Dog Friendly Beaches in Virginia | Our Top 5 List
Summer is one of the best times of the year. The sun is up, which means only one thing; you can finally go to the beach. If you are a dog owner, vacationing with your dog can be a challenge because it means finding a pet-friendly place to visit. But there is no reason to leave your pup at home every time you want to go on vacation. If you are in Virginia, there are tons of places you
can go with your dog. There are many dog friendly beaches in Virginia perfect for you and your four-legged best friend. However,
before you pack up and head to a beach, call ahead first. Some dog-friendly beaches only allow dogs off-season, while others are open to bringing your pup with you all year long. You also need to find out beforehand if you need to get a leash or not. Below are some of the best dog friendly beaches in Virginia when you need a vacation with your dog.
First Landing State Park Beach
First Landing State Park is one of the most interesting dog friendly beaches in Virginia. The beach is located in Virginia Beach at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. This historic beach allows dogs all year long as long as your dog is on a leash. You also need to bring your dog’s documentation, like the rabies vaccination card, and make sure you clean up after them. The best thing about First Landing State Park Beach is that there are many pet-friendly vacation hiking spots that you and your dog will enjoy.
Virginia Beach Public Beaches
At the south of First Landing State Park Beach comes the magnificent pet-friendly Virginia Beach and public beaches. Virginia Beach offers all-year pet access as long as your dog is leashed. There are a few exceptions, however. Dogs and other pets are allowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. because of the sizeable vacationing crowd from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During summer, the coast from 42nd Street to Sandbridge doesn’t allow pets. Along the beach are pet-friendly rentals, restaurants, and parks you can take advantage of.
Chris Greene Lake Park
Located in north-central Virginia, Chris Greene Lake Park is one of the few lakes with dog friendly beaches in Virginia. What makes Chris Greene Lake Park stand out is that your dog can run wild off-leash. Besides the one-acre fenced beach area, there is a roped water access where your dog can go swimming or enjoy the outdoors with you. You are also expected to clean up after your dog, and while there are no dog friendly rentals along the beach, there are a few with an easy drive.
James River Park
James River Park is located in the heart of Richmond. This greenway runs on both sides of the river just west of downtown for a few miles. It’s a great place to be when you want to explore the capital of Virginia with your four-legged best friend. There are also a few pet-friendly vacation rentals within the park. The only thing you need to ensure is that your dog is on a leash as you splash along the shallow waters, explore the trails or watch the sunset over the horizon.
Ocean View Beach Park
Ocean View Beach Park lies on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk. It’s one of the best dog friendly beaches in Virginia that allows dogs all year round as long as they are on a leash. The maximum leash permitted length is 8 feet, although certain restrictions are put in place during the summer season. For instance, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. There are also many dog-friendly rentals along the beach. If you need some alone time without your pooch, go dining or fishing at the Ocean View Fishing Pier.
When it comes to vacationing with your dog, especially during summer, there are tons of dog-friendly vacation sites you can visit in Virginia. Whether you want a relaxing weekend with your dog or a whole summer vacation, these dog-friendly beaches in Virginia have everything you need to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. All you need to do is pack up your beachwear, prepare your dog and head out.
Giving Your Dog Freedom
Now that you have found places to take your dog, if your dog needs more help with their obedience so they can fully enjoy their freedom (and give you peace-of-mind), see how our Virginia dog training programs can help you both achieve your goals! Then, you can fully enjoy your dog at some of the many dog friendly beaches in Virginia.
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