Looking For A Fun Place To Take Your Dog? Here's 5 Pet-Friendly Charleston Spots

Meredith Coughlin • November 1, 2021

I’m here with my boys Boomer and Taco and we’re going to introduce you to one of my many favorite things about Charleston - how pet-friendly the whole city is! So grab your beloved furbaby and join us on a tour of our top 5 places to take your dog in Charleston!

 

1. The Barrel

First on the list is The Barrell, located on James Island right off of Folly Road. The Barrel of Charleston is a bar for you and your dog! What an incredible concept, right?! It’s a friendly bar with a beautiful "backyard" for your best friend to roam, run around, play fetch, or chill out in a shady spot. The entire facility is gated with open access to the Secessionville Creek. They've also provided a separated fenced area for dogs that might need some alone time or a chance to chill out after meeting new friends all day. And for you, they have 33 craft beers on tap, often have food trucks on-site and live music a few times a week! So if you like beer and dogs, definitely check out The Barrell.

 

2. Charleston Sports Pub

Second on our list is Charleston Sports Pub located in Mt. Pleasant right near Towne Centre. From the outside it looks like your typical sports bar in a strip mall, but once you enter you’re greeted by smiles and open arms! It’s the type of place where when the bartender sees you in the parking lot they start pouring your beverage before you even enter the pub! But the reason why it’s on our list today is because they actually have a menu for dogs! It’s called the Sports Pub Pup Menu and it's only served on their back patio. Menu items include shredded chicken, bacon strips, scrambled eggs and even a beef burger patty – all between $2-$5 dollars. They will also bring your pup a bowl full of ice water to wash down that delicious treat! Whether you are 2-legged or 4-legged, you will always feel like family at Charleston Sports Pub!

 

Watch our Lively Charleston episode on 5 pet-friendly spots in Charleston!

3. Festivals

Third to make our list are the many pet festivals our beloved Charleston has to offer! There are so many to choose from like Pet Fest, which is typically held in the Spring on James Island, and includes activities like dog washing stations, pet adoption, a dog parade, and owner/pet look-alike and best dog costume contests. There’s also a family dog show, demonstrations, live music and so much more! We also have Woofstock in Hanahan and is typically held in October. This is a dog friendly outdoor concert with food and drink vendors and benefits local rescues and shelters. Another pet friendly festival is Fido Fest in Mt. pleasant – usually held in April with proceeds going to the Charleston Animal Society. This event includes mini-training sessions, activities, games, food and drinks. So if your dogs like to socialize as much as mine do, be sure to check out the many pet centric festivals in and around Charleston.

 

4. Waterfront Park

If you’re heading up East Battery you won’t be able to miss the Hazel Parker Playground. Here, you’ll find a fenced off-leash dog run and Waterfront Park. This award-winning, 12-acre park stretches for a half mile and serves as downtown Charleston’s front yard. Whether you’re looking for a spot to play frisbee, a shady corner to curl up with a book, or a rambunctious splash in the fountain, Waterfront Park has you and your dog covered.


5. Beaches

And lastly, we can’t forget our beaches! If your dog is anything like Boomer and Taco, they absolutely love running after seagulls and eating waves! Every beach including Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach allow our furbabies to enjoy the ocean and sand as much as we do! There are restrictions as to when dogs are allowed on the beaches either leashed or off leash so be sure to check the beaches own municipality website for all the rules and regulations! And don’t forget to get your dog permit if you plan on bringing them with you on your day of fun in the sun!

 

I hope you have enjoyed this list of my top 5 places to bring your dogs in Charleston. Boomer, Taco and I hope to see you around town soon!

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