Take a Dog-Friendly Vacation in Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle, North Carolina, is the perfect family-friendly vacation destination. With miles of gorgeous sandy shoreline, it's ideal for beach days, surf fishing, golfing, and more outdoor fun. Many families come back year after year to create lasting memories! Before you book your vacation, though, there’s much to consider: How will you get to Emerald Isle? How long will your trip be? Is Emerald Isle dog-friendly?

We understand that there are many factors to juggle when booking a vacation. Luckily, our team at Sun-Surf Realty has all the local knowledge you need to make your decision. Today, we will focus on that last question mentioned above: Is Emerald Isle dog-friendly?

Dogs aren’t called man’s best friend for no reason; they’re pivotal in our lives! Bringing your pup along on vacation can be a make-or-break deal for folks. The good news is, you don’t have to worry when it comes to bringing your pet here. We’re happy to report that Emerald Isle is very dog-friendly!

In this blog, we’ll explore more about Emerald Isle Beach dog rules, local parks and walking trails, and even a few pet-friendly restaurants to explore.

Is Emerald Isle a pet-friendly place to go on vacation?

This is the most important question to answer. Thankfully, the answer is yes! Overall, Emerald Isle is a pet-friendly vacation destination.

Visitors love bringing their dogs to the beach and walking along scenic local trails with their pup. Not every coastal vacation spot has dog-friendly beaches, so being able to sit on the shore with your pup here is key.

Can I take my dog to the beach in the summer in Emerald Isle?

Yes! Emerald Isle Beach is dog-friendly. However, it is important to note that leash laws also apply in the water, so your pup can’t roam freely in the ocean! They’ll still have a great time basking in the sun and splashing in the waves on leash, though.

As always, make sure to properly clean up after your pet if you bring them to the beach. Our top priority is making sure Emerald Isle Beach stays crystal clean for everyone!

Are there dog parks near the beach in Emerald Isle?

There isn’t a specific dog park nearby where your dog can run around with other pets, but you can still take them to get their exercise in at several local spots! We have many trails and parks that welcome dogs, as long as they're leashed. Let's explore them now...

Where can I take my dog in Emerald Isle?

Besides the beach, there are plenty of pet-friendly spots in Emerald Isle! Get outside for some fresh air and exercise at these spots:

Emerald Isle Woods Park 

Distance: 1.7 Miles
Level: Easy

This nice, shaded trail is the perfect place to take your pup to let off some excess energy (and escape the summer heat!) Emerald Isle Woods Park is open year-round from 6 AM to 9 PM, so you can head out for a wooded walk during any season.

Make sure to bring a leash for your pet while you walk; they’re required at the park. The trail is fairly easy to complete—there isn’t much elevation gain, and parts of it are paved.

Beyond being a nice place to get some steps in, Emerald Isle Woods Park is also an excellent spot for bird watching. In fact, it’s part of the North Carolina Birding Trail! You’ll see plenty of shore birds from egrets and osprey to wading birds and woodpeckers. If you’re feeling sporty, you can also play disc golf here!

Emerald Isle Bike Path

Distance: Approximately 11 Miles
Level: Easy

You don’t have to ride a bike to enjoy the bike path! Jogging or walking is perfectly okay. Dogs are welcome here as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Hammocks Beach State Park

This state park is just about a 20-minute drive from Emerald Isle, in Swansboro, NC! It’s another great place to take your pup for the day.

Best known for Bear Island, this state park offers wide-open beaches you can reach by ferry, kayak, or canoe. Leashed dogs are welcome both in the main park area and on Bear Island.

There’s more to the park than just the beach, though! There are plenty of activities to explore with your four-legged friends here:

• Swim (keep dogs on leash at all times)
• Kayak
• Go Fishing
• Explore hiking trails through the salt marshes

Whether you’re planning to swim, paddle, fish, or just hang out by the water,  you can enjoy some quality time with your doggo here. Hey, they can even hop in the kayak with you and enjoy the water that way!

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a popular day-trip from Emerald Isle, and you can bring your dog along for the adventure, too! For your pet’s safety, you must keep them on a six-foot leash at all times.

This island can only be reached by boat, so make sure you take a pet-friendly ferry ride over. Before you book your ride, contact the ferry service and let them know you’d like to take your pet on the boat.  

Once you make it to Cape Lookout, enjoy a relaxed day outdoors with your pet. They’re more than welcome on the beach as long as they stay on leash! Sadly, they can’t come inside buildings like the lighthouse on the island, but they’re welcome everywhere outdoors. We do recommend bringing extra water for them during your trip, as it can be limited on the island!

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Emerald Isle

Everyone knows that one of the best parts of vacation is figuring out where you’ll go out to eat. There are so many exciting options to explore in a new place!

Traveling with your pet means you’ll have to be aware of various restaurants’ pet policies so you don’t take them anywhere they’re not welcome. No worries, that’s where we come in! These are some of our favorite pet-friendly restaurants in Emerald Isle:

Gaffer’s

Location: 9106 Coast Guard Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (252) 764-2980
Website

Fish Hut Grill

Location: 100 Bogue Inlet Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal hours may vary)
Phone: (252) 424-8284
Website

Surf’s Up Grill & Bar

Location: 100 Bogue Inlet Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (at Bogue Inlet Pier)
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal hours may vary)
Phone: (252) 424-8400
Website

Explore the Best Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Emerald Isle

Well, now that you know all the best dog-friendly activities to explore in Emerald Isle, it’s time to book your vacation. Lucky for you, you’re already in the right place! We have a wide variety of pet-friendly Emerald Isle vacation rentals available for you to choose from.

Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly home with a private pool or just want to see which pet-friendly options are available, we're confident you'll find the right fit for your vacation in our inventory. Browse all of our available Emerald Isle Vacation rentals now, and book your stay directly with Sun-Surf Realty!