Top Dog Beaches near Atlanta, GA

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Introduction

Landlocked Atlanta may not have miles of sandy beaches, but the Big Peach's furry citizens don't have to sulk and stay at home when they need a dose of vitamin sea. With furbulous ocean beaches located within driving distance, plus some puptastic swimming spots right inside the city, a day of fun in the sun is just a car ride away for Atlanta doggos. Who said city pups have to miss out on sand and surf? Slather on some sunscreen, pack your barkinis, and leash Fido up—these furrific beaches in and around A-Town are waiting to be discovered!

#7 Tidwell Park Beach

Less than an hour northeast of Atlanta, Tidwell Park in Cumming is a location for launching boats into Lake Lanier, but it's also become a spot where doggos come to cool off. The small beach gently slopes into the water, allowing two- and four-legged visitors to wade in with ease. And if doggie paddling isn't enough to burn off your pup's energy, lead them to the big rocks on the shoreline for some climbing fun!

#6 Whitewater Creek Trail Beach

For a pawsome swim within the city, head to the dog-approved beach by the Whitewater Creek Trail! Ruffly 15 minutes from downtown, this sandy and rocky stretch on the Chattahoochee River is ideal for a quick escape from the daily grind with your canine BFF. Head out early as it can get crowded and parking is limited! Also, avoid going after a storm as the water will have risen and much of the beach will be flooded.

#5 Burkes Beach

A serene stretch of coastline awaits you and your pup at Burkes Beach! Located just over the Georgia state line, this South Carolina beach welcomes furry visitors, except between 10 AM and 5 PM from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bring your pooch to enjoy the ocean breeze and salty water, and if they have good manners, you can unclip their leash between 5 PM and 10 AM!
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#4 Herbert Taylor Park Beach

A hidden gem in northeast Atlanta, the Herbert Taylor Park is a 26-acre oasis that's pawfect for a quick getaway with your pooch—the lush woods here will make you furget that you're still in the city! Water-loving pups will want to head straight to the small beach where they can dip their paws and splash in the shallow water. The beach is frequented by canines and their people, so it's also great for making new friends!

#3 Morningside Nature Preserve Dog Beach

Who would've thought that there's a pup-friendly beach right in the middle of Midtown? Simply called “dog beach” by the locals, this area under the suspension bridge on the 33-acre Morningside Nature Preserve is a pawpular spot among doggos and their humans. Canine citizens are welcome to play on the shore and in the creek water, but dog parents can leave their bathing suits at home as the water is too shallow for people to swim in.

#2 East Beach

Canine beach bums will surely have a woofin' good time on Saint Simon Island's East Beach! Featuring hard-packed sand and gentle waves, this puptastic destination is pawfectly suited for relaxing seaside strolls with your furry pal. Four-legged visitors may go off-leash here, but they need to steer clear of the area between 9 AM and 6 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day. East Beach is ruffly 5 hours southeast of Atlanta, but it's definitely worth the drive!

#1 Driftwood Beach

Drive 5 hours southeast of Atlanta to the northern tip of Jekyll Island, and you'll find a uniquely puptacular spot known as Driftwood Beach. As its name suggests, the beach is dotted with driftwood, making it a pawpular location for photo shoots and weddings. Fido is welcome to tag along as you explore this beautiful beach—just make sure they remain on a leash no longer than 16 feet at all times!