Pet-friendly Virginia Beach: beaches, restaurants and walks

Live in VA with a furry friend, or house sitting as a pet sitter in Virginia Beach some time soon? Look no further than our ultimate guide to pet-friendly Virginia Beach. Take a look below to plan a day out in the city with your pooch, and find the dog-friendly beaches the coast has to offer, along with pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, breweries and things to do.

Dog-friendly beaches in Virginia Beach

One of the best things to do with your furry friend is to take them for a walk by the ocean. With sand between their paws and an ocean breeze, it doesn’t get much better. But is Virginia Beach, VA pet-friendly? And what are the dog rules at Virginia Beach? 

Well the city is home to multiple beaches - including Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Sandbridge Beach, and Chesapeake Bay Beach. 

Luckily, the rules for taking dogs to the beach are pretty simple. The dog rules differ between seasons, and are easy to follow. So below, find the current dog rules at Virginia Beach, and always double check local websites and the signage before visiting with your dog.

Dog rules at Virginia Beach: summer 

Below, find the rules for taking your dog to the beaches in Virginia Beach between Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

• Dogs are welcome on the Boardwalk between 6am and 7pm.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the summer.
• Dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach or in the water of the Resort Area.
• Dogs are allowed on the sandy beaches north of 42nd Street and south of Rudee Loop before 10am and after 6pm.
• Service dogs are exempt from the dog rules at Virginia Beach.

Dog rules at Virginia Beach: spring, winter and fall 

Below, find the rules for taking dogs to the beaches in Virginia Beach after Labor Day and before Memorial Day weekend.

• Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach (including the main Oceanfront beach), but owners should be responsible for their pets, only letting them off if recall and voice commands are in check.
• All public beaches and the Boardwalk welcome dogs, but dogs should be kept on a leash on the Boardwalk.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach

All of that exploring is going to leave you looking for somewhere to eat! Luckily, Virginia Beach is brimming with pet-friendly restaurants and eateries. Find a few below as a starter for ten, and research your local area before arriving with your dog.

The Back Deck

For ocean views, an easy going menu of wraps, sliders and pizza, and dog-friendly vibes, head to The Back Deck in Virginia Beach.

Location: 3323 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Commonwealth Brewing Co.

Sucker for craft beers, a pet-friendly atmosphere and fresh pizza to wash it all down? Check out Commonwealth Brewing Co. - a popular brewery a stone’s throw from the ocean.

Location: 2444 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, United States

The Egg Bistro Haygood

Tuck into brunch, salads, grilled cheese and more, and relax in this restaurant’s dog-friendly patio in Virginia Beach’s Independence Boulevard.

Location: 1033 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, United States

Leaping Lizard Cafe

If you’re looking for a casual brunch or lunch spot, head to the Leaping Lizard Cafe for eggs, grilled cheese and salads.

Location: 4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, United States

The Stockpot Virginia Beach

Want to hunt down your local health food restaurant in Virginia Beach that’s dog-friendly? Check out The Stockpot and choose from salads, rice bowls, broths, toasts and biscuit sandwiches.

Location: 700 19th St STE 106, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant & Lucy's Sky Bar

Did you know that there is a pet-friendly restaurant in Virginia Beach that’s themed with all things The Beatles? Well for a truly unique dining experience, check out this spot’s dog-friendly patio and tuck into American classics with music from the popular British band in the background.

Location: 203 22nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

1608 Crafthouse

You’ll soon come to realize that not only does Virginia Beach and dogs go hand-in-hand, but also Virginia Beach and craft beers! The city is filled with dog-friendly breweries - like this one - that serve up incredible local beers and snacks to go alongside it.

Location: 1608 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, United States

Jumpin' Shrimp on the Boardwalk

Whether you’re house sitting in Virginia Beach or you’re a local, the city is known for its seafood. So if it takes your fancy, be sure to try a fish restaurant or two - like this one that’s dog-friendly.

Location: Inside Four Points Hotel, Boardwalk Side, 1211 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Dog parks in Virginia Beach

Sometimes the best activity to start a day out with your pooch is to visit a dog park. They’re the perfect place to let your pup run free, socialize with other dogs and let out some energy before being on a leash around the city. So below, find a list of dog parks in Virginia Beach, and always double check the signage before letting your pooch off the leash.

• Marshview Dog Park. Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
• Salem Woods Dog Park. 1525 Salem Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States
• Red Wing Dog Park. 1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
• Woodstock Dog Park. 5709 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, United States

Dog-friendly activities in Virginia Beach

Want to get in the know about the dog-friendly activities Virginia Beach has to offer? Start with our list below, and remember to always double check the rules around dog-friendliness before arriving with your pooch.

First Landing State Park

If you’re looking for dog friendly hikes in Virginia Beach, take your pooch for a leashed walk at the city’s (arguably) most popular place to visit. Explore its 2,888 acres of forests, cypress swamps, lagoons, and Chesapeake Bay.

Location: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Mount Trashmore Park

Built on a former landfill site, Mount Trashmore is now a popular spot for dog walkers and visitors alike. Hike the 60-foot ‘mountain’ and explore the two lakes (one of which is a fresh water lake).

Location: 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, United States

Stumpy Lake Natural Area

For a tranquil break from the city’s hustle and bustle, stop by Stumpy Lake Natural Area with your canine companion, explore its woodlands and marvel at the 278-acre lake.

Location: 4797 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States

Red Wing Park

Want your morning walkies to be a little more scenic? Head to Red Wing Park - especially popular with dog owners during cherry blossom season.

Location: 1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Paddleboarding and kayaking

If you’ve got a pooch of your own and they’re comfortable with water, consider a day out paddleboarding or kayaking for a truly unique way to explore your local area. Dog-friendliness depends on the rental company, but it’s worth sticking to the calm inland waterways, like the calmer sections of the Rudee Inlet and Lynnhaven River.

Tips for pet parents

• Get to grips with the seasonal beach rules. As we’ve shared above, there are specific dog rules at Virginia Beach’s coast, so master them ahead of each season so that you’re only visiting dog-friendly beaches, and letting your pooch off the leash where you’re allowed to.
• Explore the city’s greenways. With restricted access on the beaches, it’s well worth exploring the city’s parks, woodlands, green spaces and lakes. There are acres to explore, so double check leash rules beforehand and get into nature with your canine companion.
• Get your vacation pet care sorted. Clearly dogs and Virginia Beach go paw-in-paw, so why not keep your pooch at home - where vets agree they’re happiest - next vacation? With an in-home pet sitter, your furry friend can stay content and calm in the routine and surroundings they’re used to. Click below to find out more.

Tips for pet sitters

• Explore Virginia Beach’s dog parks. There are countless off-leash dog parks in Virginia Beach, so if you’re unsure about letting them off in larger areas, head to a fenced dog park to be on the safe side.
• Ask pet parents for permission. It’s true that Virginia Beach is perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking, but ask pet parents for permission before taking their dog for an action-packed day out on the water.
• Explore Virginia Beach through house sitting. Want to get to know Virginia Beach and a new furry companion, without spending a dime on your stay? Click below to find out how to get your house sitting adventure started.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Virginia Beach

Thinking about house sitting near Virginia Beach, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

• Dog-friendly Richmond, VA: things to do with a dog
• A guide to dog-friendly Alexandria, VA
• Dog-friendly Washington DC: things to do in Washington with a dog
• Dog-friendly Baltimore: things to do in Baltimore with a dog
• Dog-friendly Raleigh: things to do in Raleigh with a dog