Isle of Palms Dog Rules on Beach, SC | New Policies 2025
Ever wondered how to enjoy a beach day with your furry friend without breaking any rules? The Isle of Palms in South Carolina is a pet-friendly paradise, but it has specific dog regulations that every responsible pet owner should know.
This blog will guide you through the essential regulations, from leash laws to vaccination requirements, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Stay tuned to learn about off-leash hours, pet-friendly spots, and tips to avoid fines. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-prepared for a fun, stress-free beach outing with your canine companion.
Isle of Palms Dog Rules are easy to follow and ensure your pet’s safety. The Isle of Palms of South Carolina has a beautiful, clean beach with fantastic sunset views. Its facilities, like showers and restrooms, make it a favorite among people. This pet-friendly beach has easy public access.
IOP Dog Rules and Policies, South Carolina
- Isle of Palms allows dogs between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. from 1 April to 14 September. From 15 September to 31 March, they are permitted from 4 pm until 10 am. During these particular times, they can be off-leash.
- All the dogs that will visit here should be vaccinated. The owners must carry the vaccination certificate.
- IOP residents should get a dog permit from the Police Department. Dog permits are issued annually free of charge.
- Dogs must be on a leash and under voice commands other than the specified time.
- They must be under control all the time, even in the water.
- The dog parents must clean the excrement before leaving.
- Fires of all kinds are forbidden.
- Glass bottles are disallowed.
- Overnight sleeping on the beach is prohibited.
What to do in the Isle of Palms?
The Isle of Palms is a great spot for various activities, including walking, watching wildlife, biking, playing golf, or spending quality time with family.

(IOP) Isle of Palms Dog Beach, South Carolina
Isle of Palms Dog License
Every dog must have a metal license tag attached to its collar. The tag must include the name of the licensed veterinarian who gave the vaccine.
How to reach the Isle of Palms Beach
You can travel to the Isle of Palms by bus or taxi from Charleston. The bus takes almost 40 minutes, and the taxi takes around 20 minutes. While the cab is the fastest option, driving to the Isle of Palms is the cheapest option.

About Dog-Friendly Isle of Palms Beach
Isle of Palms is a beautiful place with 7 miles of pristine beach. It’s accessible through 57 public beach accessways, and a few rules and regulations exist to maintain its beauty.
The beach pier at Isle of Palms was one of the longest piers when it was constructed in 1953. The place was first opened as a resort in July of 1899. They also created a rail line that could carry passengers from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island. It is said the rail company carried 60000 visitors to the resorts in its first month after opening.
- Beach hours: 10 am to 6 pm.
- Parking: Seasonal parking passes are available for $60. The daily rate from Monday to Friday is $10. Saturday and Sunday charge $15. After 4 p.m., an hourly rate of $2 is charged.
- Things to do: Visit the Isle of Palms County Park, Barrier Island Ecotours, the South Carolina Aquarium, and Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens.
- Dog-friendly Restaurants: Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill, The Windjammer, Page’s Okra Grill, etc.
- Dog-friendly Hotels: Home2 Suites, Hotel Indigo
- Rentals: Isle of Palms Vacation Rental, Island Realty, Carroll Realty Inc., etc.
- Boarding and Daycare: Paws in Paradise, My Three Dogs, Hwy 17
- Address: Beach on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Read Folly Beach Dog Rules and Guidelines, South Carolina
Isle of Palms Beach Rules
- Please help them keep the beach clean. Do not throw garbage on the beach.
- Plastics, such as plastic containers, straws, cups, balloons, polystyrene, etc., are prohibited. Visitors are requested to use recyclable and reusable products.
- Smoking and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
- Motor vehicles are not allowed.
- Spending time overnight on the beach and storing beach equipment are not allowed.
- Sea turtles are an endangered species; therefore, it’s requested that you do not interfere with them.
- Fill the sand holes before leaving, as they harm sea turtles and humans.
- Protect the dunes. Also, do not make any open fire here.
Where is the Isle of Palms?
Isle of Palms is a city located in Charleston County, South Carolina.
How far is the Isle of Palms from Charleston?
Isle of Palms is 40 – 50 minutes (12 miles) from Charleston.
How far is the Isle of Palms from Myrtle Beach?
The Isle of Palms is 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes away from Myrtle Beach.
Does the Isle of Palms have a Public beach?
Isle of Palms doesn’t have public beaches. However, it has 57 public access paths.
How far is Folly Beach from the Isle of Palms?
The distance is around 1 hour between Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms.
Are dogs allowed on the ferry?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the ferry. They can stay in the ferry kennels.
Are dogs allowed on the Isle of Palms Beach?
Yes, IOP is a pet-friendly beach. Dogs are allowed here, but you must follow a few rules.
Does the Isle of Palms have a downtown?
Yes, the Isle of Palms has a downtown area. It is a popular place for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
Why is it called the Isle of Palms?
J.S. Lawrence, who purchased the island in 1899, renamed it the Isle of Palms from Long Island and Hunting Island.
What to do in the Isle of Palms?
You can relax on the pristine beach, go golfing, visit the IOP county park, eat delicious food, go on a scavenger hunt, etc.
Are there dolphins on the Isle of Palms?
Yes, dolphins can be seen floating on the water of the Isle of Palms frequently.
Does the Isle of Palms have a pier?
Yes, the Isle of Palms pier was built in 1953 and was one of the longest fishing piers in South Carolina. Today, this pier is privately owned and gated by Sea Cabins and Oceanside Villas.

Conclusion
The Isle of Palms is a great spot with stunning ocean views, a clean beach, and safe swimming areas watched by lifeguards. I enjoyed relaxing there with my dog, thanks to the friendly dog rules that made our visit easy and fun. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the beach with your furry friend in South Carolina!
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