Dog Friendly Rules for Enjoying OBX Beaches

Along with being a family-friendly place the Outer Banks is also dog-friendly.

For our visitors Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates offers a great selection of pet friendly homes, and for visitors and residents Outer Banks beaches and towns offer plenty of opportunity to take four-legged family members to the beach.

There are some restrictions and it’s important to know what they are. The rules also change from town to town so know your location.

There are amendments from time to time the rules governing when dogs are allowed on our beaches. As an example, the town of Kill Devil Hills just added two months when dogs are allowed on the beach. The only restrictions at this point in time in Kill Devil Hills are the cannot be on the beach during the daytime during the summer.

Here’s a quick rundown of the local rules when it come to dogs on our beaches.

Cape Hatteras Seashore

Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash of 6 feet or less. They are restricted from designated swim beaches such as Coquina Beach and buildings.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash of 6 feet or less. Pets must not disturb wildlife and must be under the physical control of the owner at all times.

Nags Head

Dogs must be on a leash, but there are no other restrictions.

Kill Devil Hills

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day no dogs are allowed on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Dogs are permitted on the beach at all other times of the year, but they must be on a leash.

Kitty Hawk

During the summer, from the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day dogs can be on the beach beach. Between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. they must be on a leash that is no longer than 6’. At all other times, dogs can be off the leash but must be within 30’ of the owner and the owner must have a leash with them.

Southern Shores

Southern Shores has a leash ordinance and dogs must be on a leash at all times. From May 15 to Sept. 15 dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Duck

Dogs are allowed on the beach and they can be unleashed, but owners are responsible for their pet’s actions. In the town park and public areas dogs must be leashed.

Corolla

Dogs are allowed on the beach year round but must be on a leash at all times.

OBX-Lots To Do This Summer

Scene from last year's BrewFest.
Scene from last year’s BrewFest.

Now that summer is here, there is almost too much to do on the Outer Banks. This is Outer Banks Craft Beer Week culminating in the OBX BrewFest on Sunday. The following weekend its the Rogallo Kite Festival on Jockey’s Ridge.

There’s Kid’s Days at almost all of the Kitty Hawk Kites stores—weekly events, they’re usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Town of Duck has a full schedule of happenings on its Town Green. This Saturday it’s Dare Days at Manteo—which is a wonderful family celebration.

All of that is great stuff to do, but here at Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates. we started thinking about what are some of the lesser known things to do on the Outer Banks—things that maybe won’t attract a huge crowd but might create a lasting memory. There’s a lot of them, so we can’t possibly list them all, but here’s a list to start things going.

Most of these are recurring events, so if this coming Wednesday isn’t convenient for a red wolf howling, there’s always the following Wednesday.

Howling Wolf-Red Wolf Howling

June – August, Wednesdays – 7:30-9:00pm

Creef Cut Wildlife Trail

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and the Red Wolf Recovery Program offer you the opportunity to learn more about red wolves at the only place in the world where they still exist in the wild! Meet at the designated time at the parking lot for a chance to hear the harmonious howl of this endangered species.

Summer Howlings cost $7 per person (bring cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard).

Children 12 and under are FREE!

Bring a flashlight and insect repellent.

Dress for the weather; howling will occur except with lightning, heavy rain, or wind or impassable roads. Decision to cancel will be made at least 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled program.

Do NOT bring pets.

Do Bring insect repellant

Questions: Call 252-216-9464.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Crabbing/Fishing Rodeo

June 11, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

For three hours once a year, North Pond at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public to allow fishing and crabbing. All Federal, State and local crabbing and fishing regulations apply. Round up them dawgies!  Come and enjoy this unique opportunity.  You access North Pond from the Visitor Center and Visitor Center parking lot.

Faire Days Summer Festival Series 2016

Scarborough Faire, Duck

Every Wednesday, All Summer Long, June 8 – August 31, 1:30-5:00 pm

• Sound System Music – 1:30-3:00pm

• Live Music – 3:00-5:00pm

• Virtual Fishing – with Capt Dan Banks …1:30-5:00pm

• Magician – fun with The Impossible Chris … 2:00-5:00pm

• Petting Zoo & Pony Rides – with Little-Zoo-To-You … 1:30-4:00pm

• Paint a Wooden Mustang – with Wild Horse Museum Store … 1:30-5:00pm

• Face Painting – with Bonnie Collins … 1:30-5:00pm

• Glitter Tattoo Table – with Luxury … 2:00-5:00pm

• Author Book Signings – with Island Bookstore … 1:30-4:00pm

• DIY Sun Catchers – with Urban Cottage … 2:00-5:00pm

• Color Your Own Tiki Mask – with The Island Attic … 1:30-5:00pm

• Paint a Duck – with Simply Scarborough … 1:30-5:00pm

• DIY Bead Jewelry & Letters  – with Ruff Haus … 1:30-5:00pm

• Product Demos & Tastings – 1:30-5:00pm

• Assorted Games/Prizes/Crafts – 1:30-5:00pm

• Food/Wine/Shopping Specials – 1:30-5:00pm

15th Annual Under the Oaks Arts Festival

Whalehead Club, Corolla

June 21 – 22, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Enjoy this annual outdoor art show on the waterfront grounds of Historic Corolla Park at the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla.  This festival features the unique talents of quality artists with a wide variety of media plus local food concessions, and art auction.  Admission is FREE!  Event runs 10am-5-pm June 21 and 10am-6pm June 22, 2016.