Looking for dog-friendly spots is always a challenge, especially when it comes to beaches. We were quite happy to find out that Charleston loves furry kids! It is the height of summer, so some of the beaches have restrictions on them (probably due to the increased tourist traffic) but we found an amazing spot in Kiawah Beachwalker Park. Part of the Charleston County Parks, the park is located on Kiawah Island, roughly an hour from downtown Charleston. 
It was a beautiful spot to hear the ocean, see the pelicans, and of course walk Samantha! The last time we were near the beach with Sammie, we visited North Carolina and did some 4 wheeling. At that time, Samantha wasn’t as keen on water. Now that we are renting a property with ponds, she is more comfortable with at least getting in to her chest.
As you move away from the crowds (and why do people crowd around the entrance?!) and towards the end of the island, you are ok to let your dog off leash. We only had one instance where two dogs came up & Samantha decided to ignore our ‘stay close’. Luckily most people that do let their dog off leash, know their dogs personality so we watched the dogs run circles around each other and then keep walking with their owner.
We found a tennis ball and Samantha loved running into the surf and catching it. 
It also helped that I would run into the water as well, but we all had a good stroll in the afternoon sun. I’ve always been a fan of the coast – there is something so soothing about the sound of waves and the smell of salt air. Of course the morning after might be a bit more pleasant if I had remembered the sunscreen…
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