When planning your trip to St. Simons Island, there’s no reason to leave your furry friends behind! This barrier island off the coast of Georgia has countless pet-friendly activities, from outdoor eateries to fido-friendly beaches to endless walking and biking trails.
Our pet-friendly vacation rentals are the perfect landing place during your beach getaway. With easy access to everything SSI offers, there’s nothing your four-legged friends will miss out on.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to your St. Simons Island pet-friendly trip to get the most out of the dog days of summer (and every other season)!
St. Simons Beach Pet Rules
Dogs are allowed on the St. Simons Island beaches from Labor Day to Memorial Day or during the off-season. Dogs do not need to be leashed but must stay near their owners to be in immediate control at all times.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on St. Simons Island beaches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. and do not have to be leashed.
SSI beaches ask that you please pick up after your pet at any time of the day!
St. Simons Pet-Friendly Activities
Visit Historical Sites
Saint Simons Island is home to many historical sites. And while your pet might not be able to appreciate the history, they can take in the beauty of the surroundings with you.
Visit Fort Frederica National Monument first, where you’ll tour a British military outpost and town from the 18th century. Dogs can join you as long as they are on a 6-foot leash. Water fountains are available on the grounds when your furry friend gets thirsty from all that touring.
Next, check out the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, one of the few surviving lighthouses in Georgia. This historic site still serves the community as a navigation aid for ships while welcoming visitors to its museum to explore artifacts and exhibits. While furry friends aren’t allowed inside, they are welcome on the museum grounds.
Explore the Island’s Trails and Parks
St. Simons Island is full of green spaces for you and your pet to roam.
The St. Simons Trails System includes over 30 miles of bike paths throughout the island, giving you a front-row seat to popular spots like Sea Palms Golf Course, Pier Village, and Frederica Road. Cannon’s Point Preserve Trail is a dirt trail offering a more secluded path through marshes, forests, and historical sites.
When it comes to parks, SSI has no shortage of options. Located on the island’s north end, Frederica Park offers a four-acre recreational area and its own nature trail, highlighting the native plants of the island. It even has a fenced dog park, where your furry friends can roam off-leash with fellow travelers.
Neptune Park and Massengale Park are two additional green spaces perfect for getting some exercise and fresh air with your four-legged friend.
Spend A Day at a St. Simons Beach
The Golden Isles are home to some of the most beautiful beaches, and they are perfect for a day of fun in the sun with your furry friends.
We recommend heading to East Beach, where there is a designated spot for your dog to enjoy the water off-leash. Massengale Park also offers access to the beach, making it a great spot to enjoy both the beach and green space with your pet.
Be sure to check out the SSI beach rules depending on when you visit, as the rules change based on the time and season!
Shop at Island Dog in Pier Village
- Address: 412 Mallery St, St. Simons Island, GA
- Website: islanddogssi.com
You and your pooch can’t come to SSI without visiting Island Dog. This local pet store has it all. From treats to toys to fancy accessories, you’re four-legged friend will feel like royalty while you shop.
Island Dog offers free treats and water for your pet, so it’s the perfect stop to make while you explore Pier Village. Island Dog is a short walking distance from the St. Simons Island Pier, so we recommend heading there next to get one of the best views on the island. Pets are welcome on the pier if they are on a leash.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in St. Simon
Southern Soul Barbeque
- Address: 2020 Demere Rd, St. Simons Island, GA
- Website: southernsoulbbq.com
- Price Point: $$
Located inside of a former gas station, this locally-owned BBQ joint is as welcoming as it is delicious. It’s got everything you could want in a Southern food spot, from mouth-watering meats to “soulful sides” to accompany them.
Their menu features family-style options ranging from baby back ribs to beef brisket by the pound. It also features refreshing drinks, like iced tea, sodas, and cold beer.
Southern Soul BBQ has plenty of outdoor seating, making it the ideal lunch spot to enjoy with your pet.
Iguanas Seafood
- Address: 303 Mallery St., St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Website: www.iguanasseafood.com
- Price Point: $$
Iguanas Seafood is a lively seafood spot that highlights fresh Gulf Coast ingredients. This is where you go in SSI to get your seafood fix, featuring staples like fried shrimp, crab cakes, and the infamous surf-n-turf.
Iguanas features a large, open-air patio with ample seating for you and your furry friend. The restaurant is in Pier Village, making it the perfect dinner spot after strolling the St. Simons Island Pier.
Beachcomber BBQ & Grill
- Address: 319 Arnold Rd., St. Simons Island, GA
- Website: beachcomberbbq.com
- Price Point: $$
Located only a block from East Beach, Beachcomber BBQ & Grill is the ultimate laid-back hangout spot.
Known for their “beer, bourbon, and BBQ,” this beachside grill serves everything from slow-cooked BBQ to hamburgers to one-of-a-kind sandwiches. The bar menu is loaded with unique cocktails, beer on tap, and an extensive bourbon collection.
The patio is festive and colorful, with plenty of outdoor seating. After a fun day at East Beach, it’s just waiting to greet you and your furry best friend!
Tramici
- Address: 75 Cinema Ln., St. Simons Island, GA
- Website: tramicirestaurant.com
- Price Point: $$
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience where you can invite your pet along, Tramici is the place to go. This beloved Italian restaurant is known for its delicious brick-oven pizzas, authentic pasta, and extensive wine selection.
Tramici offers bistro-style outdoor seating in their courtyard for you and your furry friend to enjoy a relaxing evening. And as a bonus, pets on the patio are offered a special treat. It’s the fine dining spot that welcomes all your family members – no matter who they are!
Enjoy Your Pet-Friendly Beach Trip
We’d never want your four-legged family member to miss out on all St. Simons Island offers. And the good news is they don’t have to!
We hope our visitor’s guide gets you started on the ideal pet-friendly SSI trip! Our pet-friendly vacation rentals are waiting for you and your pets to visit. From the nearby walking trails to the pet-friendly beaches to the outdoor eateries, there’s no shortage of entertainment for your furry friends to enjoy on St. Simons Island.
