So you like to travel, but you’d never go anywhere without your fur babies. Well, guess what? Folly Beach, South Carolina, is the place for you. There are tons of dog friendly Folly Beach destinations, so give up googling “dog friendly beaches near me” and just plan a trip here. Without further ado, here are our favorite hotels, parks, activities, and restaurants for you and Fido to visit in this beautiful part of South Carolina.
1 Center St, Folly Beach, SC
Mere minutes from the Folly Beach Pier, the Tides Folly Beach Hotel is one of the best dog friendly Folly Beach destinations in South Carolina. You can bring up to two pets of any kind with no weight restriction for a flat fee of $100 USD, so you Great Dane lovers are in luck. With a range of bedroom sizes from which to choose, as well as soothing oceanside décor, it’s the pet friendly escape for which you’ve been searching.
The location really is hard to beat. You're steps from the beach, close to the pier, and close to all the best spots in town which means less time in the car and more time on the beach with your pup. If you're the kind of person who likes to wake up and walk straight to the water, this is your place. And since the hotel sits right on the oceanfront with a poolside view and direct beach access, you'll never feel like you're missing out.
When it comes to dog-friendly Folly Beach destinations, you can't go wrong with a sweet little bungalow by the beach. Luckily, you'll find that this quaint seaside town definitely falls into the category of “dog-friendly beaches near me,” with plenty of charming, detached lodging options. Look for pet-friendly beach cottages or bungalows just steps away from the surf, because you're bound to find them.
One great option is Sursea, a dreamy oceanfront escape with vibrant sunset skies, spacious balconies, and direct beach access, ideal for families or large groups. Renting a private property also means your dog has room to stretch out, you're not navigating hotel hallways with a leash in hand, and the whole family, plus your fur babies, can feel completely at home.
110 E Cooper Ave, Folly Beach, SC
If you want a pet-friendly experience that takes things up a few notches, consider the Beachside Boutique Inn. This destination has all the charm of the tropics, with brightly painted exterior walls and interiors paneled in wood or painted soothing colors. You'll feel like you've escaped to the Caribbean with these beautiful rooms, open to beachy breezes and surrounding banana trees. Best of all, you can bring your fur babies with you for just $25 per night, one of the most affordable pet fees you'll find anywhere in the area.
The moment you arrive, the colorful walls and lush greenery make you feel like you're somewhere totally exotic, even though you're still very much in South Carolina. The rooms are cozy and thoughtfully designed, and the whole property just has this relaxed, tropical energy that makes it easy to slow down and actually enjoy your vacation. Your pup will love sniffing around the garden, and you'll love how refreshingly different this feels from your standard beach hotel.
1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, Folly Beach County Park is a doggo’s dream come true. Pups must be on a leash at all times, but they are welcome anytime during the off-season. Between May and September, please note that you must bring them before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to accommodate the influx of seasonal visitors.
Still, if your furry friends love to lounge in the sun, this is one of the best dog-friendly Folly Beach destinations for much of the year. The park has wide, open beaches, natural dunes, and shaded picnic areas, so there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the scenery. Dogs go absolutely wild for it. New smells everywhere, sand to dig in, waves to stare at suspiciously, it's basically a sensory paradise for a pup. Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and plan to spend a good chunk of your morning here.
Fishing and Fido … together? We’re happy to introduce another of our favorite dog friendly Folly Beach destinations, a fishing charter service that lets you board in the company of your most devoted companion. This pet-friendly activity is private and flexible, offering fishing and private island exploration, whatever you fancy. Just make sure to book ahead, because they do fill up. Also, fish vary by season, so if you have a specific catch in mind, call and ask.
Three of our favorites are Folly Beach Fishing Charters, Absolute Reel Screamer Charters, and Ducworth Charters. Folly Beach Fishing Charters is a classic; they offer 2, 4, 6, and 8-hour trips covering inshore, nearshore, and oyster picking, and even sunset cruise. Whatever you book, just make sure to do it early because these charters fill up fast.
Charleston, SC 29414
Take pet friendly to a new level when you visit this iconic Folly Beach destination. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the perfect place to while away an hour or two gawking at gorgeous flower beds, bridges over untroubled waters, and beautiful architecture. In addition to the lush gardens, you can also enjoy a number of trails weaving through the property. Just note that you can’t take Spot on the tram or book him a spot on a tour (get it?) because both are reserved for humans.
That said, wandering the grounds on your own is honestly the best way to experience it anyway. The gardens are breathtaking, think century-old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, bridges arching over glassy ponds, and seasonal blooms that make the whole place look like a painting.
20 Anson St, Charleston, SC
If your furry friend really wants a ride, though, they can find it at Charleston Carriage Works, an adorably pet friendly ride through gorgeous historic Charleston. Bring Duke along on a narrated tour of the city’s prettiest and most storied residential areas, with the added fuzziness of cute horses. Just know you’ll have to purchase an entire row for yourself and your dog, so it's more cost-effective to go with a party. Still, there are arguments for the two of you going on an adventure by yourself so that your furry companion will have plenty of space to lie down and enjoy the scenery. Either way, it's such a fun and unique way to see the city. Your guide will share stories about Charleston's rich history while you roll past stunning antebellum architecture and moss-lined streets.
106 W Huron Ave, Folly Beach, SC
So, where should eat? You’re in luck: There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants in Folly Beach, and foremost among them is the aptly named Lost Dog Cafe. The porch is pure Southern comfort, shady, breezy, and always buzzing with the kind of laid-back energy that makes you want to linger over your second cup of coffee. The food is straightforward and really satisfying, the kind of breakfast and lunch fare that hits just right after a morning at the beach.
This popular destination takes Southern charm up a notch with dog bone cutouts in its patio fence, plenty of hot and cold libations, and a menu of which any South Carolina native would be proud. Try cinnamon rolls, bacon cheddar burgers, biscuits, and more … and feel free to feed scraps to your furry companion.
123 West Ashley Ave Folly Beach, SC
Are you a seafood lover? Then Loggerhead’s will meet your needs, and then some. Seriously, your biggest problem there will be deciding what to get … the menu’s just that good. From chilled crab dip to peel-and-eat shrimp, moules frites to Manhattan clam chowder, you and your pets will find plenty to eat here. With a dog-friendly deck for hanging out and a pretty view, complete with patio lights and cheerful green umbrellas, this is one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Folly Beach.
The vibe here is relaxed and beachy in the best possible way. Pull up a chair on the deck, let your pup settle in at your feet, and just enjoy the view while you work your way through some seriously fresh seafood. The crab dip alone is worth the visit, but honestly everything on the menu is good enough that you'll probably want to come back more than once. It's the kind of casual, feel-good spot that sums up everything great about eating by the water.
2 Center St, Folly Beach, SC
One of the best pet friendly restaurants in Folly Beach, Rita's Seaside Grille takes dog love to a new level. Not only do they offer lots of Fido-friendly seating on the patio, but they have an entire Puppy Menu. In addition to the normal human fare you'd expect at a grill-forward restaurant, you can get your dog a hot dog, steak tips, burger patty, chicken breast, bacon, or scrambled egg all for pretty reasonable prices. Plus, everything is served on a Rita's Frisbee that will serve as both memento and toy for years to come.
Yes, you read that right. A Puppy Menu. Your dog eats like a king at Rita's, and honestly, the human food is just as good. The patio is spacious and fun, with that breezy, no-frills beach energy that makes everything taste better. Whether you're fueling up after a long morning or winding down after a full day of adventures, Rita's is the kind of spot where everyone at the table — two-legged or four — leaves happy. Don't forget to grab that Frisbee on the way out.
Still have questions about the best ways to enjoy beautiful South Carolina? Dunes Properties not only has a range of gorgeous rentals from which to choose — perfect if you’ve got a big group you’re planning for and are only staying offsite because of pets. We’re happy to tell you more about them at any time. Or, if you just want a few hints about where to go and what to do, we’re happy to provide that as well … our only goal is to help as many people as possible enjoy beautiful Folly Beach, so get in touch today!
