Dog-Friendly Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Waterfront patios, marsh views, and easy access to one of the Grand Strand’s best dog-friendly state parks make Murrells Inlet a strong coastal getaway for travelers with dogs.
Murrells Inlet, SC
Best dog-friendly stays
Reliable chain stay near the MarshWalk area that welcomes up to two pets up to 75 lbs.
Pet-friendly hotel off Highway 17 Bypass with quick access to Garden City Beach and Murrells Inlet dining.
Oceanfront option in the Murrells Inlet area that allows one pet in designated rooms.
Where to eat with your dog
A MarshWalk staple with outdoor seating, live music, and a famously dog-loving vibe.
Large waterfront deck and beer garden atmosphere on the MarshWalk.
Casual waterfront dining with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the inlet.
Best outings
Leashed dogs are welcome year-round and allowed on the south end of the beach.
Half-mile waterfront boardwalk that’s easy for leashed strolls and patio hopping.
Scenic waterfront stop for a short walk, views, and access to the Lost at Sea Memorial.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Murrells Inlet
Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet Myrtle Beach Area
Well-located hotel near the MarshWalk and Garden City area with grassy relief areas for pets.
512 Courtfield Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteCountry Inn & Suites by Radisson, Murrells Inlet, SC
Convenient pet-friendly base off Highway 17 Bypass for beach days and MarshWalk dinners.
1303-A Tadlock Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteGarden City Inn
Simple oceanfront stay in the Murrells Inlet/Garden City area with direct beach access and designated pet-friendly rooms.
1120 North Waccamaw Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteVRBO Murrells Inlet
Vacation rental option for travelers who want more space, fenced yards, or multi-bedroom layouts.
Pet-Friendly Airbnb Rentals
Useful for longer stays or travelers who want kitchens, porches, and neighborhood access near the inlet.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Murrells Inlet
Dead Dog Saloon
Family-friendly MarshWalk favorite serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating and a very dog-centric local reputation.
4079 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteDrunken Jack's Restaurant & Lounge
Long-running MarshWalk seafood spot with inlet views and outdoor seating that works well for a sunset meal with your dog.
4031 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteThe Claw House
New England-style lobster house with a large outdoor deck and beer garden feel on the MarshWalk.
4097 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteCreek Ratz
Relaxed MarshWalk restaurant with seafood, sandwiches, pizza, and broad outdoor seating overlooking the water.
4065 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteBovine's
Wood-fired steaks, seafood, and brick-oven pizza served right off the MarshWalk with waterfront seating.
3979 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteThe Wicked Tuna
Popular MarshWalk destination for seafood, sushi, cocktails, and one of the best marsh views in town.
4123 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Activities & Parks in Murrells Inlet
Huntington Beach State Park
Top local pick for dog travelers thanks to beach access, birding, marsh scenery, and year-round pet access on designated sections.
16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteMurrells Inlet MarshWalk
Half-mile wooden boardwalk along the estuary that’s ideal for leashed walks, photo stops, and patio hopping.
4025 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteMorse Park Landing
Small scenic waterfront stop with benches, views, and the Lost at Sea Memorial nearby.
4939 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Lost at Sea Memorial at Morse Park Landing
A quiet stop for a short walk and marsh views, especially good if you want a lower-key outing than the busier MarshWalk.
US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visit WebsiteGarden City public beach access area
Nearby beach access option for sunrise and shoulder-season walks, with local rules and seasonal restrictions to check before you go.
Garden City Beach area, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Murrells Inlet
This plan keeps drive times short and leans into the area’s best waterfront walks and patio dining.
Day 1: Arrival and MarshWalk evening
Arrive and check into a pet-friendly stay like Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet Myrtle Beach Area or Garden City Inn. Let your dog settle in, then take a short neighborhood walk.
Head to Morse Park Landing for a low-key waterfront stroll and photos at the Lost at Sea Memorial before the dinner crowds build.
Walk the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk at sunset, then grab an outdoor table at Dead Dog Saloon, Creek Ratz, or The Claw House.
Day 2: Beach and state park day
Start early at Huntington Beach State Park and stick to the south end of the beach where leashed dogs are allowed.
After a rest break, return to the MarshWalk area for lunch on a patio and browse the waterfront at an easy pace.
Book an outdoor dinner at Drunken Jack's or The Wicked Tuna and finish with another leashed boardwalk stroll.
Day 3: Slow morning before departure
Enjoy coffee and a final walk near the inlet or Garden City area before checkout.
If time allows, make one more stop at Huntington Beach State Park or the MarshWalk for a final scenic break.
Depart Murrells Inlet with a tired dog and a camera roll full of marsh sunsets.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Myrtle Beach, SC
About 15 milesA bigger beach base with more hotels, pet services, and dining options.
Pawleys Island, SC
About 10 milesQuieter coastal escape with beaches, marsh scenery, and a laid-back Lowcountry feel.
Georgetown, SC
About 20 milesHistoric waterfront town with harbor walks and a more old-coastal-Carolina atmosphere.
Surfside Beach, SC
About 8 milesConvenient beach town just north of Murrells Inlet with easy access to the Grand Strand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murrells Inlet good for dogs?
Yes. Murrells Inlet is one of the better dog-friendly bases on South Carolina’s Grand Strand thanks to the MarshWalk, multiple patio restaurants, and nearby Huntington Beach State Park.
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Murrells Inlet?
At Huntington Beach State Park, leashed dogs are allowed year-round on the south end of the beach. For other nearby beach areas such as Garden City, check current local rules before you go because seasonal restrictions may apply.
What part of Murrells Inlet is best to stay in with a dog?
Most travelers with dogs do well near the MarshWalk or in the Garden City side of Murrells Inlet, where you’ll have easier access to patios, waterfront walks, and quick drives to Huntington Beach State Park.
Do Murrells Inlet restaurants allow dogs?
Many do in outdoor seating areas, especially along the MarshWalk. Policies can vary by restaurant and season, so it’s smart to call ahead if you want to confirm patio seating with a dog.
Is there an off-leash dog beach in Murrells Inlet?
No official off-leash beach stands out in Murrells Inlet itself. Huntington Beach State Park is dog-friendly, but dogs must stay leashed and are limited to the south end of the beach.
Ready to plan more dog-friendly coastal trips?
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