Is Myrtle Beach Service Dog Friendly? What Handlers Should Know About the 5 Main Attractions
Myrtle Beach is incredibly dog friendly on the surface, but “dog friendly” and “service dog friendly” aren’t always the same thing. If you have a service dog, you’ve probably learned the hard way that service dog teams often face a different set of challenges.
Is Myrtle Beach service dog friendly? Generally, the area is welcoming to service dogs, but there are a few things handlers should be aware of when visiting, for your dog’s safety, for your sanity, and for the local wildlife’s safety.
Here’s what you should know when visiting the five major Myrtle Beach attractions.
1. Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a giant outdoor shopping center filled with restaurants, stores, and rides.
Broadway at the Beach is no exception to Myrtle Beach’s dog friendly atmosphere. You’ll see everything from toy breeds in purses to large dogs pulling their people around this outdoor shopping center. Is Broadway at the Beach service dog friendly, though? That depends.
What to Watch Out For
Each store and restaurant has its own pet policy, and some of them do not allow dogs inside. Generally, you won’t hear more than “Is that a service dog?” if you’re questioned at all. But because there are so many people bringing their pets into the stores at this shopping center, don’t be surprised if an employee raises extra questions when you walk in with your service dog. Staff may assume you’re just another pet parent trying to bend the rules. Be prepared to calmly explain why your dog is allowed access to the store or restaurant.
2. Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is a shopping center with a similar set up to Broadway at the Beach, along with plenty of people walking their dogs outside and bringing them into dog friendly stores.
What to Watch Out For
Just like at Broadway at the Beach, stores here have individual pet policies, and some of these stores are more high-end. While many staff won’t blink at your dog, others may be quicker to question you, especially since, like Broadway at the Beach, they often have people trying to bring their pets in regardless of the rules. Be prepared for some scrutiny when you walk into stores with tighter policies.
3. Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a truly beautiful place, full of winding flower paths, sculptures, and a small zoo with animals like horses, goats, and even wolves. And Brookgreen Gardens is very welcoming to service dogs.
What to Watch Out For
Pet dogs are not allowed in the gardens, so the staff will ask at the gate if your dog is a service dog. You will get questions outside of ADA scope (like your dog’s breed or color), but this isn’t about doubting your disability. They’re just notifying garden security that a service dog is on the grounds. Security won’t approach or question you about your dog once you’re inside, as long as they’re aware the dog is there, so even if your dog isn’t visible inside the car when you first arrive, it’s still best to let the person at the gate know you have a service dog with you so they can notify security.
Also important: Service dogs aren’t allowed near certain zoo areas, like the wolf enclosure, to avoid stressing out the animals. These limits are allowed under the ADA, since they’re based on legitimate safety concerns, so be prepared to be told to turn around if you end up in an area of the zoo where your dog isn’t allowed.
4. Ripley’s (Aquarium, Believe It or Not! Museum, Mini Golf)
There are multiple Ripley’s destinations in Myrtle Beach. There is the Believe It or Not! museum. There is the aquarium. There is even a Ripley’s indoor mini golf course.
Is Ripley’s in Myrtle Beach service dog friendly? When arriving at any of the Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach, the most you’ll usually get asked is a quick, “Is that a service dog?” before you’re welcomed through the line. However, there are a few things that service dog handlers should be aware of before visiting.
What to Watch Out For
Myrtle Beach is a family destination, so it’s a given that you’ll find kids at almost every attraction you visit. Though the Ripley’s attractions can be enjoyed by people of all ages, these attractions in particular were designed with kids in mind. For example, the aquarium is more than just an under-the-sea experience; there’s a large indoor playground in the main area of the first floor that is not separate from other exhibits. This means that if you’re walking around that main area, you’ll need to be prepared to fully protect your dog from kids running around who aren’t watching where they’re going, who might accidentally step on your dog’s paws, or who might quickly run up to try to pet your dog without asking.
However, it is possible to avoid the playground, and there are many other areas in the aquarium where you can enjoy the underwater atmosphere.
Also important: There are certain times when penguins are brought out of their enclosures to walk through the aquarium with their handlers. If your dog might react to waddling birds unexpectedly walking directly in front of them, do not bring them to this aquarium. It’s not fair to the penguins (or your dog) if they can’t safely coexist.
5. State Beaches
The beach might be the top attraction in Myrtle Beach! This includes the state parks: Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. This means it’s important for handlers to know just how accessible the Myrtle Beach parks are to service dogs.
Of course, seasonal beach rules don’t apply to service dogs, and they’re legally allowed on the beach any time, as long as they’re working and under control. But there are important laws in place to protect endangered wildlife, and it’s important to be aware of them when visiting.
What to Watch Out For
Even service dogs aren’t allowed everywhere. On beaches at Huntington Beach State Park, dogs (including service dogs) are not permitted near protected nesting areas, especially during sea turtle season. These restrictions are legal and are meant to protect wildlife, not challenge your access rights. If you’re visiting a state park while you’re in the Myrtle Beach area and a ranger asks you to move, it’s about protecting the wildlife, not discriminating against your service dog.
Final Thoughts: Is Myrtle Beach Service Dog Friendly?
Myrtle Beach can be service dog friendly, and these attractions are worth visiting. But they come with their own quirks, so you just need to be prepared.
Have you visited Myrtle Beach with your service dog? Have you had similar experiences? What Myrtle Beach spots have (or haven’t) worked for you and your service dog? Let us know! And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow traveling service dog teams.
Is this your first beach vacation with a service dog? This post has tips on going to the beach with a service dog, including essentials for the heat.