A Dog-Friendly Day on Folly Beach
Folly Beach is easygoing about dogs, but the beach runs on a clock. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and from May through September they're not allowed on the sand between 10am and 6pm. So the best Folly day is built around that: the beach at sunrise, patios and the island's off-leash park through the middle of the day, and the beach again in the evening. From October through April, leashed dogs can walk the beach any time.
The day at a glance
- Sunrise: The beach before 10am
- Breakfast: Water bowls at every table
- Late morning: Center Street, then the Bark Park
- Lunch: A covered patio steps from the pier
- Afternoon: Shade and live music
- Evening: Back on the sand after 6pm
- Dinner: Tacos or crab on a dog-friendly patio
See the day on a map
Opens Google Maps with the stops in order and driving directions, so you can see how far the day is.
Sunrise
The beach before 10am
Start on the sand early, on leash. In summer you need to be off the beach by 10am. Bring fresh water and offer it often, because dogs that drink seawater can get sick. Steer clear of washed-up jellyfish, which can still sting. Walk the beach beside the pier if you like, but dogs are never allowed on the pier itself.
Breakfast
Water bowls at every table
Lost Dog Cafe puts water bowls at every patio table and keeps treats on hand. It serves breakfast and lunch only, and weekend waits get long, so go early.
Late morning
Center Street, then the Bark Park
Wander Center Street, Folly's main strip, on leash. The town requires a leash on public streets as well as the beach. Then head to the Folly Beach Bark Park by the water tower, the only place on the island where dogs can be off-leash. It has shade, water for dogs, seating, and bags.
Lunch
A covered patio steps from the pier
Rita's Seaside Grille has a covered patio, water bowls, and a puppy menu. It's a good place to wait out the midday hours when dogs can't be on the beach in summer.
Afternoon
Shade and live music
Chico Feo is an outdoor-only spot with shade and live music, and it stays open late. It's a relaxed place to spend the hot part of the afternoon with your dog.
Evening
Back on the sand after 6pm
In summer, dogs are allowed back on the beach at 6pm, on leash. An evening walk along the water is the best part of a Folly day. Keep offering fresh water.
Dinner
Tacos or crab on a dog-friendly patio
Taco Boy has a large patio with water bowls. Folly Beach Crab Shack welcomes dogs on its outdoor deck with water bowls and treats.
Getting around with your dog
- Lyft pet-friendly rides: The Lyft app offers pet-friendly rides in Charleston. Pick the pet option when you book; the app shows the current price.
The Morris Island Lighthouse: no dogs
The lighthouse view at the north end of the island is one of Folly's most popular sights, but the usual walk goes through Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, where Charleston County doesn't allow pets. Plan this one without your dog.
Season notes
- May 1 to September 30: no dogs on the beach from 10am to 6pm. Leashed dogs are allowed before 10am and after 6pm.
- October 1 to April 30: leashed dogs can be on the beach any time.
- Never off-leash on the beach or public streets, any time of year. Fines can reach $1,092.
- Folly Beach County Park at the west end is leash only.
Good to know
- Salt water: as little as 2 to 3 cups can make a large dog sick. Bring fresh water and offer it about every 15 minutes.
- Jellyfish: dead ones on the sand can still sting for weeks. This is general guidance, not from an official agency; see a vet if your dog is stung.
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vet: Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) in West Ashley, (843) 614-8387.
- Loggerhead's Beach Grill also has a dog-friendly deck with live music, but it's tight for several dogs.
Staying on Folly? See dog-friendly hotels
