Sometimes your pets need a vacation, too. Instead of keeping your dog at home, let Fido run free on sandy shores and wade through shallow waters. The picturesque scenery will not only be a welcome experience for pet owners, but the animals may appreciate the new surroundings as well. Here are a few beaches in the Peach State that allow pets.
Visit The 5 Best Pet Friendly Beaches In Georgia
1. Tidwell Park at Lake Lanier
The city of Cumming in Forsyth County is home to Lake Lanier's Tidwell Park, a humble yet popular destination for boaters and pet owners. Tidwell Park features an expansive grassy lawn for pets to roam and play catch. It's easy to keep your pet in sight since the park is relatively small. Moreover, there is a sizable dock area to launch boats and cruise around the waters with pets on board.
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2. Jekyll Island
Off the coast of Glynn County lies a series of barrier islands collectively called the Golden Isles of Georgia. Jekyll Island is one of the barrier islands that permits canines on the majority of its scenic beaches. Dogs have to be on a leash, however. Pets are not allowed on South Beach, which is situated between the northeast area of the designated picnic space at Andrews Sound and picnic area at South Dunes. This particular island offers sandbars, hiking and walking trails, and the prominent Historic District boasting elaborate architecture.
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3. St. Simons Island
Another island on the Golden Isles of Georgia, St. Simons Island welcomes furry, four-legged friends on the beach during certain seasons. Between the Saturday prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., there are no pets allowed on the beach. The exception to this is between Beach Access Points 1 through 6. Outside of that time frame, dogs can run on the beach without a leash, as long as owners are within distance to reach their pets in case of unruly behavior. Otherwise, dogs with a tendency for misbehaving should on leash that is at least 10 inches. Under no circumstances are pets of any kind allowed on the pier.
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4. Sapelo Island
Accessible only via boat or plane, the state-protected Sapelo Island is nestled in McIntosh County. Most of the island is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. While dogs can board the ferry to the island, as well as walk to the beach, uplands, and marshlands, they must be on a leash during these occasions. Pets can freely roam on the water as long as they are being supervised. It is recommended that pets do not wander onto the dunes since it can be dangerous due to rattlesnakes.
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5. Tybee Island
Located near Savannah in Chatham County is Tybee Island, a barrier island renowned for its stunning beaches. Generally, pets cannot go on the island's beaches and violators will be fined, but there are a few areas where they can play. On the fort’s adjacent nature trails, dogs are allowed to walk, and they can swim on the modest beach which overlooks the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. Accordingly, there are several pet-friendly eateries on the island including Tybee Island Social Club, Sugar Shack, and North Beach Bar and Grill.
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Related:
The 4 Best Pet Friendly Beaches In Alabama
North Carolina Dog Friendly Beaches
This article was written by Justina Tran.