
The South Carolina barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook set the tone for a dog-friendly vacation with tail-wagging adventures and tempting tasty treats for every day of your stay!
Bring your pooch to the islands and discover miles of dog-friendly beaches for beach walks and ocean play, nature preserves and wetlands for hiking and water activities, miles of trails to stroll and sniff, and pet-friendly outdoor patios at some of the area’s best restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
We love helping our guests plan their vacation and have compiled a list of the best dog-friendly places to eat in and around Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Charleston.
KIAWAH ISLAND
The Market at Town Center
The Market at Town Center in East Beach Village is the only grocery store within the gates of Kiawah Island and a favorite gathering place for locals and tourists alike. They serve the best breakfasts, casual lunches, and affordable dinners with pet-friendly patio seating for your pooch.
Night Heron Poolside Grill & Bar
When you’re done playing frisbee or soccer with your pooch in Night Heron Park, head over to the Night Heron Grill and Bar for a pool side salad, burger or seafood lunch, fresh fruit smoothies or tropical drinks on the dog-friendly poolside patio.
Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ
The Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ is a unique Lowcountry dining experience and a long-standing tradition on Kiawah Island. Located on the river banks of the Kiawah River at Mingo Point, your well-behaved and leashed pup is welcome to join you on a feast of oysters and southern BBQ, live music and dancing, and the best sunsets on Kiawah Island.
FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
Freshfields Village is an upscale shopping and dining destination nestled between Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island which welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets throughout the village. Window decals at Freshfields Village stores and restaurants clearly denote where your dog is welcome to shop and dine.
While your pooch may not dine inside, there are plenty of pet-friendly patios to share a beverage or delicious Lowcountry meal. Alternatively, grab food to go (and a tasty dog treat from Dolittle’s or Doggie Dessert from Ben & Jerry’s) to enjoy at a family picnic or local event on the Freshfields Village Green.
The Village Market
The Village Market by Harris Teeter is another local grocery store near Kiawah with a deli for freshly made takeaway foods, a Starbucks Coffee kiosk, and a large outdoor pet-friendly patio area in the heart of Freshfields Village.
Java Java
Java Java is another favorite for locally sourced coffee, frozen drinks, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and light lunches. The patio is perfect for people watching with your pooch or checking out the cool classics at Cars & Coffee (3rd Saturday of every month).
King Street Grille
King Street Grille has been voted best sports bar and restaurant seven years in a row and is the best place in Kiawah to kick back, watch the pros on the big screens, and share an ice cold beer and great meal with your pup!
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill
For authentic Japanese cuisine, signature sushi rolls, and traditional hibachi grills on a sizzling marble stone, head to the outdoor patio at Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill in Freshfields Village. Fuji offers enticing specials, a daily happy hour with delicious cocktails, wine, beer and sake, and a laid-back atmosphere for pet-friendly dining.
Hege’s Restaurant
Hege’s Restaurant is an authentic and inviting French bistro that will happily accommodate your well-behaved pup in the outdoor courtyard. The menu offers an extensive selection of spirits, cocktails and wines, a cold and raw bar, signature steakhouse and seafood specialties, and decadent desserts. Reservations recommended.
La Tela Pizzeria
Now for a taste of Italy! La Tela is a Neapolitan-style pizzeria with seasonal dishes, fresh pasta, and pizza dough all made in house with ingredients sourced from the local farmers and island communities. The outdoor patio at La Tela Pizzeria is shaded, pet-friendly and the perfect pit stop while shopping at Freshfields Village with your pooch.
Cantina 76
Freshfields Village has dining options for every taste bud, including Mexican inspired cuisine at the lively and award-winning Cantina 76 taqueria and bar. The vibe is casual and upbeat, the hand-crafted margaritas and cocktails addictive, and the large outdoor dining area happily welcomes pets.
Forty-Eight Wine Bar & Kitchen
You don’t have to be a wine lover to reserve a table on the dog-friendly patio at Forty-Eight Wine Bar in Freshfields Village. This favorite local hot spot offers 48 wines by the glass (840 by the bottle!), 48 local and regional craft beers, a full cocktail bar, and a fabulous menu of light bites – their famous lump crab cakes are a must!
ON THE ROAD TO CHARLESTON, SC
Kiawah Island is only a short scenic drive from the #1 City in the US, Charleston! Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly stop on route to Kiawah and Seabrook Island or planning a day trip to Charleston with your dog during your stay, there are plenty of pet-friendly patios and porches to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat along the way. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sunrise Bistro
1797 Main Road, Johns Island, SC
Open: Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch as “mom might make”.
Tattooed Moose
3328 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC
Open: Daily 11:30AM-2AM
Live Music: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 4PM-7PM
Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina
3140 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC
Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 4PM
Happy Hour: Wednesday to Friday 4PM-6PM
Angel Oak Restaurant
3669 Savannah Highway, Johns Island, SC
Open: Tuesday to Sunday
WADMALAW ISLAND
Wadmalaw Island borders John Island and is approximately a 30-minute drive from Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Whether you’d prefer to sip quality Bigelow tea at the only tea garden in North America or “wine-down” with live music, food and wine tastings in the vineyards, unique dog-friendly experiences await on nearby Wadmalaw Island.
Charleston Tea Gardens
6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, SC
Open: Daily 10AM-4PM (Opens 12PM on Sunday)
Deep Water Vineyard
6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island, SC
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10AM-5PM

Find the ultimate Lowcountry vacation retreat and start planning your dog-friendly getaway to the islands and beaches of the South Carolina Lowcountry with Kiawah Exclusives and Seabrook Exclusives. Book online or call our team of vacation specialists to assist in your vacation planning – no one knows the islands quite like us!