Paws in Paradise Area Guide
What’s Inside
Overview
A quick map of everything in this area guide.
Our Host & Home “Paws in Paradise” Area Guide connects your whole family, four-legged members included, with the island’s best parks, beaches, dining, experiences, and pet-friendly stays. Host & Home handles every detail before you arrive, offering a higher standard of care and a better way to stay on Hilton Head Island.
The Quick Answer
Hilton Head Island makes it easy to bring the whole pack. Let your pup run off-leash at Chaplin Community Park’s fenced Best Friends Dog Park, then walk five minutes to Burkes Beach for a swim, or take a sunset table on Top Dawg Tavern’s covered patio at Shelter Cove, where well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
Inside This Guide · Jump to a section
Pet-Friendly Stays · Book Direct
Proudly Hosting Your Pups
Host & Home proudly welcomes dogs in our designated pet-friendly homes, so the whole family can share the island together. Every pet stay comes with a guaranteed pet care package, complete with a tennis ball, a frisbee, and dog waste bags for walks and time at the beach. Bringing your pup is just a small additional charge of $300 per stay.
Parks
Explore
The best parks to explore with your dog during your stay.
01Jarvis Creek Park
Surrounded by lush greenery and the quiet beauty of the Lowcountry, Jarvis Creek Park is an easy escape for families exploring the island with their four-legged companions. The 53-acre park wraps about a mile of paved, shaded path around Lake Liggett, perfect for a leisurely stroll while you watch for herons, turtles, and other local wildlife. A playground, a fishing dock, and picnic pavilions give the kids plenty to enjoy, and parking is free. Gates open at 6 a.m., so it’s a refreshing morning walk before the beach.
02Chaplin Park Dog Park
Give your four-legged companion a vacation adventure of their own at Chaplin Community Park’s Best Friends Dog Park, the island’s only public dog park. Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs let pups run freely, make new friends, and burn off energy, while shaded seating and water fountains keep pet parents comfortable. When it’s time to cool off, Burkes Beach is about a five-minute walk away. Entry is free, and the park opens daily at 6 a.m.
03Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Inside the Sea Pines community, Sea Pines Forest Preserve opens up 605 acres of protected Lowcountry wilderness for families and their four-legged companions. About eight miles of winding trails and wooden boardwalks lead under towering pines to the Sea Pines Shell Ring, a Native American site roughly 4,000 years old. Bring your leashed pup, pack a picnic, and watch for wading birds, turtles, and alligators along the lakes. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset, and day visitors pay a $10 Sea Pines gate pass per car.
Pet Friendly Atmosphere · Island Favorites
Dining
A few pet-friendly local favorites for the whole family to enjoy. From beach bars and grills to outdoor dining local favorites.
Golden-hour patios, shared plates, and a spot under the table for your pup.
From a recent guest
“We were seated immediately with our pup and the staff was very accommodating. Ice water and a pup cup were offered to make our dogs visit extra special.”
The Sandbar Beach Eats
Just a short stroll from Coligny Beach, The Sandbar Beach Eats in Coligny Plaza pairs salt air with a dog-friendly outdoor patio where your pup can relax beside you. The menu brings fresh coastal flavors, from the house-favorite Cho Co Shrimp and chargrilled oysters to tacos and Southern classics. Stop in for happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. and stay for the live entertainment the restaurant hosts every night.
Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill
A beloved island favorite on Executive Park Road, Captain Woody’s sets steamed shrimp, oysters, and cold drinks out on a roomy patio where pups settle in by your side. The grouper sandwich comes four ways, from Buffalo to Reuben to The Melt, and a half dozen oysters runs $12. Friendly service and a lively neighborhood feel make it an easy table to gather around without leaving your furry family member behind.
Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria
Along the waterfront at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Top Dawg seats families and their dogs on a covered patio overlooking the boats. Pizzas, never-frozen Black Angus burgers, and fresh seafood fill the menu, while kids head to the Lil’ Dawg House playroom with its bubble machine and interactive gaming floor. Live acoustic music on the patio twice a week and $1 wings on Tuesdays give everyone a reason to linger.
Dog-Friendly Beach Walks · Island Favorites
Beaches
Families and their pups cherish Hilton Head Island’s coastal haven for its broad stretches of sun-drenched sand and calm, gentle Atlantic waters.
Cool sand, gentle surf, and a very happy pup.
Fish Haul Beach Park
Tucked away on the island’s quieter north end, Fish Haul Beach Park looks out over the calm water of Port Royal Sound, where low tide uncovers tidal pools and shell-covered sandbars. Spend the morning searching for seashells and spotting shorebirds with your pup by your side, then visit Mitchelville Freedom Park right next door. Dogs are welcome during permitted hours, but part of the shoreline near Fish Haul Creek is signed off-limits to protect nesting birds, so follow the posted markers.
Burkes Beach
Escape the crowds at Burkes Beach, a wide, quiet stretch of Atlantic sand with plenty of room for morning walks, splashes in the surf, and games of fetch. Park at Chaplin Community Park, let your pup run in the fenced dog park, then follow the five-minute path to the water. Seashells for the kids and a sunset stroll for everyone make it a favorite for families who want the quieter side of island life.
South Beach
At the southern tip of the island in Sea Pines, South Beach pairs soft sand and steady breezes with views of Calibogue Sound, where dolphins often feed just offshore. Walk the shoreline with your pup in the morning, then follow it to South Beach Marina Village for waterfront shops and the iconic Salty Dog Cafe. Its dining areas don’t allow dogs, so grab a Jake T-shirt and enjoy the marina view together before heading home.
Local Tip · Catch the Golden Hour
Plan your walk for sunrise, when golden hour lights up the shore and the sand is still cool underfoot, around 6:15 a.m. in midsummer and 7:30 a.m. in fall. From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs can be on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m., and from October through March any time of day. The tide here rises and falls about six feet and turns roughly every six hours, so check the tide chart: low tide leaves the widest, firmest sand for a long walk with your pup.
Select Experience
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Dog bakery and groomer at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Since 2007
Founded in Florida
Four Grooms
Full · Mini · Luxury · Classic
Shelter Cove
36 Shelter Cove Lane
Treats, Toys, and a Little Pampering
Every four-legged traveler deserves a little vacation treat, and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming at Shelter Cove is a must-visit for dog-loving families. The bakery case is stocked with oven-baked, all-natural dog cookies, treats, and birthday cakes, perfect for rewarding your furry companion after a day of island adventures. From playful toys and stylish accessories to raw and freeze-dried food and everyday essentials, there’s something for dogs of every size and personality. Whether you’re celebrating your pup’s birthday or picking up a vacation souvenir, every visit feels like a special occasion.
Grooming, Hours, and Nearby
After sandy beach walks, the grooming team can refresh your pup with a Full Groom, Mini Groom, Luxury Bath, or Classic Bath, all with natural products. “Dog In, Dog Out” appointments keep waiting short, so your furry companion comes back comfortable and camera-ready for the family vacation photos. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call 843-707-5335 to book. Afterward, walk across Shelter Cove to Top Dawg Tavern’s dog-friendly patio for lunch by the harbor.
Pet-Friendly Tip · Book Grooming Early
Consider scheduling grooming appointments ahead of your stay, especially during peak summer and holiday weeks, so your pup can enjoy a little extra pampering while you’re on the island. The shop is closed on Sundays.
Another Way to Vacation With Your Dog
Evergreen Pet Lodge
Boarding, daycare, and grooming at Evergreen Pet Lodge
40+ Years
Locally owned
Two Lodges
North End · South End
24/7 Care
Live-in attendant · On-site vet
A Local Favorite for 40+ Years
Because every member of the family deserves a memorable getaway, Evergreen Pet Lodge gives travelers a trusted way to bring their four-legged companions to the island, even when plans include a round of golf, a dinner reservation, or a stay that isn’t pet friendly. Locally owned for more than 40 years, Evergreen offers flexible overnight boarding and daycare for a single day out. Climate-controlled rooms and 14-foot indoor-outdoor runs keep every guest comfortable, with leisurely walks, interactive games, and splash sessions built into the day.
Suites, Playtime, and Peace of Mind
For pups who enjoy a little extra pampering, the Royal Suite adds plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, a nightly turndown with a treat, and VIP play-area access. A 24/7 live-in attendant and Plantation Animal Hospital on site at the north lodge on Dillon Road add peace of mind, with a second lodge at 25 Bow Circle on the south end. During office hours, you can visit and take your pup out for beach walks and island outings, then drop them back off freshly bathed or groomed.
Pet-Friendly Travel Tip · Reserve Ahead
Reserve boarding or daycare in advance, especially during holidays and peak vacation seasons. Dogs must have current Rabies, DHLP, and Bordetella vaccinations. Families can arrange visits and island outings during office hours, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Book Direct · No Platform Fees
Signature Pet-Friendly Stays
A few of the pet-friendly homes we recommend for an island vacation with your dog.
Popular Pick5 Osprey
Third row back in North Forest Beach, this home sits about a one-minute walk from the sand, so morning beach walks with your pup start at the front door. Out back, a private pool and spa share the deck with a thatched-roof tiki bar. Inside, a game room with a golf simulator, shuffleboard, foosball, and darts keeps everyone busy on rainy afternoons.
Popular Pick163 Mooring Buoy
Renovated in 2025 and just 0.1 miles from the beach, this gated Palmetto Dunes home pairs a private freeform pool with its own dock on the lagoon. Launch a kayak from the backyard, then walk your pup to the beach before breakfast. Every bedroom has its own bath, and two living rooms give everyone room to spread out.
10 Willow Oak
A golfer’s paradise awaits at this tranquil single level Sea Pines retreat, where a private heated pool, fire pit, and hot tub overlook stunning views of the 7th Green on the Ocean Course. This pet friendly home accommodates up to 10 guests across four en-suite bedrooms, with an expansive screened porch and backyard designed for both lively gatherings and quiet evenings.
542 Queen’s Grant
In the heart of the Queen’s Grant community within renowned Palmetto Dunes, this two-story, pet-friendly villa offers a spacious retreat for up to 6 guests just steps from the Queen’s Grant community pool. With a large outdoor patio, driving range views, and sandy beaches only 0.5 miles away, this home puts fine dining, marine adventures, golf, and racquet clubs all within easy reach.
49 Haul Away
Golf views, a private pool, and a game room stocked with shuffleboard set the tone at this newly decorated four bedroom home, tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac in Palmetto Dunes overlooking Robert Trent Jones #2. This pet friendly retreat blends Southern charm with modern comfort, giving guests plenty of ways to gather, whether that’s poolside, on the balcony, or in the open living space.
251 Stoney Creek
Wake up beneath moss-draped oaks just steps from Harbour Town Marina at this pet-friendly villa in the heart of Sea Pines Resort. Tucked into the quiet Stoney Creek community with tranquil lagoon views nearby, this retreat offers the rare combination of walkable access to Harbour Town’s dining, shops, and lighthouse alongside the privacy of a peaceful residential setting.
Looking for Something Else
Host & Home manages homes across Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach, Shipyard, Folly Field, Singleton Beach, and beyond, from cozy villas to oceanfront homes built for the whole family. Every pet-friendly home welcomes one dog up to 60 pounds, or two dogs up to 100 pounds combined for a one time fee of $300. Connect with our local team and find the stay that fits.
Ready to Book
Plan Your Next Stay
Host & Home offers a higher standard of stay: comfort, care, and craft; thoughtfully prepared for your arrival. Our team excels in providing high-end customer service and takes a proactive approach to ensure every detail is meticulously handled.
Drawing from hands-on experience in the 5-star hotel, real estate, and vacation rental industries, we’ve taken best practices to the next level, delivering a stay that feels effortless, local, and genuinely well cared for.
Everything Handled Before You Arrive
This is where a thoughtfully hosted stay makes the difference — more than just a place to sleep for the week. With Host & Home, the details are handled before you ever arrive: local support, a well-prepared home, and a Hilton Head experience that starts long before check-in.