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Pawfect Dog-friendly Spots in Lake Murray Country

June 5, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Is your favorite pet tagging along on your trip? From shady parks to running trails, we’ve discovered the best dog friendly spots in our region. So, get out there with your pup to run, fetch and even swim their energy out!

Parks

Sesquicentennial State Park | 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia SC

This pawpular spot offers a 2-acre fenced in off leash area. There’s also a shallow splash pool the dogs are welcome to cool off in. And, there are trails and mini picnic areas throughout the 30-acre park for on-leash fun. The park does require vaccinations and has a small fee for entry.

Columbia Dog Park | 127 Humane Lane, Columbia SC

This large dog park offers an in-ground dog pool, comfy chairs for relaxing, shady trees and running water. It is for “members only” and requires a yearly registration fee of $36. For more information on this park and how to become a member, contact Tina Heckman at 803-608-0577.

North Main (No Ma) Dog Park | 1250 Parkside Drive, Columbia SC

The 2-acre fenced off dog park is for both large and small dogs. There are benches, running water, pools and tennis balls for the dogs to enjoy. Vaccination proof is needed and there is an annual membership fee to access this park.

Saluda Shoals Park | 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia SC

There’s a barking lot dog park. This park features 2-acres of an off leash, run and play area. There are dog bowls and running water for the dogs to enjoy. Vaccinations are a must and there is an annual membership fee.

Granby Park | 100 Catawba Street, Columbia SC

Granby Park offers 12 miles of park with access to the Congaree, Saluda and Broad rivers. There are beautiful views and shady paths for you and your dog to enjoy. This is a great location for nature lovers but you’ll need to keep your leash on your pup at this park.

Columbia’s Riverfront Park | 312 Laurel Street in Columbia SC

This is great spot for pets. Enjoy the beautiful river and canal views as you walk or jog the 2.5-mile path.

Doko Meadows Park | 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood SC

This is a 22-acre park with many amenities that your dog will enjoy…walking trails and open fields for fetching.  After play, stop in at the Doko Station Pub & Eatery located at the entrance to the park.

Irmo Community Park | 7505 East View Drive, Irmo, SC

This park welcomes dogs and even sometimes has dog training classes in the park. There’s a walking trail through the park with lots of shady spots.

Lexington Paw Park | 989 Hendrix Street, Lexington SC

If you want your pup to meet some other furry friends, this is the park to visit.  The set up of this 3-acre park provides dogs and their owners with a wonderful experience to play and socialize. There is an entry fee.

Gibson Pond Park | 241 Gibson Road, Lexington SC

This 15-acre wooded park, in the heart of Lexington, has a pond and a fishing dock. There are picnic shelters offering shade and many trails to explore.

Dreher Island State Park | Lake Murray SC

This is a fun spot for your dog to take a dip in the water or walk one of the trails through the trees.  If you’re planning to camp on Dreher, there are select camper cabins (2-5) that are pet friendly. And, the park requires that dogs are kept on a leash while visiting.

Segra Park | 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC

Did you know you can take your dog out to the ballgame? There are a handful of special nights at Segra Park where man’s best friend is the VIP! Remember to turn in a 2024 Dog Days of Summer Waiver upon arrival at the ballpark.

Restaurants, Breweries & Bars

Bierkeller Brewing Company | 600 Canalside Street, Columbia SC
Columbia Craft Brewing | 520 Greene Street, Columbia SC
Craft & Draft Devine | 2706 Devine Street, Columbia SC
Craft & Draft Irmo | 7583 St. Andrews Road, Irmo SC
Gervais and Vine | 620 Gervais Street, Columbia SC
Hunter-Gatherer at Curtis-Wright Hangar | 1402 Jim Hamilton Boulevard, Columbia SC
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse | 900 Main Street, Columbia SC
Jakes on Devine | 2112 Devine Street, Columbia SC
Market on Main | 1320 Main Street, Columbia SC
Steel Hands Brewing | 2350 Foreman Street, Cayce SC
Tavern on 6 | 2914 Dreher Shoals Road, Irmo SC
Twisted Roots Bar and Grill | 168 US-378, Lexington SC
Twisted Spur Brewing | 705 Gervais Street, Columbia SC

 

[Originally written by Jayne Baker, updated by Kelly Hughes]