying at a Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island rental with your dog, click here.
Oak Island Dog Rules
Dogs can be on the beach year-round on Oak Island. However, there is a leash law. All dogs must be leashed while at beach access areas from March 16th through October 15th. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, so please bring waste bags and dispose of them properly.
Dogs are permitted to be unleashed and run free on the beach during the off-season from October 16th through March 15th. Click here for more information on pet ordinances from the town of Oak Island.
Favorite Dog-Friendly Activities
Play fetch or frisbee
Go for a walk in your neighborhood
Go for a walk or run on the beach
Dine at a local restaurant (see below)
Dog-Friendly Oak Island Restaurants
Shagger Jacks - 8004 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
Shagger Jacks is a dog-friendly restaurant with outdoor dining options for you and your pup. They have an assorted menu featuring burgers, seafood, tacos, flatbreads, a full bar, and more.
Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill - 601 Ocean Dr, Oak Island, NC
Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill is a beachfront bar and grill featuring an outdoor patio and a dog menu for Fido! Visitors and locals love the seafood dishes, chicken wings, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches.
Bob's Dogs - 8903 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
Bob's Dogs is a small eatery with delicious American fare. They offer hotdogs, hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the pet-friendly outdoor picnic tables.
The Grape & Ale - 8521 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
The Grape & Ale is an establishment where you can have a glass of wine or a bottle of ale in a dog-friendly courtyard. The charming space is perfect for relaxing with Fido over a cold beverage.
Island Jo Coffee-n-Cafe - 7916 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
Island Jo Coffee-n-Cafe is a dog-friendly coffeehouse with outdoor seating for you and your dog. Get your dog a pup cup and a pastry and beverage for yourself.
Tropical Treats - 5811 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
Tropical Treats is a dog-friendly, seasonal eatery with umbrellas and outdoor tables. They serve Italian ice, coffee, homemade fudge, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Leashed pets are welcome inside while their humans place an order.
Click here for more of our favorite area restaruants.
Oak Island Dog Parks
Hannah A. Templeton Park - Oak Island Drive and 41st Street East, Oak Island, NC
Your dog is going to love this natural park and dog park along Oak Island Drive between 41st and 42nd Streets East. Visitors and locals are welcome to enjoy the park with their furry friends.
Salty Dog Park - William' Bill' Smith Park - 4410 Fish Factory Road, Oak Island, NC
This is a spacious dog park where your fur baby can run around and visit with other dogs. The park is separated into two sections. One is for smaller dogs (less than 25 pounds), and the other is for larger breeds. A six-foot fence surrounds the park to ensure the safety and security of your pet.
Local Pet Stores
- Pet Supplies Plus - 2823 Midway Rd SE, Bolivia, NC
- Unleashed, The Dog and Cat Store - 1671 N Howe St, Southport, NC
- National Petland - 1304 N Howe St, Southport, NC
Area Veterinarian Clinics
- Oak Island Animal Hospital - 5520 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC
- River Road Animal Hospital - 8593 River Road SE, Southport, NC