BringFido's Ruff Guide to South Carolina

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of surprising your Spaniel with a trip to South Carolina? If so, he’s one lucky dog. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in The Palmetto State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code PALMETTO.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in South Carolina.

Follow the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Greenville, SC
“Can we play in the water, please?” Photo by @the_salvetti_boys

Bring your furry friend to Greenville for a hop along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile recreation path that winds through the vibrant city. At its epicenter, you’ll find beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy. Explore the manicured landscape as you meander along the Reedy River with your four-legged companion. Cross the Liberty Bridge and admire the dramatic waterfall from above. Browse the art galleries at RiverPlace, and do some retail shopping at many of the dog-friendly stores along Main Street. When Fido has worked up an appetite, stop for a meal on the piazza at Limoncello. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, head indoors to The Whale, where your pooch is welcome to join you inside for a pint. If your pup still has energy to burn after his trail walk, bring him to the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve for a hike and some off-leash fun at the Conestee Dog Park.

After exploring Greenville with your pup, stay overnight at the Aloft Greenville Downtown, where canine guests are greeted with treats, bowls, beds, and toys upon arrival. Fido can people-watch from the hotel’s second-floor balcony, while you enjoy a cocktail from the W XYZ bar. Go next door to do some shopping at the pet-friendly Mast General Store.

Make Your Walk Historic

Charleston, SC
“How come you always make me go first?” Photo by @zoethebernes

Step back in time at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, a Charleston estate that survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. You and your pup can explore the beautiful grounds and trails together to discover the wetlands, lakes, forests, and marshes. If you have time, head to nearby Drayton Hall, which dates back to 1738 and is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the U.S. Although dogs are not allowed inside the home, they are welcome to tour the estate’s gardens on two self-guided nature walks.

Just a short walk from the dog-friendly shops and eateries along King Street, you’ll find Charleston’s Wentworth Mansion. You’ll be spoiled during your stay with a complimentary full breakfast each morning, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, and evening turndown service with housemade chocolates. Your pooch won’t feel left out, either. Delicious treats are always available at the front desk.

Float Through the Lowcountry

Bluffton, SC
Shake it off! Shake it off! Photo by @twiggythedane

Join a boat tour with Captain Buddy’s in Bluffton to explore the scenic waterways of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. If you and your pup want an active day on the water, consider an off-shore fishing adventure to reel in some mackerel, grouper, or snapper. Or, motor out to the beaches of Disappearing Island during low tide to unearth colorful seashells and sand dollar skeletons. Captain Buddy can also take you on an expedition to Shark Tooth Island to search for megalodon teeth while your pooch gets some exercise on the beach. For a more laid-back experience, choose a relaxing bird-watching or sunset cruise to snap photos of native birds gliding across saltwater marshes and watch bottlenose dolphins frolic in the water.

Spoil your furry first mate with an overnight stay at the Montage Palmetto Bluff, a luxury resort nestled on the shores of the May River in Bluffton. The hotel’s canine ambassadors will be on hand to greet Fido and present him with an assortment of amenities, including delicious treats, feeding bowls, and a fluffy pet bed. For dinner, he can even choose a tasty meal from the doggy room service menu.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to South Carolina preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code PALMETTO to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

What are your favorite dog-friendly things to do in South Carolina? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Beth Shoemaker Photography.