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Getting to & Around Charleston with a Dog
🇺🇸Charleston, United States·Updated 2 September 2026
Most visitors fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 20 minutes from downtown, or arrive by car along the coast. The compact Historic District is a joy to explore on foot with a dog, so you can leave the car parked for a day or two, but you will want a car or rideshare to reach the island beaches at Folly, Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms. Public buses carry service animals only, so plan on walking downtown and driving out to the sand.
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Hampton Inn Charleston / Historic District
★★★ 8.6
€180/nightBook →
Hyatt House Charleston / Historic District
★★★ 8.7
€210/nightBook →
The Ryder Hotel
★★★★ 8.8
€240/nightBook →
Verified pet policies, live Booking.com prices from €180/night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Charleston with a dog?
For downtown, no: the Historic District, the Battery and Waterfront Park are all easily walkable on the lead. But the dog beaches are on barrier islands a short drive away, and public transit carries service animals only, so a car or rideshare is the practical way to reach Folly, Sullivan's Island or the Isle of Palms.
Can I take my dog on public transport in Charleston?
Charleston's CARTA buses and the downtown shuttle carry service animals only, not pets, so you cannot rely on public transport with a dog. Downtown is very walkable, and for the island beaches you will need a car, a rideshare with a pet-friendly driver, or a taxi that accepts dogs.
How do I get to the dog beaches from downtown Charleston?
By car or rideshare. Folly Beach is about 20 to 30 minutes south of the peninsula, while Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms are a similar drive east across the Cooper River. Check each island's dog hours and parking before you set off, especially in summer.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Charleston
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