About 18 miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is often called “Savanah’s Beach.” Tybee Island has long been known as one of the best on the east coast of the United States. You’ll find over 3 miles of beautiful beaches, gentle waves, sugar sand, and dolphins passing by at all hours of the day.
Unfortunately, you won’t find dogs on Tybee Island’s beaches because no dogs are allowed on them at any time, even during the off-season. Dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee Island’s beautiful beaches because loggerhead turtles nest there. Conservationists worry (and rightly so) that dogs may upset these magnificent creatures or dig up their nests.
The good news is that you’ll find several excellent dog-friendly beaches within a few miles of Tybee Island to enjoy with your pup. To help you do exactly that, we’ve listed the top 6 dog-friendly beaches near Tybee Island below. If spending a day at the beach with your favorite canine is your goal while visiting Savannah, the info below will be just what you’re looking for!
Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Tybee Island
1. Little Tybee Island Beach
| ️ Address: | Tybee Island, GA, 31328 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- During the off-season, the beach is practically deserted
- Getting to the beach requires a boat or taking the ferry
- Kayaking and fishing are very popular, along with dolphin-watching
- You can camp and make a fire on the beach
- Great beach for collecting beautiful shells
- Closest dog-friendly beach to Tybee Island
2. Burkes Beach
| ️ Address: | 60 Burkes Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 |
| Open Times: | Monday thru Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
- Offers free outdoor showers
- Beach is dog-friendly before 10 am and after 5 pm from April 1st through September 30th
- Plenty of free parking is available
- During the off-season, dogs are allowed to be off-leash
- Wide-open beach with lots of room
3. Fish Haul Beach Park
| ️ Address: | 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 |
| Open Times: | Monday thru Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
- Dog-friendly hours change several times throughout the year
- Don’t let your dogs chase wildlife, or you could get a fine
- Lots of shells to find and wildlife to see
- Very shallow water makes wading easy for smaller dogs
- Tranquil park and beach, perfect for shy dogs
4. Coligny Beach Park
| ️ Address: | 1N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday thru Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
- Many landscaped paths for walking, biking, and exploring
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10 AM and after 5 PM during the summer months
- Public outdoor showers are available, including for dogs
- Free parking is available but go early to get a spot
- Beach gets very crowded and noisy, not the best for shy dogs
- Locals recommend going to the park with your dog in the morning
5. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
| ️ Address: | 229 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday thru Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
- Beach access from the park to the dog-friendly beach
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers are available
- Interpretive signage, a beautiful gazebo, and historical exhibits to enjoy
- Free parking, but go early to get a spot
- Picnic pavilion available for picnics and parties
- Gorgeous trails and an observation deck
6. Alder Lane Beach
| ️ Address: | William Hilton Pkwy & Ocean Front Blvd, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday thru Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free, but most parking is metered |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
- A very small and quiet beach that’s great for shy dogs
- Beach matting is available for you and your canine companions
- Parking is paid, so be sure to bring quarters for the meter
- Dogs can be off-leash before 10 am and after 5 pm during the on-season or anytime in the off-season.
Conclusion
It might be distressing to learn that your dog can’t accompany you when you visit Tybee Island, but it makes sense. After all, the island is a haven for loggerhead turtles, and they need to be protected. Lucky for you, there are six beautiful beaches within shouting distance of Tybee Island where dogs are allowed to enjoy the surf and sand. The closest is Little Tybee Island, but you’ll need a boat to get there. The rest are on nearby Hilton Head Island, which is beautiful and well worth visiting.
Whichever beach you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog. The beaches on Georgia’s coast get hot and sticky and, if you don’t have water, can be overwhelming, especially for dogs with thick coats of fur. Since most of the beaches on our list don’t offer food for sale, bringing treats and poop bags for your dog is also a good idea. Have a fantastic adventure, and enjoy all the dog-friendly beaches near Tybee Island, GA!
Featured Image Credit: sharkolot, Pixabay
