An escape to the beach doesn’t have to mean leaving your four-legged companions behind. With pet-friendly options for dining, lodging and adventures, Kure Beach is the ideal place for a getaway for you and your pets.
Barkingham Palace
Enjoy the freedom of staying at a pet-friendly vacation rental with options from companies like Victory Beach Vacations. Be sure to pack your pet’s favorite toys and bed to him or her feel at home when you stay with Carolina Beach Realty in one of their Kure Beach properties. Many of the island’s vacation homes feature plenty of grassy area for pets, outdoor showers for rinsing off sandy paws and plenty of indoor space to relax with their humans.
Barks and Recreation
It doesn't get much better than a day of beach fun with man's best friend. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach Oct.1 through March 31. During peak season (April 1 through Sept. 30), leashed dogs are allowed on the beach between 5 p.m. - 9 a.m.
For activities the whole family will enjoy, including your pup, venture to Joe Eakes Park. Play a round of disc golf, a game of bocce ball, tennis or basketball, and kids can swing, slide and climb at the large playground. The Gurney Hood Barking Lot dog park within the park is an oasis where you can let your furry friends off the leash to run and play.
Adventure through the beautiful waters, marshes and secluded sandy beach with Kayak Carolina. The outfitter offers pet-friendly tours and rentals with no experience necessary. Or, grab your furry friend and get out on the water with a paddleboard rental from Pleasure Island Rentals.
If you want to stay on dry land, explore Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where leashed dogs are always welcome for some fun in the sun and sand. Check out the hiking trails, especially the Basin Trail, where you can catch a glimpse of the World War II bunker that was once home to the legendary Fort Fisher Hermit.
Bone Appétit!
Plenty of Kure Beach restaurants offer pet-friendly dining options so there is no need to leave your favorite canine companion behind. Bring your pup on your morning coffee run to Happy Hippies Java Hut for a pup-cup for your fur baby and delicious cup of Mermaid Magic, a one-of-a-kind coffee potion, for yourself. Riverview Restaurant is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset and enjoy wild-caught seafood alongside your pet from one of the outdoor decks. Or stroll to the seasonal walk-up window at Beach House Burgers. Order one of the made-to-order burgers and save room for soft-serve ice cream…we won’t tell if you share a little with your pup.
Kure Beach offers plenty of ways to include your pets in the family fun, so make sure to bring them along on your next getaway to Kure Beach.
