Known as one of the most dog-friendly vacation destinations on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach boasts miles upon miles of fun accommodations for everyone in the family, including your pooch. Below you will find links to the best restaurants, beaches, hotels and activities to enjoy with your pup!
You guys, I have a serious struggle going on right now. I love the beach – so much in fact, sometimes I wonder how it is that I don’t live near the golden coastline where I can walk along the sandy beaches, smell the salty ocean breezes and fall asleep at night listening to the crashing waves of a hungry sea pounding the quiet beachfront.
Just add in the BFF (Best Furry Friend) and I’ve just described HEAVEN.
Lucky for me, we live close enough to Myrtle Beach, located along South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast, that we can visit it a few times a year (as our schedule allows!).
I’ve always figured the name Myrtle Beach came from the trees common to the area, but I’ve always wondered how it gained the title of Grand Strand. Turns out the moniker was bestowed on the area in 1945 by a local newspaper writer, owing to the 60-mile stretch of beach between Little River and Georgetown.
Today, the region is home to vacation rentals, themed golf courses, beachfront boardwalk, souvenir stands and arcades, the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest ferris wheels.
While your pooch will have to sit out the ferris wheel, there is a lot you and your pup can do – and see – together on your dog-friendly vacation in Myrtle Beach.
Where Can I Take My Dog at Myrtle Beach?
While the Myrtle Beach area is dog-friendly, there are limited hours in which your pup can romp around in the sand – early morning and late evening hours, to be exact, during the summer peak months.
From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM from May 1 through Labor Day.
From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are permitted on the beach at ANY TIME of the day. At all times when dogs are allowed on the beach, they must be on a leash that is seven feet or shorter, and dog owners must pick up after their dog and properly dispose of any trash.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Myrtle Beach?
Personally – I think any day at Myrtle Beach is a good day! Many people prefer to visit between June and August, when it’s perfect weather for splashing around in the Atlantic. But the area is truly ideal year-round.
Here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect throughout the year:
June through August
June through August is Myrtle Beach’s peak season. If you love the sun and water, this is the perfect time to visit Myrtle Beach. The average temperature is in the upper 80s to lower 90s with the chance of quick rain shower, which helps cool things off a bit. This is also a busy time of year – so expect an increase in occupancy and higher rates.
September through November
The weather starts to cool down and is a comfortable mix of daytime sunbathing and evening sweatshirt weather. The average temperatures are in the mid-70s and upper 60s during this time of year. By the time fall arrives, the tourists are gone. Enjoy!
December through February
The winter months between December and February is a great time to visit Myrtle Beach. Temperatures are in the low 60s with little to no humidity and virtually zero crowds. Some restaurants and attractions may close for the season, so call ahead if you’re hoping for something specific, especially if you bring Fido. Otherwise, there is still plenty to do in the Grand Strand.
March through May
This is the start of the new tourist season in Myrtle Beach. Restaurants and attractions start to extend their hours and hotels begin filling up again. The weather during this period is perfect, typically in the mid-70s and low 80s with no humidity – although a freak nor’easter can change things up a bit (as I learned during a Spring Break trip in 2017). Overall, it’s a great time to lounge in beach chair and soak up the sun with a fruity drink and your pup by your side!
Plan the Perfect Dog-Friendly Vacation to Myrtle Beach
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Myrtle Beach
- Dog-Friendly Hotels in Myrtle Beach
- Dog-Friendly Family Activities to Do in Myrtle Beach
This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I fully believe in and use myself. Read my Disclosures Policy here.
Do you have a favorite dog-friendly destination or activity you enjoy visiting in Myrtle Beach? I would love to hear about your beach travels to the Grand Strand. Feel free to comment below or connect with us on our Facebook page.
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