As a coastal state, residents of Georgia—and their dogs—are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the beach. Beach days are a chance for both dog owners and dogs to get some sun while getting some exercise and quality time together. However, not all beaches are welcoming to dogs. Continue reading to learn more abou which beaches in Georgia allow dogs to visit, how to make the most of your visit to the beach with your dog, and how Atlanta pet sitting company Critter Sitters can watch your dog for you when you have to leave them alone at home.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Georgia
Georgia has some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Unfortunately, not all of them are welcoming to dogs. The following are beaches in Georgia that allow dogs to accompany their owners on beach trips.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
This beach is located on Jekyll Island, which allows dogs on almost all of its beaches as long as they are on a leash. Driftwood Beach is known for its beautiful trees that are scattered throughout the shoreline. There is a fishing pier nearby for dogs and their owners to enjoy.
East Beach, St. Simons Island
Like Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island allows dogs to venture to most of its beaches. East Beach is one of the most popular beaches on St. Simons Island, allowing for visitors to enjoy undisturbed aquatic beach life. Dogs are allowed to visit with their owners if they stay in close proximity to their owners and remain under immediate supervision. If dogs do not obey voice commands, they must stay on a leash that is 10 feet or shorter.
Tidwell Park, Lake Lanier
Dog owners don’t have to travel to the coast to find a great beach to bring their dog to. Lake Lanier, northeast of Atlanta, has Tidwell Park, a dog-friendly place that also features grassy areas for pets and a boat dock.
Sapelo Island
This remote is accessible only by boat or plane. While visiting the island, dogs must stay on a leash while they roam the beach and other places including the uplands and marshlands. Dogs are welcome to swim in the water but are warned to be aware of the island’s wildlife.
Great Dunes Park, Jekyll Island
Another popular beach on Jekyll Island, Great Dunes Park is a great place for dogs and dog owners to have fun together. This beach offers amenities including public restrooms and bike racks and is located close to bike rentals, a playground, and a mini-golf course, meaning that there’s opportunities for fun for the entire family, dogs included.
Lake Winfield Scott
This lake in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest allows dogs to hang out on its beach with its owners; it also allows boats. When you get done swimming, you can go hiking or camping.
Massengale Park, St. Simons Island
With shaded picnic tables, grills, public restroom facilities, and a playground, this beach is a great place to relax at a slower pace, especially if you have a senior dog or a special needs dog.
St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island
This beach is one the southernmost points on Jekyll Island, an island that allows leashed dogs on nearly all of its beaches. People come from all over to observe the migratory birds on this beach and to see dolphins swimming in the water.
Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Georgia Beach
A day at the beach can be healthy and fun for both dogs and their owners. To make the most of time spent on the beach, dog owners can use the following helpful tips.
- Be prepared. Bring along everything your dog may need to be safe and comfortable on the beach. The most important thing you’ll have to bring is a leash, which is required on certain beaches. If you’re visiting a beach that does not require dogs to be on leashes, you should bring one anyway, in case your dog reacts badly to something. If you plan on swimming, bring booties or water shoes for your dog. You might also want to bring dog-friendly sunscreen, water, and toys. Don’t forget a towel so that you can wipe sand and dirt off of your dog before bringing them into your car or home when the fun is over. It’s never a bad idea to bring along Waste disposal bags.
- Pay close attention to your dog’s health. It’s dangerous for dogs to drink sea water and eat sand, so take caution to make sure that they don’t do that. Keep them away from seashells, sharp rocks, and driftwood, which can hurt their paws. Be aware of crabs, jellyfish, and other wild beach life.
- Make sure your dog is properly trained. Whether you’re going to the beach, a dog park, or the outdoor seating area of a restaurant, you should only bring your dog if they’re prepared for it. Don’t let them go off of their leash if they haven’t been trained to go off-leash and keep them away from other people and dogs unless they are fully trained to behave in social situations.
Allow Our Experienced Marietta, GA Dog Walkers to Care for Your Dog
Bringing your dog with you to the beach is one of life’s great pleasures, as long as you take care to make sure that your dog and other dogs and people on the beach stay safe. If you ever have to go to a beach that doesn’t allow dogs, know that you can depend on Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters to take care of your dog while you’re gone. Call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 today to discuss our dog and pet sitting services.
