Live oak trees with Spanish moss in Forsyth Park, Savannah — a popular spot for dog walks

Dog-Friendly Savannah

Forsyth Park Dog Park

Savannah's most popular park has a dedicated off-leash dog area — here is where to find it, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit with your dog.

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Written & reviewed by the Forsyth Park Guide editorial team · Updated June 2026 · Independent, on-the-ground Savannah coverage

In short

Forsyth Park dog park is a fenced off-leash enclosure on the southeast side of Forsyth Park near Park Avenue in Savannah, Georgia. The area provides a water source and is a gathering spot for the local dog-owner community. Dogs must remain on leash in all other areas of the 30-acre park.

The Forsyth Park off-leash dog park

Tucked on the southeast side of the park near Park Avenue, the Forsyth Park off-leash dog area is a fenced enclosure where dogs can run and socialize freely. It has a water source on site — useful given Savannah's often-warm climate — and attracts a regular crowd of local dog owners who treat it as a neighborhood social hub as much as an exercise space for their pets.The enclosure is separate from the park's main lawn, fountain plaza, and oak allée, so non-dog visitors are not affected. The gate keeps dogs safely contained. It is a well-used, community-maintained area — part of what makes Forsyth Park feel like a genuine neighborhood park rather than just a tourist attraction.For opening hours and any current changes to access, check with the City of Savannah's Leisure Services department, as park facilities and rules can be updated.

Rules and etiquette at the dog park

A few rules keep the dog park enjoyable and safe for everyone:

Leash outside the fence. Dogs must be on a leash everywhere in Forsyth Park except inside the off-leash enclosure. This is a City of Savannah park rule and is enforced.
Clean up after your dog. Pick-up bags and bins are typically available, but always bring your own just in case. This applies inside and outside the enclosure.
Vaccinations. Dogs using the off-leash area should be current on vaccinations, including rabies. This is standard practice at shared dog facilities — confirm current requirements with the City of Savannah.
Watch the heat. Savannah's summers are hot and humid. Concrete and asphalt surfaces retain heat and can burn paw pads. Bring water, schedule visits in the early morning or evening, and watch your dog for signs of overheating.
Aggressive dogs. If your dog shows signs of aggression toward other dogs or people, remove them from the enclosure promptly. The space works because owners stay attentive.

Always verify current rules directly with the City of Savannah, as park policies can change.

Bringing your dog to the rest of Forsyth Park

Beyond the off-leash enclosure, Forsyth Park is a great place for a leashed dog walk. The oak allée along the north mall, the perimeter paths, and the wide open lawn give you and your dog plenty of space to explore. The park's shade — provided by some of Savannah's most impressive live oaks — makes midday walks more bearable in summer than they would be on an exposed street.The Saturday farmers market is dog-friendly in practice — leashed dogs are a common sight among the stalls — though it does get busy, so keep an eye on your dog in the crowd. Water fountains in the park are available; bring a portable bowl for your dog.Savannah as a whole is fairly dog-friendly. Many of the city's squares and park spaces are accessible with leashed dogs, and the Historic District's walkable streets make it easy to build a dog-friendly day around a Forsyth Park visit. For a full picture of the park and surrounding area, see the Forsyth Park Savannah guide.

Other dog parks and dog-friendly spots near Savannah

Forsyth Park is not the only off-leash option in Savannah. The city has other dog parks — including Herty Pines Dog Park and other City of Savannah managed off-leash areas — that offer different sizes, surfaces, and amenities. If you are visiting with a very large or very energetic dog, it is worth checking which city parks are currently open and whether they have separate areas for small and large dogs.For an updated list of Savannah's dog parks and their current status, check the City of Savannah's Parks & Recreation pages or local community groups — these tend to reflect real-time closures and conditions better than any static guide.Beyond dog parks, Savannah's wider region offers dog-friendly trails and green spaces. Tybee Island and its surrounding areas have beaches and trails where dogs are welcome with appropriate restrictions — check current rules before you visit. For practical logistics like parking near the park, see the Forsyth Park parking guide.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Does Forsyth Park have a dog park?

Yes. Forsyth Park has a fenced off-leash dog area located on the southeast side of the park, near Park Avenue. It is a popular social spot for local dog owners, with a water source on site. Dogs must remain on leash everywhere else in the park.

Where is the dog park in Forsyth Park?

The off-leash dog area is on the southeast side of Forsyth Park, near the Park Avenue edge. It is a fenced enclosure separate from the main open lawn and fountain area. Look for the gate and fencing as you approach from the Park Avenue side.

Are dogs allowed in Forsyth Park?

Yes, dogs are welcome in Forsyth Park. Outside the off-leash enclosure, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their pets throughout the park. The off-leash dog park is the only area where dogs can run freely.

What are the dog park rules at Forsyth Park?

Key rules include: dogs must be leashed outside the fenced enclosure; owners must pick up after their dogs anywhere in the park; dogs should be up to date on vaccinations before entering the off-leash area; aggressive dogs should be removed immediately. In Savannah's heat and humidity, bring water for your dog and limit exercise during the hottest part of the day. Always confirm current rules with the City of Savannah, as park policies can change.

Location

Where is Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre public park at the south end of Savannah's Historic District in Georgia, bordered by Drayton Street, Whitaker Street, West Gaston Street and Park Avenue — about one mile south of River Street. It's free and open daily from sunrise to 10 PM.

Address: Forsyth Park, Drayton St & W Gaston St
Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Daily · sunrise–10 PM
Entry: Free · no tickets
Coordinates: 32.0686° N, 81.0951° W
Good to know: South end of the Historic District · ~1 mile (20-min walk) from River Street · street parking on the surrounding squares.

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