A Dog-Friendly Day in North Charleston
North Charleston has plenty of dog parks, plus two of the most dog-focused spots around: a restaurant with a fenced play yard and a dog park with a bar. Start at Wannamaker County Park, have lunch near Park Circle while your dog plays, and end the day at a riverside beer garden with room for big dogs.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Trails and a fenced dog park at Wannamaker
- Lunch: A patio with its own fenced play yard
- Afternoon: A dog park with a bar
- Evening: A riverside beer garden
See the day on a map
Opens Google Maps with the stops in order and driving directions, so you can see how far the day is.
Morning
Trails and a fenced dog park at Wannamaker
Wannamaker County Park has a large fenced dog park with shade and a water area, plus the North Trail, which is unpaved and uneven, for a leashed walk. Follow the posted direction of travel on the trail. The dog park is closed Monday mornings until 10am, and dogs aren't allowed in the sprinkler area.
Lunch
A patio with its own fenced play yard
DIG in the Park has a large patio and a fenced grassy play area for dogs, plus dog treats. On Saturdays there's a DJ. Afterward, take a leashed stroll around the Park Circle neighborhood.
Afternoon
A dog park with a bar
Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar is a private, fenced dog park with a full bar for the humans. A day pass is $15. Before your first visit you must upload your dog's rabies, distemper, and Bordetella records, so do that ahead of time.
Evening
A riverside beer garden
Freehouse Brewery's riverside beer garden welcomes dogs and has room for big ones. Leashes are required. It's closed Mondays, and the kitchen is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Getting around with your dog
- Lyft pet-friendly rides: The Lyft app offers pet-friendly rides in Charleston. Pick the pet option when you book; the app shows the current price.
Season notes
- Wannamaker's dog park is closed Monday mornings until 10am, and Freehouse is closed Mondays, so this day works best Tuesday through Sunday.
- Summer: go to Wannamaker early, and bring water for the trail.
Good to know
- Charleston Veterinary Urgent Care, 3163 W Montague Ave, is open Friday to Monday 9am to 9pm, closed Tuesday to Thursday: (843) 278-5370.
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vets: Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) in West Ashley, (843) 614-8387, or BluePearl Pet Hospital in Summerville, (843) 216-1331.
- Animal Hospital of North Charleston, the 2026 Charleston Living Readers' Choice best vet, sees urgent cases during business hours: 843-552-8278.
More walks nearby
More fenced dog parks in North Charleston:
Staying nearby? See dog-friendly hotels
