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Taking a family vacation should not require leaving your furry family members behind! Seabrook Island is a pup’s paradise – a dog friendly destination where pups can shop & dine with their favorite humans, embark on tail wagging outdoor adventures, and play on one of the top dog friendly beaches on the South Carolina coastline all year round – yes, your water-loving pups are welcome even in peak season!
Our guide to a dog friendly vacation on Seabrook Island has all you need to plan the perfect beach vacation on South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast for the whole family, including your beloved companion
SEABROOK ISLAND LEASH LAWS
One of the top attractions for pet-lovers to Seabrook Island is the local rules for dogs! Your furry family member is welcome across the island (leashed and under your command!), and the beautiful beaches on Seabrook Island are dog-friendly year-round.
Seabrook Island is a pristinely preserved wildlife sanctuary and critical habitat for nesting loggerhead sea turtles and threatened piping plovers, who view your beloved companion as a predator. A clear, color coded system is in place restricting access in designated areas protected for wildlife, nesting and dolphin stranding on Seabrook Island.
- Red Restricted Zone: The Red Zone is from Boardwalk 1 at the Oyster Catcher Community Center north to Captain Sams Inlet (a top spot for viewing dolphin’s strand feeding). Your pets are not permitted at any time, on or off leash.
- Yellow Limited Restricted Zone: The Yellow Zone is from Boardwalk 9 at Pelican Watch to the Edisto River and up to Privateer Creek. Your pets may play year round on the beach but must be leashed at all times.
- Green General Beach Area: This is the fun zone as the stretch of beach between the Pelican Watch boardwalk and Oyster Catcher boardwalk is the place for pets to play on Seabrook, year-round! In peak season (April 1 – September 30) pets must be leashed from 10:00AM to 5:00PM to respect other beach-goers, off-peak (October 1 – March 31) Your dog is free to roam, catch sand balls and play in the ocean.
Regardless of the rules in place, please help us to maintain and protect the wildlife sanctuary on Seabrook Island. Keep your pet in close voice command, leashed around nesting grounds, off the protected dunes, and close by around the Seabrook Island lagoons and lakes as your dog may encounter an alligator basking in the sun. Seabrook Island is one of the few places on the east coast where you can horseback ride on the beach – please leash up if you come across riders enjoying one of the most unique experiences on Seabrook Island!
The beaches on Seabrook are patrolled regularly by Beach Patrol and letting your dog loose at the wrong time, or in the wrong place, will result in a hefty fine!
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR PET ON SEABROOK ISLAND
Beach Day & Ocean Play: Now you know where your pup can play, pack a beach bag and head to Seabrook Island’s pet friendly Atlantic shoreline. Your pup will love exploring on sunrise strolls, frolicking in the gentle waves, digging in the soft sand, and lounging in the warm Lowcountry sunshine.
If you’re venturing to nearby Kiawah Island, Beachwalker Park is a fun place for pups to play. Kiawah Island leash laws require your pup to be on a leash in season (March 16 to October 31), with freedom to explore the shoreline off-leash out of season (November 1 to March 15).
Water Adventures with your Pup: If your water loving pup is keen for more than ocean adventures on the shoreline, it’s time to get on the water. While many local outfitters in Seabrook Island prefer no pets on public water tours and activities, booking a private fishing charter, dolphin tour or kayak adventure will give your pup the chance to experience the serene waterways and natural beauty of Seabrook Island.
Shopping & Spa Days: Pets are part of the family at Freshfields Village! You’ll find plenty of stores that welcome leashed pets for shopping (look for the pet-friendly decals)) with tasty treats for your shopping companion, outdoor water bowls, and pet-loving staff. Stop by the award-winning Dolittle’s for pet treats, toys, goodie bags, or indulge your pup in an after beach rinse off at Dolittle’s Dog Wash!
Pooch-Friendly Patio Dining: Freshfields Village is also the place to go for pooch-friendly patios on Seabrook Island – the pet-friendly decals will let you know where to find a seat with Fido. A few of our favorite outdoor patios in Freshfields are King Street Grille for beers & burgers, Cantina 76 for award-winning Mexican, Fuji for authentic sushi, and Ladles for fresh homemade soup.
If you’re looking to party with your pup, the Tattooed Moose is a funky tavern on the road to Charleston with famous duck fat fries, happy hour six days a week, live music on weekends & Wednesdays, lazy Sunday brunches and a pet-friendly porch.
Picnic & Play on Village Green: The Village Green at Freshfields Village is a hub of activity year-round with classic car parades, family festivals, enticing farmers markets, and open-air music events that all welcome your well-behaved and leashed travel buddy. Pack a picnic, people watch and enjoy the top events on Seabrook Island with your pup alongside.
Spring Dog Pool Party: If you’re visiting Seabrook in Spring, we’ve got the pawfect event for you! Bring your pooch along for an afternoon of playtime at the Spring Dog Pool Party in the outdoor pool at the Seabrook Island Lake House. A Seabrook Island amenity card, dog food donation, and playful pup is all that’s required.
Charleston Tea Garden: The nearby Charleston Tea Garden is the only tea garden in North America and the only destination in the US where tea is grown commercially. Your pooch is a welcome visitor at this top Charleston attraction and while they may not join you on the trolley tours, leashed pets may sniff around the grounds or join you sipping tea on a rocking chair on the front porch.
Explore Historic Charleston: Charleston is one of the top dog-friendly cities in the US! Bringing your pet to Seabrook Island will not stop you exploring the charming attractions of nearby Charleston. You and your dog can shop on historic King Street, explore the waterfront, gardens and nature trails, and even dine at Charleston’s famous Poogan’s Porch.
PET-FRIENDLY VACATION RENTALS BY SEABROOK EXCLUSIVES
Our portfolio of luxury Seabrook Island vacation rentals includes a wide selection of pet friendly vacation rentals in Seabrook Island’s most desirable villa complexes, as well as private oceanfront and golf view homes with amenities for the whole family, including your beloved pup!
