Surf City, located on Topsail Island, is a popular North Carolina Beach destination. Surf City has twenty-six miles of coastline, consistently good swell conditions for surfing, and offers a vast array of water sports, activities, museums, and attractions. There’s a surf school for beginners where you can rent surfing equipment, kayaks, SUPs, jet skis, and more. Fish off the city pier, or visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center.
Surf City attracts beach lovers, sun worshipers, water sports athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor enthusiasts, however, generally seem to attract furry friends. It’s a fact that goes without saying. A huge percentage of Surf City enthusiasts are also dog lovers. And it makes sense. Dogs love the outdoors, dogs love their outdoor-enthusiast humans! Dogs love running on the beach, and playing in the surf and sea!
Regardless of whether visitors come for the refreshing sea breeze, the water, or the warmth of the coastal sunshine; so many of these visitors seek to bring their canine companions. We all know that going on vacation can sometimes be hard, especially feeling like you must leave your best friend at home.
Wouldn’t it be a dream to find a dog-friendly vacation destination? Even those dog days of summer would be bearable with Fido by your side! Our dogs make our families feel whole. Being able to enjoy vacation experiences with beloved pets by our sides makes our vacations even more exciting and meaningful.
More than sixty percent of Surf City vacation rentals are pet-friendly. A large percentage of private homes, cottages, Airbnb’s, and even hotel and motel rooms are pet friendly with a fee. (Keep in mind that service animals are permitted in every establishment, free of charge, with presentation of accurate credentials.) Surf City is clearly committed to its mission to be a dog-friendly community. Here are tips and suggestions for those visiting the area with furry friends:
Do’s & Don’t for traveling with dogs
- Most dogs love playing in the surf, but remember, dogs should never drink salt water. It can cause dehydration and illness. DO always remember to carry along fresh water for your dog, along with a suitable doggie drinking bowl.
- Both Surf City and Topsail Beach have leash laws. Please DO abide by these leash laws to help keep the community safe. From May 15 through Sept. 30, a leash law is in effect and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Dog owners can incur a $250 fine if dogs are off-leash during high season. Leash fines are not imposed during winter months.
- Surf City provides doggie waste bags and waste containers at beach access points. Please DO take advantage of this amenity! Please DO clean up after your dog. Surf City has a zero-tolerance ordinance regarding pet waste, with a mandatory $100 fine for violations of this policy. Please DON’T leave waste behind or risk incurring fines!
- If you plan to bring Fido to the beach, DO NOT leave your pet in your car. Even on cloudy days, temperatures inside parked cars can skyrocket, putting the lives of our furry friends at risk. Visitors risk fines and even jail time, not to mention the very lives of furry friends, if law enforcement officers discover pets left behind in parked vehicles.
- For vacationers traveling with Fido while staying at vacation rental properties, Surf City urges pet owners to keep their dogs clean, hose them off with fresh water if they romp on the beach, and let the dog dry off outside on the deck so the rental doesn’t get a “wet dog smell.” This helps to ensure that Surf City will remain a pet-friendly vacation destination with an abundance of pet-friendly rentals for years to come.
Dog Friendly Beaches in Surf City, NC
Surf City has many gleaming beaches that allow pups year-round, but they must remain on a leash. There are a few dog beaches that are exceptions to this rule. There are four, top-recommended pet-friendly beaches. These are all within 20 miles of Surf City and will enhance your vacation!
Topsail Beach Dog Beach – The name itself really helps paint a picture! This is an off-leash beach for your dog/dogs to run around and explore. There are dates and restrictions as to when your pups will need to be on a leash. Look online for dates, details, and specifics. But this is an option for your dog to roam free, off-leash!
Topsail Island – This is similar to Topsail Beach Dog Beach and allows your pups to roam free off of a leash, but they also have some designated months where your pups will need to be leashed. Also, it’s important to remember that all dog waste needs to be collected by owners.
Onslow County Beach – This beach is an access point to Wrightsville beach, very pet friendly, but they do not allow off-leash dogs.
Oak Island beaches (Caswell, Yaupon, & Long Beach) – are very family and pet friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round at this NC beach, dogs are permitted off-leash in the fall/winter months.
Dog Friendly Dining, Surf City NC
Here in Surf City, NC there are many dog-friendly dining options that allow your dog to feel a part of the family. Surf City has so many local seafood restaurants, cafes, and even taco shops near the beach! So if you want to explore while in the company of your dog, you’ve come to the right place.
There are about 13 restaurants that allow your dogs to come along and hang out on their back patio. A selection of FIVE of our favorite options that really accommodate our furry friends are listed below. These restaurants will enhance your vacation experience because the staff enjoys catering to pups by bringing them water, treats and giving lots of snuggles!
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grill – Check out the view with your dog by the beach! Daddy Mac’s has direct beach access to their deck, as well as fantastic food. Casual place to enjoy food and drinks.
Wally’s Restaurant – Awesome atmosphere with many accommodations for our furry friends. They serve gluten-free entrees and vegan dishes. If you have dietary restrictions, Wally’s is a great selection.
Shaka Taco – Who doesn’t love tacos? What better way to enjoy local food with your dog, than on an outdoor patio? Casual, comfortable, dog-friendly place to enjoy superb tacos!
Sears Landing Grill and Boat Docks – Delightful seafood options, and a dog-friendly atmosphere with a large outdoor deck. Take-out service is also available.
The Crab Pot – Very pet-friendly seafood restaurant that offers a variety of entrees. Enjoy local seafood, accompanied by your pup.
