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Georgia is known for many things, including the Atlanta Braves baseball team, President Jimmy Carter, and being at the center of the Civil Rights movement. However, you don’t often hear about the fantastic beaches that dot its 100-mile coast. There are also several equally amazing (albeit smaller) beaches in and around the Atlanta area. You can even enjoy many of these with your dog.
If you and your dog are raring to hit the beach, play with a frisbee, and splash around in the surf, read on! We provide all the details to guide you to the best beaches in the Peach State.
Top 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Georgia
Beaches Along the Georgia Coast
These beaches are on the Georgia coast between South Carolina and Florida. Most are open 24/7 every day, and due to the state’s beautiful weather, they’re comfortable for 10 to 11 months out of the year.
1. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
| ️Address: | 970-964 N Loop Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 |
| Open Times: | 7 days a week from dawn until dusk |
| Cost: | $8.00 to access Jekyll Island |
| Off-Leash: | Depends on the time of year |
- Perfect beach if your dog loves chasing sticks and climbing
- Most weekdays, you’ll find almost nobody else on the beach
- You can fish with your pup from the nearby fishing pier
- This beach is ranked one of America’s Top 10 “Most Romantic” beaches
- Off-leash dogs are allowed during the winter and fall
2. East Beach, St. Simons Island
| ️Address: | 4202 1st St, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Well-trained dogs that obey commands are allowed off-leash
- Island access and parking are both free, but parking is limited so get there early
- Great beach for dogs that love to swim in the surf
- If you’re with kids, there’s an amusement park nearby
- Excellent beach for bike riding due to hard-packed sand
3. Gould’s Inlet Beach
| ️Address: | 2300 Bruce Drive, St. Simons, Georgia |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Dogs allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. only
- Beach has free parking, but getting there early is essential because spaces go fast, especially on weekends
- Public restrooms and showers available at no cost
- Dog station with community water bowls (or bring your own)
- Perfect beach for shelling, long walks, and frisbee, but not so much for swimming
4. Great Dunes Beach, Jekyll Island
| ️Address: | 3H3R+6P, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 |
| Open Times: | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week |
| Cost: | $8.00 to access Jekyll Island |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, but only during off-season |
- Good beach for families with plenty of conveniences nearby, including restaurants and parks
- You’ll find restrooms, showers, and parking, all of which are free
- If your dog loves exploring, they’ll love the tidal pools all over the island
- Like many of the beaches in Georgia, this one is perfect for biking due to hard-packed sand
- Off-season, your dog can be off-leash
5. Massengale Park, St. Simons Island
| ️Address: | 1350 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522 |
| Open Times: | From dawn until dusk, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- If your pup obeys commands, they can be off-leash, but puppies and unruly dogs must use a leash (up to 10 feet)
- A laidback beach with slow-moving water, excellent for older and smaller dogs
- Picnic areas with grills are shaded
- Plenty of free parking, public restrooms, and showers available
6. Nanny Goat Beach
| ️Address: | Georgia 31327 |
| Open Times: | Wednesdays (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) |
| Cost: | Adults: $15; Children 5 and older: $10 |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The only way onto the island is by ferry or plane
- Reservations are necessary to visit the island
- One of the best beaches for shelling on the East Coast
- During the week, the beach is practically deserted
7. Burkes Beach
| Address: | Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Summer: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week; winter: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day |
- Located in South Carolina, minutes from the Georgia border
- Free parking and trails to the beach from Chaplin Community Park
- Get around via the free trolley that will take you to all the best spots
- Dog hours are somewhat restricted from Memorial Day through Labor Day (after that, dogs are allowed all day)
Beaches in and Around Atlanta
These beaches are in or near Atlanta, and all are accessible 365 days a year. Thankfully, winter in Georgia is short and sweet.
8. Herbert Taylor Park Beach
| ️Address: | 1795 Johnson Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- The beach is surrounded by dense forest, and it feels like you’re far from the city
- The shallow water makes it convenient for older and smaller dogs
- Very popular beach and often crowded on the weekends in spring and summer
- Stray dogs from around the area seem to congregate here
9. Morningside Nature Preserve Dog Beach
| ️Address: | 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 |
| Open Times:: | All year, 24/7 |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- More of a beach for cooling off than swimming, as the water is quite shallow
- The only beach located in the heart of Atlanta
- The reason for leashes is that there are many wild animals
- There’s a fun suspension bridge nearby to check out with your pup!
10. Tidwell Park Beach on Lake Lanier
| ️Address: | Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30041 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Fantastic beach made for dogs and their humans an hour from downtown Atlanta, GA
- The park has phenomenal views of Lake Lanier, the biggest in the Peach State
- Many people with dogs visit, so expect to have company
- Parking is free and there’s a boat launch and dock
- The beach is rather small but very intimate
11. Whitewater Creek Trail Beach
| ️Address: | 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA |
| Open Times: | 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week |
| Cost: | None |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Less than a half-hour from downtown Atlanta
- Getting to the beautiful beach requires a 20-minute hike
- This beach is also known as “Dog Beach” by many locals
- There are miles of beautiful trails around the beach to explore with your pup, but a leash is required
- Many shallow areas for dogs to sit and cool off on a hot day
Summing Up
Any of the beaches featured here would be perfect for spending time with friends and family, including your canine. All are fun, clean, safe, and inviting, and there are no rules against canines having a good time. Your pup should be well-trained, but just in case, be sure to bring a waterproof leash and collar.
Also, bring plenty of water, potty bags, and snacks for you and your dog, especially on the more secluded beaches with no restaurants or convenience stores nearby. Besides that, you should be good to go! Have a fun time in the surf and sand with your favorite beach hound!
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Featured Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock
