Our four-legged friends are always welcomed in Virginia Beach, but the winter months present unlimited tail-wagging fun! That’s because, at this time of year, pups can now enjoy our public beaches, hiking trails, and boardwalk at any time of the day (until Memorial Day weekend), providing them with ample opportunities to enjoy a paw-sitively perfect VB vacation right by your side.
Athletic and playful pups looking to soak up the best of the outdoors will love First Landing State Park, where they can join their humans for a long, winding hike through different ecosystems, offering plenty of opportunities to be mesmerized by and listen to the various species of birds that fly high above and the cyclists zooming by. Nearby, beach-loving pups will find plenty of scenic shores on which to stroll and frolic in the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay or, a bit farther south, discover island-like and pristine natural surroundings along the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. And of course, there are plenty of local dog parks to visit, too!
Doggies looking to be in on the action will find plenty of fun to soak up under the sun along the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk while taking in the sights and sounds of the hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment along the way. Even our local craft breweries have a hoppin’ sweet spot for doggies, where they’re almost always welcomed. In fact, you’ll encounter water bowls, handcrafted treats, and pet lovers throughout town (for a list of pet-friendly hotels, click here).
For the ultimate “downtown dog” experience, head to the Virginia Beach Town Center to explore 20 pet-friendly businesses, dine al fresco or take in the sights and sounds around Fountain Plaza. From a day at the Dogtopia doggie spa and a dog-friendly menu at Tupelo Honey to one of our favorite parks (Central Park), tucked away in the heart of the district, your furry friend is sure to feel extra special in Town Center. Cap off their experience with a visit to Mrs. Bones Pet Bowtique for a special VB memento that’ll have them looking oh-so-cute, too.
We can’t wait to see what adventures you and your pup embark on this winter! Be sure to tag us using #visitvabeach. Before you travel, however, be sure to familiarize yourself with the seasonal restrictions, and as always, be mindful of keeping your fur-baby on a leash and cleaning up after them (our locals and our natural beauty thank you).
Author: Valeria L. Palmertree
Valeria has cultivated her passion for storytelling throughout a 15-year communications career that has granted her the opportunity to find, write and tell stories on behalf of a variety of brands, including destinations across the country.
A native of Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, Valeria has called Virginia Beach home since 2014. At first unsure of what she’d find here, she quickly grew fond of our coastal city’s laidback style and learned that everything she thought she knew about seafood and farm-fresh ingredients wasn’t enough. Over the past seven years, she has had a front-row seat to seeing some of her favorite restaurants emerge, alongside a collective of local artisans who have provided VB with its distinctly vibrant vibe. A lover of food culture, some of Valeria’s go-to spots include Commune, Esoteric, The Atlantic on Pacific, May’s Parlor and Jorgio’s (leave it to the native Argentine to find herself a taste of home).
When she’s not savoring the local dining scene, Valeria can be found chasing sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay, writing, reading, cooking, traveling, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors with her husband and golden retriever – First Landing State Park is one of their most beloved spots!
As a communications consultant, Valeria helps clients unearth, craft and share their stories. Learn more about Valeria’s work – and read her musings on food, travel and more – at ThePalmTreeType.com.
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