Thanks to our generous geography and furry-friend-forward culture, Virginia Beach is one of the most dog-friendly places on the planet. Here’s a quick roundup of pet-friendly fun for the good folks traveling with their “bestest boi” (or girl) in tow.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
We believe all your family members deserve a warm welcome — and luckily, many Virginia Beach hoteliers agree. There are hundreds of pet-friendly hotels sprinkled throughout our regions, so we asked the experts at Bring Fido to help us pick three with a “five-bone” rating.
Reviewers love the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort in Oceanfront because it’s not limited to small or single dogs; canine companions enjoyed the treats handed out by friendly staffers. The Hampton Inn Oceanfront North got high marks for beach access and dog-loving employees. A bit further inland, the Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton garnered praise for its landscaped walking trails and on-site pet park.
Get Sand in Your Toes (and Paws)
If you time things right here, all beaches are dog beaches! From Labor Day to Memorial Day, your four-legged friends are welcome on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and on any of our beaches. During the summer months, dogs are allowed on Oceanfront North End, Sandbridge and Chesapeake Bay beaches before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. This should go without saying, but cleaning up after your pet keeps our beaches clean and pristine for everyone.
SUP With Your Pup
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to paddle out with your pet. But that’s exactly what Breathe & Paws is making possible! In two 90-minute sessions on calm waters, their unique SUP Dawg Program teaches humans and canines alike how to be stable and safe on a stand-up paddleboard. By mindfully introducing what may be a new skill in a calm and positive environment, they set up both owners and pets for long-term success. There’s plenty of time for relaxed frolicking on the sand and in the water, too.
Go for a W-A-L-K (or H-I-K-E)
Who are we kidding? Our dogs understand us when we spell it out, too! Luckily, there’s much for your canine companion to get excited about in Virginia Beach. For sheer variety, we love First Landing State Park, which offers 19 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails — mostly shaded by knobby cypress trees to keep you and your bestie cool. For safe, free-roaming shenanigans, try the 97-acre Red Wing Park or any of the five off-leash dog parks within city limits.
Say “Bone Appétit”
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll want to refuel — preferably on one of the many dog-friendly restaurant patios in Virginia Beach. Notable spots include Citrus, in Chesapeake Bay, where you can order something special for your pet from a dedicated dog menu. Indulgent dog parents will enjoy 1608 Crafthouse (Chesapeake,) where the farm-fresh menu includes housemade pork rinds that are perfect for sharing with your dog. We also like Whiskey Kitchen, in the Inland region; in addition to a patio, there’s a grassy area for your pooch to snooze.
Fetch a Pupcake (and Other Treats)
Has somebody been a very good dog today? For treats that transcend the standard Pupuccino, you’ve got incredible options in Virginia Beach. Salty Paws, in the Oceanfront region, offers lactose-free (gentle on puppy tummies) ice cream, as well as cookies and other treats. At My Best Friend’s Cupcakes, in the Inland region, you’ll find organic and gluten-free gourmet dog treats of all kinds — including cupcakes, cookies and birthday cakes.
Have a Brew With Your Bestie
Looking for a place to chill out with your favorite craft beer and your four-legged boo? Virginia Beach goes beyond the standard dog-friendly patio with several dog-themed breweries. Pups & Pints offers a variety of artisan draft selections, plus light fare for both humans and dogs. Wasserhund Brewing Company (“water dog” in German) combines the Holley family’s love for good bois, the beach and brews with a litter of house-made beers inspired by their own beloved pups — plus German food and other treats on a pet-friendly patio. Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery hosts Pups on the Patio Wednesdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to closing; humans enjoy $2 drafts and half-off apps, while doggos get fresh water and all the pats.
Look and Feel Like a Million Bones
It’s not just people who enjoy a little pampering. When it’s time for a bit of vacay self-care, Virginia Beach has got you and your pet covered. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, in Oceanfront, is a virtual pup paradise where dogs get gourmet treats and salon-style grooming in a stress-free environment. While they’re getting the royal treatment, you can head over to nearby Salt Spa & Wellness Center for one of their targeted luxury facial treatments.
You can also drop off your best bud at Dogtopia in the Town Center District, where they can enjoy a full menu of spa services: shampoo, conditioning treatment, coat brushing, nail trim, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Just down the street at Hand & Stone Massage, you can treat yourself to a variety of reasonably priced massages, facials and other services.
Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
