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Charleston is a charming and picturesque historic town located in South Carolina, filled with a variety of dog-friendly experiences. I enjoy taking my corgi, Kuma, when I travel, so I was happy to discover plenty of places to bring my dog. Here are some fun dog-friendly things to do and places to eat that we enjoyed in this charming area.

Corgi staring at owner's breakfast while sitting on the couch

DOG-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON

Poogan’s Porch

This super dog-friendly restaurant boasts a covered outdoor area situated at the back of the establishment. The staff loves pets and warmly welcomed Kuma, offering her a big bowl of fresh water. Both the service and food are excellent, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Adding to its charm, the restaurant is housed in a quaint historical home, which adds to the overall ambiance.

An interesting tidbit about Poogan’s Porch: this charming eatery is named after a beloved neighborhood dog named Poogan, whose favorite spot was the porch of this home. When the restaurant opened its doors, he took on the role of guardian and would warmly greet the very first guests.

Entrance to Poogan’s Porch in Charleston — Entrance to Poogan’s Porch

Crystal looking down at Kuma at the outdoor area of the restaurant — Outdoor dog-friendly area in the back of the restaurant

Historic Walking Tour with Bulldog Tours

There were a couple of tours we were able to do with Kuma and I decided to go with Bulldog Tours since it had a ton of great reviews. It was a two-hour walking tour and there were about 20-30 people in the group. Our tour guide led us to some of the most iconic historical sites in Charleston, sharing fun facts and stories.

Kuma is a senior dog, so I took her in the dog stroller to ensure that she would not have to walk too much during our outing. I’m really glad I made that decision, because there is definitely lots of walking involved on this particular tour. In addition, I should have also attached a portable fan to the stroller, as it was quite hot on this day in May.

If you are looking to try another dog-friendly tour or simply want to avoid walking, the carriage tour is another excellent option that often comes highly recommended and is considered the top-rated tour to experience in Charleston. In hindsight, I wish we would have chosen to do this tour instead, given how much more comfortable it would have been.

French Quarter, Charleston, South Carolina

Corgi enjoying her stroller time on the walking tour — Kuma enjoying her stroller time on the walking tour

Dog in a stroller in French Quarter, Charleston — Kuma thanking Candy for the ride

The Powder Magazine

The Power Magazine was such a fun little dog-friendly museum that I truly enjoyed during my visit, as the staff here was remarkably friendly and informative. Even though it’s a small museum in size, they offer a wide variety of entertaining interactive activities and engaging games that significantly enhance the overall experience for visitors. They make learning about the history of the building and the city of Charleston so much more enjoyable and intriguing.

I can’t express enough how lovely and accommodating the staff was during my time there. I absolutely love it when the staff members are genuinely passionate about explaining the rich history of their city to visitors.

This rifle was a lot heavier than we thought

Exploring the Powder Magazine museum with Kuma

Fun interactive activities at the Power Magazine museum

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

One of the most iconic attractions to see in Charleston is the Pineapple Fountain, which is prominently located at Joe Riley Waterfront Park. This entire park is a beautifully designed area that features lush gardens, well-maintained pathways, and lovely benches that sit invitingly beneath a rich canopy of trees. Additionally, since the park is situated along the east side of the downtown district, it provides a stunning view of the Charleston Harbour.

If you consider yourself an early bird, be sure not to miss the sunrise at the Waterfront Park Pier. I just happened to be taking my dog for a walk early one morning when I noticed the pink and orange hues lighting up the sky towards the harbor. I started strolling in that direction and I’m so glad I did because the sunrise was truly gorgeous as it illuminated the water. The pier also features several swinging benches, allowing visitors to sit down, unwind, and fully take in the serene and tranquil surroundings.

The iconic Pineapple Fountain in Charleston — The iconic Pineapple Fountain

Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Rainbow Row

Another iconic site to see in the French Quarter of Charleston is Rainbow Row, the charming row of pastel-colored houses that line East Bay Street, situated just north of Tradd Street. It’s considered one of the most photographed sites in the United States, so of course, I had to seize the opportunity to get a memorable picture with Kuma in this picturesque location.

It truly is a stunningly beautiful section of the French Quarter that captures the essence of the area. Most of these historic homes were built between 1720 and 1750 and have remarkably remained intact, showcasing their enduring design and ability to weather the test of time gracefully.

Woman and corgi strolling along Rainbow Row — Strolling along Rainbow Row

The Pink House

This site may not be as renowned as the iconic Rainbow Row, but it holds considerable significance as it proudly stands as the oldest house in the entire historic district of Charleston, having been constructed in the early 1700s. Throughout the years, this house has been used for various purposes, including as a tavern and brothel, a law office, a private residence, and even an art gallery.

We were told by our tour guide that the lantern located next to the door is indeed the original one, adding to its historical value and charm. In any case, it provides an ideal spot for visitors to check out with their dog and take some lovely photos.

Posing in front of the historic Pink HOuse — The historic Pink HOuse

Standing in front of the Pink House for pictures — Took many pics here with Kuma

DOG-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS IN CHARLESTON

We stayed at the Palmetto Hotel, which is located in the heart of French Quarter, Charleston’s historic district where many of the famous attractions are located. We were within walking distance to almost everything we had on our itinerary. Hotel Emeline was another hotel we were looking to stay at with similar prices and amenities.

Expect to pay premium prices if you want to stay in the French Quarter, as this area is particularly sought after by tourists. Additionally, if you happen to have a car, be prepared for hefty valet parking fees, which caught us by surprise when we found out that we had to pay an astonishing $70 per night for this service.

If you are looking to save a little more money on accommodations, Downtown Charleston is situated about a mile to the north, where you may find more budget-friendly options. One notable choice is Hotel Bennett, which is a dog-friendly hotel that has received excellent reviews from past guests, making it a worthwhile option to consider for your visit.

Corgi enjoying the view from our hotel room — Kuma enjoying the view from our hotel room

Corgi eyeing breakfast on the table — Kuma is ready for breakfast too

We sincerely hope you found this dog-friendly guide helpful and informative, and we wish you an amazing and enjoyable time exploring the charming city of Charleston alongside your beloved pup! For additional things to do in Charleston that aren’t necessarily dog-friendly, we encourage you to check out our detailed 3-Day Itinerary for more suggestions and activities to enhance your visit.