Not only do you deserve an island escape, but so do your four-legged friends. With its pet-friendly restaurants and active adventures, Wrightsville Beach invites you to bring your furry travel companion along for an elevated island getaway.
Four-Legged Adventures
Take part in Wrightsville’s Beach active lifestyle and explore the island on foot with your favorite canine companion. Most of the island is easily walkable for pets and owners, so take a detour to check out whatever catches your eye. Walk or jog with your pup around The Loop, a nearly 2.5-mile trail that winds around the heart of town, offering scenic marsh and water views and shade from live oaks. Spend the day on the beach, where leashed dogs are welcome to play on the sand and splash in the crystal blue waters from October through March. If you and your furry friend are water enthusiasts, rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Cape Fear Paddleboarding or Wrightsville SUP and cruise through the sound. For a splash of adventure, book a guided tour or sunset cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours aboard the Shamrock, a pet-friendly catamaran.
Mark your calendars for the fall's annual Bark in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park. This free event invites pups to show off their unique talents and tricks. No experience is necessary to join the fun, and pups can even compete for titles such as Best Dressed Dog, Best Dressed Team and Dog Displaying the Most Personality. View competition guidelines and register here.
Treats for Everyone
With plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and breweries, there is no reason to leave your pet behind when you grab a meal or drinks in town. Sip, shop and snack at The Workshop, a pet-friendly café where you can also browse unique jewelry made from fossils found on local diving adventures. On the dog-friendly patio at Poe’s Tavern, enjoy a tasty burger and a local craft brew. Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar & Grill offers delicious bites for lunch, dinner or even a late-night snack – all of which you can enjoy on its pet-friendly covered patio. For seafood lovers, South Beach Grill has an outdoor dog-friendly space perfect for savoring fresh catches and stunning sunset views over Banks Channel. Public docks are available across the street for dock-and-dine service.
Relax with a cold drink in the pet-friendly beer garden at Lighthouse Beer and Wine, which offers an expansive beer and wine selection. Or, head to Wrightsville Beach’s first taproom, Flying Machine Oyster Bar, which offers two dog-friendly areas where guests can enjoy a good brew and a bite to eat from the coastal modern menu.
Perfect Pet Palaces
Spend your nights relaxing and recharging at one of the island’s pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. Conveniently located in the middle of the island, Summer Sands Suites features easy access to numerous nearby adventures. It’s the ideal spot to relax with your furry friends after a day of island fun.
Wrightsville Beach is home to an extensive selection of vacation rentals to suit everyone’s needs, including those traveling with pets. Sprawling beachfront homes are ideal for those who enjoy early morning runs on the beach, where Fido is welcome on a leash October through March. Or choose a rental with a private dock for days spent casting a line alongside your canine companion. With a multitude of pet-friendly options, you’re sure to find the perfect home-away-from-home with pristine surroundings.
Wrightsville Beach is pet-friendly and dog-approved! Visit our active island town for a getaway that far surpasses the typical beach vacation – and eliminates the stress of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.
