Most people hit the beach in the summer, when the kids are out of school and the sun is hot. When you’re planning a pet friendly fall getaway, a shore town may not top your idea list, but the offseason is our favorite time to enjoy the ocean – the crowds have faded, the weather is beautiful, and it’s easier to include the dogs in our activities.

In early November, we made a stop in Myrtle Beach, SC – a beach town that swells uncomfortably with tourists during the high season. Prices skyrocket, the beach is crowded, accommodations are more difficult to find, and restaurants are packed. Some people love it, but it’s not my idea of fun with the dogs.

In November, however, it was a glorious place to be!

Buster and Ty - Myrtle Beach, SC

Benefits of Offseason Beaching

Walking the beach and boardwalk is one of our favorite things to do at the shore, and many cities – including Myrtle Beach – restrict pets on the beach during their prime season. Between May 1st and Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk and beach from 5pm to 10am (which is still pretty reasonable, considering many places don’t allow pets on the beach at all!). But, visiting in the offseason meant Ty, Buster, and all the other dogs were welcome on the beach and boardwalk all day.

Dog on Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, SC

Being crushed by masses of people was clearly not a concern – we practically had the place to ourselves!

Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, SC

Restaurant owners were happy to see us coming – even with the boys in tow. When your patio area is a mob scene, making space for two big dogs is a challenge … but in the offseason we had no trouble at all finding a table.

Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, SC

Fewer people means fewer pups … which made walking our reactive dogs more relaxing. And Buster was pleased to see that also translated into no waiting lines at the pet drinking fountain.

Pet Fountain on the Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, SC

If you plan it right (or get incredibly lucky) you may find a pet friendly craft fair …

Craft Fair - Myrtle Beach, SC

… with really cool custom dog collars and leashes!

Craft Fair - Myrtle Beach, SC

We only notices two drawbacks of beaching it in the offseason. The first was that some of the places we would have liked to check out were closed for the season … ice cream stand owner, I’m talking to you! And, you may end up sharing the beach with some funny looking dogs …

Horses on the Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC

So, the next time you’re planning a trip with your pets, we suggest you consider going where no one else will be … a ski town in the summer time or a beach town in the fall … and you’re sure to have a great time!

What have your experiences been with offseason travel with your pets?

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  • Hi Brianna! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Whether you bring your pups stroller along will depend on what you like to do. That time of year he’d be welcome on the beach and boardwalk, at the state parks, and at the nearby outlet mall. Here’s a link with more ideas: http://gopetfriendly.com/…/south…/myrtle-beach/1.aspxMost places in Myrtle Beach don’t allow pets inside, and that time of year it could be chilly, so having his stroller along may not be a bad idea. Have a great honeymoon, and waggin’ trails!

  • I’m planning to take my dog on my honeymoon November 6th-12th. Would it be easier to take him in a dog stroller, he’s a Doxie? Or would he be aloud most places? Where all could you go with your dog?

  • Category: Travel Destinations / Tagged with: Beaches, South Carolina