Need something fun to do with your dog this Fall/Winter?

If you've lived in the Charleston area for long, you probably won't be surprised to find out that it is one of the most pet-friendly towns in the country. With tons of dog-friendly restaurants, shops, parks, and beaches there are many things to see and do with your dog.

In this article we will look at eight ideas for outings with your pup. It's always great to take your dog out and explore our beautiful city so they can get lots of mental stimulation with all the different sights, smells, and sounds. And, who knows, you might even learn something new. Whether you recently moved to Charleston or you've lived here your whole life there is always something new to discover.

1. James Island County Park

This park covers 4 acres and has beaches and miles of walking trails so your pup can get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The dog park is off-leash so make sure your dog behaves well around other dogs if visiting. If your dog likes water, they can splash around or swim in the lake. If your dog prefers to be left alone, I would recommend walking them on the trails around the park where you can keep them safe and on-leash.

Note: admission is $2 per person unless you are a season pass holder.

2. Charles Towne Landing

This historic site which sits along the Ashley River is where english settlers landed in 1670 and is the birthplace of colonial history in Charleston. With 80 acres of gardens and a live oak alley, there will be plenty of ground to cover and lots of sniffing opportunities for your dog.

Leashed dogs are allowed in most areas with the exception of the Animal Forest. Note: leashes must be no longer than 6 feet.

3. Dog-Friendly Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park runs along the Cooper River in the Park Circle area of North Charleston and is also home to the Charleston Naval Base Memorial. There are plenty of walking paths and a gorgeous brand new bridge to explore while you watch the ships float by in the river. Bring a picnic lunch for you and your furry friend to enjoy while relaxing in the park.

Be sure to check out one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in Park Circle once you're done exploring.

View their Facebook page for information on events.

4. Angel Oak Tree

Angel Oak Park is located on Johns Island and is home to the one of the largest and oldest live oak trees in the Southeast. The Angel Oak is estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old and stands 65 feet high with a circumference of 25.5 feet. It is truly a sight to behold!

Leashed dogs are allowed in all designated areas including the picnic area.

5. Dog-Friendly Sullivan's Island

Does your dog love water and swimming? If so, Charleston has many local beaches that are super dog-friendly. My favorite is Sullivan's Island Beach but you can also check out Isle of Palms (IOP), Folly Beach, and Kiawah to name a few.

Each beach has there own rules for dogs. There are certain times they are allowed on the beaches as well as certain times they are allowed to be off-leash so be sure to check before you venture out to ensure your dog will be able to join you.

Summer hours for dogs on Sullivan's Island Beach run from May 1 through September 30 and during that time dogs can be off leash from 5 am to 10 am and on leash from 6 pm to 5 am. No dogs are permitted on the beach between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm during the Summer. Parking is free on all of Sullivan's Island.

Winter hours for dogs on the beach run from October 1 through April 30 and during that time dogs can be off leash from 5 am - 12 noon and on leash from 12 noon to 5 am.

Be sure to check out one of the many dog-friendly restaurants while you're there too!

*Note: Sullivan's Island requires that you purchase a dog license from the Town Hall, which is $50/year at the time of this post

6. Wannamaker Park

Wannamaker Park in North Charleston covers over 1000 acres and offers 2 miles of paved walking trails, 2 1/2 miles of nature trails, a large fenced in dog park, as well as the Splash Paw water sprinkler area for your dog to cool off in. They also have a separate park for smaller dogs under 25 lbs.

Note: admission is $2 per person unless you are a season pass holder.

Photo credit: SeamonWhiteside

7. Daniel Island

Daniel Island is a 4000 acre island located between the Cooper and Wando rivers and is very dog-friendly. You can explore the town and walk along the water on the many trails with your pup. There are quite a few dog-friendly restaurants on the island to grab a bite to eat before or after your excursion.

8. Dog-Friendly Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Selected as one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, founded in 1676, is located in West Ashley along the Ashley River and it is the oldest public garden in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870.

Go explore the beautiful serene gardens at Magnolia Plantation with your dog as they are very dog-friendly. Just be sure to keep your dog on leash and keep an eye out for the wildlife.

Photo credit: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Bonuses

Crowfield Walking Trails in Goose Creek

Sunday Brunch at DIG in the Park

Daniel Island Grill (DIG) in Park Circle is a great place to take your dogs for Sunday Brunch! They have a huge patio outside where you and your furry friends can enjoy the sights and they'll be sure to bring your dogs a nice bowl of water.

We hope this gives you some ideas of fun things to do with your dog in our pet-friendly city. Let us know below if you try one of these locations or if you have other suggestions for dog-friendly places in and around Charleston. Happy exploring!