Dog-Friendly St. Simon Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick Georgia
Looking to plan a dog-friendly trip? Look no further than the dog-friendly paradise of St. Simon Island Georgia and its surrounding gems. With beaches, trails, parks, and charming local spots, these destinations are a perfect start for planning your golden Isle adventure with your pup.
Itinerary Summary:
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- Time of year: November 2023 – December 2023
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- Areas Visited: St Simon Island, Jekyll Island, Brunswick Georgia
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- The Blondes Ages: 11 years young & 2 years old
NATURE TRAILS & PARKS
John Gilbert Nature Trail
An easy and scenic boardwalk trail through marshland thats about half a mile long make it a great option for pups of all sizes, energy levels and ages. Free Parking at Designated locations.
Location: 2470 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Bring your own water!
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
Blythe Island Regional Park
Located near Brunswick Georgia, The trails are well-marked and easy to navigate, making them great for both beginner hikers and experienced trail walkers. You can also navigate them using AllTrails.
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- Blythe Island Nature Trail: 1.0-mile scenic loop | Active pup approved & active senior dog approved
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- Blythe Island Lakes Loop: 5.1 mile loop / trails | active pup approved spot
Location: 6616 Blythe Island Hwy, Brunswick, GA 31523
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Bring your own water!
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Respect the trails, stay on marked trails
Frederica Park & Alice Richards Botanical Trail
Located in Frederica Park, on St. Simons Island, Georgia.This beautifully landscaped garden is a peaceful retreat for a leisurely stroll.
Location: 2201 Lawrence Road, Frederica Park St. Simons Island, GA 31522
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Bring your own water!
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Respect the trails, stay on marked trails
NATIONAL PARKS
Fort Frederica National Monument
Perfect location for the history buff: explore the fort ruins and ruins from the town that supported the fort. Poop bags and water stations provided! There is no BARK Ranger Program, but rumor has it you can purchase a site specific dog tag for your pup.
Location: 6515 Frederica Rd. St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Pet Policy: As of 11/22/2024: “Fort Frederica National Monument is pet friendly! We ask that all pets are on a leash, are under control at all times, and all waste is picked up. Waste bags are provided at the entrance to the town of Frederica and at the dock. There is a water fountain for dogs on the breezeway of the Visitor Center. Pets are not permitted in the Visitor Center.”
This location is active pup approved & active senior dog approved.
FOR THE BEACH BUMS…
Driftwood Beach
Absolutely stunning beach, a must see, located on Jekyll Island. Driftwood Beach ranks No. 3 in the United States and No. 12 in the world by Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches as part of its annual Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2023.
Location: South of North Loop Trail on N. Beachview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Bring your own water! There are no water fountains nearby.
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No longer than 16′
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Visit during sunrise or sunset for fabulous views.
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- If you have adorable pups, be prepared for wedding parties taking photos on the beach to stop you and ask to pet your pups.
St. Andrews Beach
Located on Jekyll Island, this beach is a bit more tranquil and the expansive shoreline gives your pup plenty of room to run, dig, and splash in the waves. You might even get lucky and have a dolphin sighting.
Location: 100 St. Andrews DrJekyll Island, GA 31527
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No longer than 16′
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Bring your own water!
Coast Guard Beach / East Beach
Located on St. Simon Island, Coast Guard Beach, also known as East Beach. A lively spot perfect for beach-loving pups! With soft sand and rolling waves, it’s a great place for a game of fetch or just to soak in the coastal vibes.
Location: 4100 First St St. Simons Island, GA 31522
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Bring your own water!
Goulds Inlet At East Beach
A quieter option for dogs who prefer a more relaxed beach experience. Take in the beautiful views, watch for shorebirds, and let your pup enjoy the peace.
Location: Fifteenth Street East Beach St. Simons Island, GA 31522
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Bring your own water!
Massengale Park & East Beach Access
A family- and dog-friendly park with shaded picnic areas, public restrooms and showers with direct access to East Beach.
Location: 1350 Ocean Blvd. St. Simons Island, GA 31522
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Bring your own water!
Great Dunes Beach Park
This park offers easy beach access and grassy areas, making it a versatile stop for both playtime and picnics. Your pup will love the open spaces!
Location: Beachview Dr. N & Shell Road Jekyll Island, GA 31527
A few helpful tips when visiting:
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- Be responsible. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
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- Bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pup.
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- Bring your own water!
LOCAL SHOPS & DINING
St. Simon Lighthouse
Dogs aren’t allowed inside the lighthouse, but the surrounding waterfront grounds make for a picturesque walk.
Location: 610 Beachview Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Golden Isles Olive Oil Market Place
This charming shop welcomes dogs and offers unique local products. Treat yourself to olive oils, balsamics, and even a snack for your pup!
Location: 1609 Frederica Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
St. Simon Island Pier Village
A hub of activity and charm, the Pier Village is great for a casual stroll, dining or shopping. Many shops and dining are dog friendly.
Location: 529 Beachview Drive
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Island Dog Village Shop
A cute dog boutique right in town. Stop in to sample some treats, grab some new stylish accessories or even purchase your pup a giant toucan souvenir toy for them to carry around town.
Location: 412 Mallery Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
LOCAL DOG PARKS
We know they are controversial, but if you are looking to check a few out below are the two we visited.
Frederica Dog Park
We went mid afternoon during the week in hopes to avoid other dogs and had a great experience. The off-leash area was mainly woodchips so if your pup doesn’t like that terrain the dog park might not be for you. Overall the park was well maintained, provided waste bags and had water stations. After the park you can easily stroll through Alice Richards Botanical Trail.
Location: 2201 Lawrence Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Epworth Dog Park
Recommended to us by locals, so we gave it a shot. Awesome dog owners with well behaved pups. The park was clean, provided fresh water and waste bags. The park also included a few agility activities.