Folly Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches around Charleston, and plenty of rentals welcome pets. Here’s how to find one and what your dog can and can’t do on the island.
Updated September 2026.
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Dog rules on Folly Beach
- May 1 through Sept. 30: dogs are off the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early mornings and evenings are fair game.
- October through April: dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.
- Always on a leash, and always clean up after your dog.
- Never on the pier, and no pets at the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
Read the full Folly Beach dog rules before you go.
Tips for renting with a dog
- Check the pet fee and limits. Many owners charge a fee per pet or per stay and limit the number or size of dogs.
- Look for a fenced yard and a shaded spot outside.
- Think about location. A house near a beach access makes early-morning walks easy; the west side and east end are quieter for dogs.
- Plan for the heat. Midday sand and pavement get hot in summer, which is another reason for the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. rule.
- Barking counts as noise under city rules, so don’t leave a dog barking alone for long.
Where to go with your dog
Several Folly restaurants and bars have dog-friendly patios. See pet-friendly Folly Beach for ideas, and if you’d rather stay at an inn, Beachside Boutique Inn welcomes dogs.
Vets near Folly Beach
Save a vet’s number before you arrive. The closest clinics are on Folly Road on James Island, about 10 to 15 minutes from the beach:
- James Island Veterinary Hospital, 756 Folly Rd., which offers urgent care.
- GoodVets James Island, 1411 Folly Rd.
- For after-hours emergencies, the Charleston area has 24-hour animal hospitals, including the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center.
Where to walk and play with your dog
- The beach, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from May through September, and any time the rest of the year, on a leash.
- The James Island County Park dog park, 871 Riverland Dr., an off-leash park a short drive from Folly.
- Not allowed: the Folly Beach Pier and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
- Several Folly restaurants welcome dogs on their patios. See dog-friendly places on Folly.
What to pack for your dog
- A leash, waste bags and a water bowl for the beach
- Old towels to rinse off sand and salt water before going inside
- Paw protection or a plan to avoid hot sand and pavement at midday
- A crate or bed, since many hosts don’t allow dogs on furniture
- Vaccination records, which some hosts ask for
Common questions
Are dogs allowed on Folly Beach?
Yes. From May 1 through Sept. 30 they’re allowed before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; the rest of the year they’re allowed any time. They must be leashed.
Do Folly Beach rentals charge a pet fee?
Most pet-friendly rentals do. The amount varies by owner, so check the listing before you book.
More options: all Folly Beach vacation rentals, oceanfront, pools, pet-friendly, large groups, condos and monthly rentals.