Georgia, a state renowned for its Southern charm and hospitality, boasts a captivating coastline that stretches over 100 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque expanse is punctuated by a string of barrier islands, each offering a unique and enchanting beach experience. But Georgia’s aquatic allure doesn’t end at the coast. The state is also dotted with numerous inland lakes, providing alternative havens for swimming, boating, and sunbathing, often rivaling the coastal offerings in terms of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. From secluded, untouched shores teeming with wildlife to luxurious beachfront resorts and lively public parks with activities for every member of the family, Georgia presents a diverse collection of beaches to explore. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the 11 Best Beaches in Georgia, each promising an unforgettable coastal or lakeside escape. Let’s explore what makes each of these location the 11 Best Beaches in Georgia.
1. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Encompassing nearly 10,000 acres on Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, Cumberland Island National Seashore stands as a testament to unspoiled wilderness. This protected area cradles 18 miles of pristine, secluded beaches, inviting visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
Access to Cumberland Island is a journey in itself, requiring either a private boat or a pre-booked ferry ride from the nearby town of St. Marys. Due to the island’s commitment to preservation, visitor numbers are capped at 300 per day, emphasizing the importance of advance planning.
Upon arrival, a range of experiences awaits. The Land and Legacies Tour, a five- to six-hour guided excursion, unveils the island’s rich history, showcasing notable landmarks such as the grand Plum Orchard Mansion, the historic Cumberland Wharf, and The Settlement/First African Baptist Church, each whispering tales of the past. For those seeking independent exploration, miles of trails meander through salt marshes and maritime forests, offering opportunities to encounter the island’s famed wild horses, a symbol of Cumberland’s untamed spirit.
For an immersive experience, consider an overnight stay at the historic Greyfield Inn, the island’s sole hotel. This all-inclusive, 30-room haven exudes old-world charm and provides a comfortable base for exploring Cumberland’s wonders. Alternatively, secure a spot at one of five campsites, including Stafford Beach, for unparalleled access to the island’s natural beauty. These campsites offer a chance to truly connect with the environment, falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean and waking up to breathtaking sunrises.
2. Great Dunes Beach Park, Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, a barrier island connected to the mainland by a convenient causeway, is home to Great Dunes Beach Park, a destination designed for active families. This 20-acre, pet-friendly park boasts ample parking and an ADA-accessible public beachfront, ensuring accessibility for all.
The park offers a wide array of amenities, including an activity deck, playgrounds, and courts for bocce ball and volleyball, catering to a variety of interests. Restrooms and showers provide convenience for beachgoers. Covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills offer shady retreats for gathering and enjoying meals after a day of swimming and playing in the sand.
Beyond the beach, Great Dunes offers further recreational opportunities. Test your skills at Jekyll Island Mini Golf, featuring two 18-hole courses, one for beginners and one for more advanced players. Alternatively, rent a Segway or bicycle to explore the island’s extensive network of over 20 miles of flat, paved pathways.
After a day of adventures, the whole family can enjoy a satisfying meal at Sunrise Grill, a casual eatery serving fresh seafood platters, burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast plates.
A visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the state’s only rehabilitation center for these endangered animals, provides an educational and heartwarming experience. Learn about the center’s efforts to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles that call Jekyll Island home.
3. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
Located on the northern end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach is an iconic and unforgettable destination. Its unique landscape features gnarled oak and pine trees, sculpted by decades of erosion and preserved by the saltwater of the nearby ocean.
This beach is a popular backdrop for photography and weddings, thanks to its otherworldly beauty. The bleached, skeletal trees create a surreal and romantic atmosphere, perfect for capturing memorable moments. Compared to other beaches on Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach is quieter and less developed, offering a more serene experience.
Access to Driftwood Beach is available via two public entries. The surrounding marshlands provide habitat for a variety of bird species, including wood ducks and black-necked stilts. Driftwood Beach is also part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, offering opportunities to observe gulls, warblers, sanderlings, and painted buntings, depending on the season.
Plan your visit for low tide to maximize your exploration of the beach. The receding water reveals more of the dramatic landscape, providing ample room for walking and photographing the dreamy scenery.
4. East Beach, St. Simon’s Island
St. Simon’s Island, the largest of Georgia’s four Golden Isles, combines laid-back beach vibes with sophisticated amenities. Located just 12 miles east of Brunswick, the island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
East Beach, the island’s most popular beach, stretches for seven miles, offering a wide expanse of unspoiled coastline. The shallow waters are ideal for kayaking and swimming. Rentals and guided tours are available from SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and discover hidden gems.
Just two miles south of East Beach, Pier Village Market is a hub of activity, featuring over 50 retail shops and restaurants. Indulge in Southern favorites like crab cakes at Barbara Jean’s or savor plates of ribs, pulled pork, and classic sides at Southern Soul Barbecue.
Explore the island’s scenic pathways by renting a bike and cycling along the St. Simons Island Trail System. Play a round of golf at one of the island’s notable courses. Visit the island’s 19th-century lighthouse or learn about the island’s Gullah and Geechee communities with a guided tour from the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition.
Just steps from East Beach, the World War II Home Front Museum offers interactive exhibits in a former Coast Guard Station, providing insights into the island’s role during the war.
5. Sea Island Beach, Sea Island
Sea Island, one of the four Golden Isles, is a private and exclusive destination accessible only to residents, Sea Island members, and guests of its luxury hotels and resorts. The Forbes Five-Star The Cloister at Sea Island grants visitors access to the island and its stunning Sea Island Beach.
The resort features a large swath of private beachfront, three pools, a playground, three championship golf courses, and a tranquil, 65,000-square-foot spa. Fitness enthusiasts can ride horses through the marsh or cycle along paths lined with moss-draped oak trees.
Dining options are exceptional. Enjoy pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes at Tavola or savor fish sandwiches, shrimp baskets, and other casual fare at the beachside Southern Tide restaurant.
Discover the island’s unique landscape and wildlife with a guided Eco Tour, providing an immersive experience in Sea Island’s natural environment.
6. Main Beach, Little St. Simon’s Island
Little St. Simon’s Island offers 11,000 acres of untamed wilderness, including seven miles of oceanfront accessible only via boat. Main Beach’s pristine sandy shores and shimmering waters can be explored by guests of The Lodge on Little St. Simon’s Island, an intimate hotel committed to preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem.
The Lodge offers all-inclusive stays, including chef-prepared meals with ingredients from the property’s garden, and even packs picnics for beach days. Guests have access to bikes and kayaks for exploring the beachfront, marshes, and oak trees. Hike through 25 miles of wilderness trails and observe over 300 species of birds.
Book an ecologist-guided excursion, including dolphin cruises, bird-watching hikes, and fly fishing, to deepen your understanding of the island’s natural wonders.
7. Robin Lake Beach
Robin Lake Beach, the country’s largest inland white sand beach in West Georgia, is an adventure-packed destination for families, just 90 minutes from Atlanta.
Rent a paddleboard or kayak to play in the calm waters or test your skills on Aqua Island, a floating obstacle course. Relax on one mile of beachfront with a private cabana or rented chairs and umbrellas.
Other activities include miniature golf, volleyball, and a walking trail. The Beach Pavilion offers all-day treats, including ice cream, pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers.
Gain access to the beach with a day pass, overnight stay, or annual membership to Callaway Resort & Gardens.
8. North Beach, Tybee Island
Tybee Island, just a 30-minute drive from Savannah, offers sandy beaches, bike paths, and family-friendly activities. North Beach features historic cottages, high-end shopping, and pristine oceanfront.
Learn about the island’s ecology at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center or explore the North Beach Birding Trail. Enjoy beach ecology tours, dolphin and sunset cruises, kayaking, and Low Country bouillabaisse at The Sundae Café.
Take a private tour of the island’s iconic lighthouse, the oldest and tallest in the state, which also houses an on-site museum.
9. Back River Beach, Tybee Island
Back River Beach on Tybee Island’s western end is a quiet alternative to the northern shoreline. Lounge on the beach or spot dolphins with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures.
Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports outfits visitors with kayaks and equipment for exploring the waterways. Enjoy fried oyster Po’ Boy sandwiches and fresh seafood at A-J’s Dockside while watching the sunset.
Be aware of strong currents when swimming.
10. Don Carter State Park, Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier, Georgia’s largest lake, boasts 700 miles of shoreline. Don Carter State Park, on the northern edge of the lake, offers playgrounds, paddleboard and kayak rentals, campgrounds, and boat ramps.
Relax on a large, sandy swimming beach with a bathhouse, or hike or cycle along 15 miles of trails.
Book an overnight stay in one of the park’s cottages or campgrounds.
11. Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island, the fourth-largest Georgia coastal island, is accessible via private plane, boat, or ferry. Learn about the island’s ecology, wildlife, and Gullah-Geechee residents at the Sapelo Island Visitors Center.
Visit Nanny Goat Beach for swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing. Overnight camping is permitted at Cabretta Campground.
Arrange a private tour and activities via Sapelo Island Birdhouses.
These destinations represent the 11 Best Beaches in Georgia, each offering unique experiences for every traveler.
