Dog-Friendly Cities in NC 

What are the best dog-friendly cities in North Carolina? Bring your dog to these top 10 dog-friendly cities in NC! 

If you have a dog, North Carolina is a great place to live since it has fantastic weather, top-rated colleges, and beautiful scenery. No matter where you choose to live in the state, North Carolina features plenty of fun things to do and no shortage of delicious restaurants that are all dog-friendly. 

From the mountains to the coast, you and your furry friends will be able to take advantage of well-maintained dog parks, hiking trails, and outdoor seating at local craft breweries all year round. If you have decided to make a move to North Carolina but are still unsure which city to call home, consider moving to one of these top ten most dog-friendly cities in North Carolina to ensure that your dog will love their new home just as much as you. 

1. Asheville 

Asheville is a mountain town in Western North Carolina that is best known for its pretty mountain views, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant arts scene. If you love to take your dog hiking, consider moving to Asheville since there are many trails to check out. When searching for homes for sale in Asheville, consider looking for dog-friendly restaurants and breweries in the area. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Asheville: 

Sunny Point Cafe: This family-owned restaurant is best known for its American comfort food. Featuring a covered outdoor patio, bring your dog along while you enjoy breakfast and lunch. 

Pack's Tavern: Visit this lively restaurant in Downtown Asheville for live music, over 35 rotating taps, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. 

The Funkatorium: Bring your furry friends to the outdoor patio at this beloved local brewery. 

Green Man Brewery: This award-winning brewery is an Asheville staple with a great selection of beer and a dog-friendly patio. 

Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp Taproom: Bring your dog along while you enjoy great beer and good company. 

2. Wilmington 

Wilmington is a beloved port city in North Carolina that is historic and near the beach. Home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, many college students and young professionals live here, many of whom own a dog. When searching for homes for sale in Wilmington, consider living in a Wilmington neighborhood with a dog park or dog-friendly facilities. 

If you are moving to Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is located nearby, and pets are allowed only during the off-season from October 1 to March 31. Pets on the beach must always be on a leash. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Wilmington: 

Famous Toastery of Wilmington: Enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics on the outdoor table with your dog. 

Java Dog Coffee House: Much like the name suggests, bring your furry friend to this laid-back coffee shop for coffee drinks and baked goods. 

Fish House Grill: This seafood restaurant at Wrightsville Beach features a dog-friendly outdoor deck on the intercoastal waterway. 

Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar: This casual seafood restaurant in Wilmington is best known for its fresh-caught seafood dishes and oysters. Dogs are welcome to join visitors at one of the many outdoor tables. 

Blue Surf Cafe: Bring your dog along while you enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this rustic and chic cafe known for its modern American food. 

3. Beaufort 

Beaufort is the fourth oldest town in North Carolina, where coastal charm blends with a rich history. Definitely worth the visit, many people decide to buy a home in Beaufort for its proximity to the beach, delicious local seafood, peaceful living, and dog-centric way of life. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Beaufort: 

The Dockhouse: Best known for its live entertainment and outdoor dining on the waterfront. 

Backstreet Pub: This dog-friendly small pub has an outdoor patio that is perfect for listening to live music and relaxing. 

Black Sheep Restaurant: Open Wednesday through Sunday, dine on salads, sandwiches, and pizza on the outdoor patio. 

Queen Anne's Revenge: A perfect destination near the waterfront that even your dog will love, this restaurant is best known for its fresh local seafood. 

Beaufort Grocery Company: Featuring plenty of outdoor seating, this sophisticated New American restaurant provides great service and an excellent menu. 

4. Cary 

Cary is a suburb of Raleigh that has grown tremendously over the years. As more people flock to the Triangle area for its influx of jobs in Research Triangle Park, young families and dog owners alike choose to call Cary home. Featuring plenty of beautiful neighborhoods in Cary, this is the perfect place to live if you are looking for small-town charm and easy access to amenities. 

If you are moving to Cary, the new and improved Downtown Cary Park opened to the public in November 2023 and features a top-of-the-line dog park with a bark bar. Whether you have a large or a small dog, this is a great place to hang out, grab a drink, and watch your furry friends play and meet new friends. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Cary: 

Fortnight Brewing Company: Visit after work or on the weekend with your furry friends to sip on craft beer and hang out with friends. 

Crosstown Pub and Grill: This Downtown Cary restaurant features plenty of outdoor seating that is perfect for enjoying a nice meal when the weather is nice. 

Academy Street Bistro: With plenty of outdoor seating, there is no better place in Downtown Cary to enjoy a great meal with your pet. 

Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant: This Irish pub serves delicious Irish food and features live music and events throughout the week. 

Cotton House Craft Brewers: Order a craft beer and sit comfortably at one of the many outdoor tables. 

5. Raleigh 

As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Raleigh is not just the state capital but is also considered a great place to raise a family and have a dog. Nicknamed the "City of Oaks," Raleigh has a population of over 476,000 people, and about 70 new people decide to make Raleigh their new home daily. 

Offering an affordable cost of living, plenty of fun things to do, beautiful homes for sale in Raleigh, wonderful job opportunities, and a low crime rate, it is no wonder why so many people want to move to Raleigh. Known to be extremely dog-friendly, many dog parks and hiking trails exist to explore. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Raleigh: 

Clouds Brewing: Not only is this brewery kid-friendly, but it is dog-friendly too. 

Plates Neighborhood Kitchen: Opt for outdoor seating with your dog and order farm-fresh, globally inspired dishes. 

Trophy Brewing and Pizza: Offering a casual and laid-back atmosphere, this is a great spot to bring your dog and eat tasty pizza. 

Raleigh Beer Garden: This North Carolina bar is a must-visit, with more than 350 beers on tap and plenty of outdoor seating. 

Boxcar Bar and Arcade: Considered one of the best bars in Raleigh, play arcade games, order cocktails, and hangout with your pet. 

6. Durham 

With a population of 333,292, Durham, the fourth largest city in North Carolina, is part of the Triangle region. As the home of Duke University, many young professionals move to Durham for its numerous technology companies and high quality of life. 

Durham has affordable homes for sale, and it is a very pet-friendly city full of bars, breweries, and parks to which you can bring your dog. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Durham: 

Local 22: This neighborhood kitchen and bar serves seasonal favorites and craft cocktails. 

Parker and Otis: A great place in Durham to order coffee and sandwiches. 

Geer Street Garden: This Downtown Durham gastropub features plenty of outdoor seating and serves great food and drinks. 

Fullsteam Brewery: Bring your furry friends to this brewery with a relaxing atmosphere. 

Ponysaurus: Visit this brewing company, which offers friendly service, tons of outdoor seating, and good beer. 

7. Chapel Hill 

Chapel Hill is a popular town in North Carolina that is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the first public university in the nation and leader of higher education. If you are considering a move to Chapel Hill and are looking for homes for sale in Chapel Hill, this is a very dog-friendly area with plenty of outdoor patios and pet-friendly attractions. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Chapel Hill: 

Nantucket Grill: Order lobster rolls and other New England staple foods in a comfortable atmosphere. 

Sup Dogs: Known as a favorite college hangout, order hot dogs and bring your dog to sit outside on the patio. 

The Casual Pint: Considered the ultimate neighborhood gathering place, order from an extensive beer and cider menu. 

Carolina Brewery: Drink award-winning beer on the patio with your furry friend. 

Gov's Fusion Cantina: Featuring outdoor seating, order from a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and hand-cut fries. 

8. Charlotte 

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina and a major commercial hub. Charlotte is a great place to live for young professionals and families due to its lively atmosphere and low cost of living. Full of tons of dog-friendly activities and establishments, never run out of things to do. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Charlotte: 

NoDa Brewing Company: Not only is this brewery pet-friendly, but its welcoming atmosphere and great craft beer make this the perfect hangout spot all year round. 

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Featuring outdoor seating, a fire place, and live music. 

McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon: Your dog can sit beside you at one of the outdoor tables while you order from a menu of BBQ and comfort food. 

The Dog Bar: As one of the best places to bring your dog in Charlotte, your dog can play off-leash while you socialize over beer, wine, and cocktails. 

VBGB Beer Hall and Garden: Home to one of the largest outdoor patios in Charlotte. 

9. Nags Head 

Nags Head is a popular beach town in the Outer Banks that is best known as the home of Jockey's Ridge State Park. Located about three and a half hours from Raleigh, Nags Head is extremely dog-friendly and a great place to bring the whole family for a beach day. 

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round as long as they are on a leash that does not exceed 10 feet. All owners are expected to pick up after their dogs and maintain control of them at all times. If you are moving to the Outer Banks, make sure to search for homes for sale in Nags Head. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Nags Head: 

Waverider's Coffee and Deli: This local favorite coffee shop features outdoor seating and a menu of espresso drinks. 

Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row: Sit out on the patio with your dog and order a meal from the dog-friendly menu for your pup. 

Blue Moon Beach Grill: This family-owned restaurant is lively and a great place to hang out with the whole family, including your dog. 

Surfin' Spoon: Visit this frozen yogurt shop after a long day on the beach. 

Sugar Shack: This seafood restaurant and oyster bar offers a large menu for lunch and dinner. 

10. Carolina Beach 

Carolina Beach is another great dog-friendly city in North Carolina that is located on the coast. Offering miles of breathtaking beaches, plenty of fishing opportunities, and state parks, Carolina Beach offers prime real estate and plenty of adventures for you and your furry friends. 

Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 AM and after 5 PM during the season and around the clock during the off-season. 

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Carolina Beach: 

Havana's Restaurant: Located in a historic 1916 cottage, dine at Havana's for delicious seafood and a beachy atmosphere. 

Hang Ten Grill: Order burgers, sandwiches, and seafood at this local restaurant with tons of outdoor seating. 

Seawitch Cafe and Tiki Bar: Enjoy delicious seafood and drink specials on the lively outdoor patio with your dog. 

Michael's Seafood Restaurant: This Carolina Beach seafood restaurant is best known for its chowder, happy hour food, and pet-friendly outdoor seating. 

Nollie's Taco Joint: Established in 2017, this taco joint is a local favorite for its fresh ingredients and friendly staff. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from the US Census Bureau, Dare County, and many other local sources to determine the most dog-friendly cities in North Carolina. 

FAQs 

What beaches in North Carolina are dog-friendly? 

North Carolina is home to many beautiful beaches, most of which are dog-friendly at least part of the year. From the Outer Banks to Wilmington, there is no better place to bring your dog than the North Carolina coastline. 

Are dogs allowed in grocery stores in NC? 

Dogs are not allowed in North Carolina grocery stores unless they are registered service animals since they can be a distraction to other shoppers and could be a possible health code violation. 

Can dogs go to the Outer Banks in NC? 

Yes, the Outer Banks is dog-friendly, and most beaches allow dogs year-round as long as they are on a leash. If you are unsure, check online before visiting since each beach in the Outer Banks might have different rules. 

Most Dog-Friendly Cities in North Carolina - Final Thoughts 

North Carolina is home to many dog-friendly areas that are all highly-rated. No matter where you decide to call home in NC, contact the experts at UpHomes to find your dream home. We are here to help.