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Dog-Friendly Accommodations Abound in SC

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
More from "Marie McAden"
Puppy dog posing in front of Station Cove Falls at Oconee
Pet-friendly cabins mean you and your pup can both bask in the beauty of South Carolina State Parks.

Bringing Rover on your South Carolina vacation? Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin in the woods or upscale accommodations at a luxury hotel, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome tail-wagging guests. Some restrictions apply and expect to pay a daily pet fee.

Here are some suggestions for dog-friendly vacation spots you and your canine companion will enjoy:

South Carolina State Parks

These South Carolina State ParksBarnwell, Devils Fork, Dreher IslandHickory KnobOconee, and Santee – allow pets in select cabins and villas. Accommodations are limited so book early to snag your dog-friendly lodging.

Anchorage 1770 Inn, Beaufort

One of Beaufort’s most acclaimed historic inns, the Anchorage offers two rooms for guests with pets weighing less than 80 pounds. A maximum of two dogs are allowed in the rooms. During your stay, be sure to make the 20-minute drive to Hunting Island State Park, where dogs are allowed on the beach and walking trails any time of the year.

 

Dog sitting on window seat with a collar, leash and treat at Willcox hotel/inn
Puppy swag at the Willcox includes a treat and handsome guest tag.

The Willcox, Aiken

Everyone gets spoiled at the historic Willcox, renowned for its luxuriously appointed rooms and award-winning restaurant. Doggie amenities include hand-baked treats, plush pet bed, water bowl, turkey jerky turndown and made-to-order meals. To help you make the most of your Aiken visit, you’ll also receive a map of the Hitchcock Woods walking trails, clean-up bags and a reference sheet with details on local pet shops, pet-friendly restaurants, veterinarians and pet wellness facilities. Pet sitting and pet walking services also are available.

Barksdale House Inn, Charleston

All 14 rooms at the appropriately named Barksdale House Inn are pet-friendly. Built in 1778 and located in the heart of Charleston’s downtown district, the inn is walking distance to shopping, dining and the famed Charleston City Market. Iced tea and refreshing delicate bites are served each afternoon.

Inn at Middleton Place, Charleston

This secluded riverside retreat is set on 110 acres of Middleton Place, a national historic landmark featuring America’s oldest landscaped gardens. While pets are not allowed in the historic plantation, the inn has its own beautiful walking trails shaded by magnificent oaks and pines. Accommodations are pet-friendly up to 75 pounds.

Hyatt Place, Columbia (Downtown)

Stay in the heart of the Capital City’s premier arts and entertainment district. The Vista is home to more than 70 restaurants and attractions. Rooms at Hyatt Place feature a separate living area, giving your pooch a comfortable spot to snuggle in.

Dog with paws on luxury Heavenly Bed pet pillow in hotel room
Luxurious amenities are not just for humans at Greenville's Westin Poinsett.

The Westin Poinsett, Greenville

Greenville’s only AAA Four-Diamond hotel, the Westin Poinsett is just blocks away from the beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy, where you can walk your dog on inviting trails that take you past stunning waterfalls, seasonal gardens and public artwork. Neither one of you will ever want to leave!

Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head Island

The oceanfront Sonesta Resort is the perfect Hilton Head destination if you enjoy strolling with your dog along the shore. In the summer, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. During the prohibited hours, you can walk your dog on the property’s shaded pathways winding through lush tropical gardens.

The Patricia Grand, Myrtle Beach

The Patricia Grand is one of the few oceanfront hotels in Myrtle Beach featuring dog-friendly rooms – but only for pups weighing 20 pounds or less. For the humans in your group, the hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, hot tubs, a seasonal poolside bar and on-site dining.

Doubletree Resort by Hilton, Myrtle Beach

If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach with a heftier four-legged family member, you can stay at this Doubletree oceanfront resort, where any size dog is acceptable. The resort has 13 rooms on the first floor of the Cypress Building along with a fenced doggie run.

Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.