RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Even though summer is almost over, many people in North Carolina still want to go to the beach or coast while the weather is still nice.
There’s still good news for people at many beaches, even though the official end of summer has come and gone.
Many coastal towns in North Carolina let people drive on beaches after Labor Day. Pets are also now allowed on many beaches or for longer hours.
Less people will be at the beaches as summer ends because of the rules about driving on the sand and having pets.
NC beaches give pets more freedom
First, let’s talk about pet rules. Many beaches in North Carolina either don’t let pets on the sand or don’t let them on during the busiest summer days.
Some places, like Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, let pets on the beach at any time (as long as they are on a leash) after Labor Day, when fewer people are there to rest.
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Ocean Isle Beach, Southern Shores, and Kill Devil Hills are some other beaches that have less strict rules about pets when the season is over.
Some places, like Wrightsville Beach, don’t let pets on the beach during the summer. From October 1 to March 31, pets are only allowed on the beach during those months.
Beach driving season in North Carolina
Also, after Labor Day or around the middle of September, you can drive on some North Carolina beaches, but you generally need a permit.
It can be tricky to drive on beaches, and drivers must stay on the marked paths and avoid dunes, plants, and nesting places.
In Carteret County, you can start driving on Emerald Isle and Indian Beach beaches in the middle of September.
In a week, you will be able to drive on the beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for longer hours.
On October 1, beach drive starts in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks. After the beginning of October, you can’t drive along the beach south of N.C. 12 in Corolla.
At the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you can drive all year. At the Cape Lookout National Seashore, you can start driving in the spring.
North Topsail Beach lets people drive on the beach on the north end, but Topsail Beach doesn’t let people drive on the beach until October 1.
Emerald Isle police said, “If you want to drive on our beautiful beaches, make sure you know the rules and regulations so you can have a safe and fun time.”
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The government said that four-wheel-drive vehicles are best, but two-wheel-drive vehicles are okay if the driver thinks that the vehicle can handle off-road use in deep, soft sand.