Dog-Friendly Guide to Savannah

If whimsical surroundings, mouth-watering food, river views, and never-ending Southern charm are your idea of the perfect vacation backdrop, Savannah, Georgia, deserves to be on your shortlist. The “Hostess City of the South” is renowned for its hospitality, historic architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant art scene, and dreamy Spanish moss-draped live oak trees. It’s also a haven for dog lovers and pet parents, as many of the city’s most beloved restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and hotels welcome pups with the same signature Southern hospitality that they offer their human visitors and guests. To help you navigate the always-stunning and sometimes spooky streets of this oh-so-special city (which is often considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America), we’ve put together the ultimate dog-friendly guide to Savannah. Check it out, below.

Cafes and Eateries

Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack to fuel you between point A and point B, the cafes and eateries below welcome people and pups.

Driftaway Cafe

7400 Skidaway Rd D
@driftawaycafe

Driftaway Cafe is a popular Savannah destination for casual, coastal fare. The locally owned restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, and boasts a menu of seafood, steak, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Pups are permitted on the patio.

J. Christopher’s

122 E Liberty Street
@jchristophersrestaurant

J. Christopher’s is a popular spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The daytime eatery serves up a variety of traditional items, including omelettes, eggs Benedict, hot cakes, salads, soups, sandwiches, and burgers. Thanks to its central location near Calhoun Square and the Starland District, J. Christopher’s is a great place to kickstart your day exploring Savannah.

Treylor Park

115 East Bay Street
@treylorparkrestaurants

Treylor Park is a hot spot for unique spins on brunch, lunch, and dinner. Popular menu items include PB&J chicken wings, Savannah hot chicken and waffles, the grilled apple pie chicken sandwich, poke pizza, and the double-wide dog. It’s an inventive dining destination to say the least. Pop in to see for yourself, and grab a table on the patio so your pooch can join you.

Belford’s 

315 West Saint Julian Street
@belfordssavannah

Located in the heart of Savannah’s City Market, Belford’s is a great place to grab brunch, lunch, or dinner before or after perusing the many nearby galleries and shops. The dog-friendly restaurant is renowned for its classic Southern fare, including menu items like shrimp, greens, and grits, southern fried chicken, and shrimp po’boys. Patrons can also enjoy higher-end entrees with mouth-watering butcher’s cuts, featuring beef, bison, elk, and pork options.

The Olde Pink House

23 Abercorn Street
@theoldepinkhouse

The Olde Pink House is Savannah’s most iconic restaurant, with its instantly recognizable bubblegum-hued Georgian architecture and lush green garden. While reportedly haunted, the historic mansion-turned-restaurant, which dates back to the late 1700s, draws hordes of visitors with its delectable Southern comfort cooking. The chef’s fried chicken and macaroni and cheese dish is a must. Just keep in mind, this restaurant fills up fast, and pups are only permitted on the admittedly small patio, so you may have to wait to be seated. 

Leopold’s Ice Cream

212 East Broughton Street
@leopoldsicecream

Grab a sweet treat for yourself and your pup at Leopold’s Ice Cream. The century-old ice cream parlor wows locals and visitors alike with its scrumptious homemade ice cream, pastries, and floats, not to mention doggie sundaes. Put it like this: After grabbing a scoop (or two) and falling head-over-heels for the creamy quality, you’ll be thrilled to know Leopold’s ships nationwide.

Breweries, Wineries, and Bars

Grab a bite and a brew (or craft cocktail or glass of vino) at the pooch-friendly pubs, taphouses, breweries, and rooftop bars below.

Six Pence Pub

245 Bull Street

Grab a patio table and a pint with your pup at Six Pence Pub. The popular Savannah alehouse serves up Irish classics like shepherd’s pie, beef Guinness, and Scotch eggs. In addition to the authentic fare, Six Pence Pub also has a charming UK-inspired design, complete with an iconic red phone box you’ll surely want to snap a picture of your pup in. 

Savannah Taphouse

125 East Broughton Street
@savannahtaphouse

Savannah Taphouse is a beer- and sports-lovers' dream. The fan-favorite taphouse touts 40 taps, 28 TVs, and a menu of elevated, from-scratch bar food that will make you want to return again and again. Standout items include the mac and cheese quesadilla, buffalo chicken eggrolls, and the Savannah smash burger. Just keep in mind that, as alluring as the interior may seem, pups are typically only permitted on the patio.

Hop Atomica

535 E 39th Street
@hopatomica

For craft brews and inventive cocktails, head to Hop Atomica. The brewery, restaurant, and distillery serves appetizers, pizzas, and salads with elevated libations like seasonal sangria, rosemary gin concoctions, flavorful bourbon pairings, and more. And, if aesthetic dining is your thing, let it be known: Hop Atomica is a minimalist-chic Savannah gem. 

Congress Street Social Club

411 West Congress Street
@socialclubcongress

Congress Street Social Club is one of the best places to eat and drink with your dog, as the walled, shaded patio is nearly triple the size of many others. In addition to delicious food and drinks, the popular establishment also regularly features live music. Check the event calendar to plan your visit accordingly.

Peregrin

256 East Perry Street
@perrylanehotel

Peregrin is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing, dog-friendly rooftop bar in all of Savannah. From the black and white diamond tile floor and yellow and white cabana stripe umbrellas and furniture to the minty green bar and lush greenery overhead and all around, you’ll be hard-pressed not to take a picture. The best part? Your pup will make it look that much cuter! Looks aside, Peregrin has a stellar cocktail, mocktail, and canned cocktail menu, plus wine, beer, and light bites. Don’t blame us if you end up wanting to spend all afternoon there.

Shops

Luckily for visitors, Savannah’s most popular shopping districts and markets allow pups to join in on the fun. The neighborhoods and shops below are some of the must-see attractions in the area.

Savannah’s Waterfront

River Street
@savwaterfront

Savannah is nestled along the Savannah River. Visitors can take in the views from cobblestoned River Street or the paved Riverwalk, two main attractions of Savannah’s Waterfront. Along both, visitors will find a bevy of shops and well-manicured green spaces for lounging and picnicking, especially once edging into the Plant Riverside District, where more outdoor dog-friendly restaurants and bars line the walk. (Check out District Seafood and District Smokehouse!)

Byrd Cookie Company

211 W Broughton Street, #101
@byrdcookieco

Byrdie Cookie Company is famous for its teeny cookies and crackers boasting big flavor. Inside, patrons can sample all the flavors, with their pup in tow. Word to the wise: The Key Lime Coolers and Salted Caramel Cookies are especially divine, as are the garlicy Cocktail Crackers.

Broughton Street

Broughton Street

Broughton Street is the main shopping drag in Savannah. It’s home to Leopold’s, Savannah Taphouse, and a Byrd Cookie Company location, as well as the ever-posh and absolutely stunning Paris Market, where pups can join at the outside bistro tables. Many more shops and galleries line the street—just be sure to ask if dogs are allowed before stepping fully inside.

Forsyth Farmers’ Market

13 E Park Avenue
@forsythfarmersmarket

Savannah is partially famous for its massive Forsyth Farmers’ Market, where dozens of vendors collect beneath the beautiful Spanish moss-covered live oak trees. In addition to fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, and honey, the market sells flowers and plenty of handcrafted goods, ranging from home and bath goods to art. The best part is, dogs can stroll the strip with you. You might even come across some homemade dog treats along the way.

Jere’s Antiques

9 North Jefferson Street

If you love antiques, you’ll be thrilled to know that Jere’s Antiques allows leashed pups inside. As wonderful as this is for folks looking to find something super unique on their Savannah getaway, it’s worth reminding that pups can sometimes be a bit like a bull in a china shop. Proceed with care. 

Parks and Trails

Savannah is home to ample green spaces for picnics, strolls, and off-leash dog romps. The five below are the most-frequented spots among locals and visitors alike.

Herty Pines Dog Park

Bee Road

Herty Pines Dog Park is beloved for being spacious and shaded, so pups can run around without tiring too quickly. Logistically, the park has fenced sections for large and small dogs, as well as water fountains for refreshment.

Windsor Dog Park

12412 Woodley Road

Windsor Dog Park is a popular option in Southside Savannah. It features fenced areas for large and small dogs, plus fun obstacles throughout to really help with the zoomies.

Mohawk Dog Park

1134 Mohawk Street

Mohawk Dog Park is beloved for its lakeside views and well-maintained grassy area. There are a few agility obstacles strewn about, giving pups the chance to really run their hearts out. This park also has distinct sections for large and small dogs.

Forsyth Park

Savannah Historic District

Forsyth Park, as a whole, welcomes pups—not just the farmer’s market. Technically, dogs are supposed to be on leash, but visitors will frequently see off-leash pups playing fetch in the large open spaces.

Savannah Riverwalk

The same place you can shop and dine, you can walk and run your pups. If you choose the latter—especially during summer—start early to avoid heat and crowds. The out-and-back path is 1.6 miles, making it a lovely walking route or a fairly quick jogging route.

Hotels

Trust us: Savannah is worth a full weekend getaway—and once you get a glimpse of the gorgeous pup-friendly properties below, you won’t be able to resist. 

Thompson Savannah

201 West Bay Street
@thompsonsavannahga

Thompson Savannah has a front-and-center view of the Savannah River and is situated alongside the beginning of the paved Riverwalk, making it a great place to stay for folks who want to walk or run the waterfront during their visit. The hospitality here is top-notch, especially for pups, who receive treats, toys, beds, and bowls upon visiting. FYI: Bar Julian, Savannah’s tallest rooftop bar, has spectacular craft cocktails and even better views—make sure not to miss it!

Know Before You Go:

• Pet Fee: $0 — pets stay free

• Number/Size Restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In Room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

Perry Lane Hotel

256 East Perry Street
@perrylanehotel

The Perry Lane Hotel is the greater property where Peregrin is located. Like its rooftop counterpart, The Perry Lane Hotel is a work of art, with modern-minimalist, luxe details throughout. And when pups arrive, they get the star treatment, complete with beds, bowls, treats, and cute bandanas to show off where they stayed.

Know Before You Go:

• Pet Fee: $150 per stay, plus $20 per night

• Number/Size Restrictions: Two dogs up to 50 pounds 

• In Room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

The Kimpton Brice Hotel

601 East Bay Street
@kimptonbrice

The Kimpton Brice Hotel is a bit more secluded, as it’s situated within the tree-lined Historic District. Most notably, the property has a Secret Garden and a grassy courtyard with a pool and lounge chairs, both of which allow pets. That’s the thing about The Kimpton Brice Hotel: They treat pets exceptionally well, allowing them in many places, and welcoming them with beds, bowls, and treats for no extra charge.

Know Before You Go:

• Pet Fee: $0 — pets stay free

• Number/Size Restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In Room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

East Bay Inn

225 East Bay Street
@eastbayinn

The East Bay Inn is a historic, haunted hotel in Savannah’s historic district, mere steps from River Street. The beautifully decorated, vintage-inspired property is super pup-friendly, with private patio access for them to easily relieve themselves.

Know Before You Go:

• Pet Fee: $75 per stay

• Number/Size Restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In Room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

Hotel Bardo Savannah

700 Drayton Street
@staybardo

Hotel Bardo is one of the most beautiful hotels in all of Savannah, with an interior design style that may make you want to revamp your home once you return from vacation. The gorgeous property features bright, spacious guest rooms and suites, a charming courtyard pool and lawn, and on-site dining and wellness offerings. In layman’s terms, this dog-friendly Savannah property is not only a pet parent’s dream, but an Instagram-lover’s, too. 

Know Before You Go:

• Pet Fee: $200 per stay

• Number/Size Restrictions: One dog up to 50 pounds, or two dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds

In Room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended