Tybee Island's Dog Parks

Most people bring a dog to Tybee Island thinking of the beach. Then they read the sign. Dogs are not allowed on Tybee's beach right now, and that surprises plenty of visitors.

The island does have a good answer, though. There are two dog parks at the north end, and that is where a dog on Tybee gets to stretch out.

Why the dog parks matter

City ordinance bars dogs and other pets from Tybee's beaches. Service animals are the exception. Fines apply, and the City keeps the current wording on its Beach Rules and Parking Information page. That page is the place to check if the rule ever changes.

So the sand is out for now. A dog park is the next best thing.

Where they are

Visit Tybee's FAQ names two dog parks at the north end of the island. They sit near the police station and River's End Campground.

That puts them in the Fort Screven area, on the same end of the island as Tybee Light. Nearby City facilities such as Jaycee Park (30 Van Horne St) and the Guard House (31 Van Horne Ave) sit in the same historic district. They help you find your bearings. They are not the dog parks themselves.

Tybee is about three miles end to end, so the north end is never far from anywhere on the island.

Go by the signs

Each park posts its own rules, and those rules are the ones that count. Read the signs at the gate before you let your dog in. That covers who can use which area, when the park is open, and anything else the posted rules say. We would rather point you to the signs than hand you details that may be out of date.

Some basics apply at any dog park:

• Keep your dog leashed until you are through the gate.
• Pick up after your dog and use the bins.
• Stay close and watch the other dogs.
• Skip the park if your dog is unwell or does not play well with others.

The leash rule everywhere else

Outside the dog parks, a dog on Tybee should be leashed or under your direct control. That goes for streets, sidewalks and other public property. Service animals are the exception.

The good news is that the island suits a leash walk. Streets are flat and mostly quiet, and the back blocks have plenty of beach cottages to look at. A morning loop and a visit to the dog park make a full day for most dogs.

If you want ideas beyond the parks, our guide to dog-friendly Tybee Island covers the whole island. Our list of six dog-friendly things to do has more ways to spend the day with your dog.

Planning the day

A few things make a dog-park day easier.

Park the car once. Street parking on Tybee is paid, and the rules are on the City's Parking Services page. If you stay with us, you have a free spot in our lot, one car per room. Leave the car there between outings when you can.

Bring water. Pack a bowl and a bottle for the walk. Do not count on finding either at the park.

Time it around the day. A park visit in the morning or late in the day keeps things comfortable for you and your dog.

Think about the beach for yourself. If you want sand without your dog, one person can take the beach while the other walks the dog. Then swap.

Staying with a dog at Sandcastle Inn

We are a dog-friendly inn at 1402 Butler Avenue, about a five-minute walk to the sand. We have 60 rooms: King Rooms, which sleep two, and Two Double Rooms, which sleep four. Pets are allowed. The fee is $25 per pet, per night. In the off season, it's $25 per pet for the first night, then $10 per pet per night after that.

There is no on-site breakfast, but every room has a coffee maker and a mini-fridge. That is handy for a dog owner who wants a quiet start before the park.

When you are ready, check our special offers for current deals. You can also browse more of what is nearby on our things to do page. Planning your trip? Check availability and bring the dog.