Pet-friendly St. Simons Island
Doc, the Goldendoodle, on St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island: A Pet-Friendly Guide

Your complete guide to places to stay, where to eat and things to do with your dog on St. Simons Island

With a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, an array of activities and plenty of places to eat, St. Simons Island is the perfect spot for you and your pups to enjoy. Here is a complete list of everything to do and see on island time. While you’re there, use #exploregeorgiapup to share your photos with us!

Things to Do on St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island pier

Spend a Day at the Beach

East Beach and Massengale Park are great spots for dogs to enjoy play in the salty ocean waters and relax on the sandy beaches! The rules regarding dogs on these beaches state, "Animals are prohibited on this beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., dogs are allowed on the beach and do not need to be leashed, but must be in the owner's immediate control.”

Frederica Park on St. Simons Island

Explore Frederica Park

Located at the north end of St. Simons Island, off of Lawrence Road, Frederica Park’s dog park is the perfect place to explore with your pup. You could spend countless hours playing Frisbee, walking around or just relaxing with your furry friend. In addition to the dog park, Frederica Park also features a children’s playground, a hard surface jogging trail, picnic shelters and public restrooms.

Island Dog on St. Simons Island

Shop at Island Dog

Put a smile on your pup’s face by stopping at Island Dog! With treats, accessories and even clothing, this store has it all! Outside of the shop, they even have a dog bar where your pup can get some water while strolling around the village.

Golden Isles Nature Trails

Discover the Golden Isles' Nature Trails

With an abundance of trails in the Golden Isles to choose from, you and your pup will be able to stay in shape during your trip to the Golden Isles. Area nature trails are also a great way to experience the local wildlife and learn about the area’s beautiful environment.

St. Simons Island Trail System – Discover the charm of St. Simons Island via bicycle, with more than 30 miles of bike paths. You will be surrounded by beautiful mossy live oaks, marshlands, river views and ocean views along the way!

Southeast Georgia Health System Fitness Trail – Handicap accessible, the half-mile, paved trail is open daily from daylight to dusk. It curves and winds its way through a forest of live oaks, cedars, bamboo, and other native plants. Benches and fitness stations are there for you to use along the way.

Alice Richards Botanical Trail – Located within Frederica Park, the trail is where native plant species have been re-introduced to land that was once used for timber farming. The trail features a gazebo, children's area of faerie houses and a labyrinth.

Neptune Park on St. Simons Island

Stroll through Neptune Park

Relax on the bountiful benches, watch fisherman on the pier and stroll through the shady oak trees at oceanfront Neptune Park.

St. Simons Island Tree Spirits

Hunt for Tree Spirits around the Island

The tree spirits are intricate faces that have been carved into several centuries-old live oak trees along St. Simons Island. Legend has it that these faces represent sailors lost at sea.

There are more than 20 Tree Spirits engraved on St. Simons Island. Many are on private property; however, there are several in public areas waiting for you to find them. Venture into the Golden Isles’ Welcome Center (below) for a full map of where to find them.

Golden Isles Welcome Center

Visit the Golden Isles Welcome Center

For more information on local events, things to do and where to hear live music, stop by the pet-friendly Golden Isles Welcome Center!

Bonus: While you're finding out about the best things on the island, your pup will be munching on a doggie treat!

Adopt a New Member to Your Furry Family

Why not add one more pup (or kitten) to your family while on vacation? Adopt, volunteer or support the local humane society, Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, in St. Simons during your stay!

The Humane Society hosts a series of events throughout the year, including “Yappy” Hours. These fun social events that allow pets and their owners to mix and mingle with other pups and dog lovers. Enjoy special treats and live music while you’re there. Contact them for the next event.

Where to Eat on St. Simons Island

Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island

Southern Soul Barbeque

Located in a former gas station, Southern Soul Barbeque is now a bustling southern BBQ joint serving oak-smoked meat and other specialties. It has been featured on Food Networks "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" and TLC's "BBQ PitMasters."

Tramici on St. Simons Island

Tramici

It’s hard to find a fine dining spot that also pet-friendly. With amazing food and a gorgeous patio, Tramici is one of those perfect places!

Bonus: Pups on the patio will be offered a treat!

Extra Bonus: Order the fried calamari and zucchini frite appetizer. You won’t regret it!

Brogen's South on St. Simons Island

Brogen's South

Great food and even greater fun! Brogen’s South has been dishing up the island’s best burgers, classic family atmosphere during the day and the liveliest night life in town for over 25 years. A 30-second walk from the Pier, cool off with your pup on the patio with an ice-cold beverage.

Echo at the King and Prince Resort

ECHO at the King and Prince Resort

Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean at ECHO’s outdoor dining area. Farm-to-table freshness and a passion for Southern coastal cuisine are the cornerstones of the ECHO experience.

The Half Shell on St. Simons Island

The Half Shell at the Pier

Located right off the St. Simons Pier, The Half Shell at the Pier is the place to go for a laid back atmosphere with great food and the best service. Known for their variety of dishes, this is a place the whole family will enjoy!

Bonus tip: Go for brunch and get the Half Shell Blood Mary. You'll thank us afterward!

Iguanas Seafood Restaurant on St. Simons Island

Iguanas Seafood Restaurant

The place for great food and fun right in the heart of the historic village, Iguanas serves some of the best seafood on the island with a large patio perfect for every pup.

Palm Coast Coffee, Cafe & Pub on St. Simons Island

Palm Coast Coffee, Cafe & Pub

Palm Coast is the original coffee house and pub located in the village in a 1920s-style bungalow. This locally owned and operated pub is a locals’ hangout, lite lunch and live music venue. The courtyard is the perfect place to grab a delicious lunch or dinner and a cold beverage with your pup by your side.

Places to Stay on St. Simons Island

King and Prince on St. Simons

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

The historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, where relaxation, inspiration, and recreation reside in equal measure, has been heralded by guests since its opening in 1935.

Pup Guidelines: The resort offers limited dog-friendly accommodations. Contact the Reservations Department at (800) 342-0212 for more information.

Sea Palms Resort

Sea Palms Resort

Ideally located in the heart of historic St. Simons Island, Sea Palms Resort & Conference Center features amenities including championship golf, foot golf, tennis, biking, horseshoes, volleyball, swimming pools, fitness center, a full-service restaurant and tiki bar.

Pup Guidelines: Sea Marsh Coastal Lodges offers limited dog-friendly accommodations. Call ahead to confirm the availability of a dog-friendly room during your stay, additional information about the required pet deposit, and weight restrictions.

Sea Island

Sea Island – The Cloister, The Inn & The Lodge

Reached by causeway from St. Simons Island, The Cloister at Sea Island is an internationally acclaimed resort. In addition to golf, enjoy the Sea Island Beach Club, Tennis Center, Yacht Club, Shooting School and Forbes Five-Star Cloister Spa. Visitors can also tour the marshes in a kayak or sailboat or on a guided tour.

Pup Guidelines: 35-pound weight limit, $175 pet fee.

Published: July 2016
Scroll To Top