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Cute puppy on a dog friendly beach in South Carolina

Are you looking for the best dog friendly beaches in South Carolina?

You are? Great. Then you’ve definitely come to the right website.

We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information for you on the best pet friendly beaches in South Carolina.

South Carolina is a beautiful state.

And with a coastline that stretches for a massive 2,876 miles, you and your furball are bound to find a beach that is perfect for you both.

So what are you waiting for?!

Let’s go and explore the best South Carolina dog beaches!

Tricolor beagle on the beach during daytime
Tricolor beagle on the beach during daytime – Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

1. Cherry Grove Beach

  • North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
  • Dogs are allowed at Cherry Grove Beach all year round
  • From May 15 through September 15, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9am and after 5pm ONLY
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash, and under control, at all times
  • Leash must not exceed seven feet in length
  • Beautiful, quiet section of North Myrtle Beach

Cherry Grove Beach is a true South Carolina gem. It offers visitors gorgeous ocean views and great amenities.

The Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is a famous pier that’s home to many record catches.

Cherry Grove Beach dog rules mean that your pup is allowed on the beach the whole year through!

See the above bullet points for restrictions. And always check on official websites before you go, as things change from time to time.

Website: Cherry Grove Beach

Dog on the sand at beautiful North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Dog on the sand at beautiful North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA – Photo by Josh Duncan on Unsplash

2. North Myrtle Beach

  • 1806 North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
  • Dogs are allowed at North Myrtle Beach all year round
  • From May 15 through September 15, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9am and after 5pm ONLY
  • You’ll need to keep your dog on a leash, and under control, at all times
  • Leash must not exceed seven feet in length
  • A beautiful dog-friendly beach in South Carolina

North Myrtle Beach dog rules mean that you can take your furry friend on to the beach all year round!

See the above bullet points for restrictions. And always check on official websites before you go, as things can sometimes change.

And if you’re looking for some off-leash fun with your pup, then the fabulous Waggin’ Tails Dog Park in Little River is just 12 minutes away.

North Myrtle Beach has a stunning location and a really friendly atmosphere. They help to make it one of the best dog friendly beaches in South Carolina.

Website: North Myrtle Beach

Man walking three dogs on a dog friendly South Carolina beach
Man walking three dogs on a dog friendly South Carolina beach – Photo by Esra AfÅŸar on Pexels

3. Myrtle Beach

  • 8th Avenue North and North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
  • Dogs are allowed at Myrtle Beach all year round
  • From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 5pm ONLY
  • You’ll need to keep your dog on a leash, and under control, at all times
  • Leash must not exceed seven feet in length
  • Gorgeous, clean South Carolina dog beach

Myrtle Beach is 30 minutes south of North Myrtle Beach. It’s a beautiful, wide beach, so there’s plenty of room for dogs.

The city itself is great for entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach State Park is nearby and is also dog-friendly.

Website: Myrtle Beach

4. Folly Beach

  • 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
  • Dogs are allowed at Folly Beach all year round
  • From May 1 through September 30, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 6pm ONLY
  • You’ll need to keep your dog on a leash, and under control, at all times
  • Running, walking, fetching and swimming are all allowed
  • Beautiful beach with plenty of parking

Folly Beach is located on Folly Island, a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean.

This fantastic pet-friendly South Carolina beach is just 11 miles from Charleston, the most populous city in the state.

Folly Beach Allows Dogs On The Beach All Year Round

Folly Beach dog rules allow pups on the beach all year round. As usual, there are restrictions. See the bullet points above for details.

Also, please note that dogs are NOT allowed on Folly Beach Pier.

Website: Folly Beach

Dog Gone Good Time at Edisto Beach – a beautiful dog beach in South Carolina. Video courtesy of Tree Talker The Traveler on YouTube

5. Edisto Beach

  • 1201 Palmetto Boulevard, Edisto Island, SC 29438
  • Dogs are allowed at Edisto Beach all year round, with no hourly restrictions
  • Dogs must be on a leash from May 1 through October 31
  • Pets must be under full owner control throughout the rest of the year
  • Parking is permitted at beach accesses from 6am through 10pm
  • Stunning natural setting, with spectacular sunsets

Edisto Beach is on Edisto Island, one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from downtown Charleston.

Edisto Beach dog rules allow dogs on the beach all year round, with no hourly restrictions!

The only proviso is that Fido must be kept on a leash during the busy season, from May 1 through October 31.

A Stunning South Carolina Beach That Allows Dogs

This is a truly beautiful spot that’s popular with families and individuals alike. And there’s plenty to do here as well.

Thanks to its stunning location and relaxed dog rules, Edisto Beach is easily one of the best dog friendly beaches in South Carolina.

Website: Edisto Beach

6. Burkes Beach

  • 60 Burkes Beach Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Dogs are allowed at Burkes Beach all year round
  • From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 5pm ONLY
  • From 5pm to 10am during this period, dogs must be either on a leash, or under full voice control
  • Between October and March, dogs can go on the beach at any time
  • A leash is optional during this period, but dogs must be either on a leash, or under full voice control

Burkes Beach is one of the many dog friendly beaches on beautiful Hilton Head Island.

It’s located just 36 miles from the lovely city of Savannah, in the neighboring state of Georgia. And Burkes Beach is 103 miles from Charleston.

Burkes Beach Parking

Parking for Burkes Beach is located at Chaplin Community Park. There are 246 free parking spaces and 12 ADA accessible parking spaces.

Overflow parking is at 2 Castnet Drive, off Singleton Beach Road. There you’ll find 136 free parking spaces and 4 ADA accessible parking spaces.

Burkes Beach on Hilton Head Island is a beautiful South Carolina dog beach.

Website: Burkes Beach

Houses at the beach on Seabrook Island, South Carolina, USA
Houses at the beach on Seabrook Island, South Carolina, USA – Photo by katie manning on Unsplash

7. Seabrook Island Beaches

  • Seabrook Island, SC 29455
  • The beaches on Seabrook Island are dog friendly!
  • Beaches are divided into 3 color-coded areas – red, yellow and green
  • Red is the restricted area. Dogs are not permitted in this area at any time
  • Yellow is the limited restriction area. Your dog must be on a leash at all times in this area
  • Green is the general beach area. In the peak season, from April 1 through September 30, dogs must be on a leash between 10am and 5pm. They may be off leash at all other times (in the peak season), provided they are under full voice control
  • In the off peak season, from October 1 through March 31, dogs may be off leash at all times, provided they are under full voice control
  • Leashes must be no more than 16 feet in length

Seabrook Island is a barrier island in Charleston County, South Carolina.

It’s approximately 45 minutes from downtown Charleston.

Seabrook Island Beach is 30 miles from Folly Beach and just 9 miles from Kiawah Island.

Two Gorgeous South Carolina Dog Beaches

The two beautiful beaches on Seabrook Island SC are Pelican Beach (also known as Sunset Beach) and North Beach.

Both of the Seabrook Island beaches are gorgeous South Carolina beaches that allow dogs.

Website: Seabrook Island beach rules

8. Kiawah Beachwalker Park

  • 8 Beachwalker Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
  • Dogs are allowed at Kiawah Beachwalker Park all year round
  • Park and beach open from 9am thru 8pm from May to Labor Day
  • Beach and park open from 10am to sunset the rest of the year
  • Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times
  • Excellent amenities, including restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar and a picnic area with grills

Kiawah Beachwalker Park is at the western end of picturesque Kiawah Island.

It’s just 25 miles from downtown Charleston.

Kiawah Island is a barrier island on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast.

Definitely One Of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

Kiawah Beachwalker Park offers the only public beach access on Kiawah Island.

The Kiawah Island dog rules permit pups at Beachwalker Park all year round. And the amenities here are excellent.

That’s why Kiawah Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island is definitely one of the best dog friendly beaches in South Carolina!

Website: Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Colorful bird on a tree branch in Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina, USA
Colorful bird on a tree branch in Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina, USA – Photo by Dennis Derringer on Unsplash

9. Huntington Beach State Park

  • 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
  • Dogs are allowed at Huntington Beach State Park all year round
  • Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach ONLY – the north end is out of bounds for canines
  • You need to keep your dog on a leash at all times
  • Leash must be no longer than six feet in length
  • Fantastic bird-watching opportunities

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina is located near Murrells Inlet.

This delightful state park is just 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach.

It’s a huge coastal preserve and state park, spreading out over 2,500 acres.

There are some fabulous nature trails in the park. And the park offers some of the best bird-watching on the East Coast.

Huntington Beach State Park Dog Rules

Huntington Beach State Park dog rules permit dogs all year round in certain areas. Please note that dogs are NOT permitted on the north end of the beach or in buildings, including Atalaya.

Note that parking here is first-come, first-serve, and is limited.

A Fantastic Pet-Friendly Beach in South Carolina

If you and your furball are looking for fresh air and exercise in a beautiful natural setting, then be sure to take a trip to Huntington Beach State Park.

This is a fantastic pet-friendly beach in South Carolina.

Website: Huntington Beach State Park

Dolphin playing in the Atlantic Ocean – Photo by Joe Boyne on Pexels

10. Morris Island Beach

  • Morris Island, Charleston, SC 29412
  • Dogs are allowed at Morris Island Beach all year round
  • Your pup is free to run around off-leash on Morris Island
  • Accessible only by boat
  • A beautiful, peaceful beach
  • A chance to see dolphins

Morris Island in South Carolina is just a stone’s throw away from Charleston. 8.2 miles away, to be exact.

This beautiful, undeveloped island is at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. The island is uninhabited and is only accessible by private boats.

One of the most famous boat companies is Adventure Harbor Tours, based in nearby Mount Pleasant. The boat journey from Mount Pleasant to Morris Island takes around 20 minutes.

A Chance To See Dolphins In The Atlantic Ocean

Once on Morris Island, you’re rewarded with a quiet, windswept stretch of beach. As the island is uninhabited, the only other people you’ll see are other day-trippers.

There’s also a chance to see dolphins, which can sometimes be seen playing gracefully in the Atlantic Ocean waves.

So if you and your pup are looking for some peace and tranquility, then you’re sure to love Morris Island. It’s one of the many beautiful South Carolina beaches that allow dogs.

Website: Morris Island Beach

11. Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach

  • Clarks Hill Park Road, Clarks Hill, SC 29821
  • Dogs are allowed at Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach all year round
  • Your pup is free to run around off-leash at this beach
  • Small patch of sandy beach next to large reservoir
  • Lakeside picnic tables are available
  • Dogs are allowed to swim in the lake

Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach is located close to the small community of Clarks Hill, McCormick County, South Carolina.

The dog beach is also known as Elijah Beach Cove. It’s on the banks of Clarks Hill Lake, a man-made reservoir that straddles the border between Georgia and South Carolina.

Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach rules allow your furry friend to be off-leash all year round. And dogs are allowed to swim in the lake as well.

Just be careful of the small tree stumps under the surface that could cause injury.

With its friendly atmosphere and lack of restrictions, Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina.

Website: Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach

Dog running on a South Carolina dog beach
Dog running on a South Carolina dog beach – Photo by Ray Bilcliff on Pexels

Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

The beaches of South Carolina really ARE dog-friendly.

In fact, as many South Carolina beaches allow dogs all year round, it’s definitely one of the most dog-friendly states in the whole of the US!

Whether you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and quiet where you and your pup can get away from it all. Or somewhere that’s a bit more lively, where you can meet with lots of other dog parents.

You’re sure to find exactly what you’re both looking for at the gorgeous dog friendly beaches of South Carolina.

So come on by, and let the adventures begin!

So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in South Carolina? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.

Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!

If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in South Carolina, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

Is Edisto Beach dog friendly?

Yes, Edisto Beach is dog friendly. Dogs are allowed at Edisto Beach all year round, with no hourly restrictions. From May 1 thru October 31, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Is Myrtle Beach pet friendly?

Yes, Myrtle Beach is pet friendly. Dogs are allowed at Myrtle Beach all year round. From May 1 thru Labor Day, you can only take your dog to the beach before 10am and after 5pm. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times.

What are some of the best dog beaches in South Carolina?

Some of the best dog beaches in South Carolina include Cherry Grove Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Burkes Beach and Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach.

Does Folly Beach allow dogs?

Yes, Folly Beach allows dogs all year round. From May 1 thru September 30, you can only take your dog to the beach before 10am and after 6pm. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Are there any dog friendly beaches in Charleston South Carolina?

Yes, there are several dog friendly beaches in Charleston South Carolina. They include Folly Beach and Morris Island Beach.

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