Pet-Friendly Vacationing on HHI

Pet Friendly Hilton Head Island 

 “Red Rover, Red Rover” all you pet owners it’s time for you to come on over to pet-friendly vacationing in Hilton Head. Sure the area is known for its beautiful beaches, year-round good weather, amazing wildlife, and award-winning restaurants, but it’s also a “Furry Murray” friendly destination. Here are ten Fito-inspired reasons to bring your pooch to the Lowcountry party.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Whether you are looking to fetch a resort (like the Sonesta Resort in Shipyard), a rental with a waterfront view, or an Airbnb, you can find several pet-friendly accommodations. Of course, Beachside Getaway has a wide range of pet-friendly options so be sure to check them out.  

Outdoor Dining

Hilton Head just won the lottery with The Bank, an upscale food court with six eateries, three bars, live music, and 55,000 square feet of exterior space for your pet to play. There is also Up the Creek Pub and Grill which has a waterfront view. And then there is The Salty Dog. This Hilton Head staple has been here for years and has a designated space for dogs to play and eat with their owners.

Groomers 

If your pet needs a little pampering, there are tons of reputable groomers. Some that come highly recommended include Red Rover, Isle of Paws, Evergreen, and All About Pets.

Pet Stores 

Speaking of All About Pets, this is also a store and a great place to find both basic and bougie pet supplies. Pet Wants is just over the bridge and is another great place for pooch presents and staples.

Beaches

Everyone knows dogs love beaches. (Note: We have pet ferrets, bunnies and a pig that also love beaching-it.) Though dogs are not permitted on the Hilton Head beaches between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, there’s still ample time to go out to the beach and toss a nasty old tennis ball, have your pet almost go potty on an unsuspecting sunbather or roll around in some dead washed up sea creature.

Endless Bike Trails 

Hilton Head is comprised of several gated communities with seemingly endless bike trails that are shaded with old oak trees and every dog’s favorite love-hate rodent: squirrels.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve 

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has so many trails you could really spend a day walking and picnicking with your pet. Just be mindful of alligators.

Dog Parks 

There are several dog-friendly parks around the area. Mid-Island is Chaplin Best Friends Dog Park. On the southend you will find the Compass Rose Park. And just over the Cross Island Connector is Jarvis Creek Park, which also has an outdoor athletic course for those of you with agile four-legged friends.

Boating 

Second best to the beach, most dogs love a day of looking over the bow of a boat and slobbering in the breeze (especially if you remember to bring a collapsible water bowl). You can rent a boat and explore the waterway, taking swim breaks on sandbars and pet-friendly restaurants on the water like Hudson’s Seafood.

Outdoor Shopping 

Sometimes it does not have to all about your pet — you can make things about you, too, and he will still want to get on the sofa and cuddle with you tonight. Grab a leash or stroller and take a shopping excursion in one Hilton Head walking malls. Coligny Plaza has 60 specialty shops and restaurants offering something for everyone. With nearly 300,000 square feet of retail space, Shelter Cove Towne Centre is quite extensive and also includes an outdoor space to let your dawg do her thang. At Sea Pines Center, you find small boutiques for both men and women and there is plenty of outdoor dining options. And the Village at Wexford offers an eclectic mix of more than 30 award-winning merchants.

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