Top dog parks in the Lowcountry
Unleash the adventure
Photography by Katie Bradham
Exploring the Lowcountry with your furry friend can be a delightful adventure, especially when you know the best spots where your dog can roam free and socialize. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these dog parks offer a unique blend of scenic beauty, excellent facilities and nearby dog-friendly attractions. Here’s a guide to the best dog parks in the region that both you and your canine companion will love — because, let’s face it, your dog deserves a vacation, too.
Bluffton Dog Park
Oscar Frazier Park, 77 Schults Road, Bluffton
This spacious park features three separate areas for small, large and senior dogs, ensuring that every pup — from the tiniest chihuahua to dogs with distinguished gray muzzles — has a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s well shaded, offering plenty of trees to keep your dog cool on hot days (and plenty of spots for those all-important sniffing sessions). Additionally, there are agility obstacles for the more athletic canines and plenty of benches for owners to relax (or pretend to be active) while their dogs play.
Make a day of it: After a fun day at the park, head over to The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room. With a full dog menu, outdoor seating and a prime location in Old Town, it’s a top spot for dog owners. Once you’ve both enjoyed a delicious meal, walk it off with a leisurely stroll down Calhoun Street to Wright Family Park, where you can take in the beautiful views of the May River.
Best Friends Dog Park
Chaplin Community Park, Hilton Head Island
Located off William Hilton Parkway between Burkes Beach Road and Singleton Beach Road, this well-maintained park has a large, open space for dogs to run and play (or show off their zoomies). It features water fountains for both dogs and humans, waste stations and plenty of shaded seating areas. The park’s proximity to Burkes Beach is a bonus, making it an ideal spot for a quick swim before or after playtime. Just be prepared for that post-swim, wet-dog smell.
Make a day of it: After all the fun at the dog park and beach, grab a bite to eat at one of Hilton Head’s many pet-friendly restaurant patios. Many offer shade, water bowls and treats, making your dog feel like a VIP (Very Important Pup). Popular choices for hungry pet owners include Skull Creek Boathouse, Dockside, Fish Camp, Black Marlin, Coast, The G-Free Spot and The Sandbar Beach Eats. Your dog will love the attention, and you’ll love the delicious food.
Burton Wells Dog Park
Burton Wells Park, 118 Burton Wells Road, Beaufort
This dog park offers a serene environment with ample space for dogs to explore and enjoy. With separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations to keep your furry friend hydrated and shaded seating areas for those needed breaks, it’s a perfect spot for dogs of all sizes. The surrounding park’s trails provide the perfect opportunity for a scenic post-play walk, ideal for stretching out both canine and human legs.
Make a day of it: After all the fun at the dog park, head to Waterfront Park to enjoy a meal at one of the pet-friendly restaurants along the river. Popular spots like Plums, Saltus River Grill, Panini’s On The Waterfront, Hemingway’s Bistro and Luther’s Rare & Well Done offer welcoming outdoor seating for you and your dog. Following your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the marina and Bay Street, where you can admire the beautiful historic homes, many of which pre-date the Civil War.
Southside Park
Southside Park Loop, Beaufort
Southside Park is a dog’s paradise with large, grassy areas where dogs can run freely and burn off all that excess energy. It also features agility equipment for the more adventurous pups and plenty of shaded areas for cooling off (or napping). As part of a larger recreational area, the park provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for both pets and their owners.
Make a day of it: After having fun at the park, take your dog for a scenic walk along the beautiful Spanish Moss Trail nearby. Outside Magazine ranked it among the top 10 urban walking trails in the United States, rubbing shoulders with trails in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Chicago. This 10-mile paved path follows the former Magnolia Rail Line through the best of South Carolina’s Lowcountry landscapes.
Hardeeville Dog Park
2293 Main St., Hardeeville
This new dog park at the Richard Gray Sports Complex offers a clean and secure environment with plenty of open space for your dog to run wild. The park includes separate sections for small and large dogs, water stations and benches for those much-needed breaks. During the warmer months it’s best to visit the park early in the morning or later in the day, as shade is limited, unless your pups enjoy working on their tan.
Make a day of it: After having fun at the dog park, take your pup on a road trip to nearby Savannah. Dogs weighing 25 pounds or less are welcome on Old Savannah Tours trolleys, giving your dog a chance to be a true tourist. For a more immersive experience, book Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour to explore the city in a dog-centric way. Your dog will love the adventure, and you’ll get to see Savannah from a four-legged perspective.
