The best off-leash parks, trails, beaches, dining, yappy hours, shopping, and more
Dogs are family. And in Charleston, a city renowned for its hospitality, the same warm welcome extends to our four-legged friends. This guide highlights some of the best of erings for fur babies and the humans who love them, from off-leash parks and trails to dining, shopping, and events. As fall arrives and locals come out to play, hit up these dog-friendly hangouts and activities for you and your best friend to enjoy—together.
Beach Bums
For dog lovers, there’s nothing like watching your fur baby frolic in the sand and surf. Happily, we’re blessed with a variety of beach communities where the joy of jumping waves and endless games of fetch make for a fun day and a tired pup on the ride home. Even better, with summer in the rear view, this is the time to go—the weather’s more temperate, there are fewer visitors, and the rules have loosened up a bit. >>READ MORE
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Let your furry pal run free, meet new friends, play, and even swim at these area parks. Many provide shade, benches, and water fountains, while a few have great trails, splash zones, and dog-washing stations. >>READ MORE
Tail-friendly Trails
Did someone say walk? Get out of your neighborhood and mix up your routine. There’s a variety of Lowcountry scenery and sniffs to be enjoyed, from bloom-filled gardens and forested paths to waterside boardwalks. >>READ MORE
Doggie Diners
Like to eat out with your pal? While most local eateries allow well-behaved dogs at their outdoor tables, here are a few standouts that go the extra mile in welcoming, and sometimes serving, four-legged diners—plus some dog-centric watering holes. >>READ MORE
Posh Pooches
Who’s a good dog? Reward your sweet fur baby with some local pup-centric faves, from curated “doggie bags” to the cutest collars. >>READ MORE
Top Dogs of Instagram
Whether full-on dog influencers working it for fame and fortune or just fun-loving, photogenic pals having a ball, these local cuties have garnered quite the fan base and social media following. >>READ MORE
Party Animals
Putting the FUN in fundraisers, these events—from outdoor music festivals to groovy galas—raise money and awareness to help furry friends in need. >>READ MORE
Photographs by A Wild Hair Creative; courtesy of @picturesoffranklin & @goldbugthegolden; Courtney Sottile; by Kit Macavoy; courtesy of (Boardwalk) Charleston County Parks & Recreation & (Lounging dogs) Hotel Indigo; courtesy of @HPandthefloofs; (Greenway) Dansif; (SCOUT) Heather Lacy & (Maggie Grace) K. Helke; courtesy of Bistro A Vin; (The Barrel) Chip Till; (Charleston Sports Pub) Hulsey Photography; (Ellis Creek Fish Camp) Elizabeth Gouldin, & (Firefly Distillery) Gately Williams; Sloan Photography; courtesy of the retailers; courtesy of @Teddythecavalier, @CharlestonMax, @indigirlkin/Carol Whiting, & @Ruff_Life_of_Meeko; courtesy of @Goodboycraig, @Goldenlifeofhudson, @thegoldendoodle_Sully, @Tugboat.and.peanut, & @PercytheYorkiePup; (woofstock) Zeppelin Studios & Courtesy of (Poster) Lowcountry Dog & (Raffle Ticket) Pet Helpers; Image (poster) courtesy of Charleston Animal Society
