Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Carolina: On & Off-Leash Places
South Carolina is one of the most popular beach destinations. Whether it’s Myrtle Beach or Sullivan’s Island, there’s much to do on the beaches in this friendly southern state. However, if you want to take your canine pal with you to the beach, you’ll want to find a dog-friendly beach.
You’ll also need to remember that if you want the beaches in South Carolina to stay dog-friendly, it’s best to follow the rules and always pick up your furry friend’s messes. In this guide, we’ll give you our top 10 picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina and a little about them.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Carolina
1. Myrtle Beach State Park
| ️Address: | 401 S. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
| Open Times: | May 1st through Labor Day. No pets on the beach from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free for children under five, $5 for children, $8 for adults |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Located in the Grand Strand of the beach
- One of the coast's most popular beaches
- You can get cabins located 200 yards from the beach
- Leash lengths of no more than 6 feet; dogs must be leashed
2. Folly Beach
| ️Address: | 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 |
| Open Times: | October 1st until April 30th |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Stunning beach views
- Has a restricted schedule, so check the rules
- Located near the County Park
- Pets are allowed in most restaurants' patios and decks
- No dogs can be on the pier
3. Fripps Island Beach
| ️Address: | 225 Tarpon Blvd, St. Helena Island, SC 29920 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to Dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | From October 1st through March 31st dogs can be off-leash or under voice control |
- A sanctuary for wildlife
- Close to the city of Beaufort
- Uncrowded beaches go on for 5 miles
- Gorgeous beach views
4. Burkes Beach
| ️Address: | 60 Burkes Beach Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928 |
| Open Times: | April 1st to the end of September before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only allowed off-leash in the off-season |
- You can walk to the Best Friends Dog Park and Chaplin Community Park easily
- The water is only a 5-minute walk away
- Parking available
- Dogs have to be on a leash during the peak season
- Stunning views of the ocean
5. Isles of Palms Beaches
| ️Address: | 810 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC, 29451 |
| Open Times: | April 1st to September 14, 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM; September 15th to March 31, 4:00 PM to 10:00 AM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- You must have a leash in hand at all times
- Clean up after your dog
- Easy to park and play with your pet
- Contains water fountains
- You must be in the water with your dog at all times
6. Beach at Sullivan’s Island
| ️Address: | 2256 Atlantic Ave, Sullivan’s Island, SC, 29482 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM, on-leash, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, off-leash |
| Cost: | $50 fee for non-residents, $35 for residents |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Right by the water
- Must have a dog permit, which is time-issued
- Dogs are allowed every day, all day, in the winter season
- Stunning sunsets and sunrises to watch with your dog
- Friendly people and dogs on this beach
7. Edisto Island Beach
| ️Address: | Edisto Island Beach 29438 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to Dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Stunning sunsets and sunrises to watch with your pet
- Dogs must be on leashes at all times
- Close to several restaurants
- Friendly pet owners and dogs
8. The Sands
| ️Address: | The Sands Beach In Port Royal, Port Royal, SC, 29935 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Very close to Battery Creek
- You’re able to drive directly onto the beach
- The beach is small but nice
- Sunsets are amazing
9. Surfside Beach Dog Park
| ️Address: | 412 1st Ave N, Surfside Beach, SC, 29575 |
| Open Times: | Dawn to Dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Proof of rabies shots and vaccines required
- $10 Surfside Beach license tags required for entry
- Only two dogs allowed per visit
- Great spot to relax and watch your pet play and socialize
10. Hunting Island State Park
| ️Address: | 255 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Isle, SC, 29920 |
| Open Times: | From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Cost: | $4 fee for children, $8 fee for adults, children under five get in free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Most popular state park in South Carolina
- Beaches go on for 5 miles
- Contains a saltwater lagoon
- Most outdoor areas allow dogs
- Leashes must be no longer than six feet
Summary
Who doesn’t love going to the beach? South Carolina has some of the best ones in the United States. However, going to a dog-friendly beach comes with responsibility. Never let your pet run free, always check the rules of the beach before you go, and never leave your dog’s messes lying around. If you follow these rules, you and your canine companion should have plenty of fun running and playing together at these 10 dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina.
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Featured Image Credit: Eric Krouse, Shutterstock
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Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
