Charleston is a dog-loving city and there are plenty of places that will welcome your pets.  Here are a few of our favorites, put together by Kari Crolley, our marketing director.

Drayton Hall
“I work  with Drayton Hall as a member of the Landscape & Archeology Committee, and I had no idea that dogs were welcome at the plantation until I saw an instagram post!  While dogs aren’t allowed in the home (for obvious reasons), the grounds are breathtaking.  Walk past the house and down to the banks of the Ashley River for a relaxing commune with nature.   Just be sure to mind your manners by keeping your dog on a leash and by cleaning up after them.”

Hazel Parker Dog Park (East Bay Street, Downtown Charleston)
“Load up the dogs and park down by the Battery at the tip of the Charleston Peninsula.  You’ll need to keep your pooch on a leash while you are enjoying the shade of Live Oaks at  White Point Gardens, but if you head up East Bay Street a few blocks you’ll find a fenced dog park.  With views of the harbor, you can’t beat this spot, and it’s just steps away from Waterfront Park.  You’ll quickly get your daily 10,000 steps in by walking this loop– and you’ll get to sightsee along the way.”

Rue de Jean (39 John Street, Downtown Charleston)
“Mussels. Pommes frites.  Brasserie burgers. And for some unknown reason, exceptional sushi.  This is a Charleston institution, and in French tradition, dogs are welcome in the sidewalk café.  Work up an appetite by playing catch at nearby Marion Square and then reward yourself with a glass of rosé at this lively lunch spot.”

SeeWee Restaurant (Awendaw, South Carolina)
Head north on Highway 17 past Mount Pleasant and into the sleepy town of Awendaw.  You’ll find the best seafood in the area at this laid-back restaurant.  Sit at one of the shaded picnic tables outside and reward your dog for good behavior with a hush puppy or two.  I always get the shrimp- fried or “SeeWee style, but you can’t go wrong with flounder, oysters, scallops or the she-crab soup.  My mouth is watering writing this.”

Coastal Expeditions
“I can’t leave us off the list!  Water-loving, friendly dogs are welcome to join you on a paddle.  Just give us a call and we’ll set you up with the right stand-up paddleboard or kayak for your self-guided adventure.   The outpost at Folly Beach (right next to Crosby’s Fish & Seafood) is the best spot, in my opinion.  On your way, stop by a pet store and grab a life jacket for your pup.”

In August, you can go for a paddle and help other dogs and cats at the same time!  At the Folly Doggy Paddle you can exchange for a bag of pet food for a free kayak or SUP rental — and everything gets donated to PetHelpers.  Join our mailing list to stay in the know!