Charleston's barrier islands are the reason it is such a strong dog-beach destination, but each sets its own seasonal timetable, so the key is to check before you go. Folly Beach is the most relaxed, with leashed dogs allowed outside the summer midday hours and all day in the cooler months. Sullivan's Island offers generous off-leash mornings but requires a permit, and the Isle of Palms has its own early-morning and evening windows. All ask you to leash outside the posted hours and to clean up after your dog.
Hampton Inn Charleston / Historic District
★★★ 8.6
Hyatt House Charleston / Historic District
★★★ 8.7
The Ryder Hotel
★★★★ 8.8
Verified pet policies, live Booking.com prices from €180/night.
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The laid-back surf-town beach south of Charleston and the most dog-friendly of the group. Leashed dogs are welcome on the wide sand before 10am and after 6pm from May to September, and all day from October to April, though never on the fishing pier. Its easygoing vibe makes it the default Charleston dog beach.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed; clean up after your dog; no dogs on the pier at any time
A quiet island beach with the most generous off-leash hours in the area, provided you have the required town permit. Dogs can be off-leash early in the morning and are barred from the beach during the midday hours in season. A dog permit from the Town Hall, with proof of rabies vaccination, is mandatory.
Rules: Town dog permit required (proof of rabies vaccination); clean up after your dog; observe the no-dog midday hours in season
A larger resort-style barrier island beach just past Sullivan's Island, with its own dog hours. Dogs are welcome from 5am to 9am from April to mid-September, and from 4pm to 10am from mid-September to March, always on the lead. It is a broad, family-friendly stretch of Atlantic sand for an early-morning or evening walk.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed at all times; clean up after your dog
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hampton Inn Charleston / Historic District
★★★ · 8.6/10
€180/night
Hyatt House Charleston / Historic District
★★★ · 8.7/10
€210/night
The Ryder Hotel
★★★★ · 8.8/10
€240/night