Are Dogs Allowed on Myrtle Beach? Dog Rules, Laws & Friendly Spots (2025)

My post contentSo, are dogs allowed on Myrtle Beach? That's the big question I had when planning a trip with my Labrador, and the answer is yes – but with quite a few caveats. Myrtle Beach does welcome dogs, just not at all times and not everywhere. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed reading through the rules at first, but once you break them down it makes sense. Let’s talk through the Myrtle Beach dog rules, seasonal restrictions, and some friendly advice for you and your pup.

Myrtle Beach Dog Rules: When and Where Can Your Pup Go?

First off, Myrtle Beach has specific laws about when dogs can be on the beach. During the busy summer season (from May 1 through Labor Day), dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. That’s smack dab in the middle of the day, basically when the beach is hottest and most crowded. The idea is to keep the peak hours pet-free so that the crowds of sunbathers and kids have their space (and let’s be honest, the afternoon heat isn’t ideal for our furry friends anyway).

Outside of those hours, though – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer – you can absolutely take your dog out for a sandy stroll or a splash in the surf. In fact, some of my favorite memories are early morning walks with my dog on Myrtle Beach in July, watching the sunrise when it’s nice and quiet. And if you’re visiting outside the summer window, you’re in luck: from the day after Labor Day until April 30, dogs are allowed on the beach any time of day. Essentially, fall, winter, and spring are wide open for you and your canine companion to enjoy the beach whenever you want.

Of course, Myrtle Beach laws require that when your dog is on the beach, they must be on a leash and under control. There’s no letting Fido run off-leash into the waves here (no matter how much he gives you the puppy eyes) – it’s just not allowed in the city limits. The leash rule is pretty strict: at all times in public your dog has to be leashed (with a maximum leash length of 6-7 feet, per the law). So bring a sturdy leash – a retractable one might technically extend too far if you’re not careful, since the rule is a hand-held leash under seven feet. I usually stick with a standard 6-foot leash to be safe. And don’t forget to clean up after your dog (I know, I know – it’s obvious, but the law explicitly says you must pick up and dispose of pet waste). The locals and other tourists will appreciate you for it, and you’ll avoid a fine.

To summarize the city rules for Myrtle Beach proper:

• Summer (May 1 – Labor Day): No dogs on the beach from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (outside those hours, dogs are allowed).

• Off-season (Day after Labor Day – April 30): Dogs are allowed on the beach any time of day.

• Leash requirement: Dogs must be on a leash at all times (max 7-foot length) and under your control.

• Cleanup: You are required by law to pick up your dog’s waste (carry those poop bags!).

These Myrtle Beach dog rules might sound a bit strict at first glance, but they’re actually pretty typical for a busy family-oriented beach. I found that planning our beach time around them wasn’t too hard – it just meant we did sunrise and sunset beach outings. Honestly, those turned out to be the most beautiful times of day on the sand anyway, so it was a win-win. The beach is gorgeous and quiet in the early morning, and in the evening you get slightly cooler temps and maybe a nice breeze while your pup sniffs around excitedly.

One thing to note: these rules apply to Myrtle Beach city limits and its beaches. Myrtle Beach also has a popular Oceanfront Boardwalk, and similar time rules apply there as well. In summer, dogs (and even bicycles) are only allowed on the boardwalk in the early morning hours (roughly 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) during May 1 through Labor Day. After Labor Day until April, dogs can stroll the boardwalk any time. So if you’re taking a walk through the downtown beachfront area with your pup, keep that in mind too. I remember taking my dog on the boardwalk at 9 a.m. in July and it was fine, but by midday we had to switch to walking him on other pet-friendly paths away from the boardwalk.

Different Rules in North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach

The Grand Strand (the coastline in this area) isn’t just governed by one set of rules. It’s a patchwork of different towns and jurisdictions, each with their own twist on dog policies. This confused me at first – you might walk a couple miles up the beach and unknowingly cross into a new town with different rules. So let’s break down two key areas: North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, which both border Myrtle Beach and which many visitors think of as part of the “Myrtle Beach area.” The question “are dogs allowed on Myrtle Beach?” can have a slightly different answer once you step into these neighboring zones.

North Myrtle Beach is actually a separate city just to the north. North Myrtle Beach does allow dogs, but their peak-season rules are a bit different from Myrtle Beach city’s. In North Myrtle, the summer restrictions start later in May and end mid-September: from May 15 through September 15, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So in North Myrtle Beach, you have to have your dog off the sand by 9 each morning during the summer season. After 5 p.m., dogs can come back out, and before 9 a.m. you’ll see plenty of dogs and their owners enjoying the sunrise. And just like elsewhere, leashes are required at all times in North Myrtle, with a similar 7-foot leash maximum, and you must pick up after your pet. Outside that May 15–Sept 15 window, North Myrtle Beach allows dogs on the beach any time, day or night.

Heading south of Myrtle Beach city, you hit the town of Surfside Beach. Surfside is known as “the family beach,” and they take a pretty strict stance on dogs during the summer. In fact, Surfside Beach doesn’t allow dogs on its beach at all during the peak season: from May 15 through September 15, dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time (not even mornings or evenings). That’s a total ban for the summer months. Once September 16th rolls around, or before May 15th, you’re free to bring your dog on Surfside Beach (with a leash, of course). But those summer beach trips in Surfside will have to be human-only. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip: you might stay in Surfside for its quiet, family-friendly vibe, but if bringing your dog, you’ll only get to walk them on the actual beach in the off-season.

Why all these variations? It comes down to local town ordinances. Each city sets its own Myrtle Beach laws or rather Grand Strand laws for animals on the beach. Generally, the pattern is similar: tighter restrictions during the summer, looser in the off-season. But the exact dates and times vary. It can be a bit to keep track of, but usually there are signs posted at beach access points. Still, I like to know ahead of time. A rule of thumb: if it’s between mid-May and mid-September, check that town’s specific rules before assuming you can bring your dog on the sand.

Myrtle Beach Umbrella Rules and Shade for Your Dog

If you're thinking about setting up a little shaded oasis for your pup while you're on the beach—be careful. Myrtle Beach has very clear umbrella rules, especially during the summer months. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only umbrellas are allowed—no tents, canopies, or other large shading devices. This rule applies even if you’re trying to give your dog a bit of cool space. The umbrella must be 7.5 feet or less in diameter, and it must be placed behind the high-tide line.

Outside of those summer months, Myrtle Beach relaxes the rule a bit. You’re allowed to bring small canopies or tents during the off-season, which is a big plus if you're planning a fall or spring beach day with your dog. In cooler months, a little pop-up tent is a great way to keep your dog comfortable while you relax.

Personally, I’ve used a regular-sized umbrella in summer and just draped a towel off one side to provide more shade for my dog. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked in a pinch. And honestly, during those allowed hours in the morning or evening, the sun isn’t too harsh anyway

Dog Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach might be the most well-known, but it’s far from the only place to bring your pup in South Carolina. If you’re looking for more options—maybe ones that are a bit more relaxed—here are some dog friendly beaches in South Carolina worth checking out:

• Huntington Beach State Park (south of Myrtle Beach): Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach, and while they do have to be on a leash, the vibe is laid-back and nature-focused.

• Pawleys Island: Super dog-friendly, especially during the off-season. Even in summer, dogs are welcome during certain hours. A quieter, charming place.

• Folly Beach (near Charleston): Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during summer months, and all day in the off-season.

• Isle of Palms: Known for its generous off-leash hours early in the morning. It’s a favorite among Charleston locals with dogs.

These spots often give you a bit more freedom and a slightly less crowded atmosphere than central Myrtle Beach. If your pup loves long runs and fewer restrictions, they’re worth the drive.

Final Thoughts

So—are dogs allowed on Myrtle Beach? Yes, they are! But like with most beautiful and popular places, there are some rules. Stick to the morning or evening hours in the summer, keep that leash handy, and always clean up. Know the different regulations between Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside. And don’t forget, South Carolina has no shortage of great dog-friendly beaches if you want to explore beyond.

Bring water, pack a little shade, maybe some treats—and just enjoy that tail-wagging beach joy. It takes a bit of planning, sure. But the sight of your dog bounding down the sand at sunrise? Absolutely worth it.