Pet-Friendly Places & Guidelines in Topsail Island & Surrounding Areas

Traveling With Your Pet in Coastal North Carolina

Traveling with your dog can be a great way to enjoy everything Coastal North Carolina has to offer. From pet-friendly dining spots to nearby dog parks and local regulations, planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for everyone.

Below is a helpful overview of pet-friendly locations and important guidelines in Topsail Island and the surrounding areas.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries & Cafés

Many local businesses welcome well-behaved dogs in outdoor seating areas. Availability and policies may vary, so guests are encouraged to check directly with each location before visiting.

Local pet-friendly spots include:

• Beauchaines 211

• Surf City Line

• Shaka Taco

• The Crab Pot

• Daybreak Donuts

• Sundial Coffee and Tea

• Maine Lobstah Shack

• SurfDog Bites & Brews

• Smoky Tony’s BBQ

• JM’s On The Water

• New York Corner Deli

• Beach Shop & Grill

• Hidden Ships Distillery

• Hot Diggity Dogs

• Coastal Blends of Holly Ridge

• Sears Landing Grill & Boat Dock

• Backyard Tavern

• Salty Turtle Beer Company

• Coastal Wings & Spirits Co.

• unWINEd Wine Bar and Beer

• Cowfin Bar and Grill

• Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille

• Sandpiper Brewing Company

• Buddy’s Crab House & Oyster Bar

• Beach Bum’s Pizza Bar & Grill

• Camino Real Mexican Restaurant

• 
  

For additional dog-friendly locations, guests may also find the website www.bringfido.com helpful when planning outings.

Dog Parks in the Area

For off-beach exercise and social time, several dog parks are available within a short drive.

Nearby dog parks include:

• Surf City Bark ParkBehind the Community Center201 Community Center Dr, Surf City, NC 28445

• Dog Park at Long Leaf Park314 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

• Dog Park at Ogden Park615 Ogden Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28411

• Ruff Draft2144 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

• Dog Park at Empie Park3405 Park Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

• Dragonfly Dog Park & Nature Trails12099 US-17, Maysville, NC 28555

Local Pet Rules & Regulations

(Important – Please Read Carefully)

Pet regulations vary by town. Guests are responsible for following all local ordinances during their stay.

Topsail Beach, NC

• All dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 20 feet) when off their own property from May 15 through September 30 of each year.

• Dogs must also be on a leash from April 1 through September 30 in the area designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) Unit L07, as marked by the Town.

• Owners must always be prepared to remove any deposits left by their dog.

• These regulations apply to the entire town, including the beach.

More information: www.topsailbeachnc.gov

North Topsail Beach, NC

• Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of the owner at all times when off the owner’s property.

• Leashes must not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in length (including retractable leashes).

• Owners must immediately remove and properly dispose of all pet waste.

• Animals should not be left unattended in vehicles without proper climate control.

• Cruel or inhumane treatment of animals may result in violations.

Fine for leash law violations or failure to pick up dog waste: $100

More information: www.northtopsailbeachnc.gov

Surf City, NC

• It is unlawful for any owner to allow a dog to run at large or be off the premises without restraint.

• Restraint must be a leash under the physical control of a competent person and may not exceed twenty (20) feet.

• Voice command alone does not qualify as restraint.

• It is unlawful to allow an animal to defecate on public or private property.

More information: www.surfcitync.gov

Planning a Pet-Friendly Stay

Understanding local guidelines and knowing where pets are welcome helps create a respectful and enjoyable experience for guests, neighbors, and business owners alike.

For questions about pet policies at a specific rental or general vacation planning, our team is happy to help.