Folly With Dogs: Your Guide to Off-Season Pet-Friendly Adventures
Folly With Dogs: Your Guide to Off-Season Pet-Friendly Adventures
Cooler days, gentler crowds, and long walks by the water. Fall and winter are a sweet spot on Folly Beach, especially if you are bringing a four-legged best friend. Below is everything you need to plan a low-stress, pet-friendly getaway, including the rules you need to know, the best times to visit, and simple ways to keep wildlife and the beach healthy for everyone.
First things first: the rules that matter
Folly keeps it simple.
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between May 1 and September 30. Outside of those dates and hours, dogs can be on the beach if they are on a leash and under control. Pick up and remove waste every time.
- A leash is required at all times on the beach when dogs are allowed, and pets are never allowed on the Folly Beach Pier.
- At the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the far east end, no pets are allowed due to sensitive nesting habitat. It is a beautiful place to view the Morris Island Lighthouse, but it is a wildlife preserve, so please leave pups at home for this one.
- City ordinances are enforced, with fines that can be significant for violations.
What this means for you in the off-season: from October 1 through April 30, dogs are welcome on the sand at any time of day, as long as they are on a leash and you follow the rules above.
Why the off-season is great for dogs on Folly
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- Milder temps and softer light. Cooler air makes longer walks comfortable for you and your dog.
- More room to roam. Shoulder and winter months bring smaller crowds, which helps young or reactive pups stay relaxed.
- Wildlife moments. You may spot dolphins offshore and winter shorebirds feeding along the tide line. Please give birds wide space and keep dogs from chasing them.
Where to go with your dog
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- The main beach, all fall and winter. Choose your favorite access, bring a short leash, a few bags, and fresh water. Rinse stations are located at various accesses, but a collapsible bowl and towel make life easier. Rules above still apply.
- Folly Beach County Park (west end). This is a popular stretch with easy access and facilities when the park is operating. Leashes are required at all times, and the same seasonal hours apply for dogs on the sand. Pets are never allowed on the pier.
- Please skip Lighthouse Inlet with dogs. It is one of the best wildlife viewing spots on the island, which is exactly why pets are not permitted. Plan a people-only sunrise photo stop there, then meet your pup for a beach walk elsewhere.
Simple etiquette that keeps Folly wild and welcoming
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- Leash up and keep control. Even friendly dogs can disturb birds that need to rest and feed, especially in winter. Folly’s shoreline also supports loggerhead sea turtles during the nesting season, which typically runs from May through October. Keeping dogs leashed and away from dunes helps protect nests and hatchlings.
- Give wildlife space. If birds lift as you approach, you are too close. Angle inland or give them the right-of-way along the waterline.
- Leave only footprints. Pack extra bags, toss waste in a bin, and fill any holes before you go. It keeps the beach safe for everyone.
A few easy itineraries
Sunrise start
Coffee for you, water for your pup, then a mellow stroll along the beach while the tide is low. Keep the pace easy, take a few photos, and double back before it gets busy.
Afternoon leg-stretcher
Pick a central access and walk toward the County Park. Watch for dolphins offshore and shorebirds at the waterline. Stay on hard-packed sand to protect dune plants.
Golden hour wind-down
One more slow walk as the sun sets. Bring a towel so your dog rides home clean and comfy.
Quick planning checklist
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- Short, sturdy leash
- Fresh water and a collapsible bowl
- Dog towels for sand and salt
- Extra waste bags
- Updated ID tag
Before you go
If you are new to Folly or visiting for the first time, bookmark the official rules page and give them a quick read the night before. Regulations are straightforward and help keep the island clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone who loves it.
Peaceful & Beautiful
This was my families first time at the ocean and I will never forget the look of joy on my youngest daughter’s face the moment the waves first came up on her feet. The beach was not over crowded, was clean, and was great for relaxing, swimming, and collecting seashells. There is a long pier for fishing off of and it is a beautiful sight at night. The town atmosphere was a nice mix between relaxing and having a good time and can work for the over 21 crowd as well as for families with small kids. There are plenty of great food stops and cute shops.
Fantastic & Peaceful
This beach is very relaxing and a great place to chill out. We saw several dolphins and enjoyed walking on the fishing pier. I would consider staying on the beach here next time we are in Charleston instead of downtown.
Cute, Calm & Peaceful
First time visitor to Folly Beach–loved it! Quiet and peaceful with many trees left on island.
