Croatan Beach

No dogs 10am to 6pm, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Off-leash dogs allowed from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)

Off-leash only on the sand, with reliable recall.

Source: City of Virginia Beach, Beach Rules & Safety. Checked October 28, 2026.

Shorebird nesting areas can close to dogs at short notice. Follow the signs at the beach.

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City of Virginia Beach: the rule in full

Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend: no dogs on the sand or in the water in the Resort Area (Rudee Loop to 42nd Street); leashed dogs on the Boardwalk 6am to 7pm; on the beaches north of 42nd Street and south of Rudee Loop (Croatan, Sandbridge) dogs only before 10am and after 6pm. After Labor Day and before Memorial Day weekend, dogs can use the beaches at any time and may be off-leash on the sand with reliable recall (leash on the Boardwalk).

Nearby beaches

• Virginia Beach Resort Area beachNo dogs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Off-leash dogs allowed from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)
• North End BeachNo dogs 10am to 6pm, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Off-leash dogs allowed from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)
• Sandbridge BeachNo dogs 10am to 6pm, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Off-leash dogs allowed from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)