If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Georgia is the place to be! With miles of coastline and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best beaches in Georgia and what you can expect when you visit them. So pack your sunscreen and bathing suit and get ready to enjoy some sun and sand!
Georgia beaches have a lot to offer. You can find everything from laid-back, sandy beaches and diverse ecosystems and marshlands to lively beach towns with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Don’t forget to book your beachfront vacation rental so you can go from sleeping to splashing around in the ocean as quickly as possible each morning.
Here are some of the best beaches in Georgia:
1. St. Simons Island
As part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this beautiful island is a popular spot for vacationers. The beaches here are definitely worth a visit, with wide expanses of sand and clear waters perfect for swimming. The beauty of St. Simons and its distinctive beach lifestyle, which is unhurried and underdeveloped, is what makes it such a special place. For those who are interested in fishing, Gould’s Inlet is a great choice.
For an even more untouched oasis, be sure to visit Little St. Simons Island. Kayak enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many creeks and marshes that surround the island. And be sure to take a stroll down Beachview Drive, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Choose a beachfront vacation rental that is close to many attractions in East Beach. It’s wise to stay here for at least a couple of days so you can take advantage of the wildlife as well as the local tours.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or something more casual. And don’t forget to check out the St. Simons Island Pier, which is a great spot for fishing or just taking in the views.
2. Jekyll Island
This island is home to several beautiful beaches, and it makes a perfect day trip for those staying in St. Simons Island. Just a short drive away, Jekyll Island is known for its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The coastline here is also quite varied, with coves, tidal marshes, and maritime forests.
Jekyll Island offers plenty of activities for visitors, from fishing to kayaking to paddle boarding to golf courses. Some of the most popular beaches include Glory Beach, St. Andrew’s Beach Park, and Driftwood Beach. You can spend your day sunbathing at one location or hop around to stay active.
The South Dunes Beach Park and Great Dunes Beach Park are great getaways for families. Children will love running up and down the sand dune slopes as well as creating sandcastles. There are also picnic tables and restrooms available, making it the perfect spot for a day of fun in the sun.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops on Jekyll Island, as well as a few hotels. Be sure to check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center while you’re there, which is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles.
3. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island is at the southern end of Georgia’s barrier islands and is accessible from St Mary’s. Marine forests, undeveloped beaches, and wetlands tell the stories of both man and nature in this region.
The path here was walked by Native Americans, missionaries, enslaved Africans, and wealthy industrialists. Cumberland Island also boasts over 9,800 acres of wilderness designated by Congress.
You can take a 30-mile van tour through the national park forest and over the unfinished roads to learn about the deep history of this region. You can also rent your own bike if you prefer to explore on your own. Camping reservations and rented pavilions can be made as well for those who wish to stay overnight.
There are plenty of things to see and do on Cumberland Island, so be sure to give yourself enough time to explore. And don’t forget your camera, you’re sure to want to capture the beauty of this island!
4. Nanny Goat Beach
The island of Sapelo is known and protected for its rich ecological zones, and Nanny Goat Beach is nestled within them. An ideal location for strolling, communing with nature, beachcombing, watching birds, and watching sunrises and sunsets.
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest near-shore reefs in the Southeast, is near Nanny Goat Beach. This reef is located 16 miles off the eastern shore of Sapelo.
You will need a permit of state tourism to visit this island and no motor vehicles are allowed. You will have to visit the beach by aircraft or ferry, and the beach is 3 miles from the ferry station.
You will be able to find picnic tables, bathrooms, clean beach shores, and a 1-mile-long nature trail on the beach. This is a great place to spend a day with friends and family, and you’ll be able to learn about the ecology of the island while enjoying its natural beauty and ocean views.
For those who enjoy history, check out the R.J. Reynolds House. This impressive home was previously owned by a wealthy tobacco entrepreneur and now serves as a museum that features rotating exhibits and events.
5. North Beach
North Beach is located on Tybee Island and is known as one of the most popular shopping districts in the region. The Shoppes at 1207 offer local clothing, jewelry, décor, and vintage items. You can also take home original artwork from one of their many local galleries.
Tybee Island is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife. Many people are unaware that the barrier island is part of the Colonial Coastal Birding Trail. Tybee’s North Beach hosts more than 200 species of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. Get on your running shoes and catch the Savannah River views from the McQueen’s Island Trail if you are looking to enjoy the relaxing scenery from a different angle.
Tybee Island is one of the most pedestrian-friendly beach towns in the country, and cycling is the best way to explore the area. Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear has a great selection of bikes for rent.
Dogs aren’t allowed on this beach, so be sure to leave Fido at home. In order to access the beach, you’ll walk along a boardwalk that is spacious enough even during the busiest days. You can bring your own chairs or umbrellas or rent some on-site when you arrive.
If you’re interested in exploring some nightlife, the North Beach Bar and Grill is right along the beach and regularly features live music.
6. Savannah River Beach
For a peaceful swim and a chance to spot dolphins in the clear water, head to the Savannah River Beach at the north end of Tybee Island. Located at the opposite end of the island, Tybee Creek’s Back River Beach offers incredible fishing and breathtaking sunsets.
Savannah River Beach extends from the north jetty of North Beach to Lazaretto Creek on Georgia’s Tybee Island. Although it’s not as easily accessible as ocean beaches, it boasts a beautiful atmosphere that is great for walking and wildlife watching with a moderate tourist flow.
The summers here are not crowded, so you won’t find a lot of people here any time of the year. It’s worth it, even if the entertainment is subpar and the beach amenities are lacking. Keep in mind that you won’t find restrooms, showers, or changing rooms here. There won’t be lifeguards either, so you will truly be on your own. You can shell there and watch Georgia sunsets, sea creatures, and ships.
7. St. Andrews Beach
St. Andrews Beach Park is located near the southern part of Jekyll Island. There is a two-story wildlife viewing platform here, and it is known for its birding and dolphin sightings. Beach-going wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the public beach access point, where you can enjoy the sand and surf.
There are picnic areas and a historic site that houses the Wanderer Memorial, honoring Africans who were brought here and enslaved. You’ll still find conveniences such as restrooms and designated trails in this area of the Georgia coast, but it’s more remote and serene.
8. St. Mary’s
As the starting point for ferry rides out to Cumberland Island, St. Mary’s is considered the “Gateway to Cumberland Island.” There are state parks, birding trails, bike paths, fishing charters, golf courses, and waterfront event venues in this more populated beach destination.
Explore historic buildings, shops, and other interesting sites on a tram tour. Check out Orange Hall for a glimpse of antebellum life, and don’t forget to sample the local cuisine. St. Mary’s is home to Fullford’s Fish House and Captain Seagle’s Restaurant serving fresh seafood in a southern style.
9. Sea Island Beach
Sea Island is a privately owned resort community located just east of St. Simons Island and separated from it by the Black Banks River. Five miles of private beach, a tennis center, a yacht club, a shooting school, and a beach club are all available on Sea Island.
Additionally, it has three championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, which host the RSM Classic. There is no need to stay at The Cloister or The Lodge to enjoy the amenities of Sea Island. You can purchase a day pass to get a taste of this location.
The Sea Island Spa is a great place to relax after a full day of water activities. The Sea Island Beach Club also features three large pools, poolside food and drink service, and three places to eat. There’s something for everyone on this beautiful property!
10. Cabretta Beach
Sapelo Island’s Cabretta Beach is an expanse of hard-packed sand stretching along its eastern shore. Campsites and facilities are available at Cabretta Campground. Kayaking to Blackbeard Island is also popular here for fishermen and tourists. It is a peaceful, enjoyable place to walk, birdwatch, and watch sunrises in solitude.
A tidal creek separates Cabretta Island from Cabretta Beach, which is part of Cabretta Island. Cabretta Island is a northeastern part of Sapelo Island. On the eastern shore of Sapelo, Cabretta Beach stretches up to the outflow of Blackbeard Creek, just north of Nanny Goat Beach.
Beachgoers can stroll or practice yoga on the hard-packed sand. Shorebirds are common here. Sapelo Island can be explored on foot, by bicycle, by van, or by renting kayaks. There are good chances to see opossums, raccoons, whitetail deer, wild turkeys, armadillos, and other wildlife locally. The island is also a great place to go birdwatching since it is home to many shorebirds and indigenous species.
11. Cumberland Island Beach
Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. It is known as one of the country’s most pristine beaches, featuring expansive dunes, unforgettable views, and unique wildlife.
In the past, seven Native American villages thrived on the island. Spanish and English explorers settled it later on. Last but not least, in the 1880s, the Carnegie family purchased the island, leaving behind remnants of their wealth, including ruins of mansions.
The only watersports available are swimming and sunbathing on a scenic beach. Beach space is abundant on the expansive, white-sand beach.
Sea conditions are usually calm. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so please be cautious and watch your children closely. Despite the lack of children’s playgrounds, there is plenty of sand and clear waters for your kids to enjoy.
Marshes, forests, and beaches are among the three ecosystems present in this area. Along the beach and throughout the ruins, wild horses and loggerhead turtles can be seen roaming freely. It’s worth noting that local horses are descendants of the Royal Stables of the King of Arabia.
Which Georgia Beach Will You Visit?
There you have it! These are some of the best beaches in Georgia that offer a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to head to the beach with this handy travel guide in hand. We recommend that you stay in the St. Simon’s Island Area and take several day trips to enjoy all that these beaches have to offer.
Do you have a favorite beach in Georgia? Let us know in the comments below. And, don’t forget to share this travel guide with your friends and family so they can enjoy these amazing beaches too. Safe travels!
