A Dog-Friendly Day on Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is one of the few places near Charleston where dogs can run off-leash on the beach, and it's the only beach town here that requires a town dog license for every dog (visitors included), sold at Town Hall on weekdays only. With the license in hand, the day is simple: an off-leash morning on the sand, lunch on one of the dog-friendly patios along Middle Street, and back to the beach when the evening cools off.
The day at a glance
- Before you go: Get the town dog license on a weekday
- Morning: Off-leash on the beach
- Lunch: A covered patio on Middle Street
- Afternoon: A slow afternoon on Middle Street
- Evening: Back to the beach
- Weekend brunch: Two dog-friendly patios for brunch
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.
Before you go
Get the town dog license on a weekday
Every dog on Sullivan's streets and beaches needs a town license: $50 for non-residents, valid through December 31. Buy it at Town Hall, 2056 Middle St, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and bring a driver's license and your dog's rabies certificate. If you're coming on a weekend, get it during the week first.
Morning
Off-leash on the beach
From October through April, dogs can be off-leash on the beach from 5am to noon. From May through September, it's 5am to 10am, and then no dogs at all until 6pm. Keep your dog off the dunes, especially during sea turtle nesting season from May 15 to October 31, and bring fresh water.
Lunch
A covered patio on Middle Street
Poe's Tavern welcomes dogs in its outdoor dining areas, on a covered patio with fans and heaters. In cold or rainy weather there are only about 3 dog tables, so go early. Home Team BBQ, across Middle Street, also has a covered dog-friendly patio and is open from 11am to midnight.
Afternoon
A slow afternoon on Middle Street
Stroll the island's main street on leash, then settle in at Dunleavy's Pub, a dog-friendly Irish pub with outdoor tables steps from the beach. In summer this is the time to stay off the sand: dogs aren't allowed on the beach from 10am to 6pm.
Evening
Back to the beach
In summer, leashed dogs are allowed back on the beach from 6pm. Coyotes live on the island and are most active from twilight through the night, so keep your dog on leash and stick to busier stretches as it gets dark.
Weekend brunch
Two dog-friendly patios for brunch
Sullivan's Fish Camp has a side patio where dogs are welcome and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Obstinate Daughter also serves weekend brunch, and its patio is dog-friendly but walk-in only, with no reservations.
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
- October 1 to April 30: off-leash 5am to noon; leashed from noon to 5am.
- May 1 to September 30: off-leash 5am to 10am; no dogs 10am to 6pm; leashed 6pm to 5am.
- Sea turtle nesting season, May 15 to October 31: dogs may not roam the dunes.
Good to know
- Town dog license required for every dog, visitors included: $50 for non-residents at Town Hall, weekdays only, 843-883-3198.
- The pond at Station 28 1/2 is not safe for recreation because of high bacteria levels.
- Coyote sightings: Sullivan's Island Animal Control, 843-743-7200.
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vets: VEG ER for Pets, Mount Pleasant, walk-in only, (843) 879-4280; BluePearl Pet Hospital, Mount Pleasant, (843) 216-7554.
Staying nearby? See dog-friendly hotels
