We know your furry friends need to get out as much as you do, and we love to see them around Hampton! Check out our list of Hampton spots to explore, events to attend, patios to eat on, and places to stay for both you and your dog. 

Note: Most public outdoor areas will allow you to bring your well-behaved pet on a leash. City-owned dog parks do require you to register your pet, which you can do at Sandy Bottom Nature Park or City Hall. You will need a copy of your shots records.

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Hampton, VA

Let your four-legged friends get some energy out running off-leash with other dogs at Ridgway Park, or the Bark Park at Sandy Bottom Nature Park.

Registration is required to let your dog visit either location, which you can do at Sandy Bottom Nature Park or City Hall. You will need a copy of your shots records.

Bark Park at Sandy Bottom Nature Park

📍1255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23651

Take a walk with your leashed pets in the wooded Sandy Bottom Nature Park, or let your dog off the leash in the designated Bark Park. The shady dog area has a water fountain, benches, and pet obstacles. The Bark Park is located near the Nature Center building.

Ridgway Bark Park

📍 85 E. Mercury Blvd. Hampton, VA 23669

With over an acre of secure area for dog owners to come and let their pets run off-leash, Ridgway Bark Park is a haven for dog lovers!

Located in Downtown Hampton adjacent to the docks & Hampton Carousel, there is a covered shelter outside for those who wish to enjoy the view of the surrounding natural waterways. Relax in covered or open seating within the enclosures for you to enjoy the park with your friends (furry or otherwise).

♿ Both the small-dog enclosure and the all-dog enclosure are ADA-accessible and have water fountains for both pets and people.

Where to Walk Your Dog in Hampton, VA

In addition to the off-leash dog parks (above) and local parks, there are many great places to get outside & walk with your dog!

A popular choice is the waterfront views along the Fort Monroe Seawall, where you’ll also have the opportunity to stop & read many historical signs & markers.

Or bring your dog along the easy terrain of the 2 ¼ mile Waterwalk Path, view the Hampton Golf Course green from the Matteson Trail, or take a lap on the fitness trail around Gosnold’s Hope Park.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Hampton, Virginia?

Your dogs can enjoy Hampton’s beaches with you between Sept. 15 and May 15 each year. Let them run on the sand, splash in the water, or simply walk on the boardwalk at Buckroe Beach!

Photo Credit: Allen Larson

Note: When dogs are allowed on the beaches, they are still required to be registered with the city of Hampton and remain on a leash.

Dog-Friendly Annual Events

Hampton is a wonderful city for catching outdoor events, festivals, and concerts. Here are a few annual events coming up where pets are welcome: 

Harvest Market at Oozlefinch (Summer)

Every Sunday seasonally (mid-April through mid-November), this weekly farmers market brings you all the best in local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts in the Hampton Roads area.

Buckroe Beach Pet Day Market (September)

Annually held in September, this seasonal farmers market typically picks a market day in September to feature pet-focused businesses & organizations.

Barktober Fest (October)

This fall dog-friendly family event is located on Downtown Hampton’s beautiful waterfront. Typically in October, the Peninsula SPCA’s annual fall fundraiser features live music, local craft beer, food trucks, lots of local vendors, costume contests for pets and people with cash prizes, and more dog-friendly contests and activities for everyone to enjoy!

Howl-O-Woof Pup Parade & Costume Contest (October)

Held every year in October, Critter Sitters is joining Oozlefinch’s Halloween event will have prizes for pups in the best costumes. There will be candy stations, a food truck, and their Harvest Market, all making it a great event for the whole family! 

Remember to always keep your pet on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash park! 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Hampton

Waterside towns are meant for dining al fresco, and several of Hampton’s neighborhoods have outdoor, pet-friendly dining options. 

After a day spent in the sunshine at Buckroe Beach, stop into Sommer Freeze to grab a pup cup or visit Buckroe Coffee Co who boasts a half-mile nature trail surrounding their sunflower garden, and a designated off-leash, dog play area!

Next time you’re strolling through Downtown Hampton or visiting Ridgway Bark Park, check out the dog-friendly patios at Bull Island Brewing, Baked Bistro & Pizza, or one of the restaurants along the Queen’s Way ‘streatery.’

If you find yourself perusing Historic Phoebus with your pooch, grab a table outside at Stuft or Fuller’s Raw Bar. You can bring dogs inside the taproom at Sly Clyde Ciderworks.

While exploring Fort Monroe National Monument, bring your pet to dine outdoors with Chesapeake Bay views at The Deadrise, to Firehouse Coffee, or at Oozlefinch Beers & Blending while you grab a drink. 

Many breweries, including Capstan Bar Brewing Company (pictured) and St. George Brewing Company, or restaurants with outdoor seating also allow well-behaved pets on leashes.

Pet-Friendly Hotels & Lodging in Hampton

No need to be in a rush – stop and stay awhile in Hampton at one of our pet-friendly accommodations! 

• Best Western Coliseum Inn
• Colonies Travel RV Park
• Element Hampton Peninsula Town Center
• Embassy Suites Hampton Roads
• Extended Stay America
• Hampton Inn
• Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Coliseum Central
• Hyatt Place Hampton Convention Center
• Red Roof Inn Hampton
• Sonesta Simply Suites Hampton (pictured left)
• SpringHill Suites
• Studio 6 Extended Stay

We can’t wait to have both you & your lovely pets visit us in Hampton! Get more ideas of fun things to do from our free Visitors Guide:

Pet-friendly businesses in Hampton can email media@hamptoncvb.com to be considered for inclusion in this article.