From barking at squirrels to playing in the yard all day, your dog needs a vacation, too. In North Myrtle Beach, you and your pet can enjoy some downtime and quality time on our dog-friendly beaches and fishing piers, as well as at our outdoor restaurants and attractions any time of the year.

Here are a few pro-tips when planning a trip to NMB with a pet: 

  • Before booking a hotel room, vacation rental, or any other accommodation, check to see if pets are welcome and if there are any special rules or a pet fee.

  • Dogs are welcome on the beach every day year-round (except from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during peak season: May 15-September 15). Your pet must be on a leash while on the beach.

  • Pack a portable water bowl and waste bags. A leisurely walk on our sandy shoreline or through our parks can seem like a long journey for our pups, especially on a summer day, so come prepared. Many of our walking areas feature doggie bag stations, and area businesses often leave out water bowls for dogs to enjoy.

Whether you’d like to dine at a restaurant with your pup or explore area attractions, here’s everything you need to know about traveling with your pet in NMB.

Stay in the Dog House

When someone is “in the doghouse,” it usually means they’re in trouble. However, in NMB, it means your pet is welcome to stay as long as you do. Whether you're staying at a hotel, resort, or vacation rental, be sure to inquire about their dog policies.

Vacation rental companies like Grand Strand Vacations and Elliott Beach Rentals can help match you with human and dog-friendly accommodations.

Dine Together

Many local outdoor restaurants and drink spots welcome pets with open arms (or paws). 

Crooked Hammock Brewery features an open-air green space perfect for dogs and kids; Local Bar + Kitchen On the Water has a large outdoor seating area along the Intracoastal Waterway; and Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant features an outdoor deck with tables and chairs by the beach.

Whether you reserve a table or are a walk-in, be sure to ask the restaurant if they allow dogs and if there are any restrictions or requirements.

Play Outside

Paw prints in the sand may wash away when the tide rolls in, but the memories of your trip will live on forever, especially if you spend your time here outdoors. 

Stop by the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex for a memorable afternoon of off-the-leash fun. The complex has a dog park that accommodates big and small dogs and is open between 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Bags are provided on-site if your dog poops. The complex is one of the many parks open to leashed dogs. Check out an individual park’s website for specific pet policies.

Barefoot Landing along the Intracoastal is another popular pet-friendly spot. The open-air mall features shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options. Besides welcoming pets, the local hub hosts events tailored to the four-legged creatures year-round, like Pup & Grub Crawl for St. Patrick’s Day, in partnership with The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. 

In addition to Barefoot Landing, other venues host outdoor events open to pets. Check our event calendar for pet-friendly happenings during your travel dates.

From grabbing lunch at a pet-friendly restaurant and hanging out at your vacation rental to spending a day outdoors at the beach or a park, it’s easy to fill up your vacation with pet-friendly activities when you plan a trip to North Myrtle Beach.