outer reaches

Best friends who vacation together, stay together. With Outer Beaches Realty’s abundance of pet-friendly accommodations and seemingly endless natural areas to explore and play in, the Outer Banks is heaven on Earth for our dogs. Don’t feel bad about leaving your loyal companion at home or in the kennel–bring him or her along on your next beach adventure! Here are five places on Hatteras Island your pooch will love.

ATLANTIC BEACHES
The miles and miles of pristine beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore could be considered the most spectacular dog park ever created. From morning walks on the hard sand as the sun comes up to playing fetch in the ocean, a day at the beach cannot be beaten. For larger dogs that demand more physical activity, we recommend taking a drive to the beach access lots and ramps on the uninhabited stretches between Salvo and Avon and between Avon and Buxton. Here the crowds are thinner, and often you and your pup will have the beach to yourselves. Do be mindful of other beachgoers (and local regulations) and keep your pup on a six foot leash. For ramp openings and pet guidelines for the beach visit the Cape Hatteras National Park Service website.

BUXTON WOODS NATURE TRAIL
For a change in scenery, take a stroll through the Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Here, acres of maritime forest remain undeveloped and full of wildlife, ponds, marshes, and beautiful pine trees stretching to the sky. This hidden sanctuary is very peaceful and a great spot to get away from the tourist crowds, making it a perfect spot for your morning hike followed by a picnic with the doggies.

FRISCO NATIVE AMERICAN MUSEUM TRAILS
Traveling a little farther south on the Island, meander the nature trails located at the Frisco Native American Museum that slither through the plush maritime forest running along the Pamlico Sound. Along the way, hikers can find labeled specimens and exhibits and marked paths for easy navigation. Stop and take in the sights and sounds on one of the many resting benches. And after dinner, catching a sunset from this vantage point is a must for you and your four-legged friend.

SOUNDSIDE BEACH
The perfect mix of relaxation and fun can be found on the sound side. The Salvo Day Use Area and the Haulover Day Use area just south Avon are perfect places to set up camp for the afternoon, especially if you vacationing with dogs and little ones in tow. Here, you can walk to shoreline to find a peaceful and private area for the family, and the water is calm and perfect to play in. A trip to the sound is also easier on the knees than lugging your equipment over the dunes to the beach.

WATERMEN’S RETREAT
Whether it’s playing fetch in the waves or hiking the shady paths of the maritime forest, at the end of the day we all need a nice place to cool off with a cold refreshment. That place is Watermen’s Bar and Grill. Located at REAL Watersports in the village of Waves, Watermen’s offers pet friendly waterfront dining with a stunning view of the sound and a large yard for relaxing and watching the kite boarders.

As you can see, there is no need to leave your furry friend behind on your next Outer Banks getaway. With premier pet-friendly rentals, fun in the sun, and virtually untouched nature to play in, deliver your companion their favorite treat this year: a little slice of Hatteras Island!

Check out our pet-friendly rentals today to find a vacation spot that’s perfect for the whole family, furry ones included!