A Dog-Friendly Day in West Ashley
West Ashley is where Charleston's historic gardens and plantations are, and three of the best known welcome leashed dogs on their grounds: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Drayton Hall, and Charles Towne Landing. Spend the morning in the gardens, have lunch across the river downtown, walk the trails at Charles Towne Landing in the afternoon, and finish with an off-leash run at West Ashley Park.
The day at a glance
- Morning: The gardens at Magnolia, or the grounds at Drayton Hall
- Lunch: Across the river for lunch
- Afternoon: Trails at Charles Towne Landing
- Late afternoon: A stretch of the West Ashley Greenway
- Evening: Off-leash at West Ashley Park
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
The gardens at Magnolia, or the grounds at Drayton Hall
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens welcomes leashed dogs on 66 acres of grounds and gardens, including the Audubon Swamp Garden, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There are about 6 miles of dirt and gravel trails. Dogs can't go on any of the tours. Admission is charged. Drayton Hall is on the same road, Ashley River Road: leashed dogs can walk its grounds and nature trails, but not go inside any building, so skip the house tour. It's closed Tuesdays.
Lunch
Across the river for lunch
We haven't verified a dog-friendly restaurant in West Ashley yet, so cross the Ashley River to downtown. Taco Boy on Huger Street has a large shaded patio with water bowls.
Afternoon
Trails at Charles Towne Landing
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site allows pets in most outdoor areas on a leash up to 6 feet, with about 6 miles of trails. Dogs aren't allowed in the Animal Forest. The grounds are open 9am to 5pm, and admission is $12 for adults and $7 for ages 6 to 15.
Late afternoon
A stretch of the West Ashley Greenway
The West Ashley Greenway is a long, popular walking and biking path through the neighborhood. Walk a stretch on leash and share the path with bikes.
Evening
Off-leash at West Ashley Park
West Ashley Park has an official off-leash area, open dawn to dusk, plus trails. Dogs can't swim or jump off the docks. For a fenced option, Ackerman Park Dog Park on Sycamore Avenue is fenced and open dawn to dusk.
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.
Middleton Place: no dogs
Middleton Place is one of West Ashley's best-known gardens, but it doesn't allow pets because of free-roaming livestock. Caw Caw Interpretive Center doesn't allow pets either.
Season notes
- Summer: visit Magnolia early, and keep water with you on the trails. Watch for alligators near ponds and the swamp garden, and snakes from May to October.
- Charles Towne Landing closes at 5pm, so plan the afternoon around it.
Good to know
- Leash law: City of Charleston Sec. 5-4 requires a leash in public except posted off-leash areas.
- The nearest 24/7 emergency vet is right in West Ashley: Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC), (843) 614-8387.
- PawMed Veterinary Urgent Care, also in West Ashley, is open 10am to 10pm every day: (843) 427-3355.
Staying nearby? See dog-friendly hotels
