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Things to Do with Your Dog Around Charleston

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By Bailey Laskowski

Not every city fully appreciates that special bond between a dog and its owner. Fortunately, Charleston is a dog-loving town. We pride ourselves on opening our doors to welcome both the furry and non-furry visitor. Don’t hesitate to bring your dog along during your next Charleston adventure. To help you plan fun with Fido, we’ve compiled this list to ensure you and your best friend have the trip of a lifetime side-by-side.

Restaurants

Being turned away from a restaurant because dogs aren’t allowed is the the worst. Good news: Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States.

Here’s a list of our favorite “pets allowed” restaurants where you’ll find great food and a bowl of water for your four-legged friends.

The Windjammer 

Aaahhh, The Windjammer … one of the best hidden local spots. While the inside might conjure up your best — and worst — memories of college bar nights, the outside has some amazing ocean views for you and your pup. Located right on Isle of Palms beach, you can watch the tide come in while lapping up your favorite beverage. Don’t let the “No Dogs” sign deter you, dogs are allowed on the back porch as long as they’re leashed. 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms

Juanita Greenberg’s 

We hate to play favorites, but when it comes to this spot, we can’t resist. Nachos piled so high you could knock them over and margaritas so cheap and delicious that your dog might have to help you find your way home! The outdoor patio is the perfect rendezvous spot for some of the sweetest pets in Charleston. Your dog will make new friends and your tummy will be barking with happiness. 410 W. Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant / 439 King St., downtown Charleston

Fuel 
pet friendly places in Charleston, SCOnce an old gas station, now a must-visit on your Charleston vacation. Their Caribbean-themed cuisine is unique and delicious, plus the patio is a comfy hangout spot for all breeds. 211 Rutledge Ave., downtown Charleston

Kitchen 208 
A cozy spot on King Street with a great outdoor seating option. The food is fresh and tasty and you can watch the happening in downtown Charleston while sipping your morning coffee. 208 King St., downtown Charleston

Tattooed Moose 

Some of the most satisfying food you’ll ever have! Sneak your dog a bite of the Duck Fat Fries and your pup will be in doggy heaven. A great outdoor section for food and fun. 1137 Morrison Drive, downtown Charleston

The Lost Dog Cafe 

If you’re on Folly Beach for the day, try this local brunch spot for some Southern favorites. The atmosphere is full of ocean sounds and smiling pups. 106 W. Huron Ave., Folly Beach

The Dinghy 

This beach getaway is the perfect local spot for breakfast or lunch. Across the street from Isle of Palms front beach, you and your dog can start your day with a delicious breakfast or wind down with some cold local brews in the evening. 8 J.C. Long Blvd., Isle of Palms

Home Team BBQ 

The downtown Charleston location has a great patio for your furry sidekick. The West Ashley location also welcomes pets with open arms. You both can enjoy some of Charleston’s best barbecue before exploring the streets of historic Charleston.  126 William St., Charleston / 1205 Ashley River Road, West Ashley

Bay Street Biergarten 

One of our favorite outdoor patios in Charleston with some of the most insane beer selections we’ve ever seen. The lights lining the patio are something you and your pup have to see! 549 East Bay St., downtown Charleston

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

This spot on Shem Creek has a reputation for outstanding locally sourced dishes, a great brunch and a robust music scene. Hang out on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy an evening cocktail or cold beer. 202 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant

Activities

Pet-friendly places in Charleston, SCAfter you and your pup are stuffed from a delicious Charleston meal, consider a fun outdoor activity that you’ll both enjoy.

Hotels

If you need somewhere to stay with your furry best friend check out these hotels.

King Courtyard Inn

Offering a “Puppy Package”, this is one of the best hotels to stay with your pup. Each pet-friendly room offers easy access to the courtyard for early morning or late night walks. 198 King St., downtown Charleston

Belmond Charleston Place

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are allowed at this prestigious hotel. As long as they’re well trained and mannered – your dog will be welcomed with open arms. 205 Meeting St., downtown Charleston

Residence Inn

pet-friendly places in Charleston, SCEnjoy this convenient location with your pet. You’re allowed to bring one pet (50 pounds or less) and the waterfront view is an added bonus. 90 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston

The Inn at Middleton Place

One of Charleston’s most picturesque places to stay is the Inn at Middleton Place, which allows pets under 50 pounds (exceptions can be made). They offer miles of scenic pathways for you your pup to explore and they greet you with a complimentary “pet bag” of treats and toys upon arrival. 4290 Ashley River Road, Charleston,

Wentworth Mansion

Here you’re allowed two pets of any size for a small nightly fee. The pet-friendly rooms are extremely limited, so be sure to book well in advance. The Wentworth Mansion prides itself on treating the furry guests as respectfully as their owners.  149 Wentworth St. , downtown Charleston.

Book Discounted Charleston Tour Tickets

To book tickets to the  top-rated tours and attractions checkout you can book direct from our site and apply coupon codes to save even more. We have a low price guarantee! Check it out: Charleston tour and attraction tickets

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Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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