A Guide to Dog-Friendly Hilton Head, South Carolina

Thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Hilton Head, or live in the Lowcountry with a four-legged friend? Here’s your guide to dog-friendly Hilton Head! With sandy beaches, nature preserves, and plenty of pet-friendly patios to grab a drink and a bite to eat, there’s no end of spots to explore with your canine companion.

Dog-friendly restaurants, Hilton Head

First stop on your tour of pet-friendly Hilton Head has to be one of these restaurants! While furry friends aren’t allowed inside restaurants due to federal health regulations, many local favorites welcome pups on their outdoor patios. From laid-back seafood shacks to scenic waterfront grills, here are some of the best dog-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

Nectar

With locations in Hilton Head and Old Town Bluffton, Nectar serves fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably made dishes from brunch through dinner. Expect everything from fluffy omelets and pancakes in the morning to hearty seafood boils by night.

Nectar Farm Kitchen Old Town location: 207 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910

Nectar Hilton Head location: 841 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

This famous spot started out as an oyster factory in 1912 – now it serves thousands of guests nightly with some of the island’s freshest shrimp and oysters.

Location: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

Named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants, this waterfront spot is known for its fresh-caught seafood, premium steaks, and delicious desserts. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Location: 101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Skull Creek Boathouse

This waterfront restaurant serves market-fresh fish, exceptional seafood, and delicious dishes from their in-house sushi bar.

Location: 397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

The Sandbar

This laid-back grill dishes out Southern and Caribbean comfort food, including shrimp, oysters, and tacos.

Location: 101 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Frosty Frog Cafe

Grab a pizza slice or a plate of grouper tacos while you peruse a menu of frozen concoctions with over 100 daiquiri flavors!

Location: Coligny Plaza, 1 N Forest Beach Dr #18, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Enjoy a taste of Lowcountry living and live music on the pet-friendly patio, which overlooks Broad Creek.

Location: 11 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Skillets Cafe & Grill

This locally owned restaurant serves homestyle meals from breakfast to dinner. Don’t miss deals like Prime Ribs on Sundays, and yes, there’s even a doggy menu featuring pooch pasta and tailwagging turkey!

Location: 1 N Forest Beach Dr j, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Up the Creek Pub & Grill

This no-fuss joint offers a great choice of seafood at affordable prices, and plenty of outdoor seating with water views.

Location: 18 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Stu’s Surf Side

This friendly daytime cafe serves fresh salads, hearty subs, and comforting soups in a relaxed setting.

Location: 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Tuck into pizzas, fresh seafood, or weekend brunch at this marina-side restaurant. The adjoining Hurricane Bar is a popular spot for drinks and live music.

Location: Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Main Street Island Pub

The menu here features a variety of New American dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and seafood. Stop by for “All You Can Eat Crab Legs” Monday-Friday from 4-8 pm.

Location: 1411 Main St, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Captain Woody's Bar & Grill

Homemade hush puppies, seafood platters, and old school baskets are on the menu here, where you’ll find live music and a welcoming patio.

Location: 14 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Sunset on Burkes Beach

Dog-friendly beaches on Hilton Head Island

You can’t really go wrong with any of the dog-friendly beaches in Hilton Head – they’re all gorgeous! With wide stretches of sand, calm surf, and plenty of space to roam, they’re perfect for morning walks or sunset strolls with your pup. Most beaches welcome dogs on a leash all year-round, though seasonal restrictions apply (see the Hilton Head beach dog policy below).

Burkes Beach

Just a short walk from Chaplin Community Park (which has free parking), Burkes Beach is popular among pet parents. You’ll find wash stations, restrooms, and even a lost toy bin for forgotten toys. Shallow pools for splashing around in appear after high tide; just keep an eye out for alligators hanging around the marsh area.

Location: 60 Burkes Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Fish Haul Beach Park

This beach is a little off the beaten path, so it’s ideal for pups who love exploring quiet, natural spaces. Parking is free, and the restrooms are clean and well-maintained. Note: to protect nesting wildlife, dogs aren’t allowed in the area between Fish Haul Creek and the park entrance.

Location: 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Coligny Beach Park

One of Hilton Head’s most popular beaches, Coligny is clean, well-kept, and surrounded by pet-friendly restaurants and shops. Landscaped walking paths, shaded seating areas, and dog waste stations make it easy to enjoy a day by the shore.

Location: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Alder Lane Beach Access

This peaceful stretch of sand features restrooms, outdoor showers, and metered parking. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and the friendly locals make it a great spot for pups and their pawrents.

Location: 2 Woodward Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Hilton Head beach rules for dogs

Here’s what you need to know before visiting a dog-friendly beach in Hilton Head:

1 October - 31 March: Pups allowed on the beach any time if leashed or under voice control.
1 April - Thursday before Memorial Day: Dogs allowed on leash 10 am-5 pm. Outside of these hours, they’re allowed on leash or under voice control.
Friday before Memorial Day - Labor Day: No dogs allowed 10 am-5 pm. Leashed or voice-controlled pups are welcome outside those hours.
Tuesday after Labor Day - 30 September: Dogs allowed on leash 10 am-5 pm. Outside of these hours, they’re allowed on leash or under voice control.

Prohibited areas:

Dogs are never allowed in areas marked with “Animal Prohibited Area” signs.

Other important rules:

Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
Service dogs are welcome but must follow leash and control regulations.
Violations can result in fines or removal by authorities.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Hilton Head

Other dog-friendly places on Hilton Head Island

There are plenty of parks, preserves, and adventures to be had on land and sea in Hilton Head – and many of the best can be shared with a four-legged friend! Here are some of our favorite activities to enjoy with a pooch pal on Hilton Head Island.

Chaplin Best Friends Dog Park

Found at the back of Chaplin Community Park, this is Hilton Head’s only official dog park – and it’s a great one! The double-gated entrance keeps pups safe, while separate fenced areas let large and small dogs play freely. There’s plenty of shade, fresh water, and free parking close by.

Location: 625-637 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Stretch your legs and take in over 600 acres of natural Lowcountry beauty. Pop Fido on the leash and follow the wooden boardwalks over swamplands teeming with turtles, alligators, and native birds.

Opening hours: Daily, 8 am-7 pm

Location: Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Audubon Newhall Preserve

Four-legged furries are allowed to explore the trails of this peaceful 50-acre preserve on a leash. The main route is less than a mile long, and signs along the way help you identify plants and wildlife.

Opening hours: Daily, 7 am-7 pm

Location: 55 Palmetto Bay Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Vagabond Cruise

Why not take to the water with your furry friend? Leashed pups are welcome aboard Ocean Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, and the 9 am Daufuskie Island Ferry! Keep an eye out for dolphins and pelicans as you enjoy the sea breeze together.

Office opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8 am-5 pm, closed Sundays

Location: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Jarvis Creek Park

Stroll around the lake in this 53-acre park with Fido on the leash – you might spot gators floating in the water or herons wading nearby.

Location: 100 Jarvis Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head

Tips for pet parents in Hilton Head

Familiarize yourself with the rules for dog-friendly beaches. Hilton Head’s dog beach rules change by season – they’re clearly posted at most beach entrances.
Bring fresh water. The island’s warm, humid climate can dehydrate pups quickly, especially on sunny days. Many parks have water fountains, but not all have pet-accessible spouts, so it’s best to pack your own bowl and bottle.
Plan ahead for trips away. Hilton Head might be wonderfully pet-friendly, but there are some trips Fido can’t go on. With TrustedHousesitters, you can find verified in-home sitters who’ll care for your pets like their own – click below to learn more.

Connecting with pet sitters in Hilton Head

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Hilton Head

Watch for wildlife on trails and in parks. Hilton Head is home to alligators, turtles, and nesting shorebirds. Keep your furry friend leashed and steer clear of lagoon edges or marshy areas, especially at dusk and dawn when gators are more active.
Plan ahead for dog-friendly dining. Many Hilton Head restaurants welcome pups on their patios, but it’s always smart to call ahead!
Explore Hilton Head through house sitting. Dreaming of warm sands and sunny days in Hilton Head? House sitting is a meaningful (and affordable!) way to experience the island like a local. Click below to discover how to start your house sitting adventure.

House sitting in Hilton Head