Dog Days At The Beach

Alex with Dr. Crowe at the beach


Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Charleston: What You Need to Know

Planning a beach day with your pup? Here’s a quick guide to the rules for dogs on some of the most popular beaches in the Charleston area.


🐾 Folly Beach
From May 1 to September 30, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of those hours, leashed dogs are welcome.
Note: Pets are never allowed on the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.


🐾 Isle of Palms (IOP)
Dogs are allowed off-leash:

  • April 1–Sept 14: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Sept 15–March 31: 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.

At all other times, dogs must be leashed, even in the water. Owners must carry a leash, maintain control, and clean up after their pets (waste bags available at beach accesses).

All dogs must have current rabies vaccinations and a metal tag with vet info. A free annual permit is available (but not required) from the IOP Police Department.


🐾 Sullivan’s Island
During May 1–Sept 30, dogs are:

  • Allowed off-leash: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Leash required: 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Not allowed: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All dogs need a beach permit ($25 for residents, $50 for visitors).  Apply here.



🐾 Kiawah Island
At Beachwalker County Park:

  • Dogs must be leashed from March 1 to Oct 15
  • Off-leash allowed Oct 16 to Feb 28, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On private beaches:

  • Dogs may be off-leash year-round in the designated dog area (between the Beach Club and Ocean Course Clubhouse) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Leashes required outside those hours and in all critical habitat areas.
  • Owners must stay with their dogs and leash them if asked by Beach Patrol.



🐾 Edisto Beach

  • Leash required from May 1 to Oct 31 on public beaches.
  • Leashes are required year-round in Edisto Beach State Park.
  • Outside of those times, dogs must be leashed, under verbal command, or confined.



🐾 Seabrook Island

  • Restricted Area (Community Center Boardwalk to Captain Sams Inlet): No dogs allowed at any time.
  • Limited Restriction Area (Pelican Watch to Privateer Creek): Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • General Beach Area:
  • April 1–Sept 30: Off-leash allowed before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m., leashed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Oct 1–March 31: Dogs may be off-leash all day.


🐶 Final Tips:
 Wherever you go, always clean up after your dog, keep them under control, and be mindful of local rules to ensure everyone—humans and pets alike have a great beach day!