Savannah with Pets: The Complete Dog-Friendly Travel Guide
Savannah is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Savannah with your dog — hotels, parks, restaurants, and tips.
Savannah with Pets: The Complete Dog-Friendly Travel Guide
Savannah is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the American South — and that is not just a marketing claim. The city's walkable Historic District, the open squares, the outdoor dining culture, and the generally welcoming attitude toward well-behaved dogs make it a genuinely great destination for pet owners.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Savannah with your dog.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Savannah Unveiled may earn a commission when you complete a qualifying booking, at no additional cost to you. Hotel links on this page are Expedia affiliate links.
Book a Pet-Friendly Hotel First
Finding the right pet-friendly hotel is the foundation of a successful Savannah trip with your dog. Use Expedia's pet-friendly filter to find properties that welcome your dog and compare current rates.
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Read our full guide to pet-friendly hotels in Savannah →
Why Savannah Is Great for Dogs
The squares are dog heaven. Savannah's 22 public squares are essentially small parks, and dogs are welcome in all of them (on leash). A morning walk through the squares with your dog is one of the great pleasures of a Savannah visit.
Forsyth Park is dog-friendly. The 30-acre park is a popular destination for local dog owners. Dogs must be on leash, but the park's wide lawns and shaded paths are ideal for a long walk.
Many restaurants welcome dogs on patios. Savannah's outdoor dining culture means many restaurants allow well-behaved dogs on their patios. Ask when you arrive.
The city is walkable. The Historic District is compact and walkable — perfect for a dog who needs regular exercise.
The open container law is dog-friendly too. You can walk the streets with a drink in hand and your dog on a leash. It is a uniquely Savannah experience.
Dog-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Forsyth Park
The most popular dog-walking destination in the city. The perimeter path is about 0.75 miles; the interior paths add more distance. Dogs must be on leash. The park is busiest on weekend mornings — arrive early for a quieter experience.
The Squares
All 22 public squares welcome leashed dogs. Each square is a small park with grass, shade, and benches. A self-guided walk through the squares is a great way to explore the city with your dog.
Daffin Park
Located in Midtown Savannah (about 2 miles from the Historic District), Daffin Park is a large public park with a dog-friendly area. It is less visited by tourists than Forsyth Park and offers more space for dogs to roam.
Skidaway Island State Park
About 15 miles from downtown, Skidaway Island State Park allows leashed dogs on its hiking trails. The trails wind through maritime forest and salt marsh — a beautiful setting for a longer walk.
Tybee Island
Dogs are welcome on Tybee Island beaches during certain hours (typically before 10 AM and after 6 PM in summer; all day in the off-season). Check the current rules before your visit. The Back River area is a popular spot for dogs.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés
Many Savannah restaurants welcome well-behaved dogs on their outdoor patios. A few to note:
Foxy Loxy Café — The beautiful courtyard at this Starland District café is dog-friendly. A great spot for coffee and tacos with your dog.
The Sentient Bean — The outdoor seating area at this Bull Street coffee shop welcomes dogs.
Various River Street restaurants — Many of the outdoor seating areas on River Street welcome dogs. Ask when you arrive.
General rule: Call ahead or ask when you arrive. Policies vary and can change. Well-behaved dogs on leash are generally welcome on outdoor patios.
Dog-Friendly Shopping
Broughton Street boutiques: Many of Savannah's independent boutiques on Broughton Street welcome well-behaved dogs. Look for the "dogs welcome" signs or ask before entering.
The Paris Market: The beloved antique and home goods shop on Broughton Street welcomes dogs.
ShopSCAD: The SCAD student and alumni shop on Bull Street typically welcomes dogs.
Practical Tips for Visiting Savannah with Your Dog
Always verify the current pet policy before booking your hotel. Pet policies — fees, weight limits, breed restrictions — change frequently. Call the hotel directly or check the current policy on Expedia before you book.
Pack the essentials. Bring your dog's food, bowls, leash, waste bags, and any medications. Savannah has pet supply stores, but having everything you need saves time.
Be mindful of the heat. Savannah summers are hot and humid. Walk your dog in the early morning and evening, and always carry water. The pavement can get very hot — check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it.
Know the leash rules. Dogs must be on leash in Forsyth Park and the public squares. Off-leash areas are limited in the Historic District.
Clean up after your dog. Waste bags are available at some locations in the Historic District, but bring your own to be safe.
Be respectful of other visitors. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Keep your dog close and under control in crowded areas.
Find a vet before you need one. Know the location of the nearest veterinary clinic before your trip. Savannah has several veterinary practices in and near the Historic District.
Book Your Pet-Friendly Savannah Hotel
Compare current rates, pet policies, and availability for pet-friendly hotels in Savannah's Historic District.
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