Savannah might be the most dog-friendly city I’ve researched. With 22 historic squares perfect for walks, outdoor dining everywhere, and hotels that actually welcome big dogs, it’s basically designed for traveling with your pup.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Savannah with your dog.

My Hotel Pick: Kimpton Brice Hotel

Why it’s the best for large dogs: No weight limits, no pet fees, no breed restrictions. Their motto is “if it fits through the door, we welcome it.” That’s rare.

The details:

• Pet fee: None
• Weight limit: None
• Number of pets: No limit stated
• Cats: Yes, allowed
• Left alone: Yes, well-behaved pets can be left unattended

What makes it special: The Kimpton Brice goes beyond just allowing dogs. Your pup can join you at the nightly wine reception, and they have a dedicated alcove near the restaurant with tables specifically for guests with dogs. There’s a pet relief area on property and a park with waste stations across the street.

Location: In the Historic District, a block from the Savannah Riverfront. Washington Square is a 3-minute walk for potty breaks.

Book with points: Use IHG One Rewards points (Kimpton is part of IHG). Rates vary but expect 40,000-60,000 points per night.

Book here: Kimpton Brice Hotel

Runner-Up: Thompson Savannah (Hyatt)

If you want something newer and more upscale, the Thompson Savannah is excellent for dogs.

The details:

• Pet fee: None
• Weight limit: None
• Number of pets: 2 dogs max
• Cats: No
• Left alone: No, dogs cannot be left unattended

What makes it special: They have an outdoor dog exploration area with tunnels and grassy mounds for your pup to play. The hotel is on the riverwalk, so you have a wide waterfront path right outside for walks. Dogs are welcome at Bar By Fleeting (the lobby bar) and outdoor dining areas.

Heads up: There’s a $40 resort fee per night. Dogs aren’t allowed in the main restaurant (Fleeting) or rooftop bar, only service animals.

Book with points: Use World of Hyatt points. Thompson properties typically run 20,000-25,000 points per night.

Book here: Thompson Savannah

Other Options by Budget

Budget-friendly:

• La Quinta Savannah Midtown — Pets stay free, no weight limit
• Tru by Hilton Savannah Midtown — 2 pets up to 100 lbs, $75 fee

Mid-range:

• Staybridge Suites Historic District (IHG) — 2 pets up to 80 lbs, $75 fee, ground floor rooms only
• Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District (IHG) — 2 dogs up to 80 lbs, $75 fee

Splurge:

• Andaz Savannah (Hyatt) — 50 lb limit (or 75 lbs combined for 2 dogs), $150 fee. Beautiful historic property but the weight limit is a dealbreaker for big dogs.
• Perry Lane Hotel — 50 lb limit, $150 + $20/night. Gorgeous but not for large dogs.

⚠️ Important: Dogs Are NOT Allowed on Tybee Island Beaches

This is the biggest thing to know before you go. Tybee Island is Savannah’s beach — just 20 minutes away — but dogs are completely banned from all Tybee beaches, all year round. The fine is $300.

This isn’t a seasonal restriction. It’s a full ban to protect loggerhead sea turtles and migratory birds.

Your options:

• Tybee Island Dog Parks — There are two fenced dog parks near River’s End Campground (one for small dogs, one for large)
• Little Tybee Island — Dogs allowed, but it’s only accessible by boat or kayak
• Jekyll Island — About 1.5 hours south, dogs allowed on most beaches year-round (must be leashed)
• St. Simons Island — About 1.5 hours south, dogs allowed before 9am and after 6pm in summer, anytime off-season

If beach time with your dog is the priority, consider Jekyll Island or St. Simons instead of Savannah.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Savannah

The Squares and Parks

Savannah has 22 historic squares, and they’re all dog-friendly on leash. Forsyth Park (30 acres) is the big one with the famous fountain. These shady, oak-lined squares are perfect for morning and evening walks.

Walking Tours

Most walking tours welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs:

• Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour — Specifically designed for dogs, includes treats
• Blue Orb Ghost Tours — All three walking tours are pet-friendly
• Carriage Tours of Savannah — Dogs welcome on private tours, small dogs may be allowed on shared tours

Historic Sites

• Fort Pulaski National Monument — Leashed dogs allowed inside the fort and on the grounds
• Wormsloe State Historic Site — Gorgeous avenue of live oaks and Spanish moss, dogs allowed on trails
• Bonaventure Cemetery — Leashed dogs welcome, incredibly beautiful
• Colonial Park Cemetery — In the Historic District, dogs welcome

State Parks

• Skidaway Island State Park — Trails through maritime forest and salt marsh, about 25 minutes from downtown
• Both parks are great for longer walks and have nature trails

Boat Tours

• Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure — Dogs welcome on dolphin watching tours
• Savannah Cruzers — Golf cart tours of Bonaventure Cemetery, dogs allowed

Free Ferry

The Savannah Belles Ferry is free and pet-friendly. It crosses the Savannah River between downtown and Hutchinson Island.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Savannah doesn’t allow dogs inside restaurants, but the patio dining scene is excellent. Most have water bowls ready.

River Street

• Huey’s Restaurant — Outdoor seating with river views
• Olympia Cafe — Greek food, dog-friendly patio
• District Smokehouse — BBQ with outdoor seating

City Market

• Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks — Patio dining in the heart of City Market

Historic District

• Crystal Beer Parlor — Savannah institution since 1933, patio seating
• B. Matthew’s Eatery — Breakfast and brunch, outdoor tables
• Hitch — Southern food, dog-friendly patio
• Leopold’s Ice Cream — Outdoor seating (your pup will thank you)
• The Coffee Fox — Coffee shop with outdoor seating

Starland District

• Starland Yard — Food truck park, very dog-friendly
• Two Tides Brewing — Craft beer, dogs welcome on patio

Tybee Island (if you make the drive)

• The Crab Shack — Casual seafood, very dog-friendly outdoor seating
• North Beach Bar & Grill — Beachside dining with dogs welcome outside

Breweries

• Service Brewing Co. — Veteran-owned, dogs welcome in beer garden

Dog-Friendly Shopping

Many Savannah shops welcome dogs:

• Savannah Bee Company (Broughton Street) — Loves dogs
• Jere’s Antiques (Bay Street) — Dogs welcome to browse
• The Black Dog General Store — Obviously dog-friendly
• Custard Boutique — Small dogs can be carried inside

Doggie Daycare

If you need a beach day without your pup (since Tybee doesn’t allow dogs), here are some options:

• The Hipster Hound — On the south side, but they have a van that does pickup/dropoff in the Historic District
• Blissful Buddha Pet Services — Recommended by several hotels

Best Time to Visit

Savannah is hot and humid in summer. For comfortable walking with your dog:

• Best: March-May and October-November
• Okay: December-February (mild, 50s-60s during the day)
• Challenging: June-September (very hot, humid, frequent afternoon storms)

Getting There

From Jacksonville: About 2.5 hours north on I-95

From Atlanta: About 4 hours southeast on I-16

From Charleston: About 2 hours south on I-95

The Bottom Line

Savannah is genuinely one of the best cities for traveling with a dog. The walkable Historic District, abundance of shady squares, outdoor dining culture, and hotels that actually welcome big dogs make it easy.

Just remember: no dogs on Tybee beaches. Plan around that and you’ll have an amazing trip.

My pick: The Kimpton Brice for its no-fee, no-weight-limit policy and genuinely dog-welcoming atmosphere. Book with IHG points if you have them.

Have you visited Savannah with your dog? I’d love to hear your favorite spots — drop a comment or email me.