Yes. Dogs are allowed on Myrtle Beach year-round, on a leash 7 feet or shorter. From May 1 through Labor Day, only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The rest of the year, any time of day.

That is the City of Myrtle Beach rule, and it covers the beach right outside Ocean Park. The boardwalk and Myrtle Beach State Park each have their own version, so here is all of it in one place, checked against the city and state park sources in September 2026.

Myrtle Beach dog rules at a glance

The rules that never change with the season

• Leash, always. Seven feet or shorter on the city beach and boardwalk, every day of the year.
• Pick up after your dog. The city requires you to pick up and properly dispose of droppings. Pack more bags than you think you need.
• Service dogs are excluded from the seasonal time restrictions.
• It is enforced. Violations are misdemeanors, with a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail on conviction.

Visiting between May and Labor Day

Summer gives you two dog windows a day on the city beach: the morning, up to 10 a.m., and the evening, from 5 p.m. Those happen to be the kindest hours for your dog anyway. Midday sand in July gets hot on paws, and the beach is at its busiest.

If you want the boardwalk too, go early. Dogs are allowed there only from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. in season, so a sunrise boardwalk walk followed by a morning on the sand fits both windows.

Visiting after Labor Day

From the day after Labor Day through April 30, the time limits come off. Your dog can be on the beach and the boardwalk at any hour, and only the leash and cleanup rules still apply. Fall, winter and early spring are the easiest seasons to plan a beach trip around your dog.

Myrtle Beach State Park is a little stricter

The state park is just south of Ocean Park on the south end of Myrtle Beach, and it is a good change of scene for a dog. Two differences from the city beach:

• Pets are not allowed on the park’s beaches from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, May 1 through Labor Day.
• The leash limit is 6 feet everywhere in the park, and pets are not allowed in the cabins or cabin areas.

A standard 6-foot leash is legal in both places, so that is the one to pack.

Heading to North Myrtle Beach?

North Myrtle Beach is a separate city with its own beach ordinances, and its summer dates and hours are not the same as Myrtle Beach’s. Check the City of North Myrtle Beach beach laws before you take your dog up that way.

Where to stay with your dog

Ocean Park Resort is oceanfront on the south end of Myrtle Beach, so your beach windows start at the back of the resort. We welcome dogs in select pet-friendly rooms on designated floors:

• Dogs only, up to two per room, each 40 lbs or under
• $25 per day, per dog, capped at $250 per dog per month
• Advance notice is required, and breed restrictions apply
• Dogs stay leashed in public areas and are not permitted in pool areas

Read the full pet policy before you book, including the restricted breeds, then see our dog-friendly rentals, find more dog-friendly things to do in Myrtle Beach, or check dates.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed on Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on the beach in the City of Myrtle Beach year-round, on a leash 7 feet or shorter. From May 1 through Labor Day they are allowed only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. From the day after Labor Day through April 30 they are allowed any time of day.

What time can dogs be on Myrtle Beach in the summer?

From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. On the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk the summer window is 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Do dogs have to be on a leash on Myrtle Beach?

Yes, at all times of year. The leash must be 7 feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s droppings.

Is Myrtle Beach State Park different?

Yes. Pets are not allowed on the state park beaches from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, May 1 through Labor Day, and the leash limit throughout the park is 6 feet. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or cabin areas.

Do the time rules apply to service dogs?

No. The City of Myrtle Beach excludes service dogs from its seasonal dog restrictions.

What happens if you break the dog rules?

Violations of the City of Myrtle Beach ordinances are misdemeanors, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail upon conviction.

Rules verified September 2026 against the City of Myrtle Beach beach laws and South Carolina State Parks. Ordinances can change. Posted signs at beach accesses are the final word.