A Dog-Friendly Day on Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms lets dogs off-leash on the beach during set hours, and the hours are generous outside summer. Pair a morning on the sand with the island's Bark Park, have lunch on an oceanfront deck with a dog menu, and come back to the beach as the off-leash window opens again. Outside off-leash hours, dogs stay leashed, even in the water.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Off-leash on the beach
- Late morning: The Bark Park behind the Rec Center
- Lunch: An oceanfront deck with a dog menu
- Afternoon: Shade on a covered deck
- Evening: Back on the beach
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.
Morning
Off-leash on the beach
From April 1 to September 14, dogs can be off-leash from 5am to 9am. From September 15 to March 31, it's 4pm to 10am, so mornings are off-leash all fall and winter. Off-leash means leash in hand, your dog under voice command, and cleanup right away. Your dog needs a rabies tag on its collar, and you should carry the rabies certificate.
Late morning
The Bark Park behind the Rec Center
The Isle of Palms Bark Park on 29th Avenue has a fenced area and a separate small-dog area, open sunrise to sunset. The rules are posted: no more than 3 dogs per person, no puppies under 4 months, rabies tags required, and no food or drinks.
Lunch
An oceanfront deck with a dog menu
Lawrence's Seafood Company has a waterfront deck with ocean views and a dog menu, with pup cups and shredded chicken.
Afternoon
Shade on a covered deck
Coconut Joe's Beach Grill has a covered oceanfront deck, a good place to sit out the afternoon heat. Reviews mention slow service, so don't come in a hurry. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, with a shaded back patio, is another option; it gets busy, so reserve ahead.
Evening
Back on the beach
Outside summer, the off-leash window reopens at 4pm, so the late afternoon and evening are off-leash. In summer, the evening beach is leash only. Bring fresh water and keep your dog away from washed-up jellyfish.
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.
Season notes
- April 1 to September 14: off-leash 5am to 9am only; leashed the rest of the day, even in the water.
- September 15 to March 31: off-leash 4pm to 10am; leashed 10am to 4pm.
Good to know
- A free annual dog permit is encouraged (not required) from Isle of Palms Police, 30 JC Long Blvd, (843) 886-6522.
- Wild Dunes Resort does not allow pets anywhere on its grounds. We haven't verified a dog-friendly hotel on the island; vacation rentals are the usual answer.
- Salt water: as little as 2 to 3 cups can make a large dog sick. Offer fresh water about every 15 minutes.
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vets: VEG ER for Pets, Mount Pleasant, walk-in only, (843) 879-4280; BluePearl Pet Hospital, Mount Pleasant, (843) 216-7554.
Looking for a place to stay? See dog-friendly hotels nearby
