Is Myrtle Beach Dog Friendly? Important Information to Know
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a very popular tourist destination along South Carolina’s shoreline. The beach is located north of Charleston and is packed with things to do for families and pet owners alike. Many people like to enjoy a day on the beach with their furry friends but is that possible in Myrtle Beach? Is Myrtle Beach dog friendly?
Yes, Myrtle Beach is dog friendly. However, there are some rules and regulations that need to be adhered to. Myrtle Beach has strong tourist seasons, and dogs are restricted on the beaches during peak seasons. Each individual beach has its own rules regarding the times and locations where dogs are allowed, but in general, the beaches are very accommodating to dogs.
Here are the various rules and times posted by the city of Myrtle Beach so you can help plan your visit with your dog.
Rules
Myrtle Beach has some very specific rules regarding the times and locations where dogs are allowed, as well as leash rules. The rules change depending on the season, and it is important to know the rules before you go so that you do not run into a bad situation with your dog and the beach locals. Here are the official dog rules for all of the most popular Myrtle Beach locations.
Myrtle Beach
Peak Season
The peak tourist season for Myrtle Beach is May 1st through Labor Day. During those times, new dog rules go into effect. During this time, dogs are prohibited on the beach between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, even when on a leash.
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM during tourist season, but they must be kept on a leash. Leashes must be seven feet long or shorter. You must also always pick up after your pets when on the beach.
Off Season
The off season for Myrtle Beach runs from the day following Labor Day through April 30th. During the off-season dogs are allowed on the beach at any time, but they must adhere to leash laws. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must pick up after their pets.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Peak Season
The peak tourist season for Myrtle Beach and, therefore, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is May 1st through Labor Day. During those times, new dog rules go into effect. During the peak season, dogs are prohibited on the boardwalk except between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This is the only period when dogs can access the boardwalk during tourist season.
Dogs must remain leashed while on the boardwalk, and owners must pick up after them.
Off Season
The off season starts the day after Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day through April 30th, dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at all times as long as they follow leash rules. Leashes must be seven feet or shorter, and owners must pick up after their pets.
North Myrtle Beach
Peak Season
The peak tourist season for North Myrtle Beach is May 15th through September 15th. During those times, new dog rules go into effect. During this time, dogs are prohibited on the beach between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, even when on a leash.
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM during tourist season, but they must be kept on a leash. Leashes must be seven feet long or shorter. You must also always pick up after your pets when on the beach.
Off Season
The off season runs from September 16th through May 14th. During the off-season dogs are always allowed on the beach as long as they are adhering to local leash laws. Owners must pick up after their pets at all times.
If you fail to pick up after your dog, you could face fines up to $1,000 in North Myrtle Beach under the city’s litter laws.
Off Leash Location: Pawleys Island
All of Myrtle Beach requires dogs to be leashed at all times on a leash seven feet or shorter. That leaves some people frustrated because many dogs like to run free on the sand and through the surf. If you are looking for a place to let your dog off leash, you should check out nearby Pawleys Island. Pawleys Island is located 45 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and allows dogs to be off leash during certain times.
Dogs are allowed to be off leash on Pawleys Island beaches before 9:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. Dogs are required to be under voice command when they are off leash. Pawleys Island is a great place to take your dog for a sunrise or sunset stroll off leash which is a nice change of pace from more popular beaches that require leashes at all times.
Dog Parks in Myrtle Beach
There is also a plethora of “Barc Parcs” in and around Myrtle Beach run by the city and the county. Official dog parks allow dogs to be off leash within fenced areas and include amenities like bathrooms and water for your dogs. These parks are not always near the beach, but they do offer an official place to let your dog off leash.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach is very dog friendly compared to other beaches in the United States. Myrtle Beach has some very generous rules regarding dogs on the beach. Dogs are even allowed on the boardwalk during certain times, which is very uncommon. As long as you follow the seasonal rules, you can have an amazing time with your dogs in Myrtle Beach. There are even some nearby options where you can let your dogs off leash and run free.
Featured Image Credit: 472619, Pixabay
