A perfect pet-friendly destination no matter the time of the year, Wilmington welcomes dogs of all shapes, sizes and pawprints. From numerous dog-friendly restaurants and parks to activities fit for furry travel companions, this must-see Southern destination offers an abundance of genuine, tail-wagging vacation experiences for every traveler – whether they have two legs or four.
Day 1: Explore Wilmington with your Furry Friend
Kickstart your day by visiting The Maroon Monkey Coffee Co, where you can grab a cup of your favorite coffee and a pup cup for your furry friend. Once you've fueled up for the day, take a stroll through Historic Downtown Wilmington to explore the charming shops on Market and Front streets. Don’t forget to stop into Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store to pick up a new toy or treat for your four-legged friend.
Guided by the Wilmington History Tours app, take a self-led walking tour to explore the area's rich culture and history. Your pup will have their own adventure, too, following scents and stories along the way. In the afternoon, continue exploring downtown Wilmington with a walk along the Riverwalk, where leashed dogs can also enjoy the scenic views.
After an active morning, rest your paws and relax with a local brew in the pet-friendly courtyard at Satellite Bar and Lounge, located in the South Front District. When you’re ready for a bite, pop over to Block Taco next door. This unique taco joint has a walk-up window for quick and easy ordering.
Then, it’s on to New Hanover County Arboretum, a 7-acre botanical garden that allows you to bring your dogs as long as they are on a leash. Enjoy a pleasant stroll while capturing countless photos of your furry friend at the Japanese-themed garden. Take a moment to sit back, relax and soak in the serene surroundings. If you’re up for more fun in the afternoon, check out one of the local dog parks, including Long Leaf Park, Empie Dog Park, Greenfield Park and Ogden Park.
Wrap up your day at a dog-friendly brewery. Located in the Brooklyn Arts District, Flytrap Brewing specializes in American and Belgian ales. Enjoy a pint while your pup takes a breather in the beer garden. In the Cargo District, join the paw-ty at Ruff Draft Dog Park & Bar, an off-leash dog park and full-service bar. The pet-friendly bar has a walk-up window for Mess Hall, the neighboring restaurant which serves delicious burgers and sandwiches.
Day 2: Active Adventures with your Dog
Get an early start to the day at Folks Café, a local favorite for fresh Argentinian empanadas. Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike from Bike Cycles Shop; pick a stop on the Gary Shell Cross City Trail for you and your pup to detour and explore Wilmington. The greenway trail is 15 miles long with stops at several points of interest and parks, including the Heide-Trask Drawbridge. Be sure to make a stop at the bridge’s lookout station to take in a picturesque view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
After working up an appetite, stop by Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill along the lively Riverwalk. This floating bar and restaurant offers a covered dog-friendly area that is enclosed during cooler weather. With a variety of menu options from the land or sea, it’s an ideal place to recharge for your next adventure. Visit neighboring Lazy Jack’s Ice Cream Shack to treat your pup to dog-friendly peanut butter ice cream.
Embark on an afternoon adventure with a kayak rental from Mahanaim Adventures. This local kayak outfitter can set you up with everything you need for a self-guided water adventure with your pup. Explore the top kayaking spots in Wilmington with this guide.
After two full days, finish your trip to Wilmington with an authentic French dining experience at Brasserie du Soleil. Enjoy a meal on the pet-friendly patio, overlooking the pond at Lumina Station where you and your pet can soak up your final moments in our coastal community.
Pet-Friendly Places to Stay
Wilmington has a variety of pet-friendly lodging options to choose from, whether you’re looking for hotels, cozy inns or vacation rentals. For a boutique stay in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington, ARRIVE Wilmington offers pet-friendly suites that welcome dogs and their owners to stay in mid-century modern style and The Hive offers designated pet-friendly suites for a stylish stay. Peruse the website for a full list of pet-friendly accommodations.
With an assortment of dog-friendly adventures and accommodations, Wilmington makes it convenient to curate a coastal getaway that's as unique as your furry travel companion!
