Your Guide to Virginia's Dog-Friendly Beaches

Want to get out of the house, but reluctant to leave your dog behind? Head off on vacation with your pup in tow this summer. Virginia offers several dog-friendly beaches perfect for your four-legged friend.

When visiting locations, make sure to check with local rules and regulations before packing up the dog. Some beaches allow dogs during off-season, but summer is a different story.

Read on to learn all you need to know for a waterfront trip to Virginia with your pup!

Rules for Any Dog-Friendly Beach in Virginia

It’s important to find out whether or not your dog needs to be on a leash or if they can roam free. Bring a long leash no matter what, but know ahead of time if there will be an area where a leash isn’t necessary. If you’re pup is allowed to be off-leash, make sure they are under your voice control so they don’t stray too far.

Keep in mind, some people on the beach will be less dog-friendly than others. Children can become easily frightened by dogs, so be mindful of who your dog is approaching. Never leave your dog unattended. Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted. Pay special attention to your surroundings and any potential situations that may cause your dog to wander or run off.

Respect all of the rules set by the beach. Leave only footprints behind when you visit pet-friendly beaches. Make sure to always be equipped with fresh water, doggy bags, and a leash when you venture out for a sandy day of fun. You don’t want to be the reason that dogs aren’t allowed at the beach anymore!

Virginia State Park Regulations

Dogs are allowed in all Virginia State Parks. However, state regulations prohibit pets at designated swim areas and require pets to be confined or kept on a leash no longer than six feet and kept under supervision while at the park.

All beaches that are classified as “swimming beaches” do not allow dogs. If it is a lake or body of water that is completely contained within the park, then no swimming is allowed and that rule can be enforced by the park staff.

Shorelines that are not swimming beaches allow swimming by dogs. This is often the case in riverfront parks, especially in the Tidewater region parks.

Lastly, in rivers and large lakes, dogs are be allowed in the water off the shoreline. Once back ashore, the dog must be on a leash under six feet and in the owner’s control.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Virginia Beach Public Beaches—Virginia Beach

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the north end of the beach above 42nd Street and the south end in the Sandbridge area before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. You can bring your dog on the boardwalk 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. 

During the rest of the year, dogs are allowed full access to the beach as long as they are on a leash. Walk, jog, or run along the surf with your pup.

First Landing State Park—Virginia Beach

First Landing State Park allows dogs on their beach as long as it’s a multi-use beach, not a “designated swimming beach." There are 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of beach in the park, so plenty to explore with your pup. 

Chris Greene Lake Park—Charlottesville

Chris Greene Lake Park provides a one acre fenced-in area for dogs to run off leash, with roped water access for dogs to swim. Wiggling pooches abound at this dog-friendly beach, which sits on the 53-acre lake. 

Ocean View Beach Park—Norfolk

In the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., your pup is not allowed on the beach. Other than that, they are welcome to come on the beach on a leash. 

Mountain Lake Lodge—Pembroke

Your dog can have the time of their life at Mountain Lake Lodge. Pups can take a dip in the water and do not have to be on a leash to enjoy the lake. The lodge even runs specific event weekends for dog owners.

New River Water Trail—Giles County

Abide by the rules at this state park and you can explore over 37 miles of the New River with your pup by your side. 

Deltaville Maritime Museum—Deltaville

This museum at Holly Point Nature Park is pet-friendly. You and your dog are welcome to the Nature Park just as long as your furry friend is on a leash. Pups are welcome in the museum as well; make sure to stop by the front desk and ask about the treat drawer!

James River Park System—Richmond

When visiting Richmond, bring your dog to Belle Isle, Pony Pasture, or another beachy area in the James River Park System. Keep dogs on leashes and be careful on rocks. 

York River State Park—Williamsburg

Bring your dog to York River State Park in Williamsburg for a day of play. Meander along the river-side dog trails, but keep your pet on a leash under six feet. Pets are not allowed to swim at this beach.

Cape Charles Beach—Cape Charles

From April 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach in the early mornings (before 9 a.m.) and later in the evening (after 9 p.m.). In the off-season, your pup is welcome at all hours. 

Kiptopeke State Park—Cape Charles

Head to the south beach and make sure your pup is on a leash no longer than six feet to enjoy this Chesapeake Bay park. Pets are not allowed at the northern beach. 

Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort—Cape Charles

This resort features a beach dog park as well as a regular dog park with play structures and water features. The Sandy Paws Dog Beach is an off-leash beach area—just make sure to accompany your pup at all times.

Haven Beach—Mathews

Haven Beach on the Chesapeake Bay welcomes all pooches to its shore! The beach has a sandy bottom shoreline, designated swimming areas, and ample parking. Just make sure your pup remains on-leash.

Widewater State Park—Stafford

This state park allows your furry friends, just as long as they are on a leash under six feet long. Here Aquia Creek and the Potomac River meet, and the park provides access to both bodies of water. The park lies on non-contiguous parcels and is open for public access. There is no swimming allowed, but enjoy the hiking trails along the river.

Aquia Landing Park—Stafford

You and your pup can enjoy this popular beach on the Potomac River and even take a dip in the river together. Just make sure your dog is well behaved.

Lake Mooney—Stafford

Take your four-legged friend to Lake Mooney in Stafford County. Here there is no swimming allowed, but the small shore is a perfect spot to spend a sunny day outdoors.

Colonial Beach—Colonial Beach

Leashed, well-behaved four-legged friends are allowed on the shores of Colonial Beach anytime from October 1 through March 31. From April to September though, you cannot bring dogs to Colonial Beach. 

Leesylvania State Park—Woodbridge

Your furry friend is welcome at the sandy strip in Leesylvania State Park just as long as they’re on a least that is no longer than six feet and are with a human companion at all times.

Sun Outdoor Chesapeake Bay—Temperanceville

This RV resort welcomes leashed dogs. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or by the pool area. 

Visit Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay with your pooch in tow! This campsite has a pet-friendly beach and even allows for pets to be off of their leashes on the beach as long as everyone behaves.

Bear Creek Lake State Park—Cumberland

While dogs are not allowed at Bear Creek Lake State Park “swimming beach,” the park does have a separate beach area that is marked as pet-friendly. Your dog must remain on a leash, but is welcome to enjoy the sandy spot just for them. Additionally, your pup can join you on the park’s boat rentals, as long as everyone behaves!

Dog-Friendly Private Beaches

If you rent a pet-friendly vacation home on a private beach on the Eastern Shore or along the Chesapeake Bay, you can relax with your dogs without worrying about public beach restrictions. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf with your pooch this summer in Virginia!