A Weekend in Dog-Friendly Myrtle Beach

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Embark on a weekend escape with Fido to the sunny shores of South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Explore one of the East Coast’s best dog-friendly beaches, learn how to surf or paddleboard together and indulge in the South’s culinary scene. Pack your bags and find inspiration for your next weekend getaway to dog-friendly Myrtle Beach!

Friday

One retriever jumpin’ on the bed… Photo by BringFido/Erin

4 p.m. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

When you and your pup check in at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, you’ll be able to feel the sea breeze and see and hear the sounds of the crashing surf at this dog-friendly beach resort. Located steps away from dog-friendly beaches and an award-winning dog park with a lake, there’s nowhere better to base your beach vacation with Fido than this affordable resort. Perks for pets include an onsite, fully-fenced dog park where your pooch can meet new friends and do his business.

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $75 per pet, per night up to $300 per stay.

A little pre-dinner dip! Photo by BringFido/Miechelle

5:30 p.m. Barc Parc South

Before heading out to dinner, let your canine companion stretch his legs and burn some of that pent-up energy at Myrtle Beach’s original leash-free recreation area, Barc Parc South. The 14-acre park is made up of three different sections for large dogs, small dogs and all dogs to play together. In the park for all sizes of pups, Fido will find a large and inviting lake. After a refreshing dip, he can dry off on the walking path and grab a drink at one of the water fountains. Dogs play for free at Myrtle Beach’s first dog park, which is conveniently located near a handful of pet-friendly restaurants at The Market Common, a dining and entertaining district.

Ready for dinner and some fun at the K-9 Korral! Photo by BringFido/Cheryl

7 p.m. Tidal Creek Brewhouse

Take your pooch out for a meal at Tidal Creek Brewhouse. While you peruse the menu or sip on one of Tidal Creek’s microbrews, you can let your pup play at Tidal Creek Brewhouse's K-9 Korral – a dog run with a selfie station, fire hydrant, tire agility weave, rope jump and toys. When Fido’s ready to chow down, the dog menu consists of a pup cup, dog bowl filled with chicken and rice, dog treats and Argus's Malt Licker. For humans, the pub offers Lowcountry-inspired dishes like crab cakes, shrimp tacos, shrimp and grit cakes, crisp salads and burgers. Although they can play off leash in the K-9 Korral, well-behaved pups must be leashed around the brewhouse and in the beer garden.

Will sit for a scoop. Photo by @tdogpe

9 p.m. Cold Stone Creamery

After supper, stroll over to Cold Stone Creamery for a refreshing ice cream treat. Keep it classic with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate, or, choose from the many toppings that can be expertly mixed in. Dogs are allowed at the outdoor seating; however, you’ll need to leave Fido outside with a friend while you order.

Saturday

Dogs are welcome at Grand Strand Coffee. Photo by @haroldthesuperhero

7 a.m. Grand Strand Coffee

Start the morning with a cup of joe and a hearty breakfast sandwich, toasted bagel, or a blueberry or cranberry muffin at Grand Strand Coffee. Try one of the signature drinks like a Lavender Laze Latte, a delicately crafted beverage that blends rich espresso with creamy milk and a hint of floral lavender. Savor it at one of the coffee shop’s outdoor tables or take it to-go and enjoy it on the beach.

Someone’s still sleepy! Photo by BringFido/Megan

8 a.m. Myrtle Beach

Get Fido’s paws sandy on Myrtle Beach, where leashed dogs are allowed in the mornings before 10 a.m. from April 30th to Labor Day, and at any time of day from Labor Day to April 30 each year. Bring a ball to play a game of fetch or just take a leisurely stroll to put your toes (and paws) in the surf. It’s a great way to start the day!

Can’t hide her excitement! Photo by BringFido/Mckenzie

11 a.m. The Sneaky Beagle

After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach, clean up and head to The Sneaky Beagle for a satisfying lunch. While you nosh on American comfort foods like fried ravioli, PB&J chicken wings, portobello mushroom tacos, shrimp scampi mac and cheese, and gourmet burgers, spoil your pup with a Peanut Butter Pupcake, chicken jerky, or doggy donut from the dog menu. You’ll both leave full and happy!

"I’m on a boat!" Photo by BringFido/Shannon

1 p.m. Living Large Party Barge

Let Fido get his sea legs when you charter a boat trip with Living Large Party Barge. In addition to booze cruises, the company offers family-friendly fishing excursions and island exploration boat rides that are dog friendly. Enjoy a day with your pup spent on the water soaking up the sunshine, swimming, fishing and touring the coastline. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and a life jacket for your dog paddler.

“May I has some of your fries?” Photo by @rescuedrugerman

7 p.m. King Street Grille

After a long day in the sun, refuel at King Street Grille. The restaurant welcomes pups on its patio and has a large menu filled with elevated bar food. Start with an appetizer like the Southwest Egg Rolls or Buffalo Shrimp. For your main course, try the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken or Center Cut Filet Mignon. Create-your-own chopped salads, burgers, and king-sized sandwiches are also available. If you’re still hungry, you have to try the Mississippi Mud Pie - a chocolate Oreo crust filled with a cappuccino mousse that’s topped with King Street Grille’s fudge. Don’t forget about Fido! Order him a side of bacon or sweet potato fries.

9 p.m. The Market Common

Before retiring to the hotel room, walk around The Market Common, Myrtle Beach’s shopping, dining and entertainment destination. In addition to having many pet-friendly restaurants and shops, there are over two miles of walking trails and it’s also home to Barc Parc South dog park.

Sunday

SUP, dawg?! Photo by iStock/RyanJLan

8 a.m. Jack's Surf Lessons and Board Rentals

Begin the day learning how to surf or stand-up paddleboard with your pooch with a little help from Jack's Surf Lessons and Board Rentals. This pet-friendly surf school and equipment rental service will teach you about ocean safety and techniques on land. Then, you’ll have a chance to catch a wave with your furry best friend on board. It’s a great bonding opportunity!

"I’ll have one of each!" Photo by BringFido/Vanessa

11 a.m. Tupelo Honey Cafe

Experience Southern hospitality and cooking at its finest at Tupelo Honey Cafe. Brunch is the perfect chance to taste its scratch-made Southern fare, plus there’s a menu just for canines! While your pup noshes on peanut butter-smeared strips of bacon, a biscuit and gravy, or scrambled eggs you can peruse the menu. Start with the homemade biscuits with butter and blueberry jam, then opt for a hearty main like one of Tupelo Honey’s four varieties of chicken and waffles (sriracha-honey, anyone?), shrimp and grits, or buttermilk fried chicken eggs Benedict. Pair your meal with a blueberry-lavender mimosa or bloody mary from the bar.

"Take our pic, Mom!" Photo by BringFido/Shellby

12 p.m. Myrtle Beach State Park and Depart With a Dog-Tired Fido

Before you have to start your travels home, explore pet-friendly Myrtle Beach State Park. Wear out your pup on one of the scenic trails or (if it’s in the off-season) another long walk on the beach. Reflect on the fun you had and new friends you made with your pup and depart dog-friendly Myrtle Beach with a pooped pooch and plans for a return trip to the Grand Strand.

Have you visited Myrtle Beach with your pup? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Bodhi.