Paws on the Trail: The 4 Best Day Trips from Atlanta To Take With Dogs
Everybody loves a good day trip. But finding a dog friendly day trip in Georgia would make for the perfect weekend getaway, right?
What are the best spots around Atlanta to bring my dog?
We’ve reviewed the best dog friendly road trip options you can take from Atlanta, ranging from northern Georgia to the Golden Isles. Our top choices include:
- Georgia State Parks
- Stone Mountain Park
- Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens
- Tybee Island and Jekyll Island
There’s plenty of places to explore around Atlanta that are pet friendly, so get ready to bring your four legged friends along for the ride!
Best Day Trips from Atlanta with Dogs
With all of these great places to explore, be aware that not every part of these locations will be pet friendly for your pooch. Do a little bit of checking so you don’t spoil your fun before it begins, and check in advance where your pets are welcome to join you.
Georgia State Parks
State park land in Georgia is the perfect place to bring your pooch – just keep them on a leash at all times.
With dozens of state park options and loads of dog friendly trails, these historic spots and natural attractions give you lots of opportunities for a road trip for your four legged friends.
Specific options that we recommend close to Atlanta include:
- Roosevelt State Park
- Skidaway Island State Park
- Red Top Mountain State Park
- Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park
In and Around Atlanta
Keep in mind, you don’t even have to travel too far out of the city to find a great spot for you and your pup. Try these options closer to home before venturing too far out of town.
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain is one of the most popular spots in the Peach State. It’s right next door to Atlanta, and is a great dog friendly outing.
Thousands of acres of sprawling natural habitat and an array of attractions make this a worthy addition to your day trip bucket list.
Stone Mountain also has plenty of overnight camping spots if you want to make an extended stay.
Leashed pets must be under supervision at all times, but that just gives you even more excuse to spend quality time with your dog – and that can’t be a bad thing!
Centennial Park
Built to honor the host city of the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Park isn’t a dog park in the traditional sense, but if you keep them on a leash you can explore the area to your heart’s content.
Because it’s in the heart of downtown, you will also be able to find plenty of dog friendly restaurants, so you and your pup can refuel after a fun day of play.
Piedmont Dog Park
Piedmont Park is another dog friendly area in the heart of the city. They even have a three acre section that is set aside to let your dog off leash in a safe environment, and this area is separated into sections for large and small breeds.
There’s also plenty of trails throughout the park if you want to avoid the furry crowds.
Sandy Springs
Just outside of the city proper is another great place to bring Fido.
Dogs are welcome at lots of outdoor restaurants, and you can also have fun with your pup at several off-leash dog parks in town as well.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta is another small town suburb of Atlanta for those who want a laid back journey with their dogs.
Annual delights like the Halcyon Farmer’s Market are a haven for those who want to take in the sights and sounds with a four legged buddy.
You can also style your pet at one of their dog boutiques, and canine-themed happy hours take place at area restaurants and bars throughout the month of October.
Blue Ridge
The Blue Ridge region covers a wide swath of the North Georgia mountains. It’s home to deep, lush forests, and hundreds of winding miles of hiking trails. It’s a great place in Georgia to bring your dog!
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a unique spot in Georgia. The vantage point of this peak sits at almost 2400 feet above sea level, and there is a marker at the top that shows where you can see seven states from the summit.
If you’re up for a road trip with your fur baby, Lookout Mountain is also dog friendly. Several locations and attractions allow pets, but be sure to check each site before setting off.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City is one of the pet friendly options to be found in Lookout Mountain. Bring your dog (on a leash) with you when you visit this hidden gem in north Georgia, and let them sniff around the plants and rock formations you can find there.
When you’re done working up a sweat in Rock City, you can stop for a sweet treat at one of their coffee shops. Don’t forget to spoil your pup with a treat after a day on the trails!
Reece Orchards
Georgia is home to a number of scenic orchards, and many like the B.J. Reece Orchards are dog friendly.
This natural haven in the Blue Ridge Mountains lets you bring your dogs along to pick seasonal fruits like apples and peaches.
Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery
Another pet friendly option you might not have thought about is a winery. The state has a thriving wine and beer scene, including wine tastings and festivals in the summer months.
As long as you can keep your pup on good behavior, they are welcome at many of these outdoor locations.
Helen
Nestled on the crystal clear waters of the Chattahoochee River in the northern part of Georgia, your four legged friends will love accompanying you to this beautiful city.
Helen is close to Raven Cliff Falls in the Appalachian Mountains, which has a five mile trail that is the perfect length for you and your pup to enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and natural vistas. It’s also close to the Smithgall Woods State Park.
Additionally, this historic town in north Georgia seems tailor-made for a dog to visit. Many of the restaurants have dog-friendly patios, and some of the inns even have dog-themed rooms!
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Black Rock State Park is one of many state parks in Georgia that encourages you to bring your pup along for the ride. Even better, they have some cabins that allow pets for overnight stays as well.
On the Coast
If you’re willing to go more than an hour or two outside of Atlanta, you might try heading for the coast. It’s a longer drive, but it’s worth it for sights you won’t find anywhere else in Georgia.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is full of fun activities that dogs and people alike can enjoy. Scenic dolphin tours let you bring your dog along for a sightseeing cruise, or you can find some peace and quiet overlooking the water from the docks.
Jekyll Island
One of the premier historic sites in Georgia, Jekyll Island has many areas that are pet friendly. This dog-friendly Georgia beach is home to a stunning collection of natural driftwood formations, making for great photo ops for every member of the family (pets included!).
Savannah Tours
The historic district of Savannah attracts road trip enthusiasts from all over the country. An outdoor stroll with your dogs is the ideal way to take in the oldest city in the state.
Pet friendly options include Bonaventure Cemetery, and pet parents can brave the spooky nights with a guided ghost tour.
Off the Beaten Path
Georgia is a large state, and great tourist spots can be found all over the place. Try these options that are a little off the beaten path for a unique and unforgettable adventure with your furry friend.
Broad River
Broad River is only open from March to October, so plan for the right season at this dog friendly attraction.
If your pup is up to it, they can slip on a life vest and join you for a kayak or canoe ride down the river. You’d be surprised how far canines will go to spend time with their humans!
Callaway Gardens
The Callaway Resort and Gardens are pretty far removed from the mountains and coasts of Georgia, and that’s not a bad thing.
It offers a retreat from extreme cold in the winter, making this a great dog friendly option that still lets you enjoy hiking through nature.
Callaway Gardens is also known for their Christmas light displays, and pets are welcome to come along for the ride!
Adairsville
The resort at Adairsville is open to dogs of all sizes, and they can even stay overnight with you. This is another great place to show off your pooch’s sense of style – the gift shop and other boutiques in the area have a wide selection of pet bow ties.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia has lots of state park lands and other areas that are dog friendly.
- You don’t even have to leave the city limits to find a place to bond with your furry family.
- Even a short drive of an hour outside of Atlanta can give you the perfect pet friendly trip.
- If you want to spend the day hiking with your dog, be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
- You won’t be able to let your dog off leash everywhere, so read up before you head out.