Top Places to Take Your Dog to Frolic in Wilmington
Greenfield Lake
Carolina Beach Road
Greenfield Lake is 2 miles south of downtown Wilmington along S. Third Street. During the spring, red and white and pink hues of blooming azaleas surround the water. In hotter months, there is algae-covered water and Spanish moss hanging from the trees. Herons, egrets, and ducks are regular visitors, as well as hawks and cardinals.
The 5-mile paved sidewalk circle around the lake is a great place to walk your dog. Not only is it great exercise, but the scenery is simply breathtaking. Greenfield Lake does have a policy that states dogs must be on a leash at all times and their poop picked up and disposed of properly.
I take my dog for walks around the Lake a lot. Even though we can’t play fetch or let him run loose, he loves playing with the birds, sniffing the flowers, and trying to chase the ducks. He also likes the attention all the kids give him when we walk by the playground area.
Freeman Park
North End of Carolina Beach
At the very end of Carolina Beach is a 4×4 paradise for residents and visitors. All year long, you can drive your 4×4 vehicle onto this sandy beachfront area. For $40 you can purchase a pass that will allow you to drive on the beach for an entire year. Otherwise, you will have to pay $10 each time you want to go out.
The strip is a good two miles long in my best estimate. So, there is tons of room for everyone to enjoy the sand and water. Many people come to the area to fish, swim, surf, go crabbing or cast for minnows.
Dogs are welcome here at Freeman Park. Last year dogs were free to roam the beach with their owners, but currently they are supposed to be on a leash. However, in my experiences, unless your dog is off bothering other people or running around out of your sight, the police will not say anything.
My dog and I play ball as well as go swimming in the ocean. He loves being able to play with other dogs too!
Memorial Day is the official kickoff of summer, and typically the area is way overcrowded. I wouldn’t recommend taking your dog to Freeman Park that day or during the weekends. If you do, it’s best to take them later in the evenings when most people have left. It’s less people to walk through and more open area to play in, not to mention the air is a lot cooler in the evenings.
Wrightsville Beach Loop
Entrance to Wrightsville Beach
The “loop” at Wrightsville Beach is a circular paved walk around a public park, sports fields, scenic marshes, and the Intra-Coastal Waterway. The 2.45 mile trail also takes you through downtown Wrightsville Beach and by beautiful beachfront homes.
There is free parking at the Municipal Park, located in the center of the Loop. You can also park at the Wrightsville Beach Museum and Visitors Center off West Salisbury Street. The Loop is frequented by walkers, cyclists, and runners of all ages. Many are accompanied by their dogs and kids in strollers. This trail is also great for rollerblades. Parts of the walk are lighted at night, but everyone should still use caution and have someone with you if you are out in the dark. There have been a few incidents reported of cars pulling up and trying to shove young women into their vehicles.
Dogs will enjoy the stroll around the Loop! There are many things for them to stop and smell, if your dog is a terrier especially. Near the real estate agency downtown and immediately after the Intra-Coastal Waterway bridge, there is a water station set up for your pet. Fresh water is available for them to drink at no cost. During the warmer months, your pet will greatly appreciate this!
It is my belief that dogs are supposed to be on a leash, but I have seen dogs running around without one. Also, a word of advice is to make sure your dog stays on the cement. There are tons of sand spurs out there!
