Wag Your Way Across Georgia on a Pet-Friendly Road Trip

Every pet parent knows the best vacation is one that includes your furry companion. Take a pet-friendly road trip through Georgia with oodles of exciting stops and activities that you and your beloved pooch will enjoy.

Spoil Your Pup in Alpharetta

Set the tone for your adventure in Alpharetta, a lovely Atlanta suburb, with a luxurious spa visit that will soothe body and mind – for you and your pup. Relax in a sea mineral bath and feel your worries slip away as skilled hands ease your tension with a Meditative Mood Soak Ritual at Woodhouse Spa. Meanwhile, at Heavenly Pet Spa, your dog will receive the royal treatment with a sudsy bath, stylish trim, and a fresh cleaning of their pearly whites. 

After you’ve been properly pampered, it’s time to hit the shops for some pet-friendly retail therapy. Forgot the crate mat, kibble, or other doggy essentials at home? Find what you need at Unexpected Pooch, or simply spoil your dog with a new plushie. At Orvis and High Country Outfitters, you can snag last-minute outdoor gear for your out-in-nature escapades. Pick up a pair of adventure-proof sunglasses for you, and a trail-friendly water bowl or light-up Frisbee for your fur baby.

Satisfy hunger pangs at Barleygarden Kitchen & Craft Beer with hearty bar fare, artisan salads, and crisp, refreshing beers. The dog-friendly patio boasts water bowls and treats, too. Another pooch-friendly al fresco dining spot is Smokejack BBQ, known for its mouthwatering Southern barbecue with tender beef brisket, grilled chicken, and juicy racks of ribs. Insider tip – pups are only hosted in front of Smokejack, right along Main Street.

Ready to rest? Post up at the elegant – and pet-friendly – Hotel at Avalon. It allows up to two canine companions, weighing up to 50 pounds, to share your spacious digs.

Get Outdoors in Columbus

As you motor southward to Columbus, relish the forest scenery and glimpses of massive Lake Oliver and the powerful Chattahoochee River. Drop off your luggage at the riverside City Mills Hotel, where your furry pal will be welcomed with friendly smiles and in-room, artisan-made pet bowls. Dine on-site at the outdoor patio with your companion at your feet, or ask staff about other dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and attractions within walking distance.

After filling your bellies, stretch your legs on a walk through Columbus’ Historic District, where you’ll find tree-lined sidewalks in front of charming Southern homes, stunning historical residences, and several notable landmarks, such as the Pemberton House Museum. In the evening, let your pup release their zoomies at the off-leash Fetch Park, an enclosed, open-air social spot. Watch them play as you sit with other pet parents and sip a refreshing cocktail from the BARk. For dinner, try the Jarfly – a relaxed eatery with an enclosed, dog-welcoming terrace and a little-bit-of-everything-style menu.

Discover more wag-friendly excitement on your second day in Columbus with a stroll or jog along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. Stretching 15 miles from the Lake Oliver Marina to the National Infantry Museum, this shoreline path includes stops to take in the rolling river waves, cityscape views, and native wildlife. Close to the RiverWalk is Banks Food Hall, where you can recoup with your pooch on the patio with a homemade Italian ice or an energizing coffee before trekking on. Afterward, cool off from your exertions with craft suds like Basement IPA and Tropical Staycation at Scofflaw Brewing Co.

Whet Your Appetite in Thomasville

Upon arrival in Thomasville, head over to Cherokee Lake Park with your favorite travel companion. Walk the mile-long path, weaving through tree stands along the edge of the placid lake. See the park’s Rose Garden in spring and summer, when the rows of manicured flower beds are bursting with fragrant, colorful blooms.

Another can’t-miss nature spot is The Big Oak, located at the intersection of North Crawford and East Monroe streets. This beautiful behemoth – with sprawling, weighty limbs covered in a thick carpet of ferns – began as a tiny acorn back in 1680. Pose with your pup beside the oak for a fun memory.

For mealtimes, Thomasville offers a sensational selection of foodie gems that will entertain both you and your pet. Seek out Jonah’s Fish & Grits’ dog-friendly patio for delectable Southern specialties – especially seafood dishes – like crab-stuffed salmon, fried grouper bites, and Cajun-style shrimp and grits. Down the street, The Kickstand’s own pup-allowing covered patio offers healthy, seasonal foods, such as Bleu Magik smoothie bowls and blackened mahi tacos. For wine enthusiasts, Farmer’s Daughter Vineyard + Tasting Room delivers a bounty of vino, from dry and bold reds to sweet and sassy whites. Nearby, George and Louie’s serves up mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, including honeyed baklava and tender lamb gyros. At AJ Moonspin, savor pepperoni- or mushroom-topped sourdough pizzas and artisan pasta dishes, like pecan ziti with pesto and cream.

After feasting, take your dog on a local scavenger hunt called “Hunt the Lost Quail.” Use clues around town to find 18 bronze quail statues celebrating the importance of this beautifully plumed game bird to Thomasville’s culture and local habitat. In the evening, snuggle up on a soft mattress in your private cottage at the Paxton House.

Tails on Trails at Georgia State Parks

Take part in Georgia State Parks’ Tails on Trails program and visit Georgia’s beautiful open spaces on your road trip. Stop by 12 participating parks to earn a T-shirt and doggy bandanna. Parks along this route include Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, and Florence Marina State Park.

Did you enjoy this feature from the 2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide? Order your copy for more Georgia travel inspiration!