Myrtle Beach is the centerpiece of a 60-mile stretch lined with white sand, towering condos, bold beach houses, and old-fashioned boardwalks, also known as the Grand Strand. This vacation hub draws thousands of worldwide visitors a year who are seeking an escape by the Atlantic Ocean.

Among those visitors are many four-legged companions! If you’re seeking a pet-friendly escape from daily life, Myrtle Beach is a great place for animals who love the beach. Follow these tips to create a great pet-friendly family vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach loves dogs

Who doesn’t? Good news, bringing your dog on vacation to this authentic SC beach town is easy. A number of Myrtle Beach vacation homes will welcome your pets and many bars and restaurants are pet-friendly. Though many places allow pets, vacation rentals typically have unique policies regarding rentals to parties who bring their pets along.

Expect policies to dictate the number of pets allowed, breeds that are welcome, and the size of the pets allowed at each rental unit. You will likely need to pay an extra fee to book with your pets and sometimes may also be required to pay an additional security deposit. Make sure to do your research and pick the right spot.

Things To Do

There are several places in Myrtle Beach where you and your furry friend can spend some quality time on vacation. Follow along for our favorite pet-friendly activities!

Head to the “Barc Parc”

The Myrtle Beach dog parks are also known as Barc Parcs. With two conveniently located destinations in the North and South areas of town, your pooch will be running around and having a great vacation. 

Happy dogs chasing each other around creates contagious energy to the humans that are on supervising duty. This is a great way to meet friendly locals (both two-legged and four-legged). Spending time at the park is always one of our favorite ways to spend time while on vacation!

Check Out Barefoot Landing

Situated near the Intracoastal Waterway, filled with live music and pet-friendly restaurants, Barefoot Landing makes Myrtle Beach even better for families with pets. Although the beaches are beautiful, a vacation rental near Barefoot Landing puts you right in the middle of all the exciting nightlife and delicious food. Check out our favorite puppy-friendly spots in Barefoot Landing:

  • Greg Norman Australian Grille– Dine upscale and delicious food on the patio with your leashed canine while enjoying a view of the water. Just about 20 minutes outside of Myrtle Beach, this area is a suitable choice for evening fun.
  • Bully’s Pub– Enjoy casual fairs like delicious burgers and sandwiches along with an extensive beer list at this classic establishment. The kind staff will happily offer your dog treats and a bowl of water.

Enjoy the beach

During most times of the year, dogs are welcomed at the beach! Grab a blanket, a few towels, some chairs, and suntan lotion, and head over to the sand for some sun! Make sure to keep your pet on a leash and well hydrated, also keep in mind that the sand gets hot.

Follow the Rules

Make sure to double confirm that your accommodations allow pets. Showing up on vacation and finding out your dog isn’t welcome at the place you booked is definitely not ideal. Achieve peace of mind double confirming that pets are allowed.

Although your pet-friendly vacation rental is a terrific place to let your four-legged friend run free, you’ll need to follow the rules when you head to the beach. The City of Myrtle Beach allows leashed dogs on beaches before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. between May 1st and Labor Day every September. During the remaining times of the year, leashed dogs can be on the beach and the boardwalk at any time, and you are always responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

Forgot Some Essentials?

Myrtle Beach has several pet stores in case you need to grab anything! Whether you need to grab some more food or get your good boy a bone for being so well behaved, this town has you covered. Head over to Precious Paws Boutique at 4377 N Kings Hwy Suite 111 Myrtle Beach SC 29577 for a great selection of pet products. Pro tip- make sure to ask the staff for great local recommendations for other fun things to do in Myrtle Beach with your dog.

Load up the Dogs and Head to Myrtle Beach

Not only will you fall in love with Myrtle Beach, but your four-legged family member is sure to love it too. Settle into your vacation home so that everyone is comfortable, and then get out to enjoy everything there is to see and do on the Grand Strand of South Carolina.

Click here for more pet-friendly cities to travel to in the United States