Landmarks

Charleston's famous sights, and whether your dog can come along.

18 placesEvery place checked Oct 2026

Landmark · Downtown

Marion Square

Public square · Heart of downtown

Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome on this public square

Good to know: not an off-leash area; crowded on Saturday market mornings (April to November).

Landmark · Downtown

Rainbow Row (East Bay Street)

Famous street · Photo stop

Dogs: A public street: walk the sidewalk with your dog on leash

Good to know: private homes: stay on the sidewalk.

Landmark · Downtown

The Battery and White Point Garden

Dogs: Off-leash dawn to 9am and 5pm to 11pm

Ask Hound itBrunch on Folly with a 70 lb lab? Just ask.Ask now →

Landmark · Downtown

Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain

Dogs: Leashed harbor walk

Landmark · Downtown

College of Charleston

Dogs: Grounds yes, buildings no

Landmark · Downtown

The Citadel

Dogs: 6-foot leash; no practice fields or drill areas

Landmark · Downtown

Hampton Park

Dogs: Leashed loop; fenced dog run next door

Landmark · Downtown

Colonial Lake

Dogs: Leashed loop around the lake

Landmark · Johns Island

Angel Oak

Dogs: Picnic area yes; not at the tree

Landmark · West Ashley

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Dogs: Grounds yes; tours no

Landmark · West Ashley

Charles Towne Landing

Dogs: Most outdoor areas; not the Animal Forest

Landmark · Mount Pleasant

Shem Creek

Dogs: Leashed boardwalk; dog-friendly patios

Landmark · Mount Pleasant

Pitt Street Bridge

Dogs: Leashed sunset walk

Tours and day trips

Tour or attraction · West Ashley

Drayton Hall

Grounds and nature walks · Ticketed

Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome on the grounds and nature walks

Good to know: no dogs inside any building, so no house tour with your dog; Closed Tuesdays.

Tour or attraction · Wadmalaw Island

Charleston Tea Garden

Day trip · Tea farm

Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome at the tea garden

Good to know: no dogs in the gift shop, factory tour, or trolley tour.

Tour or attraction · Downtown

Palmetto Carriage Works

Carriage tour · Book a full row

Dogs are welcome on the carriage tours

Good to know: must buy an entire row (4 seats) when bringing a dog.

Tour or attraction · Folly Beach

Sail Folly

Private sail · Up to 6 guests

Dogs are welcome

Good to know: private charters only; book ahead.

Tour or attraction · Folly Beach

Absolute Reel Screamer Charters

Private boat tour · Dolphin watch

Dogs are welcome on these private boat charters

Good to know: keep your dog leashed on Morris Island: we haven't confirmed any off-leash rule there; bring water, a bowl, and a towel.

Famous spots where dogs aren't allowed

Ravenel Bridge walkway (Wonders' Way): Pets prohibited (Mount Pleasant Police and Experience Mount Pleasant).
Folly Beach Pier: No dogs on the pier, ever (City of Folly Beach).
Mount Pleasant Pier: Pets not allowed on the pier; the surrounding park is dog friendly.
Middleton Place: Pets are not allowed (own FAQ).
Morris Island Lighthouse view (Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve): No pets on the preserve, the usual route to the lighthouse view (Charleston County Parks).
Magnolia Plantation tours: No dogs on any tour; the grounds allow leashed dogs.

Questions people ask

Are there dog-friendly tours and day trips?

Yes: Drayton Hall, Charleston Tea Garden, Palmetto Carriage Works, Sail Folly and Absolute Reel Screamer Charters, each checked with the tour's own rules.

Which famous spots don't allow dogs?

Ravenel Bridge walkway (Wonders' Way), Folly Beach Pier, Mount Pleasant Pier, Middleton Place, Morris Island Lighthouse view (Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve) and Magnolia Plantation tours. The reasons are in the list above.