Outdoors

Things to Do with Your Pet in Virginia Beach

With an abundance of outdoor adventures, Virginia Beach is a playground for pets and pet parents alike. Your four-legged family members are always welcomed in Virginia Beach and we want them to enjoy a perfect vacation with you! From the ocean to the bay, and all the dog parks and hiking trails in between, whether swimming, hiking, fetching or joining you for a stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding lesson, we love seeing coastal pets make the most of their visit. There are also many pet-friendly hotels available, like the Sheraton Oceanfront which allows dogs without a fee. Here are some of our favorite things to do with our pets in Virginia Beach.

Go For a Walk on The Beach or Boardwalk

Person walking a dog on a sandy beach with a blue sky and scattered clouds; a long bridge is visible in the background.
Person walking a dog on a sandy beach with a blue sky and scattered clouds; a long bridge is visible in the background.

From Labor Day to Memorial Day, dogs are welcomed for a walk at any time on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or encouraged to get a little sandy off-leash on any of our beaches. During the summer months, pooches are still welcomed to frolic along the beaches of the Oceanfront North End, Sandbridge, and the Chesapeake Bay beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. And remember to be polite and always clean up after them.

Explore Town Center

A brown dog on a red leash sits in front of a glass window with large yellow lettering.
A brown dog on a red leash sits in front of a glass window with large yellow lettering.

Photo Credit: Town Center of Virginia Beach | Location: Tupelo Honey

From a day at the doggie spa at Dogtopia, to a menu catering to our four-legged friends at Tupelo Honey, and even one our favorite local parks tucked away in the heart of the district, there are over 20 pet-friendly businesses to explore at Town Center. 

Head to a Brewery

Black and white dog lying under a wooden bench on a sunny patio, leash visible, with a building in the background.
Black and white dog lying under a wooden bench on a sunny patio, leash visible, with a building in the background.

When you’re in need of a pint or two, the open indoor spaces and outdoor patios at some of our favorite local breweries, like Commonwealth Brewing and Smartmouth Pilot House, are great spots to enjoy some local brews with your dog by your side.

Spend a Day at the Park

Person walking a chocolate Labrador puppy on a leash along a wooded path.
Person walking a chocolate Labrador puppy on a leash along a wooded path.

From state parks to dog parks, there are plenty of spots to let Fido run off some of that puppy energy! The dog park at Red Wing Metro Park is a great spot to let your dog run off-leash and maybe make a few new canine friends while he’s at it. For you, avid walkers and runners, the Spanish moss-adorned First Landing State Park provides scenic trails to explore side by side with your faithful companion. They’ll especially love the mix of trails, sandy spots and abundance of open water, making for a fun and unexpected hike.

Fetch A Bite to Eat

A light-colored dog with curly fur lies on a paved surface, wearing a bandana and looking towards the camera.
A light-colored dog with curly fur lies on a paved surface, wearing a bandana and looking towards the camera.

@abbeyroadvb, Instagram

Check out Salty Paws, in the Oceanfront District, offering lactose free, dog friendly ice cream, cookies, and treats for your furry friend!

Three dogs stand on a wooden deck. Two dogs look at the camera while a third dog, wearing sunglasses, has its mouth open as if panting. A table with a rolled-up napkin is partially visible.
Three dogs stand on a wooden deck. Two dogs look at the camera while a third dog, wearing sunglasses, has its mouth open as if panting. A table with a rolled-up napkin is partially visible.

@simple_eats_vb, Instagram

You can also grab a bite at the pet-friendly patios at Abbey Road Pub and Froggies Cantina by the Bay, and on Simple Eats’ “Doggie Deck”. Afterward, cure your sweet tooth by digging into a dessert at Bruster’s Real Ice Cream or the Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt, both of which offer a doggie dessert that your furry friend will surely devour.  

A small white dog sits on a chair at a table in front of a mural depicting a red and white vintage van.
A small white dog sits on a chair at a table in front of a mural depicting a red and white vintage van.

Dough Boy’s Pizza offers pet friendly seating at both their 24th street and 33rd street locations with open air patios for the whole family to enjoy! (furry friends included!) The 24th street location is across the street from our 24th street park and the 33rd street location is only 2 blocks from Neptune Park, providing a perfect lunch or dinner spot while out on the Oceanfront with your furry friend.

A fluffy dog sits on a neatly made bed with white linens, next to a small toy. Two bedside lamps are lit.
A fluffy dog sits on a neatly made bed with white linens, next to a small toy. Two bedside lamps are lit.

@elliebear_doodle, Instagram

Whether on vacation or just living the life year-round with us, everything’s better with man’s best friend by your side. From our beaches to our parks, our furry friends have plenty to wag their tails about in Virginia Beach, both on National Puppy Day and beyond!

Cover Photo: Town Center of Virginia Beach | Location: Dogtopia

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