Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 4 Dog Friendly Beaches in Wilmington, NC 2026: Off & On Leash Places to Go

a dog walked by its owner on a beach

What better way to spend a summer afternoon than with your four-legged best friend on the beach? But which beaches in Wilmington, North Carolina, are dog-friendly? You do not want to drive to a beach only to be denied.

However, Wilmington is full of great dog-friendly beaches where you and your furry friend can let loose and have some fun. Here are the top four dog-friendly beaches in Wilmington, NC. Happy beach days!

divider dog paws oct 2024

Top 4 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wilmington, NC

1. Freeman Park – Carolina Beach

️ Address: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, on the north end

  • Wide, sandy beaches where dogs can run and play freely
  • The north end of the beach permits off-leash activity year-round
  • Waste bag stations to keep the beach clean for everyone
  • Lots of nearby amenities, including restaurants and shops


2. Fort Fisher State Park – Kure Beach

️ Address: 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No

  • Very popular and attractive stretch of beach
  • Excellent spot for wildlife viewing
  • Lots of space for your dog to roam
  • Plenty of hiking trails to explore


3. Topsail Island – North Topsail Beach

️ Address: North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
Open Times: Daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $100 for non-residents; $25 for residents
Off-Leash: Yes, October to April


4. Carolina Beach State Park – New Hanover County

️ Address: 1010 State Park Rd, New Hanover County, NC
Open Times: 7 AM to dark
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No

  • Miles of excellent hiking trails and plenty of pristine beaches
  • Unique plant and animal life
  • Camping available for an extended stay
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times when visiting this park

divider dog paws oct 2024

In Conclusion

These dog-friendly beaches in Wilmington, NC are sure to make your summer one to remember. Whether you are looking for a quiet beach where you and your pup can spend quality time together or a beach where you can unleash your dog and let them run free, these four beaches are just what you need.


Featured Image Credit: Juice Verve, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Red Merle Aussiedoodle: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

The Red Merle Aussiedoodle is a captivating and intelligent hybrid breed, known for its unique coat pattern that combines various shades of red,...

Why Does My Corgi Sleep on Their Back? 3 Likely Reasons

Dogs sleep in all sorts of different ways, and many Corgis sleep on their backs. However, so do dogs of other breeds. As...

9 Best Dog Biscuits in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Our dogs spoil us with endless love and loyalty, so it’s no surprise we all want to spoil them back. For our food-motivated...

My Dog Ate Plastic: Should I Be Worried? (Vet Answer)

You’ve just gotten home and found trash strewn throughout your living room. The kitchen trash can is on its side, and your pooch...

More related

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd: The Differences (With Pictures)

Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are fantastic dogs that are full of energy and are well-known for their intelligence and trainability. If you’re...

8 Best Pet Insurance Providers for Older Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Comparisons

Old age for dogs is similar to old age for humans; they slow down, their joints start to hurt, and things that were...

Blisters on Dog Paws: Vet-Explained Signs, Causes, Care & FAQ

A dog’s paws tolerate multiple stressors all throughout their life. While biomechanically designed to withstand many of these stressors, they are not immune...

Can Dogs Eat Dill? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Preparation Ideas

Dill (Anethum graveolena) is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, and is safe to feed to dogs, in moderation. There is no...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Sourdough Bread? Vet-Approved Facts & Risks

Sourdough bread is a popular type of bread that many people enjoy. During the pandemic, many people picked up the hobby of breadmaking while they were quarantining at home. If you’re one of those people, then you probably have a...

Can Dogs Eat_sourdough bread

What Is Chicken Meal in Dog Food and How Safe Is It? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

As a dog owner, you want to provide your pet with the best nutrition possible to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life. There are plenty of commercial dog food options available on the market, many of which have unique...

shar pei dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Tater Tots? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Chances are that you didn’t feed your dog tater tots on purpose, but if they got into a few that were left out, what should you do? Are tater tots toxic for dogs, and if you do have a few...

Can Dogs Eat_Tater Tots

What to Feed a Mother Dog After Giving Birth: Vet-Approved Options & Tips

After a mother dog gives birth to her puppies, she needs immediate dietary support. Birthing an entire litter takes a lot of energy, and she will continue to require an uptake in calories, fat, and protein as the pups grow...

mother-dog-with-her-puppies

Can Dogs Eat Baking Soda? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Baking soda is a common pantry item, and it can be easy for dogs to get a taste of it if they happen to break in and snoop around your kitchen cabinets. So, is baking soda safe for dogs? Baking...

Can Dogs Eat Baking Soda

Can Dogs Eat Biscuits? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Tips

Whether begging to share our dinner or rummaging through the trash, dogs love to eat human food. Unfortunately, not all people food is safe for dogs, so it’s important to know what they can and can’t eat. If you’re wondering...

Can Dogs Eat_biscuits

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

In the world of pet ownership, it’s essential to know what foods are safe for your dogs and which ones are not. Poppy seeds are a common ingredient in muffins, bagels, and salads, for example. One question that often pops...

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

Dogs can enjoy many foods that humans eat, and they’re experts at convincing us to share our food with them. Since they can eat many fruits and vegetables that humans also eat, it’s best to choose healthier options than junk...

Can-Dogs-Eat-Blueberry-Muffins