South Carolina 
SC Tourism SC Dog-Friendly Travel
Also see: SC Veterinarians
A Palmetto State Pooch!
Traveling with your four-legged friend is fun, but it does require some extra planning.
This guide can help you plan both a day-trip or a longer stay in South Carolina with dog-friendly destinations and tips. On this page you will find information on beach regulations, dog-friendly parks, and off-leash dog parks around the state.
For overnight trips with your dog, we also have links to SC hotels and SC bed and breakfasts that welcome pets.
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Additions? Corrections? If you have a favorite South Carolina nature trail, restaurant, or park that happens to be your dog's favorite too, please email us at
service@sciway.net so we can add it here.
Dog Friendly Accommodations in South Carolina
Why not take an overnight or even longer trip with your dog? Although pet policies vary, many hotels and bed and breakfast inns do allow pets. Please be sure to check the pet policy of the specific location you select. Policies may differ by animal weight and deposit price.
SC Dog Friendly B&Bs
- Dog-friendly Bed and Breakfasts in South Carolina
Visiting a quaint South Carolina bed and breakfast can be even more fun if you bring your four-legged friend with you. The following bed and breakfast inns allow dogs in at least some of their guest rooms. However, pet policies vary – some charge a pet fee, some only allow small dogs, and some require pet approval before booking. Please check the policy of the individual bed and breakfast you select.
SC Dog Friendly Hotels & Motels
Dog Friendly Parks and Beaches in South Carolina
In the list below, all of the
off-leash parks allow dogs to be taken off their leashes while in the designated dog park area. Many dog parks require that dogs are current on vaccinations. Owners must also clean up after pets and keep a watchful eye on them as they play.
All of the other South Carolina parks and beaches listed below allow dogs, but they require them to be on leashes.
Aiken
- Aiken Dog Park - must register dogs prior to visiting park - off-leash dog park
Beaufort
Charleston
Clemson
Columbia
Florence
- McLeod Park - there is a fenced, dog area at the rear of the park; when using the W. Palmetto Street entrance, continue through the park to the cul-de-sac at the end of road - off-leash dog park
Georgetown
Greenville
- Conestee Dog Park - off-leash dog park
- Falls Park
- Hagood Dog Park - Easley - separate area for small dogs, water, benches, and some agility equipment
- Conestee Nature Preserve - dogs must remain on leash and are not permitted into water or wetland areas
- Pavilion Dog Park - Taylors - separate areas for large and small dogs both with water station - off-leash dog park
- Pelham Mill Dog Park - separate areas for large dogs and those under 25 pounds, both have some agility training equipment and water station - off-leash dog park
- Simpsonville Dog Spot - areas for both small and large dogs located in Simpsonville City Park - off-leash dog park
Greenwood
Hilton Head Island
Myrtle Beach
Rock Hill
Spartanburg
Sumter
Surfside Beach
Regional, Statewide
Know of a dog park we don't have?
Tell us here
Dog-friendly Hikes and Trails in South Carolina
Clemson
Greenville
- Paris Mountain State Park - dogs allowed in the park and on trails but must be leashed - pets are not allowed in cabin or swimming areas
Pickens
- Table Rock State Park - dogs allowed in the park and on trails but must be leashed - pets are not allowed in cabin or swimming areas
Know of a dog-friendly trail we're missing?
Let us know!
Fido Fare: Dog-friendly Restaurants in South Carolina
The restaurants below are very welcoming of your pet dining with you outside.
Beaufort
Charleston
Columbia
- Grill Marks - Downtown Columbia - patio is heated making it a year-round spot to bring your dog plus they provide water bowls and even have bones available upon request
Greenville
- Grill Marks - Downtown Greenville - patio is heated making it a year-round spot to bring your dog plus they provide water bowls and even have bones available upon request
Myrtle Beach
Books on SC Outdoor Travels for You & Your Dog
- Best Hikes With Dogs: Georgia and South Carolina - includes directions to trails, difficulty ratings, notable trail features, and tips for hiking with your dog, including the following "canine essentials":
- Insect repellent - like humans, some dogs are allergic to DEET, so DEET-free formulas may be best
- Dog food, trail treats, water, and water bowl - remember you'll both be burning more calories than normal, and don't count on stream availability - streams may be dry, and surface water often carries Giardia, which can give your dog diarrhea
- Roll of plastic bags and trowel - either bag your pet's waste or bury it
- Leash and collar - make sure your current contact information is on your dog's collar
- Basic first-aid kit - including antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, adhesive tape, baking soda for bee stings, canine eyewash, toenail clippers, and your veterinarian's phone number
- Doggin' The Carolina Coasts: The 50 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog - guidelines for hiking with canines plus info on NC and SC trails, parks, and beaches that allow dogs - includes info on swimming availability, trail length, and potential hazards for your pet, including the following excerpt:
"Alligators are found in marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes as well as neighborhood drainage ditches and canals. Use common sense and do not allow your dog in waters where alligators may be lurking ... If you see an alligator on land, just walk your dog away – alligators do not run down prey on land."
