The Best Dog-Friendly Destinations of 2026: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

From May through Labor Day in Myrtle Beach, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 AM and after 5 PM. While this might sound restrictive, the morning and afternoon are more ideal for dogs to avoid the hot summer sun and bigger crowds. In the cooler off-season, after Labor Day and before Memorial Day, dogs are welcome on the beach all day.

When you need a break from the sand, Barc Parc South has 14 acres of fenced off-leash space surrounding a lake. The Market Common, a former Air Force base turned shopping and dining district, has wide sidewalks,
dog-friendly patios, and another dog park. Many oceanfront restaurants and beach bars have dog-friendly patios, from casual seafood shacks to craft breweries like Tidal Creek Brewhouse, which goes all-in with a dog-friendly menu and an off-leash K9 Korral space. The Sneaky Beagle has a dedicated dog menu to enjoy on the large patio along with craft beer and tacos for people (beagles and all other breeds welcome).

Beyond the sand itself, the whole Grand Strand (a 60-mile stretch of continuous beach along SC’s coast) feels surprisingly built around people who travel with dogs. Myrtle Beach’s neighborhoods spill into laid-back coastal towns like Surfside Beach, Garden City, and Murrells Inlet, where leashed dogs are a normal part of the scenery on sidewalks, marshfront walkways, and even some working marinas. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park give the area a kind of “backyard wilderness” feel that’s still welcoming to pups, with long stretches of shoreline and wooded trails that keep showing up in local dog-owners’ routines. Together, these small communities link up into one long, dog-friendly coastal strip, where it’s almost expected that there’s a furry co-pilot riding along for the day.

The best dog-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an easy fit for travelers who treat the dog as part of the family. Many oceanfront hotels and condos set aside pet-friendly floors, with nearby grass, cleanup stations, and quick access to the sand during dog-friendly hours. Most of the beachfront hotels have size limitations that favor smaller dogs, but going just a few blocks away from the beach will open more options.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach/Coastal Grand Mall

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The Hilton in Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and relaxing hotel that won’t break the bank and allows dogs to come along. The hotel allows pets up to 65 pounds, and since it’s a little bit off the beach (about a 10-minute drive), it may be a better pick for travelers who value being a little removed from the busy downtown area.

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Ocean Park Resort

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Ocean Park Resort caps the maximum pet size at 40 pounds. But if your dog is under that, it’s a perfect place to stay, with on-site pet sitting at the “FURology Paw Spa & Retreat” and direct access to the beach for morning strolls on the sand.

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voco The Shelby Myrtle Beach

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Voco Shelby Myrtle Beach by IHG is a highly recommended dog-friendly hotel in Myrtle Beach for extra-fluffy friends, and it welcomes dog up to 75 pounds. It’s a modern hotel inspired by vintage 1950s design and an equally appealing beachfront location just a quick walk from most of the main attractions.

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