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New Year, New Adventures With Your Dog in Wilmington

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to make memories with your pet and give them a fresh start full of moments worth capturing. Wilmington, North Carolina has plenty of ways to spend time with your dog throughout the year, from scenic walks and beach outings to pet‑friendly parks and outdoor cafes. Taking time to enjoy these activities together can be rewarding on its own, and a professional photo session can help you preserve those moments for years to come.



Dog‑Friendly Walks and Outdoor Spots in Wilmington

Wilmington offers several scenic places that are perfect for spending time with your pet and soaking up the coastal atmosphere. The historic Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington is a long boardwalk along the Cape Fear River where leashed dogs are welcome and there is plenty of space for a casual stroll. It is a simple but meaningful way to enjoy fresh air and waterfront views with your pet.

For nature lovers, Halyburton Park is a great choice. This park has a paved one‑and‑a‑half mile nature trail that is shaded for much of the walk, picnic areas, and even a doggie water fountain for your companion. The nearby New Hanover County Arboretum and Greenfield Lake Park are also dog‑friendly locations with trails and gardens that make for a peaceful afternoon exploring together.

If you want a more natural setting, spots like Wallace Park offer walking paths through quiet wooded areas that change beautifully with the seasons, giving you plenty of photo opportunities as nature shifts from winter to spring, spring to summer, and beyond.


Beaches You Can Enjoy Together

Coastal Wilmington is well known for its beaches and many allow pets at certain times of the year. From October through March, dogs are allowed on local beaches with a leash 24 hours a day, which makes this season especially fun for pets who enjoy sand and surf. Topsail, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach all allow leashed dogs year‑round, so you can plan beach days together even outside the peak summer months.

Freeman Park at Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at Kure Beach tend to be favorite spots for dog owners who want to enjoy a long walk or play catch on the sand without crowds, especially when the ocean breeze is just right. I love the sunrise at Fort Fisher.


Local Dog‑Friendly Hangouts

Wilmington has a growing number of locations that welcome pets alongside their people. A few favorites among local dog owners include outdoor patios and beer gardens where your dog can rest at your feet while you grab a bite or drink. Places like Waterline Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing, and Flying Machine Brewing Company offer pet‑friendly outdoor seating that makes an afternoon out feel more relaxed and social.

Exploring Wilmington’s outdoor dining scene can be a fun activity on its own and can also create natural moments to capture candid portraits of your pet enjoying everyday life. Whether it is a casual coffee stop or a laid‑back dinner, these outings can be the backdrop for photos you treasure.


Start a New Tradition With a Photo Session

While there are plenty of ways to enjoy Wilmington with your dog, one of the most meaningful is capturing your time together through photography. A session with me lets you preserve the connection, personality, and joy your dog brings into your life. Whether it’s a relaxed studio session or exploring a favorite outdoor spot, these photos become keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.

Exciting experiences are coming in 2026 with our Seasonal Sessions! These sessions are a fun way to celebrate your dog at different times of the year, whether outdoors or in the studio. They’re designed to be shorter than private sessions or held in small groups, making it easy to capture joyful moments and create memories you’ll treasure all year long. Keep an eye on the newsletter for their launch!



 
 
 

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