DogMapOff-leash beach · North End / Cape Henry
North End Beach (north of 42nd Street)
The wide, residential North End sand above 42nd Street is Virginia Beach's prime dog stretch — the city leash law excludes the public beach, so dogs may run off-leash here under reliable voice control. In summer, access is limited to early mornings and evenings.
Off-leash · set hoursThe facts
- Off-leashOff-leash · set hours
- FencedNo — open
- WaterOcean
- SizeOpen ocean beach (42nd St → ~89th St)
- HoursOff-leash: summer before 10 AM & after 6 PM (Mem Day–Labor Day); any time off-season
- SurfaceSand
Parking & access
Residential street parking in the North End (limited — come early).
Good to know
- Summer off-leash windows are before 10 AM and after 6 PM only (Memorial Day–Labor Day); fully open any time in the off-season.
- Off-leash is legal on the sand (City Code §5-531 excludes public beaches), but the city asks for reliable voice command and recall.
- Rinse sandy/salty paws after; bring water — there are no off-leash water fountains on the open beach.
About North End Beach (north of 42nd Street)
North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) 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 (42nd St → ~89th St).
Rules verified · source: City of Virginia Beach
North End Beach (north of 42nd Street): FAQ
- Can my dog be off-leash at North End Beach (north of 42nd Street)?
- 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 North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) fenced?
- No — North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) is open/unfenced, so reliable recall is recommended.
- Can my dog swim at North End Beach (north of 42nd Street)?
- Yes — North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) has ocean surf to swim in. Pack fresh water and check conditions before you go.
- Is North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) free?
- Yes — North End Beach (north of 42nd Street) is free to access. Residential street parking in the North End (limited — 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.