Dog-Friendly Charleston: 33+ Best Places to Take Your Dog in the Holy City (2025 Guide)
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If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, SC with your four-legged friend, you’re in luck. The Holy City is not only rich in Southern charm and coastal beauty but it’s also incredibly dog friendly. From beaches and parks to patios and breweries as well as hidden gems, there are plenty of places to take your dog around Charleston where tails are welcome and water bowls are ready.
I’m a Charleston local and lifelong dog lover, and this city is one of the best places in the South to travel with dogs. With multiple pups in tow, I’ve explored nearly every dog-friendly trail, beach, café, and boutique the Holy City has to offer and I’m excited to share our go-to list with you!
Whether you’re a local exploring new favorites or a visitor on vacation, here’s your ultimate guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Charleston, South Carolina.
🐕 Off-Leash Freedom: Best Dog Parks in Charleston
1. James Island County Park Dog Park
📍 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC
This 4,000-acre park is a dog’s dream come true. The off-leash dog park includes a dog beach, large grassy areas, and a lake for swimming. It’s one of the most popular dog parks in Charleston for good reason. There’s even a dog wash station for sandy pups! One of our dogs who loves to swim can’t get enough of this park since they have a lake dogs can swim in from the dog park.
2. Hazel Parker Playground (Downtown Charleston)
📍 70 E Bay St, Charleston, SC
Located near the Battery and the historic district, this hidden gem is ideal if you’re walking around downtown Charleston with your pup. The fenced-in dog run lets your dog get the wiggles out, while you enjoy nearby scenic strolls.
3. Wannamaker County Park Dog Park (North Charleston)
📍 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC
This off-leash area features water access, shaded trails, and two separate areas for small and large dogs. It’s located in a larger park with walking trails — perfect for active dogs and humans alike.
4. Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar
📍 8811 Old University Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Right down the road from Wannamaker County Park, this park offers a community for dogs to play and run off-leash, and a place for their humans to relax with a drink.
🌊 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Charleston
Charleston is surrounded by beaches, but not all allow dogs year-round. Here’s where your pup can enjoy the surf and sand:
5. Folly Beach
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but must be leashed from 10 AM to 6 PM between May 1st and Sept 30th. Mornings and evenings are ideal for off-leash fun. The Folly Beach County Park has easy access and free dog waste bags. Exploring Folly Beach is a place we definitely recommend that you explore, even if you aren’t able to bring your furry friend with you this time around.
6. Isle of Palms (IOP)
Dogs are allowed off-leash from 5 AM to 9 AM during the summer months (April 1 to Sept 14), and anytime with a leash otherwise. The IOP Bark Park is also nearby for some post-beach playtime.
7. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Located on the west end of Kiawah Island, this park is more low-key but welcomes leashed dogs year-round. It’s perfect for quieter walks along the sand with your pup. This is a quiet beach near Charleston, but it will be a bit of a drive if you are staying downtown.
⚠️It can become extremely hot and humid in Charleston, especially from June-September. Make sure you are taking proper precautions to keep yourself and your dogs cool and hydrated allowing them access to shade and water.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in Charleston
Charleston’s food scene is legendary — and many places love pups just as much as people. These pet-friendly restaurants with patios in Charleston make dining out with your dog a breeze. **Please note, per state and city ordinances, most restaurants will allow you and your fury friend to be seated outside on the patio, but not inside, unless you have a service animal.
8. Brown Dog Deli (Downtown Charleston + West Ashley)
As the name suggests, this quirky and colorful spot loves dogs. Their pet-friendly patios are shaded and serve up water bowls along with some of the best sandwiches in town.
9. Fuel Charleston (Cannonborough/Elliotborough)
A funky Caribbean-inspired restaurant with a large, dog-friendly outdoor space. Great food, frozen drinks, and a super welcoming vibe for pets and their people.
10. The Barrel (James Island)
This craft beer and food truck hangout has a massive outdoor space designed for dogs — complete with a dog play area and riverfront views. It’s like a mini dog park with beer!
11. Lost Dog Café (Folly Beach)
A Folly Beach institution, this café welcomes pups on its sunny patio and even has dog-themed décor and menu items.
🍻 Dog-Friendly Breweries and Hangouts
Many of Charleston’s local breweries and outdoor hangouts cater to canine companions just as much as their human fans.
12. Commonhouse Aleworks (Park Circle)
With a large outdoor beer garden, water bowls, and regular dog-friendly events, this North Charleston favorite is a go-to for dog owners. Leashed pups are always welcome.
13. Low Tide Brewing (Johns Island)
Enjoy a cold craft beer while your dog lounges at your feet. This brewery hosts frequent pet adoption events and dog-centric pop-ups.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walking Trails and Scenic Spots
14. The Battery & White Point Garden (Downtown)
Leash up and walk along Charleston’s famous Battery promenade. You’ll get views of the harbor, antebellum mansions, and plenty of Southern charm. It’s a great spot for photos and people-watching.
15. West Ashley Greenway
This 10.5-mile trail is ideal for longer walks or jogs with your dog. It’s flat, scenic, and full of greenery — perfect for pups with extra energy.
16. Pitt Street Bridge (Mount Pleasant)
Located in the Old Village, this former trolley bridge turned walking trail is a hidden gem with panoramic views of the marsh and Charleston harbor. Ideal for golden hour strolls with your best friend.
🏨 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Charleston
Planning a Charleston getaway with your pup? Luckily, several hotels in and around the city offer dog-friendly accommodations with thoughtful amenities for both you and your furry friend.
17. The Vendue – Charleston’s Art Hotel (Downtown Charleston)
📍 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC
This stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the historic district welcomes dogs up to 50 lbs for a small fee. You’ll be steps away from the waterfront and the Battery, making it easy to enjoy downtown walks with your pup.
18. The Dewberry Charleston
📍 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
The Dewberry is a luxury hotel that offers pet-friendly rooms upon request. With Marion Square just across the street, you’ll have a great green space for morning walks.
19. Emeline Charleston
📍 181 Church St, Charleston, SC
A trendy, design-forward hotel that welcomes dogs with treats, plush dog beds, and even water bowls. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the city by paw.
20. Hyatt Place Charleston / Historic District
📍 560 King St, Charleston, SC
Pet-friendly with a convenient location on upper King Street, near restaurants and parks. Ideal for families or travelers wanting more space while keeping their dog close.
21. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina (Mount Pleasant)
📍 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC
A resort-style stay that’s also dog-friendly — with access to the harbor, green spaces, and walking trails. It’s great for guests looking to mix relaxation with coastal adventure.
🛍️ Dog-Friendly Stores & Boutiques in Charleston
Charleston is full of locally owned shops and boutiques that not only allow dogs but also celebrates them! These are great stops for gifts, souvenirs, or just some retail therapy with your pup in tow.
22. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (Charleston & Mount Pleasant)
This popular pet boutique has several Charleston-area locations. They offer gourmet dog treats, toys, leashes, accessories, and even grooming services — all in a friendly, boutique setting. Your dog will love browsing here (and sniffing out snacks).
23. Itinerant Literate Books (Park Circle)
📍 1060 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC
A cozy indie bookstore in Park Circle that allows leashed dogs inside. The vibe is welcoming, and they even have dog-themed book sections. Great for book-loving pet parents.
24. Charleston City Market (Downtown)
Dogs are allowed in the open-air areas of this historic market. While not every stall allows pups inside, many vendors are pet-friendly and even have dog-focused products for sale — like handmade collars, treats, and bandanas.
25. BootJack & Co. (Downtown Charleston)
📍 281 King St, Charleston, SC
A high-end Western and lifestyle boutique that’s known to welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. Browse boots and leather goods while your pup gets the royal treatment.
26. M. Dumas & Sons (King Street)
📍 294 King St, Charleston, SC
This iconic menswear store has been known to welcome dogs and their staff will often offer a treat or two. Bonus: The shop has plenty of space and great air conditioning during hot summer strolls on King Street.
🎉 Dog-Friendly Events & Festivals in Charleston
Charleston’s warm weather and community vibe mean there’s always something happening — and many of the city’s outdoor events and festivals are dog-friendly too! Here are some pup-approved annual events that welcome your furry sidekick.
27. Pet Fest (Mount Pleasant)
📍 Palmetto Islands County Park
Held every spring, Pet Fest is a celebration of all things dog! Expect live music, pet contests, food vendors, adoption opportunities, and plenty of fun. There are usually splash zones and obstacle courses for dogs, making it one of the top dog-friendly events in the Charleston area.
28. Dog Day Afternoon (at Charleston County Parks)
Once the waterparks close for the season, Charleston County Waterparks open for dog friendly events. I don’t think I have ever seen one of our dogs as excited as she was when we pulled up to the waterpark on a “dog day afternoon”- and afterwards, she slept soundly for a good 12 hours straight!
2025 Dates:
🐕 Mount Pleasant Palmetto Island County Park– Splash Island Park
Saturday, August 9, 2025
🐕 James Island County Park– Splash Zone Waterpark
Saturday, August 9, 2025
🐕 North Charleston Wannamaker County Park– Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park
Sunday, September 7, 2025
29. Woofstock
This event also takes place in the spring. Complete with vendors, food trucks, live music, and many adoptable dogs, proceeds go to local animal rescues.
30. Yappy Hour at James Island County Park
Throughout the spring and fall, this recurring event invites locals to bring their dogs to the dog park for an evening of live music, drinks, and canine fun. It’s a great way to meet fellow dog lovers while your pup socializes off-leash.
31. Second Sundays on King Street (Downtown Charleston)
Each second Sunday of the month, King Street closes to cars and becomes a pedestrian-only shopping and dining event — and its completely dog-friendly! Many shops and vendors put out water bowls and treats for pups while humans enjoy local eats and live music.
32. Charleston Beer Week (Various Breweries)
Most participating breweries are dog-friendly, especially those with outdoor patios. Many even host “dog day” events, costume contests, or pet-themed beer releases.
33. Folly Gras (Folly Beach)
A quirky Folly Beach celebration of Mardi Gras — often with a pet parade or dog costume contest. It’s a great chance to let your pup strut their stuff in full festive flair.
🧳 Traveling with Your Dog in Charleston: Quick Tips
- Pack extra water — Charleston’s summers are hot and humid! We like to bring this water dispenser everywhere we go with our dogs!
- Bring poop bags — Many parks offer them, but it’s always good to have extras.
- Check leash laws — Some beaches and parks allow off-leash play only during specific hours or seasons.
- Book pet-friendly lodging — Many Charleston-area hotels and vacation rentals welcome dogs with open arms (and sometimes treats!).
🐶 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Dog-Friendly Charleston Travel Tips
Can I bring my dog on Charleston’s public transportation or carriage rides?
Dogs are not allowed on public CARTA buses unless they are service animals. As for the historic carriage tours downtown, most companies like Palmetto Carriage Works allow small dogs that can sit on your lap, but large dogs usually aren’t permitted. Always check with the tour company before booking.
Are dogs allowed in Charleston’s Historic District and museums?
Leashed dogs are welcome to walk around Charleston’s historic district and outdoor landmarks like Rainbow Row, The Battery, and Waterfront Park. However, indoor museums and historic homes generally do not allow pets unless they are certified service animals.
What should I know about visiting Charleston with a dog in the summer heat?
Charleston summers can be dangerously hot and humid. Always carry water for your pup, avoid mid-day outings, and stick to shaded areas. Asphalt can burn paws, so early morning or evening walks are safest. Some parks and shops even offer cooling mats and misting fans.
Can I take my dog on a boat or kayak in Charleston?
Yes! Many local kayak and paddleboard rental companies like Charleston Outdoor Adventures and Coastal Expeditions allow dogs on board. Some harbor cruises are also pet-friendly (like the Charleston Water Taxi), but always call ahead. Bring a dog life vest just to be safe!
Where can I find dog sitters or pet services in Charleston if I want to go somewhere without my pup?
Charleston has many highly rated pet sitters and walkers on Rover, as well as boutique boarding options like Charleston Doghouse or Dog Tired . Some hotels even partner with local dog-sitting services for guests.
Wrapping Things Up: A Pup- Approved Charleston Adventure
Charleston isn’t just a top destination for foodies, history buffs, and beach lovers but it’s also a paradise for pet parents. From off-leash dog parks and pup-welcoming beaches, to dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and even festivals, this charming Southern city makes it easy to include your dog in the adventure.
Whether you’re strolling down cobblestone streets, relaxing at a pet-friendly patio, or attending a local dog festival, Charleston rolls out the red carpet for your four-legged travel companion.
So, pack the leash, grab the treats, and get ready for a paw-some time in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South!
