Dog Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

Isle of Palms Beaches in South Carolina boasts seven miles of pristine coasts that you can access via 57 public paths. These pet-friendly beaches allow dogs to visit off-leash from 5:00 AM until 9:00 AM April 1st through September 14th, and from 4:00 PM until 10:00 AM September 15th through March 31st. At all other times, dogs must be leashed and under complete control, even in the water. Residents are encouraged to obtain a dog permit from the Isle of Palms Police Department when visiting.

Burkes Beach in Hilton Head Island, SC is dog friendly before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM from April 1st through late September. It's within walking distance of the Chaplain Community Park, which includes the Best Friends Dog Park. Visitors are required to pay for parking if they aren't a Hilton Head Island resident with a parking permit.

The popular dog-friendly Myrtle Beach State Park is in the heart of the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, SC. Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails and in most of the outdoor areas of the park. However, dogs are not allowed on any beaches in the park from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, May 1st through Labor Day. Dogs must always be leashed, and humans must always clean up after their pets.

Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC, is pet friendly in some areas. Leashed pups are welcome in the park year-round and at the south end of the beach. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, including Atalaya and on the north end of the beach. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty.

The dog-friendly Alder Lane Beach Access in Hilton Head Island, SC is a great, quiet getaway from the typical beach scene. Amenities include beach matting, restrooms, outdoor showers, 22 metered parking spaces and seasonal lifeguards. Animals are permitted on the beach during the official beach season, April 1st through September 30th before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM, or anytime in the off-season. They must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all times. Owners are also required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement.

Visit the dog-friendly Hunting Island State Park located in Saint Helena Island, SC. This recreation area is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. It offers five miles of pet-friendly beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and an ocean inlet. Please keep your well-behaved pup on a leash no longer than six feet and clean up after him.

Fish Haul Beach Park in Hilton Head, GA, offers a beautiful coastal setting where dogs are welcome before 10 AM and after 5 PM during the summer, provided they are leashed or under voice control. To protect nesting wildlife, dogs are banned year-round in the restricted area from Fish Haul Creek to the park entrance. Outside these restricted zones and times, pups can enjoy the sandy shore and fresh air alongside their owners while respecting local regulations designed to keep the beach safe and natural for everyone. Please refer to their website for a detailed map.

Bring Fido to get some exercise on the dog-friendly Hilton Head Island Beaches in Hilton Head Island, SC. Leashed pups are allowed between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM from April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day. Dogs not permitted between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. See their website for more information.

Bring Fido to unwind in the sun at Folly Beach, one of Charleston, SC's more pet-friendly beaches. Dogs are allowed on the beach any time from October 1 to April 30. Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are not permitted on the beach from 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Dogs must be leashed at all times, no matter the time of year.

Public Beaches in Myrtle Beach, SC, are pet friendly during certain times of the day throughout the year. Dogs are permitted on the beach anytime from Labor Day through April 30. No dogs are allowed on the beach from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM May 1- Labor Day. Pets must be on a leash seven feet or shorter at all times. Owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of waste.

Morris Island is an undeveloped island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor that's only accessible by private boats. This dog-friendly area is a fantastic place for long, off-leash beach strolls, dolphin-watching and hunting for shells with Fido. Put on sunscreen and bring plenty of water for you and your pup. No boat? Check out Adventure Harbor Tours for information on tours.

Coligny Beach Park is pet-friendly. Take a stroll with your pooch along landscaped walking and biking paths, chill on a swing and feel the sand under your feet and paws at this Hilton Head hangout. Dogs are welcome from Memorial Day through Labor Day until 10am and then after 5pm, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a dog-friendly beach in Kiawah Island, SC. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times within this area of the park. The recreation area is located on the island's west end and offers ocean frontage and river views along with the only public beach access on the island.

Let Fido join you for a day at dog-friendly Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach, located in Clarks Hill, IN. Dogs are allowed to swim and be off leash at Elijah Beach Cove and accompany you for a beachside walk. Lakeside picnic tables are available.

Sands Beach in Port Royal, SC is pet friendly. You and your pooch can drive almost directly onto the beach, ideal for accessibility. While you're exploring, check the floor for shark teeth and shells. There's a nice boardwalk and a tower, too. To preserve the cleanliness of the beach, make sure you clean up any mess that your pooch leaves behind.

Beaches in Edisto Island, SC, are dog friendly! Leashed pets are welcome on the beach from May 1st through Oct 31st. From November 1st through April 30th, Fido must be under verbal command of his owner, on a leash, or in a secure area within the town limits. It is also important to make sure you and your pets are familiar with the beach, as there are significant drop-offs on either side of the groins lining the shore. Note that the above laws pertain to the beach in Edisto. If you are on State Park property, state law differs.

Sullivan's Island Beach in Sullivan's Island, SC, is pet friendly. All pups, including day visitors and vacation renters, must have a town-issued dog permit to visit the island, including the beach. Details about paperwork and cost of permits can be found at the town hall. Summer hours for dogs on the beach run from May 1st to September 30th. During that time, dogs can be off-leash from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on leash from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM. No dogs are permitted on the beach between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Winter hours for dogs on the beach run from October 1st to April 30th. During that time, dogs can be off leash from 5:00 AM to noon and on leash from noon to 5:00 AM.

Public beach access points can be found at the end of every Folly Beach, SC block. This means you and Fido can easily head to the pet-friendly beach for some fun in the sun, sand and water! Dogs are allowed on the beach anytime during the off-season; however, between May 1 and September 30, they are not permitted on the beach between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Dogs must be leashed while visiting, and waste must be picked up immediately.

Islanders Beach Park in Hilton Head Island, SC, is pet friendly. Your furry friend is welcome to join you at this beach park that has showers and hoses for washing off your pup after playing in the sand. From October through March, Fido is allowed on the beach at any time, either on a leash or under voice control. Please refer to their website for specific hours and regulations during their peak season. Metered parking is available.

Dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly Fripp Island Beaches in Saint Helena Island, SC. Fripp Island is a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, just down the road from Beaufort. The island itself is a wildlife sanctuary, with 3.5 miles of uncrowded beaches. As long as Fido is on a leash and all mess is cleaned up after them, pups are allowed to join their owners for a walk on the sand.