Pet friendly beach rentals...

SargentScoob · #1 15th February 2009, 08:08 PM

For those of you that are beach goers, but hate to leave your pet behind, I had been searching for a beach to take my boxers to (since we had a bad experience leaving Scooby in a kennel last year, we swore we wouldnt do it again) Well our goal was to find a beach that wasnt so crowded that we couldnt comfortably take our dog to. And after many hours online, we have discovered the Outer Banks N.C. They have many large pet friendly homes available to rent at very affordable prices. I am excited since I never knew of the Outer Banks, and the fact that most are pet friendly beaches. Has anyone ever been there with their animals? If so how was it?

LILYLARUE · #2 19th February 2009, 10:10 AM

Never been to OBX with my dogs. I always go to the Delaware Beaches. Lewes and Rehobeth are very dog friendly towns. Lewes even has shops that have water bowls for the passersbys. Rehobeth has restrictions on the public beach and boardwalk during peak season. But they have private beaches that allow dogs year round. I have taken all three of my dogs on many occasions and have found Delaware the best place closeby for weekend getaways with my dogs.

If and when you head to the OBX, please post your experience. I am looking to travel farther with my pups.

SargentScoob · #3 24th February 2009, 12:18 PM

Hi Lily,

What private beaches are you speaking of in Delaware? I have been looking for something closer to home. But it would have to allow surf fishing (my husband is a fish fanatic) and I was trying to find something that wasnt too crowded so I could let them run a little. Have you ever seen anything like that in Delaware?

LILYLARUE · #4 24th February 2009, 12:34 PM

There's a private all-male beach at Henlopen at the cape. Yes, it is a gay beach, but it is always empty (go figure in Rehobeth?! LOL) I'm not sure about the fishing part. The cape has several parks, I'm sure there are sections designated for swimming, fishing, boats, etc. The male side is open year round for dogs. Of course all must be leashed. Off season, there are many more beaches open to the dogs, including the boardwalk and public beaches. Also, in Lewes, there is a beach open to dogs across the sound, a historical naval watchpost is there. I can't remember the name, but it's the official park area in Lewes. Follow the signs to the watchpost.

Of course, any of the public beaches along route 1 outside of the townlines are open to dogs too. I usually hit one of them on my way in and then another on my way out.

if you look on dogfriendly.com, it will give you any info you need for traveling with dogs and where to go, to stay and to eat by beach area. And any dog restrictions on the beaches under city guide.

Mama's Boys · #5 27th February 2009, 06:41 PM

I've been going to the Outer Banks for many years. I've never taken my dogs, but it is definitely a great place to take dogs if you can find a rental that will allow it. We usually rent a house that sleeps 15 people, and stay with other families we know. If everyone we stayed with were as dog friendly as we are, we would definitely bring our dogs.

When you are looking for a rental, you'll have to check to see which are pet friendly. Dogs need to be leashed on the beach, but there are always people on the beach with unleashed dogs once the sun starts to set and there aren't as many people out. We've always stayed in Corolla, which we love.

I would say that the Outer Banks is a great vacation spot to take your dogs. If you haven't already booked a place, I recommend that you get on top of is asap. The summer rentals book up fast!! We always book our rental a year in advance, but we like to stay in the same house every year at peak season (4th of July week). Good luck!!!

SargentScoob · #6 27th February 2009, 11:12 PM

We did book a place..its in Carova Beach 4x4. I am not looking too forward to the drive in the 4x4. But its worth it to be able to take my dogs. I hear its nice in the outer banks, I cant wait, but the 11 hr drive with 2 boxers, and 2 children will be very interesting..

Mama's Boys · #7 28th February 2009, 07:46 AM

We always spend a day on the Corova 4x4 beach when we go. It's a lot of fun on the 4x4 beach, but if you take the dogs out to the beach during the day, you'll have to be extra careful because of the cars driving up and down the beach. There is much more action during the day on the 4x4 beach than where I stay in Corolla- jet skis and wave runners are allowed on the 4x4 beach.

The drive to the Outer Banks is never fun! I'm in Maryland, and it is about a 7 hour drive for us. Try to avoid Saturday morning traffic if possible- there is literally one highway into the Outer Banks and Corova Beach is all the way at the end of that. Most rentals are Saturday-Saturday, so the traffic on Saturdays during high season (June-August) can be a nightmare.

Hope you have a great time!!! I'm sure you will love it!