Is This the Best Pet-Friendly Vacation Spot in North Carolina?
Our 4-Day Getaway in Swansboro & Onslow County with Tank + Toffee
We didn’t just visit Onslow County* we lived our best dog-parent lives there. Picture this: small-town charm, salty breezes, and a whole lot of places where your pups are treated like royalty.
We spent four glorious days exploring Swansboro and the surrounding area with our dogs, Tank and Toffee, and it might be our favorite pet-friendly trip yet. Here's the full scoop, complete with boat rides, beach days, tacos, and... candy stores. (Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.)
🏡 Where We Stayed: Seaside Bliss in Swansboro
We checked into Seaside Bliss, a dreamy waterfront apartment located right above @swansboropaddle, and it was everything we needed.
Massive wrap around porch = panoramic water views
Easy walk to all of downtown Swansboro
Plenty of space for humans + pups to sprawl out and relax
Tank and Toffee fully approved, especially once they claimed the porch as their personal lookout post. It was peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect home base for exploring.
🛥️ Tank and Toffee’s First Boat Ride
We booked a Shelling & Eco Tour with @marshcruises, and WOW it was the highlight of the trip. Captain Daryll is the kind of person you meet once and never forget, so kind and knew so much about the area’s history. He took us all over the Intracoastal Waterway, Bear Inlet, Hammocks Beach State Park, and even to a sandbar where we found a whole handful of sand dollars.
It was Tank and Toffee’s first time on a boat and they crushed it like seasoned sailors. Sun on their fur, salty breeze in their faces it was the kind of day that becomes a core memory.
🍴 Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in Swansboro (+ Beyond!)
The Boro: Waterfront Dining with a Pup Menu Fit for a King
@theboro_nc
A must eat in Swansboro! The Boro serves up delicious meals with a cozy waterfront patio and yes, they have a specialty menu just for dogs. Tank got his own gourmet meal and we definitely loved seeing them treated with such great service too. A+ vibes, food, and hospitality.
Surf City Line: Tacos, Sunshine, & Five Star Pup Service
@surfcityline (Surf City)
This spot brings the ultimate beach town energy. Think: loaded nachos, burritos, fresh flavors and a team that brings out water bowls for your pups before you even sit down. We loved the laid back vibe and left very full and very happy.
Coffee Haven: The Most Dog Loving Coffee Shop Ever
@coffeehavennc (Sneads Ferry)
This gem is straight up a haven for coffee lovers and dog parents. A full pup photo wall, fancy pup cups, and lattes that had us plotting a second visit before we even finished the first. Easily one of the top spots of the trip.
Lunch at Saltwater Grill: Waterfront Vibes + Seafood Favorites
If you're craving casual waterfront dining in Swansboro, Saltwater Grill is a dreamy lunch destination. Nestled right on the Intracoastal Waterway and Bogue Sound, it's got a view from every table indoor or out on the second-story deck
Dinner at Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill
Enjoy the night with dinner at Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill a family owned gem right on Front Street.
Casual coastal cuisine with Southern flair, open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites
Two bars serving craft cocktails, a cozy indoor outdoor vibe, and homemade desserts each day
Highlight dishes: The French Onion Soup, always a sucker for french onion soup.
Yana’s Peach Fritters = Pure Swansboro Magic
Y’all. Do not leave Swansboro without trying the famous peach fritters at Yana’s. This retro diner is full of charm, Elvis memorabilia, and locals who know what’s up.
The fritters? Warm, crispy, sweet, and slightly addictive. They come out hot, dusted in powdered sugar, and taste like summer in a bite. We split an order and immediately wished we hadn’t as we wanted more!
🛍️ Pet-Friendly Shopping in Downtown Swansboro
Swansboro is adorably walkable and incredibly welcoming to dogs. Most shops welcomed us in with open doors (and open treat jars).
Here’s where we stopped:
@bakebottlebrew for coffee, ice cream, or beer
@silverlinejewelry for shiny things *Ash’s favorite
The Mercantile + Poor Man’s Hole for eclectic finds
🍬 Candy Edventure = A Sugar Lover’s Dream
We walked in “just to look” and walked out like kids after Halloween. Candy Edventure has every candy imaginable from nostalgic throwbacks to homemade fudge and old fashioned sodas and even British candy. The shelves were packed, the vibes were joyful, and yes, Scott left with three different kinds of sour gummies.
P.S. They also sell ice cream. You’ve been warned.
Paddle Adventures + Shark Teeth Finds
We rented kayaks and SUPs from @paddle_nc and spent the afternoon paddling out exploring. Pups are allowed, but ours were all worn out from so many adventures, so they stayed back to relax. Not only is it super dog friendly, but the route leads to little islands where you can hunt for actual shark teeth. We found several that may be made into a necklace real soon.
A Perfect Pup Day at North Topsail Beach
Wide open, clean, and dog friendly year round, North Topsail Beach gave us our sunshine fix. We walked for miles, played fetch, and watched Toffee charge into waves like she was training for Baywatch. Pro tip: go during golden hour for the best lighting and the fewest crowds.
Cheers to Music Bingo at Dini’s Martini Bar
After a full day of adventuring, we swung by Dini’s Martini Bar in downtown Swansboro for music bingo and it was a blast. It’s a small-town Cheers moment: welcoming, fun, and slightly competitive (in the best way). You’ll have to check their Facebook page for current events, but if bingo is on, it’s worth showing up for, also it SELLS OUT so make reservations! We did this with Ash’s parents and all agreed it was one of our favorite experiences!
TL;DR: Dogs Deserve Vacations, Too
If you're looking for the best pet friendly vacation spot in North Carolina, Onslow County especially Swansboro should be at the top of your list.
From morning paddleboarding and lunch by the water, to candy runs and shell filled boat tours, every part of this trip felt like a warm, wagging, tail thumping YES.
Got Recs for Our Next Pup Focused Getaway?
We’re always looking for our next pet-friendly adventure. If you’ve got a favorite beach town, restaurant, or hidden gem in NC (or beyond!), let us know we just might show up with Tank, Toffee, and our camera. Because the best adventures have sand, salt in the air, and of course a little fur.
*Disclaimer: Thank you @OnlyinOnslow for sponsoring this blog’s content!