Duck Town Information

Are you staying at or considering a Duck vacation rental? We've put together an index for you to find the most convenient public beach access points, state and county parks and trails, emergency services, lifeguard information, and trash collection schedules! Looking for something to do in Duck? Check out our Duck activities page!

Duck Lifeguard Information

Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 to 6:00 between May 1 and October 31. Note: All Duck beach access points are limited to Duck residents, renters, and their guests through privately owned and maintained locations.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Beach in Duck?

Yes! Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, unleashed, and must be tagged, collared and under the control of the owner at all times. Communities may have different regulations, so make sure to check your rental packet before heading out for a walk.

Be mindful of the weather, as animals can overheat easily (and it's not always obvious), so bring plenty of water. Before arriving, ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and pack a first aid kit just to be safe!

The ocean can be unpredictable and dogs are not only shorter but can also be a lot weaker than an adult swimmer. If you're planning on taking your pooch to the beach, consider outfitting them with a life jacket. Sun is also a factor, as it can cause overheating (as mentioned earlier), but also don't forget that Fido will be walking on the hot sand and (unless you've planned ahead) doesn't have any sandals or shoes to protect his paws. His nose and exposed skin can also get sunburned, so take a few moments to look for pet-safe sunscreen to keep him safe and well cared for while enjoying a vacation with you! Find more information on our dog-friendly rentals page.

Want more information about bringing your dog with you on vacation? Check out our blog article about the what, where & how of bringing pets to the Outer Banks.

Public Beach Access Points (North to South)

There are no public beach access points in Duck. The closest locations are in Corolla.

Beach access points are available for residents and guests to the various Duck communities.

Tents, Chairs, and Other Beach Equipment Ordinances

The town of Duck has put in place a few rules and regulations to make your stay in the Outer Banks as fulfilling are possible, while also being conscientious of fellow guests and the dunes that are the islands' natural barrier against erosion. The pertinent ones are listed below:

Tent/chair, etc. setups may not occur before 6:30 am and must be removed daily from the beach by 6:30 pm if unattended.
Removal from the beach does not mean laying them in or on the dune, under or beside beach stairs, etc. They must be removed entirely from the beach and dune system.
Tent/chair, etc. setups must allow for a 15’ travel lane at the base of the dune for emergency access and may not be any closer than 10’ to dune vegetation or a turtle nest.
Beach tents or commercial beach equipment may not be located any closer than 50 feet in any direction from a lifeguard stand, or emergency or community beach accessway.
Tents may not be any larger than 12x12 or any taller than 9 feet, and guy wires may not extend beyond the 12x12 maximum size limit.
Two tents and/or sunshades may be tied together provided they are perpendicular to the shore. Tents and/or sunshades parallel to the shore may not be tied together nor may they be spaced any closer than 10 feet from each other.
All shade structures must be properly secured.
Leaving unattended items on the beach between 6:30 pm and 6:30 am will subject you to the loss of your equipment as well as a civil penalty. These items may include, but shall not be limited to, volleyball, badminton and tennis nets, poles, tents, chairs, cabanas, sunshades, horseshoe stakes, croquet courses, umbrellas or any other personal property items.
Business license and fee, with a deposit, and signage requirements and limitations are required for vendors.

Beach tents, umbrellas, chairs, etc. must be removed entirely from the beach daily or risk being collected as litter. Unattended items will be collected from the beach and disposed of as litter. It is also unlawful to store items on private property without the owner’s permission.

There are only two vehicular beach access locations in Duck. These access locations are intended for emergency vehicle access only between December 1 and March 15. Driving up these access locations is a violation of beach driving regulations. Please be sure that you do not block any emergency access during the process of setting up or breaking down equipment. Violations of the beach driving ordinance may result in police enforcement action and towing.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails in Duck

Duck offers many great options for recreational activities. Here’s our list of local walking trails, kid-friendly playgrounds, sports courts and fields, dog parks, and more!

Duck Town Boardwalk and Park

Includes: Soundside Boardwalk, Kayak/Canoe Launch, Playground, Walking Trails

Amenities: Parking, Boardwalk, Pet Friendly, Water Fountains (including a pet friendly fountain)

Duck Trail

Includes: Multi-Use Path

Amenities: Pet Friendly

Trash Collection Schedules

From May 1 to September 30, trash will be picked up twice per week on Mondays and Fridays. October 1 to April 30, the trash will be picked up on Mondays.

Emergency Services

Fire & Rescue

Duck Fire Station

1259 Duck Rd

Duck, NC 27949

(252) 261-3929

Urgent Care

Sunny Care Clinic

1187 Duck Road, Suite 10

Duck, NC 27949

(252) 429-7200

Law Enforcement