In the southeastern corner of the United States, surrounded by Alabama, Florida, the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, Georgia has over 11 million residents with more than 1.8 million fur babies. Nicknamed the Peach State for producing new commercial peaches, it is the perfect place to take your pup to one of the bakeries for a slice of peach pie or to a wine bar for some locally-produced peach wine.
The state has a variety of terrains and landscapes including the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Coastal Plain, and the Piedmont Plateau as well as several different rivers like the Chattahoochee, Tennessee, and Savannah to name a few. In fact, it has more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams with 14 rivers.
There are also several national parks, 63 state parks, and hundreds of county, city, and community parks. To enjoy all the water and outdoor activities, you will be glad to know that it never really gets cold in Georgia since it is a southern state. The winters are typically in the upper 50s, while summers are in the upper 80s. Here are some of our favorite vacation destinations in Georgia for pup parents.
Savannah
Romance is in the air in Savannah with four cozy bed and breakfasts that welcome dogs. The Foley House Inn, The Presidents’ Quarters Inn, The Inn on West Liberty, and the Justine Inn are all pup popular and are a great way to start a romantic tryst with your loved one and your pup. The coastal city is the oldest in the state and was the capital until it was changed to Atlanta in 1868.
After checking in, take both of your cuddle babies on a carriage ride with Savannah’s only horse-drawn carriage. Or go on a trip in a Savannah Pedicab. They have tours you can enjoy or you can just get a ride to where you want to go. Just make sure your pup fits in the seat with you. Another way to tour the city is on the Savannah Cruzers. This golf cart tour is dog-friendly for all friendly dogs.
Finally, take your cuddly canine to Herty Pines Dog Park to run around off the leash for a while. They have a small dog area, waste stations, water fountains, and seating for pup parents.
Atlanta
One of the only dog-friendly amusement parks in the country happens to be right in Atlanta, Georgia. Yes, your pooch is allowed to join you and the rest of the family at Fun Spot America! It may not be as huge as Disney World but it has more than 30 attractions including three roller coasters and seven thrill rides. They even have indoor fun, like an arcade, bumper cars, and laser tag. And don’t forget the carnival food like funnel cake, pretzels, hot dogs, and deep-fried Oreos.
If you want a larger theme park, you can go to Six Flags Over Georgia, but you will have to leave your dog with a dog sitter. There are almost 300 acres here with 43 rides including 12 roller coasters and three water rides as well as games, entertainment, games, and food. It is a fun place to spend the day.
Afterward, take Fido to Piedmont Park where they have a really awesome dog park. It has three acres with a separate space for dogs under 30 pounds as well as trails, benches, water spigots, and restrooms.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
With almost 870,000 acres in northern and central Georgia, the Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest is packed with fun things for you and Fido to do, especially if you enjoy lake activities like boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, and fishing. There are over a dozen lakes in the forest including Lake Rabun, Dockery Lake, Lake Sinclair, Peeples Lake, and Lake Chatuge. Your pup is welcome to join you in most areas except for certain swimming beaches.
It was named for the Chattahoochee River, which also flows through the forest. It offers miles of fishing, swimming, boating, and floating opportunities. There are 10 different wilderness areas and four ranger districts spread over 18 counties in Georgia. Besides all the lakes, ponds, and rivers, there are also more than 450 miles of trails.
While you are in the area, stop by one of the dozen dog parks scattered around the forest like the Haven Dog Park in Blue Ridge, Union County Dog Park in Blairsville, and Canton Paw Park in Canton.
Augusta
Those who want to save money (everyone) can find 10+ dog-friendly hotels in Augusta that have rooms for under $100. In fact, Knights Inn has free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a golf course for only $43! Motel 6 has rooms for just $49 and features an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and no extra charge for your pooch. And the LaQuinta Inn has all that as well as free breakfast and a fitness center for $89.
Your pup will need to unwind after all that travel so take him to Pendleton King Bark Park. The large fenced pooch play area has a special space for small and timid dogs, agility equipment that dogs love, and lots of space to play fetch, toss around a doggie disc, or just run around. If that one is too crowded, head over to Evans where they have two dog parks.
The one at Evans Towne Center has some awesome hoops to jump through and other fun. And Clarks Hill Park Dog Beach is the perfect place to let him splash around without a leash in Elijah Beach Cove.
Athens
You and your fur baby can enjoy a fun weekend on the water in Athens. The Sandbar is a kayaking company that enjoys taking pups and their humans on trips down the Broad River. But make sure you bring a doggie life jacket. They are only open from April until October so make sure you visit during that time if you want to float. Also, bring doggie bags, extra water, and snacks as well as towels and sunscreen.
Then, take your cuddly canine to Sandy Creek where you can explore the 225 acres with four miles of trails. The visitor center is even dog-friendly and has some cool exhibits, including live marine animals and reptiles. There are several water sports opportunities on the North Oconee River, Sandy Creek, and two ponds.
Finally, finish the day with a few beers at Athentic Brewing Company, where leashed pups are always welcome at the outdoor tables. They even have food trucks nearby during the warmer months.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Not far from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, you can find the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs. The dog-friendly park has over 10,500 acres with 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River running through it. One of the most popular activities on the river is floating and there are many different places you can rent a raft, canoe, or tubes. Or you can get a guide to take you where you want to go.
There are 18 units in the park including Bowmans Island, Vickery Creek, Johnson Ferry, and Sope Creek. The Cochran Shoals unit is the largest with a three-mile trail and has great wildlife-watching opportunities. You can also visit the Big Trees Forest Preserve to walk their 1.5-mile trail.
Also nearby is the Morgan Falls River Park Dog Park, which is 3.4 acres with two dog parks, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. It also has some great agility equipment for the dogs to play on. There is also a fishing pier and boat ramp.
Tybee Island
The small city of Tybee Island is also an island with lots of beaches and several lighthouses. It also has the adorable Tybee Island Inn Bed and Breakfast, which is a favorite with couples who have dogs. They allow pups up to 50 pounds for an extra $20 fee per night. The Victorian house has a private courtyard with fountains and a garden. It is also just a few minutes walk to Tybee Beach. However, they only have two pet-friendly rooms so book way in advance.
Being on an island, it is hard not to end up in the water at some point. But why not take a dolphin tour with Captain Derek while you are there? They love dogs as long as they are well-behaved and leashed. Take a romantic sunset cruise with your two best friends, where you will get to see several historic lighthouses.
The island also has a great dog park. The one for small dogs is on Fort Street, and there is a large dog park next to it, which is by River’s End Campground and the police station.
Jekyll Island
Just off the coast in southeastern Georgia, Jekyll Island is the perfect summer getaway with your puppers. It is a popular tourist destination because even though it is rather large, it only has about 900 residents. And if you have the kiddos with you, they will love visiting Summer Waves, a water park with 11 acres of fun including eight water rides. But Fido is not allowed at the park so he will have to stay behind.
Jekyll Island Beach is dog-friendly, though, all year long. As long as you keep him on a leash and out of the dunes, he is welcome to join you in the water and on the beach. You can also take him to Great Dunes Beach Park. But again, keep him out of the dunes. Jekyll Island also has pet-friendly dolphin tours your you can get up close and personal with the dolphins.
After working up an appetite, take your pooch to Tortuga Jacks for some delicious island food tiki-style. The Sunrise Grille is also dog-friendly with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Indian Springs State Park
Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla has 765 acres and a natural artesian spring as well as a 105-acre lake, a campground, cottages, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. What’s more, it also has a museum, playground, mini-golf, and an off-leash dog park. The park also has four miles of dog-friendly hiking trails to explore and enjoy together. Just remember to keep your cuddly buddy on a leash and bring plenty of doggie bags.
Although your pup cannot go inside the welcome center, museum, or historic sites, he is welcome to join you in the water for a swim or a float trip. If you plan to stay at the campground, be sure to reserve a spot early because there are only 62 campsites. Each site has electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings, as well as playgrounds, restrooms with showers, and boat rentals.
Be sure to stop by Alexander Park where they have an off-leash dog park. Your fur baby needs time off the leash to run away those zoomies.
Macon
Another city where you can save money, Macon has 11 dog-friendly hotels that are under $100 and they ALL have swimming pools! Some of them even have fitness centers and they all have free Wi-Fi too. Several have restaurants and free breakfast too! Ramada Inn has the most awesome deal with a pool, bar, restaurant, free breakfast, a fitness center, and family rooms for only $51. With almost 160,000 residents, the city of Macon is right in the middle of the state.
After checking in at the hotel, take your cuddle buddy to Macon Dog Park, where he can play with the other fur babies in town. There is a separate section for small dogs, lots of space to run, plenty of seating for pup parents, and a creek running through both sections of the park. There is also agility equipment like ramps, A-frames, and tunnels, as well as a dog-washing station.
If you are ready for an adult beverage but your buddy still wants to play, take him to Barks N Brews. The pup popular dog park bar is packed with agility equipment too and you can grab a beer from the food truck onsite.
Buford
License to Chill Snow Island in Buford is the only place you can play in the snow on an island in Georgia. It is actually a resort called Margaritaville but in November, they turn it into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink, carnival, and one of the longest snow tubing slides in the country. It is 575 feet long and eight stories high. Frosty’s Ice Rink is also fantastic for newbies as well as pros.
The island even has amusement rides like the Ferris wheel, carousel, and other fun as well as carnival food and games. Although dogs are not allowed in the park, they are welcome at some of the restaurants and on LandShark Landing where they have food and other fun. You can also take him to Buford Dam Park. It may not be warm enough to swim but there is plenty to do on the beach and picnic areas.
Lake Lanier boasts almost 700 miles of shoreline to enjoy for fishing, walking, and just enjoying the view.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
In northwestern Georgia, Cloudland Canyon State Park has 3,538 acres with 64 miles of trails, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash at all times. There are also over 100 campsites, 10 yurts, and 16 cottages. There is a fishing pond, disc golf course, playgrounds for the little humans, and some really beautiful waterfalls, cliffs, and canyons. Just remember to bring lots of doggie cleanup bags to pick up after your pup.
The most popular trail is the one-mile Overlook Trail, which is rated as easy and takes you to an overlook that has an incredible view. The one-mile Meadowlands Trail is also easy and has a pond where you can fish whether you have the gear or not. The park will loan you gear for free. The Waterfalls Trail is another popular trail but it is rated as difficult, even though it is only 1.8 miles long because you have to climb 600 stairs.
Later, take your pup to see a movie at the Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater in Trenton. Just keep him on a leash and clean up anything he drops.
Helen
The city of Helen must be the most dog-loving in the world because they have a hotel for pup parents called the Biscuit Inn. The adorable German-styled hotel is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the head of the Chattahoochee River and has a Holland-style feel. They present your fur baby with a bag of treats, a pillow, and a chew toy or two and make you feel right at home. The Heidi Hotel is also pretty awesome with its own Dutch windmill.
The town also has some great wildlife areas like the Anna Ruby Falls in Unicoi State Park. The park has over 1,000 acres with a 53-acre lake in the mountains. It even has a small dog park and a campground with 100+ campsites that are dog-friendly. Also, Smithgall Woods State Park has 28 miles of trails you can explore on almost 6,000 acres.
Get out on the water with your fur baby and Shoot The Hooch! Rent some innertubes, a kayak, or a canoe for a nice float trip down the Chattahoochee River.
St. Simons Island
Just north of Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island is about three times the size with 12 times the population. If you are into golfing or just want to be pampered, rent a suite at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. It is not cheap, but it sure is incredible with its own 18-hole golf course, five swimming pools, a fitness center, restaurants, massage service, and tennis courts as well as poolside cocktails.
The beaches on the island allow dogs before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during the summer and anytime during the rest of the year. He can be off the leash during these times but he must be voice-controlled. You can also take your pup to one of the three dog parks on the island.
Frederica Dog Park has a small dog area, shaded seating, and room to roam. Epworth Dog Park has a spacious wooded area for running around. North Glynn Dog Park has all of that and fire hydrants, too.
F. D. Roosevelt State Park
Pack up your tent and camping gear, or get the RV ready because you and Fido are going camping! F. D. Roosevelt State Park is a great place to camp, with 130 campsites and 21 cottages. Right in the 9,040-acre park, the campground has picnic tables and fire rings at each site, as well as hiking, fishing, boating, playgrounds, and a bathhouse. There is also horseback riding, geocaching, and a pool.
If the campground is full on the dates you want, you can check out Pine Mountain RV Resort, where they have 225 campsites, including three dog-friendly yurts and two dog parks, as well as a playground, hiking, restrooms with showers, and a fitness area. For something different, take Fido to Callaway Gardens, where you can meander through the flora and visit Robin Lake.
Stop in at Moore’s Whistling Pig Cafe for some ribs, chicken, or brisket on the patio, or have a cold beer with a burger or sandwich on the deck. Eatz Grill on the Corner is also pretty special and has all sorts of great food.
The Final Woof
You have quite a few places to choose from when visiting Georgia, with nearly 7,000 different vacation rentals across the state, including 1,000 dog-friendly hotels, motels, and resorts. You can also find 2,400+ pup popular restaurants, more than 130 dog parks, five dog beaches, and hundreds of pet-friendly trails. More specifically, if you want a romantic place, try Savannah, which has four different beds and breakfasts, horse and carriage rides, and several dog parks. Also, Atlanta has one of the only dog-friendly amusement parks in the country so you and the kids can bring him along for the fun. For something affordable, Augusta and Macon both have a bunch of hotels with rooms under $100!
