Brimming with historic charm and awe-inspiring natural beauty, Savannah, GA is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with stunning period architecture, trendy shops and restaurants, streets veiled by towering live oak trees, and of course, that famous Southern hospitality.
Lady and I spent two days in Savannah and we fell completely in love. Every time we turned a corner, there was something new to see and experience, especially since the city is very welcoming towards visitors and their pups!
During your next visit to the Lowcountry, here are some of our favorite things to do in dog-friendly Savannah that we’re sure you’ll love just as much as we did.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pup in Dog-Friendly Savannah
1. Explore the Downtown Area
A visit to Savannah, GA is never complete without taking a stroll downtown! Since the city is smaller in size compared to many other major cities, it’s very easy to get around with your dog and see everything the famous waterside town has to offer.
River Street
River Street is one of the city’s crown jewels and runs right alongside the Savannah River. The centuries-old buildings tower over the cobblestone road, beautifully reflecting the days they once served as cotton warehouses.
Visitors and locals alike gather in the parks right on the water to rest their feet and watch the paddle-driven riverboats and ships sail into port. Taking a quick stroll down this street is an experience in and of itself. This is also where you’ll find some of Savannah’s most popular restaurants and shops, many of which are pet-friendly!
Lady and I also enjoyed browsing through the River Street Marketplace, an open-air shopping hot spot filled with unique items from countries all over the world including Ireland, Costa Rica, Australia, and Japan.
Forsyth Park
Nestled right in Savannah’s historic district, Forsyth Park covers 30-acres of land just south of Gaston Street. This is where you’ll find the iconic fountain and Confederate Monument.
In addition to snapping photos in front of these well-known Savannah treasures, Forsyth Park is a hub of activity for humans and pets alike. Almost everyone we saw in the park was walking their dog, so Lady had the chance to meet plenty of new friends during our visit.
You’ll also have the chance to enjoy leisurely pastimes such as picnics, sunbathing, catching up on your favorite book underneath the shade of oak trees, or people watch. It’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and explore with your furry best friend.
*Quick Note* If your pup is anything like Lady, they’ll try to run after any and every squirrel they see! Forsyth Park is abundant with these little critters, and Lady was getting way too excited to try and catch them. Consider this a warning for those of you with squirrel-crazy pups and be sure to keep them on their leash to prevent them from running into the nearby streets!
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
This was one of my favorite stops in Downtown Savannah, so I just had to include it on this list. While dogs are not permitted inside the church, just stopping by to admire it from the outside is an absolute must!
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has stood since the early 1800s and has many incredible stories to tell about the religious community in Savannah. The architectural masterpiece is truly a sight to behold!
As you’re taking photos from the outside, the church’s congregation and other visitors will stop to say hello and give your pup plenty of attention (gotta love that Southern hospitality!).
Broughton Street
Also considered as the main strip of Savannah, Broughton Street is where you’ll find some of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Savannah, GA, shops, and attractions.
If you have your pet with you, the Savannah Bee Company will welcome the two of you inside to taste local honey and browse their wide variety of all-natural products. They even sell items for your pet such as soothing balm for their paws and honey ginger dog biscuits.
The Coffee Fox was another fantastic place to stop! There’s plenty of outdoor tables for you and your dog to relax in the shade, and their pour-over coffee was out-of-this-world. They are also known for serving tasty wine and beer, cheese boards, and light breakfast dishes.
Savannah City Market
Consisting of four blocks, the Savannah City Market is a popular spot for dining, shopping, and enjoying live music performances.
Dogs are always welcome to wander the streets with you, and will even be invited into some of the shops and restaurants. Woof Gang Bakery is always a treat for Lady since she gets to pick out her own snacks and toys. If you’re looking to enjoy high-end dining, look no further than Belford’s. The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, so you and your dog will get to enjoy the beautiful weather and people watching while indulging in succulent steaks and seafood.
2. Wander the Grounds of Bonaventure Cemetery
Before you start thinking I’m a crazy person for wanting to walk through a cemetery, hear me out! Bonaventure is one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries and came highly recommended by the locals.
Located just three miles from the downtown area, this quiet and peaceful resting place is filled with stunning sculptures and detailed history about the cemetery’s permanent residents. Some of the most well-known include Johnny Mercer, a popular lyricist from the Great American Songbook era, and Gracie Watson, the 6-year-old daughter of a local innkeeper.
In her honor, many visitors leave toys at Gracie’s grave since she was known for giving gifts to guests who stayed in her father’s inn. The toys are then donated to local charities and children’s hospitals at the end of the day, just like she would have wanted.
Well-behaved dogs are permitted to explore the cemetery with you and admission is always free!
3. Bar Hopping
Savannah is in no short supply of inviting bars and brewpubs, especially on River Street and Bay Street. The best part? There are no open container laws in Savannah! That means you can stop by a bar, grab a drink, and then continue your Lowcountry adventures with a cold beer or cocktail in hand.
There are several dog-friendly bars and breweries scattered throughout Savannah, one of my personal favorites being Moon River Brewing Company. The large and beautifully lit patio was perfect for sampling locally-crafted beers and conversing with locals and visitors alike.
Southbound Brewing Company was also a fun bar to visit, and your dogs will be welcomed inside the brewery with you! Be sure to try the Shakedown Street, one of their flagship brews that gives a fresh new twist to the classic French saison.
4. Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour
If you and your furry friend are looking for a guided trek through Downtown Savannah, you won’t want to skip Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour.
This walking tour was specifically tailored for dogs and their humans and includes stops at some of Savannah’s most prominent sites. Along the way, you and your pup will learn interesting facts about the city’s past and fun tidbits you wouldn’t normally hear about on your own. At the end of the tour, your dog will receive a free bag of delicious gluten-free treats.
Tours are approximately 90 minutes and cover just under a mile of Downtown Savannah. Tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for kids, and of course, free for dogs. Be sure to call 877-395-2275 or reserve your spot online in advance!
5. Visit Wormsloe State Historic Site
Rated as the most beautiful spot in Georgia by Conde Nast Traveler, Wormsloe State Historic Site is an attraction not to be missed in dog-friendly Savannah!
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular live oak alleyway draped with Spanish moss. After purchasing your tickets and driving through the alley, you can park your car at the Visitor’s Center and begin your adventure.
Since pups are not permitted inside the buildings, Lady and I stuck to the hiking trails and historic sites dotted around the property. As you explore, you’ll come across 16th-century tabby ruins, a recreation of a small Colonial Town, and miles of trails that wind through the untouched Georgia wilderness.
We spent a full afternoon at Wormsloe and it was well worth the extra 20-minute drive from downtown, so don’t leave this fantastic attraction off your itinerary!
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With a shining reputation for hospitality and grace, Savannah has easily earned a spot on my list of top dog-friendly destinations!
Are you thinking about visiting this Lowcountry gem with your pup soon? What are you looking forward to the most? While you’re preparing for your trip, don’t forget to get your FREE copy of our Doggie Packing Checklist to help you stay organized.
