Want to bring your dog on vacation to Hilton Head? Here’s a guide to leash laws
Want to take your furry friend out to the beach with you?
Make sure you keep in mind the rules and regulations for different beaches on Hilton Head and the surrounding area.
According to Hilton Head’s municipal code, no dogs or other animals are allowed on the beach without a leash between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from April 1st to Memorial Day weekend and any day after Labor Day weekend through Sept. 30.
Dogs are allowed on the beaches if they are on a leash and under positive voice control (meaning that your pet will respond to your commands) between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
For most Hilton Head Island beaches, dogs are allowed anytime from Oct. 1 to March 31 if they are on leashes, according to Hilton Head Island Beach Patrol.
But different beaches have a few exceptions to this rule. Here are the regulations for some of the most popular beaches in the Hilton Head area.
Leash rules in Hilton Head area
Coligny Beach Park
From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
From April 1 to Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Dogs must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
Burkes Beach
- From April 1 to September 30: Dogs are allowed on the beaches if they are on a leash and under positive voice control between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Folly Field Beach
- From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- From April 1 to Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Fish Haul Beach Park
- From the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Port Royal Beach
- From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- From April 1 to Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Singleton Beach
- From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- From April 1 to Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
South Beach
- From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: Dogs are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- From April 1 to Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
What happens if I don’t follow these regulations?
If these rules are violated, you risk being charged with a misdemeanor and the animal being seized by the appropriate animal control officer or law enforcement officer.
In addition, violators are subject to either fines or court costs upward of $1,000 per offense.
Are there any other laws or rules for taking my dog on the beach?
It is the responsibility of the pet owner to clean up any excrement from your animal and to dispose of it in a sanitary manner. The Hilton Head Beach Patrol has disposal bags for animal excrement located at many beach signs.
If your dog wants to go swimming, it is not allowed between April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend and from the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend through September 30. Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming areas unless on a leash and walking through the area between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The only exception to this rule is for seeing-eye dogs, which are allowed in the water when helping their owners.
In addition, it is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
For additional information about dog laws on Hilton Head Island Beaches, visit the Town of Hilton Head Island information page or refer to the Audubon Reserve page for a list of all the dog rules for beaches throughout the state.
This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
