Hate to leave your furry companion behind while on vacation? You don’t have to at these popular beach getaways.
Dogs are permitted on the beach at St. Simons except between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Otherwise they are free to romp off leash, as long as they are in the owner's immediate control. Several hotels on the island permit pets as well, including the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort.
Dogs are permitted on most of the beaches on Jekyll Island, except South Beach between South Dunes picnic area and 2,000 feet northeast of St. Andrews Sound picnic area. And all dogs must be on leash.
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Dogs are not permitted on the beaches of Tybee Island, but there is a dog park on Van Horne Street just past the police station, open from dawn until dusk. Two dogs per handler allowed. Parking is free (a rarity on Tybee). And if your dog likes adventure, take him or her on a boat ride with Capt. Mike's Dolphin Tours. Proof of current immunizations required.
Leashed dogs are permitted on the ferry from Meridian with proof of current immunizations. The Sapelo Island Birdhouse Cottages allow guests to bring dogs for overnight stays. And while they're free to roam the beaches, dogs should be kept on leash on uplands and marshlands. Dogs are easy prey for alligators, which are known to roam some of these areas.
»RELATED: 6 running trails near Atlanta's best dog parks
To learn more, read our special travel report at Discover Georgia's Barrier Islands.
