Dog beach · Virginia Beach, VA

Dogs at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Can I bring my dog, and where on the sand?
Limited access

Dogs aren't allowed on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront sand in summer, but the off-season is wide open.

Sep-May: dogs allowed anytime, leashed or under control. Memorial Day-Labor Day: dogs are banned from the Resort Area sand and water (Rudee Loop to 42nd St); dogs are allowed north of 42nd St and south of Rudee Loop (Croatan, Sandbridge) before 10am and after 6pm; the boardwalk allows dogs 6am-7pm in season.

Where dogs can go

Sep-May: dogs allowed anytime, leashed or under control. Memorial Day-Labor Day: dogs are banned from the Resort Area sand and water (Rudee Loop to 42nd St); dogs are allowed north of 42nd St and south of Rudee Loop (Croatan, Sandbridge) before 10am and after 6pm; the boardwalk allows dogs 6am-7pm in season.

Where or when dogs are not allowed

Resort Area sand and water (Rudee Loop-42nd St) all day, Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Leash and beach rules

Leash or voice control required; service animals exempt; city code 5-531 requires a leash on sidewalks, streets, and parks.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
Virginia Beach, VA
View the official beach rules →
Last verified 2026-07-09

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

Dogs aren't allowed on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront sand in summer, but the off-season is wide open. Sep-May: dogs allowed anytime, leashed or under control. Memorial Day-Labor Day: dogs are banned from the Resort Area sand and water (Rudee Loop to 42nd St); dogs are allowed north of 42nd St and south of Rudee Loop (Croatan, Sandbridge) before 10am and after 6pm; the boardwalk allows dogs 6am-7pm in season.

What is the dog rule at Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

Leash or voice control required; service animals exempt; city code 5-531 requires a leash on sidewalks, streets, and parks.

When are dogs not allowed at Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

Resort Area sand and water (Rudee Loop-42nd St) all day, Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Are service animals allowed at Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.