Although Georgia only has about 100 miles of coastline, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It can sometimes be a little frustrating if you love the beach and go to the beach with your dog, as only some beaches in Georgia allow dogs. Several do, however, and all of them are lovely. In fact, 14 beaches in Georgia allow dogs, and weโve listed them below, with their location, dog-related rules and regulations, and more valuable information. Read on to discover all 14 of these fantastic dog-friendly Georgia beaches, and make plans today to go and visit them with your furry friend sometime soon.
The Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Georgia
1. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
Gnarled pine and oak trees litter the beach and can be used for playing fetch
During the week, the beach is almost deserted
There is a nearby pier thatโs open for fishing
Your dog must be on a leash at all times
Voted one of Americaโs โ10 Most Romantic Beachesโ
2. Tidwell Park Beach on Lake Lanier
Located an hour from downtown Atlanta, GA
Small beach with a beautiful view of Lake Lanier
Dogs can swim in the lake!
Free parking, boat launch, and dock nearby
A very popular beach for dogs and their humans. You will see other dogs.
3. East Beach, St. Simons Island
Access to the island is free, and there is free parking
Your dog can be off-leash if they obey commands
Hard sand is perfect for bike riding on the beach
Neptune Park Fun Zone is nearby
Great beach for sea shell collecting and kiteboarding
4. Massengale Park, St. Simons Island
Shaded picnic area with grills and picnic tables
Free public restrooms and showers
Dogs can be off-leash if they obey commands. If not, a 10-foot leash (maximum) is required.
Free public parking is available
A very relaxed beach thatโs perfect for senior dogs
5. Morningside Nature Preserve Dog Beach
Located in the heart of Atlantaโs Midtown
Known by the locals as โDog Beachโ as itโs very popular with dogs and their humans
Water is clean but too shallow for humans to swim. Dogs, however, can go in and cool off.
Really cool suspension bridge located in the preserve and many beautiful nature trails
Dogs should be on a leash when walking the trails, as there are many critters around, including foxes and raccoons
6. St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island
Dolphins are frequently seen swimming by
Beautiful walking paths to explore with your dog
Picnic area with grills, tables, and public restrooms
Great place to see migratory birds of all varieties
Many people have their weddings on this beach
7. Sapelo Island Beach
Dogs can swim off-leash but must be leashed otherwise
Access to Sapelo Island is by ferry or plane only
Reservations need to be made before visiting the island
Biking, hiking, birdwatching, and several other activities are available
The cost to visit varies based on how you get there and with whom
8. Little Tybee Island Beach
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐Tybee Island, GA, 31328
๐ Open Times:
24 hours, 7 days a week
๐ฒ Cost:
None
๐ Off-Leash:
Yes
Barrier island with no facilities but also very few people
The only way to visit is by boat
A very popular spot for kayaking and fishing
Camping overnight is allowed with your dog.
A very secluded beach thatโs wonderful for walking, exploring, and relaxing
One of the best beaches for finding shells on the east coast
9. Herbert Taylor Park Beach
Very small beach but surrounded by magnificent natural beauty
A popular beach for dog owners, so youโll likely see several other dogs
Water is shallow, so older dogs will be able to wade in and cool off
There are often stray dogs running around the park
Many people let their dogs off-leash, but itโs not actually allowed
10. Gouldโs Inlet Beach
Features a dog station with community water bowls
Free parking, but itโs limited, so get there early
Not great for swimming but excellent for fishing, walking, and shelling
Public showers and restrooms are available
Large fishing pier available and open to the public
11. Great Dunes Beach, Jekyll Island
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐Jekyll Island, GA 31527
๐ Open Times:
8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
๐ฒ Cost:
None
๐ Off-Leash:
No
Many activities are available, including volleyball and others
Free parking, showers, and restrooms are available
Lots of tidal pools for your pup to explore and sniff around
Hard-packed sand is excellent for biking
There are several restaurants and other amenities close by
12. Whitewater Creek Trail Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/7YA7XhC0ua/
Located 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta
Thereโs a 20-minute hike to get to the beach
Known as Atlantaโs โDog Beach,โ youโre very likely to see other dogs and their humans
Shallow water makes it easy for dogs to cool off without needing to swim
Beautiful trails all around if you want to explore with your dog
13. Burkes Beach
Located just over the Georgia border in South Carolina
Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are allowed between 5 pm and 10 am
Free parking at Chaplin Community Park with trails to the beach
Free trolley service takes you all over the area
Be careful to park correctly and in the right spot, as police are ticket happy
14. Dungeness Beach
Super-secluded beach with few tourists
Hard-packed sand is perfect for bike riding
Plenty of room to throw balls or frisbees with your dog.
Ruins, a museum, and camping are close by for a fantastic day
Very few amenities nearby so bring food and water
Final Thoughts
After reading about Georgiaโs amazing, dog-friendly beaches, are you now excited to bring your favorite canine to the beach? We sure hope so, as all of the beaches on todayโs list would be a perfect place to play frisbee or fetch with your dog, go for long walks , or just relax in the cool sand.
One piece of advice is to bring plenty of water for yourself and your dog because Georgia gets incredibly hot from May through September. Also, bring bags to pick up after your pooch, as most Georgia beaches donโt provide them. Other than that, all the beaches weโve listed today are ready and waiting for you and your canine companion to go and have a fantastic time!
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Featured Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash