Southern Shores beach

Timed, leashed Southern Shores, NC Verified · 2026-09-05

Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach; from May 15 to September 15 only between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., with no time limits the rest of the year.

Season: May 15 – Sep 15: dogs only 6:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.; no time limits the rest of the year

Hours: In season, before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.

The rules, verified

May 15 – Sep 15: beach open to dogs only 6:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.
No time limits Sep 16 – May 14
Leash at all times off personal property

Set by Town of Southern Shores. Rules change — posted signage and the current ordinance always take precedence over this page.

More like this: winter dog beaches: the off-season payoff · seasonal dog beaches (know the dates)

Map & directions

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors — loads on demand.

Directions (Google Maps)Apple Maps

What to bring to Southern Shores beach

Fresh water and a bowl Salt water makes dogs thirstier, and drinking it makes them sick. Bring more than you think.
A leash you can actually hold Town of Southern Shores requires a leash here, and sand plus a strong dog is harder to hold than a footpath.
A jug of water to rinse off Salt and sand left in a coat itch, and they end up all over the car. A rinse at the tailgate solves both.
A life jacket, if there's swell Strong swimmers still get tired in a rip, and a handle on the back is how you lift a wet dog out of the water.
Waste bags, more than you need The fastest way a beach loses its dog access is people not picking up.

Check the sand first. Hold the back of your hand against it for seven seconds. If you can't, neither can their paws — go early, go late, or stay on the wet sand.

Nearby & related beaches

Duck (Outer Banks)

Duck, NC

Voice control OK Year-round

✓ Town of Duck · verified 2026-06
Kitty Hawk beaches

Kitty Hawk, NC

Seasonal off-leash Seasonal — check dates

✓ Town of Kitty Hawk · verified 2026-06
Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia Beach, VA

Seasonal restrictions Seasonal — check dates

✓ City of Virginia Beach · verified 2026-08
Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland district)

Berlin, MD

Leash required Year-round

✓ National Park Service · verified 2026-08

Photos from visitors

No photos of Southern Shores beach yet — got one from your last visit?

Been here? Leave a post

First-hand reports are the most useful data on this page — surface conditions, how busy it gets, whether the rules match reality. Posts appear after a human check (usually within 48 hours).

Posts are moderated before publishing; we don't publish personal attacks, links, or claims we can't stand behind. To amend or remove your post later, email [email protected].

Verified against: Town of Southern Shores — official source (checked 2026-09-05).

Rules change between checks. Spotted an update, or want this listing corrected or removed? Tell us — actioned within 7 days.

Southern Shores beach

The rules, verified

Map & directions

Nearby & related beaches

Duck (Outer Banks)

Kitty Hawk beaches

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland district)

Photos from visitors

Been here? Leave a post

Thanks — you're in the queue