These are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in NC. What you need to know before you go

Summer is officially here, and many families are heading to the Carolina coast for vacation.

With 300 miles of coastline, North Carolina is home to several popular beaches, including some you can enjoy with your pets.

A recently released list by Veterinarians.org named the best dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina; many aren’t too far away from Charlotte. Every beach has its own set of rules and regulations for those that choose to bring their pets along on a beach vacation. Here are the top places to take a trip with your pup:

Emerald Isle Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 266 miles

“Emerald Isle Beach is situated on the Crystal Coast, characterized by its clear blue waters and clean shoreline extending for miles in either direction,” the report says. “Your dog will have ample room to stretch its four legs and feel the refreshing saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs are permitted on the beach but must be kept on a leash, even in the water and surf zone. Owners must also clean up and dispose of dog waste properly, away from the beach strand.

Caswell Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 212 miles

“Caswell Beach is open year-round for dogs and even allowed during the warm mid-days to play on the large beach,” the report says. “Most people tend to keep their towels and umbrellas pitched towards the backside of the beach near the bluffs, leaving lots of room to toss around your pet’s favorite toys or build sandcastles for them to pounce on.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs kept on a leash are allowed on the beach at any time and to roam without one from Oct. 15-March 15 and under certain conditions. Owners must pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of any droppings.

Fort Macon State Park

Distance from Charlotte: 303 miles

“The main priority for the state park designation is being able to preserve the historic site,” the report says. “Although dogs aren’t allowed in the fort, the beach winding around it is free for them to roam and explore the numerous hiking trails extending from it.”

Pet rules and regulations: Pets are allowed at the park but not on the swim beach, inside the fort, or in buildings. Dogs must also be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Nags Head

Distance from Charlotte: 343 miles

“Nags Head in the Outer Banks is a popular pet-friendly beach vacation destination,” the report says. “There are numerous pet-friendly accommodations to room with your favorite animal and store all their favorite toys to bring with you when you’re ready to check out the beach.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs are always allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of any waste on the beach.

Oak Island Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 207 miles

“The large beach has 10 miles of clean white sand and gentle waves rolling onto the sloping landscape,” the report says. “Pets will have a blast at Oak Island beach as they enjoy dipping in the water or sunbathing on the coast next to you with views looking out into the infinite horizon.”

Pet rules and regulations: Properly leashed dogs are allowed on the beach at any time and to roam without one between Oct. 15-March 15 under certain conditions. Owners must pick up after dogs and properly dispose of all droppings along the beach.

Topsail Island Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 233 miles

“Topsail Island is a sleepy island where biking and walking are the main modes of transportation to get around once you arrive. So, your dog will get plenty of exercise even before you arrive at the 26-mile coastline hugging the island,” the report says.

Pet rules and regulations: All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 20 feet when off property limits between May 15-Sept. 30. From April 1-Sept. 30, all dogs must also be on a leash in the area designated Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) Unit L07, marked by town officials. Pet owners are also responsible for picking up any waste left behind. These regulations apply to the entire town, including the beach.

Corolla Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 371 miles

“Located on the Outer Banks, Corolla Beach gives endless views of the Atlantic Ocean,” the report says. “Gentle waves roll in untouched from the sea as this barrier island is the first place they’ll reach. It makes the perfect environment for letting your pet enjoy nature all year round.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time during the year but must be leashed at all times. Pet owners are responsible for removing and disposing of any waste.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Distance from Charlotte: 375 miles

“Cape Hatteras National Seashore represents more than 70 miles of protected shoreline along the Outer Banks,” the report says. “It’s a place with wind-swept dunes lining the expansive beach, refreshing ocean waters to cool off your pet on hot days, and pet-friendly nature trails leading you into the region’s woodland areas.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times and are prohibited within any resource closure, designated swim beaches, or in buildings. Owners are also responsible for picking up any waste.

Kitty Hawk Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 354 miles

“With the vacation-goers pouring into the town of Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks, pets can also look forward to an exciting vacation at the pet-friendly beaches,” the report says. “There are tons of things to do in the community with your pet, from pet-friendly accommodations to the Kitty Hawk Dog Park for dogs of all sizes.”

Pet rules and regulations: From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between 10 a.m.-6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. At all other times during the year, dogs must be on a leash up to 12 feet. Dogs can roam free only if they will not disturb other visitors, but owners must always carry a leash and stay within 30 feet of them.

Duck Beach

Distance from Charlotte: 360 miles

“Duck Beach is a seven-mile stretch of golden sand coastline on the Outer Banks sitting between the vibrant turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the verdant grassy fields behind it,” the report says. “It was ranked one of the top dog-friendly beaches in the US—a place where your pet can enjoy the warm coast and salty ocean waters without their leash.”

Pet rules and regulations: Dogs are allowed on Duck’s beach year-round and may play unleashed. Owners should clean up after pets and properly dispose of any waste on the beach.