1. Breakfast at J. Christopher’s
Start your day early at J. Christopher’s, which opens at 7 am and offers a dog-friendly patio and even a dog menu! They brought Max a water bowl and served him the “Puppy Chow” — a mix of potatoes, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. A perfect Southern start for both of us.
2. Skidaway Island State Park
For just a $5 parking pass, you can access over six miles of scenic trails at Skidaway Island State Park. The visitor center includes a gift shop, and the park offers dog-friendly campgrounds.
We hiked the Sandpiper, Avian, and Big Ferry Trail, which form a 4.2-mile loop. The trail is flat and easy, perfect for a relaxing stroll — just keep an eye out for alligators near the water!
3. Forsyth Park
One of Savannah’s most iconic spots, Forsyth Park was established in 1841 and is rich with history and charm. There’s free street parking around the perimeter, and the park’s famous central fountain is a must-see. Max enjoyed sniffing around while I took in the beautiful scenery.
4. Walk the Waterfront and Shop
After the park, we headed to Savannah’s waterfront. Max watched the ferries float down the river while I admired the statues and fountains.
Across from the riverwalk, there are shops, bars, and restaurants, and several are dog-friendly. We stopped by Black Dog (Max got a treat!) and Byrd’s Famous Cookies, where I picked up some peanut butter dog treats for him.
5. Stay at the Kimpton Bryce Hotel
We checked in at 4 PM to the Kimpton Bryce Hotel, a stylish, highly dog-friendly hotel. Valet parking is available for about $45, which I opted for during my road trip.
Street parking and city garages are also nearby. Dogs are welcome everywhere except the pool (Max tried to sneak a sniff!). The staff and other guests were incredibly kind, and Max loved the king-sized bed.
This hotel does get very busy with dogs, so it may not be the best option if your pup is reactive or nervous around others. At times, it felt more like a dog hotel with people in it than the other way around!
6. Dinner at Pacci
Pacci, an Italian restaurant connected to the Kimpton Bryce, is a perfect spot to end your day. Dogs are welcome in a special dining section.
Despite Max being soaked from the rain, they let him relax on a couch next to me and brought over a water bowl. The restaurant manager personally greeted Max and even gave him a milk bone.
I ordered the meatballs and shared them with him. The only surprise? They didn’t have a dog menu — but based on how friendly they are, that may be coming soon.