Your Guide to a Fantastic Pet-Friendly Vacation Near Virginia Beach

Heading out on vacation to Sandbridge this year? How exciting! From water parks to days on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do here. If you’re looking to take along your four-legged friend on your trip, you may be wondering: is Sandbridge pet-friendly?
That’s a fair question and a common concern for any dog lover. After all, you don’t want your pet to stay cooped up in your room all day while you enjoy vacation. Don’t worry, we have nothing but good news here—Sandbridge is the perfect place to head out on a pet-friendly vacation near Virginia Beach. There are plenty of outdoor trails, dog parks, and pet-friendly restaurants in the surrounding areas that make it a great destination for you and your pet.
Let’s get into it then! This is our guide to a fantastic pet-friendly vacation near Virginia Beach:
Pet-Friendly Parks
There are plenty of parks in and around Sandbridge where you can take your pup! Here are a few pet-friendly parks where your doggo is more than welcome (on a leash, of course!)
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park is pet-friendly, (again, as long as your pet is on a leash). Go for a peaceful walk, and take advantage of these features, too, if you have the chance:
- Miles of unspoiled beaches and dunes
- Scenic hiking & biking trails
- Kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Visitor center with educational exhibits
- Seasonal guided tours and programs
Little Island Park
There’s plenty to do here! Enjoy time with your pet on leash, and enjoy the other amenities such as:
- The Sandbridge Fishing Pier
- Designated areas for surfing and swimming
- Lighted tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts
- A playground for the kids
- Picnic shelters with charcoal grills
- Public restrooms & outdoor showers
- Seasonal concessions
Dog Parks Near Sandbridge
While the above parks are certainly pet-friendly, they weren’t built specifically for your four-legged friends. There are plenty of dog parks near Virginia Beach, though!
Remember to be safe when visiting any dog park; review the full list of “doggie do’s and don’ts” on Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation’s Dog Parks Page to make sure you know what to do before you go. Above all, make sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times, and don’t bring them here if they're not comfortable around other pups just yet.
Once you know all the do’s and don’ts of the local dog parks, consider checking one of these out:
Bayville Farms Park
- 3 separate fenced areas for small and large dogs.
Marshview Park
- 4 separate fenced areas that include trees for cover.
- Several dog-friendly trails!
Pet-Friendly Restaurants Near Virginia Beach
We know you’d hate to go out to dinner and leave your pup behind, so we gathered a list of pet-friendly restaurants in and around Sandbridge where the whole family can dig in!
Simply Steamed
Cuisine: Fresh seafood, steamed shrimp, crab legs, soups, sandwiches
A cozy seafood spot perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. They specialize in steamed seafood and comforting soups, making it a great stop for fresh, no-fuss eats. Pets welcome on the porch!
Sage Kitchen
Cuisine: Farm-to-table, fresh salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, brunch items
Bring your pup along to the outdoor patio while you enjoy farm-fresh dishes like creative salads, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful grain bowls. With a focus on fresh ingredients and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great spot to dine with your furry friend.
The Boardwok
Cuisine: Asian fusion, sushi, noodle bowls, stir-fries, dumplings
If you're craving Asian-fusion flavors, The Boardwok is the place to go! Their menu is packed with bold flavors, from sushi rolls to stir-fries and noodle bowls. Pets are more than welcome at their outdoor patio!
Fire Brew Bar & Grill
Cuisine: American, burgers, seafood, steaks, craft cocktails, shareable plates
A lively spot with an open-kitchen concept where everything is made from scratch. Enjoy elevated pub-style favorites and handcrafted cocktails here with your pets by your side on the pet-friendly patio.
New Realm Brewing
Cuisine: American, burgers, seafood, wings, vegetarian options, craft beer
Looking for a pet-friendly brewery? Here it is! Sip on delicious craft beer while enjoying tasty bites like the Wagyu burger, Beyond Burger for vegetarians, fresh seafood, or spicy wings. It’s the perfect place to unwind with great food, drinks, and your furry friend by your side!
Pups and Pints
Cuisine: Classic bar food like nachos, BBQ chicken, hot dogs, sandwiches
This restaurant isn't just pet-friendly, they encourage your pets to come along! They even have a homemade doggy treat menu for your four-legged friends. Check out their first-visit list to make sure your doggo is up to date on immunizations and other important factors. This restaurant doubles as a dog park, so you can get the best of both worlds, and it's only about a 20-minute drive from Sandbridge!
Is Sandbridge Beach Pet-Friendly?
Most of the time, yes! Dogs are welcome at Sandbridge Beach with a few seasonal restrictions. During peak beach season (from Memorial Day to Labor Day), you can bring your pup to Sandbridge Beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
During the off-season—fall, winter, and early spring—dogs are allowed on the beach anytime. Make sure your furry companion stays securely leashed while you enjoy the shoreline; leash laws are in place year-round! Since there's so many people that share the beach, it's essential to be mindful of other dogs and patrons in the area.
Choose the Perfect Pet-Friendly Sandbridge Vacation Rental
Of course, one of the most important aspects of booking a pet-friendly vacation near Virginia Beach is choosing an accommodation that will suit your whole family—especially the four-legged members. Lucky for you, we have a wide range of pet-friendly Sandbridge vacation rentals in our catalog!
Check out these top pet-friendly rentals:
7 Bed, 4 Bath Sandbridge Vacation Rental: Salty Dog
5 Bed, 4.5 Bath Sandbridge Vacation Rental: Bills Are Paid
5 Bed, 2.5 Bath Sandbridge Vacation Rental: Brownley Beach Cottage
5 Bed, 2 Bath Sandbridge Vacation Rental: Rogue Wave
Book Your Trip to Sandbridge Directly with Sandbridge Life!
Wow! Now that you know all the best places to take your pup in and around Sandbridge, it’s time to book your trip. When searching for the best vacation rentals in town, look no further than Sandbridge Life!
You already know about our pet-friendly rentals, but there are other incredible amenities to choose from when you stay with us, too. Have you been dreaming of staying in a home with a private pool? Perhaps renting a scenic oceanfront home? Search by amenity to discover all of your options! We’re confident you’ll find the perfect vacation rental in our extensive catalog.
All that’s left to do is make your decision and book your rental! Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next Sandbridge vacation directly with Sandbridge Life.