In search of cool beach town in the Carolinas
 

Hi everyone.

We have a large family with all of our kids in their 20's. We have vacationed in Folly Beach, SC and in Dunedin, FL. We love both locations because of the quaint nature of them, the nice beaches which allow dogs (either a private area for them or access early morning or late evenings). Our family loves great food from local restaurants and we always do a pub crawl that is within walking distance.

What I'm looking for is something similar to these two towns that is on the coasts of North or South Carolina. A small beach town where we can park our car (for the most part), rent bikes, shop, eat, do our annual pub crawl and generally relax. And a town that allows at least limited access to the beach by dogs.


Any ideas?

Maybe Edisto, SC.
Not quaint but lovely and uncrowded--Litchfield by the Sea. You need a car. Can't beat the restaurants.
Pawley's Island for sure, but again a car--the beach has no commercial ventures on it.

This is the same info I'm looking for. We love Folly too, but were looking for something a little closer of a drive from New England. Would love recommendations for Outer Bank towns that have a similar vibe.

I grew up in North Myrtle Beach and am familiar with quite a few of the Carolina beaches. Beaufort, NC is fantastic - next to Atlantic Beach and a gateway to the outer Banks. It's also home to many wild horses on Shackleford Banks. Relaxed town, ample bars, cute homes and shops.

The homes in the Outer Banks have a lot of amenities, and most people spend a lot of time in their rental. The rental agencies will list homes that are dog friendly and dogs are allowed on the beach year round. You will want paved roads if you want to do a pub crawl--hard to drive on sand at night. We have a place in Corolla (I am not plugging-we are booked this summer and don't allow pets). We like that because we are between to major shopping-dining-entertainment centers with restaurants and bars. The historic town of Corolla with its old schoolhouse and lighthouse are nearby. Many visit the "wild" horses up north in 4x4 country. And, the area is not as crowded as other towns. Duck has a similar vibe, but I am not as familiar with it. Nags Head and Kitty Hawk have a higher concentration of houses but also a higher concentration of restaurants and bars. Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are closer to Wright Brothers, Elizabethan Theatre, Manteo and Aquarium. Further south towards Hatteras is a little less developed (although it is more developed in recent years). Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the main draw. Finally, Ocracoke is very relaxed and laid back and almost untouched by time. The ferry ride there is enjoyable. I still cannot imagine a town with beach access where you can walk to a pub crawl.

Dogs are "allowed on the beach" year round is NOT true. There are various pet restrictions in many of the OBX towns during the summer and other periods. You CAN have a dog on the beach "all year" on the National Seashore BUT it must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. You can be fined otherwise.

Now, all that legal stuff said, do a lot of people violate these laws? Yes, they do but to put incorrect information out is not helpful.


https://www.sunrealtync.com/pet-frie...als-leash-laws