Six Fantastic Dog Friendly Getaways Near Atlanta - Pets Around the World (2024)

Have you been wondering about great dog friendly weekend getaways near Atlanta?

Are you planning a weekend getaway with your dog near Atlanta? Finding the perfect spot where both you and your pup can unwind and enjoy some quality time together is essential.

Luckily, the area around Atlanta is brimming with options that cater to adventure-loving dogs and their human companions. From exploring the historic pathways on Jekyll Island to taking a scenic stroll along the Riverwalk in Chattanooga, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly getaways.

Whether you prefer coastal wonders, urban adventures, or mountain escapes like the lush trails of the Blue Fun for you and doggo is just a short drive away. Let’s dive into six fantastic dog-friendly getaways that you can explore near Atlanta.

Savannah

Why Savannah is a great dog friendly weekend vacation

Best For: sandy island romps, cobblestone strolls and Spanish moss, riverfront warehouse cafes, spooky tails and trails

Savannah, Georgia, feels like a world of its own. If you can visit, we highly recommend it. The place is literally haunted with history (with plenty of ghost and graveyard tours to show you just that!) The spanish moss creates an otherworldly feel everywhere, but particularly in Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery.

For a unique place in the city itself, check out River Street, with old warehouses turned into shops and cafes that often let dogs in.

A short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island has sandy beaches where dogs can play in the water and run around. The island is laid-back, and there are plenty of places to stay that welcome pets.

The north end is quieter if you prefer that, and there’s also a dog-friendly section at South Beach. Hilton Head Island is about an hour away and has wide beaches and lots of parks where dogs are welcome. There are trails and paths through the forests that are perfect for walks. Both islands have plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, so you can bring your dog along when you go out to eat after a day of exploring.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

We loved Savannah and it was a perfect getaway for us as we were on our way down to Florida. We spent some time on Hilton Head Island and enjoyed an incredible sunset.

Then we explored Savannah, which has this wonderful eerie quality with all the spanish moss, historic buildings and old streets. There isn’t any other place like it. We also enjoyed some incredible food. So all around it was a very memorable getaway and if we get the chance we want to go back and stay longer.

If you want more detailed recommendations and places to stay, don’t just take our word for it, we teamed up with a Savannah local to give you detailed dog friendly guide for Savannah

Asheville

Best For: dog-friendly downtown strolls, mountain views and artsy vibes, scenic trails, craft breweries with crisp mugs and cool floors

Asheville, North Carolina, is a fantastic place to visit with your dog. It’s known as Dog City USA for a reason, it is one of the most dog friendly places in the United States. Even though it is a four hour drive from Atlanta, it is worth the drive.

A great place to start is the Dog Welcome Center, where you and your pup can get all the information you need, along with some doggy treats. Walking through downtown on the Urban Trail is another great way to explore the city’s history and art with your dog by your side.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Asheville offers plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Craggy Gardens and Graveyard Fields Loop are popular choices, providing stunning views and refreshing waterfall spots for your dog to cool off. If your dog loves the water, the French Broad Outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals, perfect for a day on the river.

While in Asheville, you’ll find that many shops downtown and at the Asheville Outlets are dog-friendly, with water bowls and seating areas for your convenience. The Historic Trolley Tour is another fun activity, allowing small dogs to join and giving you a comprehensive look at the city’s highlights.

If want more details and the local scoop, which includes dining and accommodations, check out our full guide from a NC local here.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

We loved Asheville and it lives up to its reputation as one of the most dog friendly cities. But we would much rather you hear directly from someone local. Check out our Dog Friendly Asheville guide, by NC locals.

We took advantage of the stunning Asheville fall to get some family portraits done with the pet photographer Peter Mulroe. It was actually a fun way to explore the area in a different way than we are used to. Plus, we have some beautiful memories to keep with us now.

Blue Ridge and the North Georgia Mountains

Why Blue Ridge and the North Georgia Mountains is a great weekend vacation near Atlanta

Best For: mountain town vibes, scenic railway rides, gold rush history, Bavarian trails, rim trail adventures

Blue Ridge, GA, is a delightful spot for a dog-friendly weekend. You’ll find Bear Claw Vineyards perfect for a relaxed afternoon with local wine, while your dog enjoys the open spaces. The downtown area is a charming mix of pet-friendly shops and galleries, where dogs are welcomed with water bowls and treats. A quirky highlight is The Groovy Zoo Yard Art, featuring unique animal sculptures.

For nature lovers, the Benton MacKaye Trail offers scenic hikes, and Fall Branch Falls provides a serene waterfall experience.

For more details and some dog friendly accommodation recommendations, check out our Dog Friendly Blue Ridge guide.

The whole Blue Ridge area is pretty much a paradise for dog owners. Dahlonega, just a short drive away, has some cool gold rush history and pet-friendly wine tasting rooms. The historic square is perfect for a walk, and lots of the patios welcome dogs. Helen has this unique Bavarian feel and offers dog-friendly trails like the ones at Unicoi State Park leading to Anna Ruby Falls. Tallulah Gorge State Park is another highlight with amazing views and trails that dogs can join you on, like the North and South Rim Trails. Each of these spots has i own unique charm, making the area a fantastic place for adventures with your dog.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

In talking with a local host, I said something about visiting with “our dogs in tow”. She responded that you can’t think that way in Blue Ridge. When it comes to visiting with dogs, “Blue Ridge is all about about being together, side by side”

We always look forward to some beautiful drives and interesting mountain towns. Having grown up in mountain foothills ourselves, this is our kind of getaway!

If a trip to Blue Ridge sounds good to you, take a deeper dive with our post from a local to the area.

Chattanooga

Why Chattanooga is a great dog friendly getaway near Atlanta

Best For: riverfront strolls, quirky North Shore shops, historic Choo Choo Hotel gardens, canyon and waterfall hikes, artistic Bluff View patios

Chattanooga is great for a weekend with your dog. Take a walk along the Tennessee Riverwalk for some nice water views. Lookout Mountain has some amazing sights too. If you like hiking, check out Stringers Ridge Park for a mix of nature and city views.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a quirky historic spot, and your dog can join you in many areas there. The city has lots of outdoor art, like murals and sculptures, which make for fun photos with your pup.

For a relaxed time, visit dog-friendly spots like Chattanooga Brewing Company and enjoy a craft beer while your dog hangs out. Don’t miss the Chattanooga Market on Sundays for local produce, crafts, and live music. The city has a friendly vibe and a great mix of outdoor and urban activities, making it perfect for a weekend with your dog.

If you drive a bit from Chattanooga, you can visit Cloudland Canyon State Park, which is one of Georgia’s most popular natural parks. It offers some great trails with views of the canyon and waterfalls, perfect for an active dog.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

Cloudland Canyon would definitely be the reason we would want to visit Chattanooga, we will take any chance to see waterfalls and enjoy some scenic trails. It has some of our favorite things to do from walking along the river to forest adventures and waterfalls.

Here are a few particular details that caught our attention and would have us visiting here the next time we are in TN.
1) Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls
2) Mossy Boulders along the trail of Sitton’s Gulch Trail
3) Enjoying the Tennessee River, especially the riverwalk and Walnut Street Bridge

Barnsley Resort and Northwest Georgia

Why visit Barnsley Resort and Northwest Georgia for a vacation with your dog

Best For: pampered pup retreats, historic Civil War trails, riverside trails, picnics by the lake

Barnsley Resort is a perfect blend of luxury and outdoor fun, making it an ideal retreat for you and your dog. Enjoy leisurely garden walks, cozy evenings by the fire pits, and dog-friendly rooms that ensure your pup feels right at home. From this serene spot, you’re just a short drive from several other great locations.

Spend a day exploring the historic trails at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, hiking and picnicking by the lake at Red Top Mountain State Park, or wandering through the relaxed downtown and riverside trails in Rome. With these fantastic spots nearby, Barnsley Resort offers a perfect hub for both relaxation and adventure.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

When we plan a trip to Atlanta, this area would be high on our list of places to visit. Being able to stay at a resort that caters to our pups, while also being so close to all these other activities is very appealing!

Jekyll Island

Why Jekyll Island is a great weekend vacation with your dog

Best For: driftwood beachcombing, doggy bike rides, leash-led history tours, upscale island hopping, pup-friendly pier shopping

Note: the drive might be long for a weekend getaway, but…beaches + islands = road trip! It’s just travel math.

Jekyll Island is an interesting place on Georgia’s coast with some really nice, untouched beaches and cool maritime forests. Driftwood Beach is a must-see; it’s scattered with these huge driftwood pieces that make for great exploring with your dog. The Jekyll Island Trail System is full of paved paths that are perfect for long walks or bike rides with your pup. Also, the Historic District is pretty neat and dogs on leashes are welcome to check out the area with you.

The Golden Isles, which include Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick, have a lot to offer. St. Simons Island is nearby and has East Beach, which is also dog-friendly, plus the St. Simons Lighthouse is worth a look. Pier Village has some cute shops and places to eat where dogs are welcome. In Brunswick, the historic downtown has charming streets and local cafes that love dogs. Sea Island is a bit more upscale but offers fancy places to stay and activities if you’re up for it. Each island has its own vibe, but they all love the outdoors, making them great to explore with your dog.

Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway

Dogs love the long walks on the beach, and most of the island is a state park so they were welcome almost everywhere. Driftwood Beach in particular is not only dog friendly but beautiful!

We were in the area in the late fall. It’s a great winter destination because it can even get up to 80 degrees in December making it perfect for patio dining.

Final Thoughts: best dog friendly getaways near Atlanta

With each destination, from the sun-kissed shores of Jekyll Island to the historic cobblestones of Savannah, we’ve shared some of the best spots for a dog-friendly getaway. Whether you’re city-bound in Chattanooga or exploring the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a perfect escape waiting for you and your pooch. The great outdoors at Barnsley Resort offers yet another splendid chance to bond and explore the natural beauty together.

We hope this guide inspires you and your faithful companion to pack up and set off on your next great adventure. There’s nothing quite like the joy of exploring new places with your dog by your side. So, here’s to sniffing out new trails, relishing peaceful moments, and creating unforgettable memories.

Interested in more dog friendly destinations?

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If you have been to one of the places on my list or if you have a suggestion of another fabulous pet destination, I’d love to hear your story on our review page for the United States.