9 South Carolina Beaches Where Your Dog Can Join the Fun
South Carolina’s sandy shores offer more than romantic views and salty breezes, they’re also perfect for your pup. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee, strolling at sunrise, or splashing together in the surf, these beaches welcome four-legged travelers with open paws. From quiet barrier islands to bustling boardwalks, each spot combines beach day bliss with canine-friendly rules. Pack a leash, some treats, and a beach towel. These nine dog-friendly beaches promise tail wags and unforgettable memories.
Folly Beach
Just outside Charleston, Folly Beach is laid-back, scenic, and dog-welcoming. From May to September, dogs are allowed before 10 AM and after 6 PM, while off-season access is more relaxed. Early risers love the quiet stretches where pups can run and splash. Leashes are required, but many local businesses, including cafés and shops, provide water bowls and shady spots. The colorful pier, surf culture, and casual atmosphere make it ideal for couples traveling with their furry best friend.
Huntington Beach State Park
A peaceful paradise for nature lovers, Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet allows leashed dogs on its beaches year-round. With scenic trails, boardwalks, and birdwatching spots, there’s plenty to explore together. Dogs are prohibited in the marsh boardwalk and nature center, but the wide beach is perfect for long strolls. Pack a picnic and a camera, the dunes, crashing waves, and quiet surroundings make this a romantic spot to connect with your pup and nature.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is just the right mix of coastal charm and pet-friendly rules. Dogs can run off-leash from 5 AM to 9 AM, year-round, if they’re under voice control, and must be leashed at all other times. The wide sandy beach is perfect for morning fetch sessions or a peaceful sunrise walk. The island also offers pet-friendly accommodations, shaded park spaces, and dog-loving locals. It’s a favorite for couples who want to share a beach sunrise with their pup.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head invites dogs to enjoy its beaches before 10 AM and after 5 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and any time the rest of the year. Leashed pups are welcome to explore the island’s wide, packed-sand beaches, ideal for walking, running, or relaxing beside you. Pet-friendly resorts, walking trails, and outdoor restaurants make it easy to bring your dog everywhere. For couples who love refined travel without leaving their pup behind, Hilton Head hits the mark.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is an uncrowded Lowcountry gem that welcomes dogs on-leash all year. Its peaceful pace and quiet vibe make it ideal for couples looking to slow down and breathe in the salty air. The beach offers long, flat stretches perfect for walking, while Edisto Beach State Park features trails shaded by mossy oaks. Few crowds mean fewer distractions, and you and your pup can enjoy an intimate coastal escape where nature, and your bond, takes center stage.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is a charming beach town with a unique dog policy. Residents and visitors must register for a dog permit, but in return, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5 AM to 10 AM during summer, and even longer in the off-season. The beach itself is serene and flat, with calm surf ideal for wading pups. Nearby cafés offer pet-friendly patios. For couples who don’t mind a bit of paperwork, this is one of the most peaceful spots for shared beach time.
Myrtle Beach
Though busy in summer, Myrtle Beach becomes a quiet retreat for dog owners after Labor Day. From September through April, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach any time, while summer rules limit access to early mornings and evenings. Myrtle Beach State Park also offers a dog-friendly shoreline year-round. With wide sandy stretches, scenic piers, and nearby pet-friendly lodging, it’s a fun destination for couples and their dogs to unwind with a mix of city and surf.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is a slow-paced beach town with a relaxed, old-South vibe. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, and the lack of high-rise hotels keeps the shoreline peaceful. It’s a favorite for early morning walks, long sunset strolls, or just lounging in the sand with your pup at your side. Many vacation rentals welcome pets, and the vibe is welcoming and local. With its hammock shops, salt marsh views, and wide beach, Pawleys is perfect for couples craving calm and canine company.
Surfside Beach
Known as “The Family Beach,” Surfside welcomes leashed dogs year-round, except during peak summer hours (from 9 AM to 5 PM, May 15–Sept 15). Located just south of Myrtle Beach, it’s far less crowded and perfect for peaceful walks with your pup. A wide shoreline, gentle surf, and clean sands create a relaxed setting for play or relaxation. The town offers dog-friendly vacation rentals and a quiet, neighborly feel, making it a low-key spot where couples and pets can enjoy the South Carolina coast together.
