If you’re a Chucktown native, then you know: We love our doggies here in the Holy City. But if you’re planning on visiting or are new to the area, you may not be aware that there are a few rules and regulations that you need to follow if you plan on bringing your furry friend along for the ride.
There are three main beaches here in the Charleston area, and they each have their own doggie laws:
Folly Beach – From May 1st through September 30th, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. because it’s incredibly crowded, and the heat can be pretty intense. All other times, your dog is more than welcome—as long as he or she is on a leash. And don’t forget to clean up after your pup!
Isle of Palms – Your dog can play off his or her leash between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. April 1st through September 14th and from 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. September 15th through March 31st. Be sure that you have your leash in hand and that, as always, you pick up after your dog. All other times, your pup should be on a leash, even if he or she is playing in the waves.
Sullivan’s Island – Dogs are allowed to wander freely from November 2nd through March 30th. From March 31st through November 1st, dogs are allowed on the beach without a leash between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach at all from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and from 6 p.m. until 5 a.m., pups must be leashed but are allowed on the beach to play.
There are quite a few dog parks here in the Holy City. Some of the more popular include:
James Island County Park (871 Riverland Drive)
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park (8888 University Boulevard)
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park (444 Needlerush Parkway)
At these three dog parks, there are some rules that dog owners must follow including:
Clean up after your pup
Keep your dog on a leash until he or she is safely inside the park area
Don’t let your doggie dig holes
No food allowed
For a full list of County Dog Park rules, visit their website.
Other off-leash dog parks include:
Folly Beach Bark Park (513 East Hudson Avenue)
Park West Dog Park, Mount Pleasant (1251 Parkwest Boulevard)
Riverfront Park, North Charleston (1360 Trustan Avenue)
Hampton Park Bark Park (122 Grove Street)
Hazel Parker Dog Run (70 East Bay Stre)
Ackerman Dog Park, West Ashley (Sycamore Avenue behind Ryan’s Steakhouse)
Your dog is more than welcome to roam the streets of gorgeous downtown Charleston as long as he or she is on a leash or being carried in your loving arms—and some stores, shops, and restaurants even welcome your dog indoors or on the patio. Some notable places to bring your pup in the downtown area include:
Three Dog Bakery (430 King Street)
Urban Outfitters (371 King Street)
39 Rue de Jean, outdoors (39 John Street)
Juanita Greenberg’s, outdoors (439 King Street)
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market, outdoors (99 S. Market Street)
We hope that answers all of your dog-related questions and concerns regarding Chucktown. Did we miss something? Be sure to comment below, and we’ll answer any questions as soon as we can!