DogMapOff-leash beach · Croatan · Croatan Beach, S Atlantic Ave at Croatan Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Croatan Beach
Croatan, the laid-back ocean beach just south of Rudee Loop, is one of the two official summertime dog stretches (with the North End). Locals love it for an early-morning or post-6 PM off-leash run by the water.
Off-leash · set hoursThe facts
- Off-leashOff-leash · set hours
- FencedNo — open
- WaterOcean
- SizeOpen ocean beach (south of Rudee Inlet)
- HoursOff-leash: summer before 10 AM & after 6 PM (Mem Day–Labor Day); any time off-season
- SurfaceSand
Parking & access
Limited Croatan lot and residential parking — come early.
Good to know
- Summer off-leash windows: before 10 AM and after 6 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day); any time the rest of the year.
- Dogs are banned entirely from the Resort beach (Rudee Loop to 42nd St) in summer — Croatan is the closest legal alternative to the Oceanfront.
- Rinse off salt and sand and pack fresh water.
About Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach is a free off-leash beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia where dogs are off-leash during posted hours. It's unfenced, with ocean surf. Size: Open ocean beach (south of Rudee Inlet).
Rules verified · source: City of Virginia Beach
Croatan Beach: FAQ
- Can my dog be off-leash at Croatan Beach?
- Off-leash is allowed only during posted hours: Off-leash: summer before 10 AM & after 6 PM (Mem Day–Labor Day); any time off-season.
- Is Croatan Beach fenced?
- No — Croatan Beach is open/unfenced, so reliable recall is recommended.
- Can my dog swim at Croatan Beach?
- Yes — Croatan Beach has ocean surf to swim in. Pack fresh water and check conditions before you go.
- Is Croatan Beach free?
- Yes — Croatan Beach is free to access. Limited Croatan lot and residential parking — come early.
- Where can my dog be off-leash right now?
- Open the live DogMap map — each spot shows whether off-leash is allowed at the current date and time, including seasonal and time-of-day limits.