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9 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Tybee Island 2024

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Dog on beach with sunglasses

Georgia natives and tourists can enjoy a relaxing getaway on Tybee Island. This small stretch of land off of Georgia’s southeastern coast has become one of the best destinations for those looking for a relaxing weekend in the beautiful state known for its peaches. There are plenty of other neighboring islands worth visiting as well. Beach goers can lay down in the sun and cool off in water and pretend that they’re on a remote island somewhere far away from home.

It’s impossible to spend a summer in Savannah, Georgia without making at least one trip to neighboring Tybee Island and other beaches in the area. And why not bring your dog along for the ride? This guide will show you where to find dog-friendly beaches in and near Tybee Island.

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The 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Tybee Island

1. Little Tybee Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 Chatham County, Georgia 31328
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to Sundown
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Allows dogs of all sizes.
  • One of the most beautiful places that you can visit in Georgia.
  • The ocean and beach area is clean and a great place for your pooch to run and play.
  • You can get to the coast in a few minutes from Savannah by boat and car.
  • Gets less visitors than other islands, so you’ll have more privacy.

2. Great Dunes Beach, Jekyll Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 Jekyll Island, GA
🕐 Open Times: 8AM – 8PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in certain areas
  • This beach is a favorite for families.
  • Great Dunes Beach is an off-leash beach in.
  • Includes tons of picnic pavilions, play areas, volleyball courts, and activities decks.
  • Great for picnics and family gatherings
  • Has amenities such as toilets, parking, and showers.

3. St. Andrews Beach on Jekyll Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 100 St Andrews Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
🕐 Open Times: 6AM – 10PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in certain areas
  • Amenities including the restrooms, parking, trash cans, and picnic areas
  • A great area to see wildlife including migratory birds, turtles, and sea life.
  • Note pets aren’t permitted in certain areas of the beach, due to concerns about Wildlife safety.
  • Be sure to bring a leash for your dog for campground areas.
  • One of the most tranquil beach locations near Tybee Island that you can find – great for relaxing weekends.

4. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 Jekyll Island, GA 31527
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to Sundown
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Picturesque scenery with tons of space for roaming pups.
  • Has a beautiful Campground area for picnics, camping, and other activities.
  • Kinds of available parking, bathrooms, and onsite area maps.
  • Surrounded by a beautiful ocean with amazing areas of driftwood along the shore.
  • Dogs are not allowed off-leash on the beach.

5. East Beach on St. Simons Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 4202 1st St. Saint Simons Island GA 31522
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM-10:30 PM daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Amenities Parking, water activity, showers
  • Has many activities here throughout the day, including sailing, swimming, and kiteboarding.
  • Open areas that make it easy to meet new people and other dog lovers.
  • Beachgoers can also enjoy fishing and other water sports.
  • It’s a great place to bike with friends on certain areas of the beach.
  • Has low-tide tide areas that are ideal for dogs to take a refreshing swim.

6. Massengale Park on St. Simons Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 1350 Ocean Blvd. Saint Simons Island GA
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, on the beach only
  • Amenities include picnic pavilions, bathrooms, showers, BBQ grills, and trash cans.
  • Easy access to the beachfront from accommodations.
  • The large park is lush with beautiful trees, picnic benches, and a great view.
  • Perfect for romantic getaways and family gatherings.
  • Large play area on beach for children and pets.

7. Sapelo Island

🗺️ Address: 📍 Sapelo Island, Georgia
🕐 Open Times: Varies throughout the week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No and pets not allowed on public tours
  • Offers a unique experience with lots to see.
  • There are no roads going to Sapelo Island, so you must pre-registered before visiting.
  • It is both dog and other pet friendly.
  • Has ferry rides, nature walks, or even beach walks.
  • Keep your dog on a leash to stay safe from local wildlife
  • Has wonderful cottage accommodations for families and singles.

8. Tidwell Park & Beach on Lake Lanier

🗺️ Address: 📍 Tidwell Park, Cumming, GA 30041
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A quiet beach that doesn’t have a lot of tourists.
  • Boat rides are available and there’s plenty of parking.
  • Be sure to bring a leash for your pup, is it required on the campgrounds in main areas of the beach.
  • This beach doesn’t have a lot of amenities.

9. Folly Island Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Folly Island, South Carolina
🕐 Open Times: 8 AM-9 PM (pets not allowed between 10 AM and 6 PM)
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No and not allowed on pier
  • Only a two-hour drive away from Tybee Island (and Savannah)
  • Can be a bit crowded in the spring and summer months.
  • Dogs aren’t allowed on the pier and be sure to bring a leash as well for beach and campground areas (required at all times).
  • The beach stretches over 1,000 feet into the sea with plenty of areas for pups to run around.
  • No pets are allowed on the beach during the hours of 10 AM – 6 PM from May 1 – September 30.

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Summary

Tybee Island is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Georgia. It’s located about 30 miles off the coast of Savannah, about an hour south of the city as well as in proximity to other beaches on the Georgia coast. Although there are many islands in the area, they are connected to the mainland via bridges; thus, making them great dog-friendly destinations for visitors. Many of the dog-friendly beaches on and near Tybee are easily accessible by car, and there are ample parking options for visitors with small or large pups in tow!


Featured Image Credit: swaddytalk, Pixabay

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