Savannah is, without question, the most romantic city in the South — and our favorite. Even more than postcard-perfect Charleston, New Orleans, or anywhere else we’ve wandered, Savannah has a way of staying with you. The food is exceptional, the people are genuinely warm, and the city’s commitment to historic preservation gives every street a sense of continuity and care.
We’ve been here countless times, and every visit leaves us with the same thought: we could live here. Spanish moss drapes over tree-lined streets, historic homes feel lived in rather than staged, and dogs are woven naturally into daily life. It’s a city we especially love in the winter, when everything feels slower and more intimate. This guide shares the dog-friendly places that keep pulling us back — the walks, the squares, the cafés, the shops, and the stays that make Savannah feel timeless.
The Squares: Savannah at Its Best
Savannah’s historic squares are the soul of the city. Designed as intentional pauses within the street grid, they function less like parks and more like shared living rooms — spaces framed by iron fencing, sidewalks, and beautifully preserved homes. Towering live oaks stretch overhead, Spanish moss filtering the light and softening the city’s pace.
What makes Savannah’s historic squares special isn’t just their beauty, but how seamlessly they’re woven into daily life. Locals walk their dogs, read on benches, and greet neighbors as they pass through. Moving from square to square feels meditative, a rhythm unique to Savannah. Some of our favorites:
Chippewa Square
Bull Street Between Hull Street and Perry Street
Classic and elegant, surrounded by stately architecture.
Monterey Square
Bull Street Between Taylor and Gordon Streets
One of the most picturesque, lined with grand historic homes.
Madison Square
Bull Street Between West Harris and West Charlton Streets
Balanced and serene, perfect for lingering beneath the trees.
These are not places to rush through. They’re meant to be experienced slowly.
Prettiest Places to Walk with Dogs
Savannah is a city made for walking, and exploring it with dogs feels especially natural. The streets invite wandering, the pace is unhurried, and shaded paths are never far away.
Forsyth Park
1 W Gaston Street
The 30-acre park anchors the city with wide walkways, open lawns, and its iconic fountain. Early mornings here are especially peaceful when the light is soft, and the city hasn’t fully woken up.
River Street
River Street
The street offers contrast — historic cobblestones, river views, and a livelier atmosphere. There are converted cotton warehouses with boutiques, antiques stores & galleries, plus pubs & restaurants. It’s busier, but worth strolling for the texture and energy, especially in the late afternoon.
Bonaventure Cemetery
330 Bonaventure Road
For something quieter, this provides one of the most atmospheric walks in the region. Shaded paths wind beneath massive live oaks and centuries-old monuments. Leashed dogs are welcome as long as you stay on the paths and move respectfully through the space.
Coffee, Tea, and Sweet Stops
Savannah’s café culture encourages lingering rather than rushing — places where afternoons stretch and the city seems to move around you.
Gryphon Tea Room
115 W Jones Street
Our favorite stop for an affordable afternoon tea that still feels special. Set inside a restored apothecary, Gryphon is elegant without being formal. We enjoy afternoon tea outside with Truffles and Chai, which ended up being our preferred way to experience it — tea in hand, watching Savannah unfold slowly. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but the outdoor tables make this an easy and memorable stop.
Franklin’s Coffee House
401 E Liberty Street
A cozy, neighborhood-style coffee house that feels woven into daily Savannah life. It’s a relaxed place to pause during a walk through the Historic District.
Café M
208 W St. Julian Street
Quiet, understated, authentic Parisian café and ideal for a slower coffee break between long walks along the river.
Mirabelle Savannah
313 W York Street
A quietly charming café known for thoughtfully prepared coffee and pastries in a calm, welcoming space. Mirabelle feels especially lovely in the morning, when Savannah is still waking up, and the surrounding streets are quiet. It’s an easy stop to work into a walk through the Historic District — the kind of place that encourages a slower pace before continuing on to nearby squares and side streets.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
212 E Broughton Street
A Savannah institution and the go-to for something sweet.
Shops We Never Skip
Shopping in Savannah feels intentional rather than trend-driven. Many of the city’s best shops are locally rooted, thoughtfully curated, and deeply connected to place.
Asher + Rye
348 Whitaker Street
A lifestyle brand inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian design, mixed with a curated collection of eclectic homewares, furniture, and lighting. The space feels calm and considered, and the in-house café makes it easy to linger.
Jones & Bull
1 West Jones Street
An eclectic antique shop filled with architectural salvage, vintage décor, art, and unexpected treasures. Browsing here feels like stepping into Savannah’s layered past.
ShopSCAD
340 Bull Street
A unique retail gallery showcasing artwork and designs created by a talented community of artists from the Savannah College of Art and Design — from prints and ceramics to textiles and design objects.
Savannah Bee Company
Multiple locations throughout Savannah, including Broughton Street and along River Street
Savannah Bee Company feels woven into the fabric of the city. Known for its honey, mead, and beautifully packaged pantry goods, the brand blends education, sustainability, and Southern heritage in a way that feels thoughtful rather than touristy. The in-store tastings make it an engaging stop, and with several locations — including one along the river — it’s easy to naturally work into a walk through downtown or River Street.
Urban Poppy
220 Bull Street
Urban Poppy is a bright, modern boutique offering a carefully curated mix of gifts, accessories, paper goods, and playful design-forward finds. The space feels cheerful and approachable, making it a fun stop while wandering Bull Street or moving between nearby squares. It’s the kind of shop where browsing turns into lingering — and where you’re almost guaranteed to leave with something unexpected.
These are best paired with a slow walk through nearby squares rather than treated as standalone errands.
Where to Stay (Dog-Friendly Favorites)
Choosing the right place to stay in Savannah shapes how the city feels day to day — especially when traveling with dogs. Location, walkability, and clarity around pet policies all matter here, and Savannah has no shortage of dog-friendly hotels.
The Alida
412 Williamson Street
The Alida is located near the riverfront and downtown Savannah, offering a contemporary stay with convenient access to shops, dining, and waterfront walks. Its central location makes it well-suited for guests who plan to explore the city on foot.
Dogs are permitted with a non-refundable pet fee per stay. A maximum number of dogs per room applies, and dogs must be leashed in public areas. Weight limits may apply; guests should confirm current policies directly with the hotel prior to arrival.
Kimpton Brice Hotel
601 E Bay Street
Kimpton Brice offers a relaxed, garden-forward stay just east of the Historic District, with easy access to River Street and nearby neighborhoods. The atmosphere feels polished but unpretentious, making it a comfortable home base for extended walks and slower mornings. Outdoor spaces and proximity to scenic routes make it easy to integrate dogs into daily plans.
Dogs are welcome with no additional pet fees and no size, weight, or breed restrictions. Multiple pets are allowed. Dogs may accompany guests in common areas as long as they remain leashed.
Final Thoughts
Savannah doesn’t rush. It invites you to slow down, look up, and linger. Between moss-covered streets, preserved architecture, incredible food, and a city that truly welcomes dogs, it feels both deeply romantic and surprisingly livable.
No matter how many times we visit, Savannah still feels like a possibility — not just a destination.
