15 Must-Visit Barrier Islands Off the Coast of Georgia

Recently updated on December 27th, 2024

Living along the Georgia coastline where the Atlantic Ocean meets our salt marshes, there’s nothing we love more than sharing the magic of our Georgia barrier islands with folks who haven’t discovered them yet!

Our stretch of the Atlantic coast is home to some of the most beautiful barrier islands you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury getaway or wanting to camp under the stars, we’ve got an island in coastal Georgia that’ll steal your heart.

Here’s your complete guide to exploring every island off the coast of Georgia!

Tybee Island

Let me tell you about Tybee Island first because it’s probably the most convenient for you to get to if you’re visiting Atlanta or Savannah. Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, it’s super easy – just hop on US-80 E/Tybee Road and enjoy the gorgeous marsh views on your way out.

What I love most about Tybee is how laid-back everything feels. No pretense, just pure beach vibes! You’ve got five different beaches to choose from, and each one has its own personality.

Want to be where all the action is? Head to South Beach near the pier – it’s perfect for people-watching and soaking up the energy. Looking for something quieter? North Beach is your spot, and you’ll get amazing views of our historic lighthouse (Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse still in operation!) while you’re there.

Food lovers, you’re in for a treat! You’ll find some of the best restaurants on Tybee Island – from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining. If you’re an early bird, check out our guide to the best breakfast spots on Tybee Island.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Tybee offers excellent kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities. Camping more your style? We’ve got you covered with our complete Tybee Island campground guide.

Little Tybee Island

Despite its name, Little Tybee is actually twice the size of Tybee Island! This uninhabited nature preserve is one of Georgia’s hidden treasures, and it holds a special place in our hearts.

You’ll need a kayak or boat to get there (launch from the Back River area or Alley Street beach access on Tybee), but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. We’ve written an entire guide about camping on Little Tybee Island because it’s such a unique experience.

Important tip: Check those tide schedules before you head out! The timing can make or break your Little Tybee adventure, so know when low tide is. If you’re not super confident in your kayaking skills, hook up with one of our local guided tours – they know all the best spots and how to get there safely.

St. Simons Island

As the largest of Georgia’s populated barrier islands (and a part of the famous Golden Isles), St. Simons is the perfect place to discover what makes coastal Georgia special.

Getting here is a breeze – just take the F.J. Torras Causeway from Brunswick, and in about 15 minutes, you’ll be island-side.

What makes St. Simons really special is how it blends everything together so perfectly. You can spend your morning exploring historic sites like Fort Frederica National Monument and the lighthouse, then hit the beach for the afternoon and finish up with dinner in the Village.

We’ve explored every corner of this island to bring you our top 15 things to do on St. Simons Island!

Speaking of food – our local restaurants will knock your socks off! Be sure to check out our guide to the best restaurants on St. Simons Island!

And for those looking to unwind after a day at the beach, check out our guide to the 14 best bars on St. Simons.

Best spots to park: You’ll find plenty of public parking near the pier and village area, which puts you right in the heart of everything.

Jekyll Island

With miles of sandy beaches to explore, Jekyll Island holds a really special place in my heart. It used to be a super exclusive winter getaway for America’s richest families, but now it’s a place we can all enjoy. They’re really careful about development here – there are strict limits to preserve the natural beauty, and it shows!

One spot you absolutely cannot miss is Driftwood Beach. I’ve been there probably a hundred times, and it still takes my breath away every single visit. The weathered trees create this otherworldly landscape that looks different every time you visit. Pro tip: go at sunrise – you can thank me later!

Families love Jekyll because there’s so much to do that actually teaches you something while you’re having fun. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is fascinating (and adorable – baby loggerhead sea turtles, need I say more?), and the Mosaic Museum tells the island’s story in such an interesting way.

Camping on Jekyll Island is one of our favorite ways to experience the island, and we’ve written the ultimate guide to help you plan your stay. The campground is well-maintained and puts you right in the heart of the island’s natural beauty.

Sea Island

Of all Georgia’s barrier islands, Sea Island stands out as the most exclusive. While we’ve explored the best Sea Island, GA places to stay, we’ll be honest – this is a luxury destination that caters to those looking for a truly high-end experience.

The island is home to the world-famous Cloister resort, which has hosted presidents and celebrities since the 1920s.

Getting There: Access Sea Island through St. Simons Island via Sea Island Road. Keep in mind that Sea Island is private – you’ll need a reservation at one of the properties or restaurants to access the island.

While much of Sea Island is private, you can still experience its magic by booking a stay at one of its luxury properties or making a dinner reservation at one of the exceptional restaurants. The level of service here is unmatched, and the five-mile private beach is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see.

Golf enthusiasts will be in heaven – the golf courses here are legendary!

Cumberland Island

Y’all, Cumberland Island is pure magic! As the largest and southernmost island off the coast of Georgia, it’s kept its wild heart.

Imagine 17 miles of untouched beach, ancient maritime forests that look like something out of a fairy tale, and – the best part – wild horses just casually strolling around like they own the place (which, let’s be honest, they kinda do!).

Getting to Cumberland is part of the adventure. You’ll start in the charming waterfront town of St. Marys, where you’ll catch the ferry.

Here’s the most important thing I can tell you: book your ferry tickets way ahead of time. Like, months ahead if you can, especially during peak season.

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, and it’s gorgeous – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the water!

Quick Cumberland tips:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your ferry departure
• Bring everything you need for the day – there are no stores on the island
• Pack more water than you think you need
• Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want it for the wild horses and the haunting Dungeness ruins

Speaking of Dungeness – these ruins of an old Carnegie family mansion are incredible. Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming them, and they’re hauntingly beautiful. Time it right, and you might catch wild horses grazing right in front of them – talk about a photo op!

Sapelo Island

Now, let me tell you about Sapelo – this place is special in a whole different way. It’s one of those rare places where history isn’t just something you look at in a museum – it’s alive and breathing through the Gullah-Geechee community at Hog Hammock. These folks are descendants of enslaved people who worked the island’s plantations, and their culture is such an important part of Georgia’s coastal heritage.

To visit Sapelo, you’ll need to catch the state ferry from the Meridian dock in McIntosh County (about 8 miles north of Darien).

Important to know: You can’t just show up – you need to be part of a tour or have a reservation. The ferry runs a couple of times daily, more during busy seasons, and takes about 30 minutes.

Don’t miss the Reynolds Mansion if you can get a tour – it’s this gorgeous example of antebellum architecture that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. And the beaches? Some of the quietest and most pristine you’ll find anywhere along our coast.

The Less Accessible (But Still Amazing!) Islands

Now, let me quickly tell you about some of our other Georgia islands. While they’re harder to visit, they’re still part of what makes our coast so special:

Ossabaw Island

Ossabaw Island is like a living laboratory – it’s only open for research and education, but if you can join one of the organized programs, jump on it! They even have feral donkeys wandering around that have been there since colonial times.

Getting There: Access to Ossabaw requires departure from various points near Savannah, most commonly from Delegal Creek Marina on Skidaway Island or Hell Gate Marina in Richmond Hill.

You’ll need to be part of an organized program or have a permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to visit. The boat ride typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on your departure point and the weather conditions.

Wassaw Island

Wassaw Island is a nature lover’s dream. You’ll need your own boat to get there, but those seven miles of undeveloped beach and maritime forest trails are worth the effort. It’s day-use only, but what a day it’ll be! Spring and fall migrations bring incredible bird-watching opportunities.

Getting There: Launch your boat from marinas near Skidaway Island or Isle of Hope. Popular departure points include Delegal Creek Marina and Isle of Hope Marina. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes by boat, depending on your starting point and conditions.

Remember, there are no docks on Wassaw – you’ll need to anchor offshore and either wade in or use a smaller boat to reach the beach.

Wolf Island

Here’s an interesting one for you – Wolf Island isn’t just one island, it’s actually a trio! You’ve got Wolf Island itself, plus two smaller siblings called Egg and Little Egg Islands. Now, here’s the thing: you can’t actually set foot on any of them because they’re protected as a National Wildlife Refuge. But don’t cross it off your list just yet!

While the islands themselves are off-limits (they’re keeping them safe for all our feathered friends), the surrounding waters are a fantastic spot for fishing and wildlife photography. Local fishing guides love taking folks out here because the waters are rich with sea life. If you’re into birds, bring your camera with a good zoom lens – the variety of shore birds you’ll see is incredible!

Getting there: You’ll need to launch your boat from around Darien if you want to explore the waters. The public boat ramp in Darien is a popular starting point.

Blackbeard Island

Blackbeard Island (no, the pirate didn’t actually hang out here!) is another spot you’ll need a boat to reach, but it offers some fantastic primitive camping if you’re up for an adventure.

Getting There: Launch your boat from the Harris Neck area or various points near Darien. The closest public boat ramps are at Harris Neck and Shellman Bluff. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes by boat, depending on your departure point and conditions. Check with the refuge office about seasonal closures and permitted activities before planning your trip.

Little St. Simons Island

Little St. Simons Island is privately owned and only accessible if you’re staying at their small lodge or join one of their rare day trips. Pricey? Yes. Worth it if you can swing it? Absolutely!

Getting There: Access is via private boat from Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island. If you’re staying at the lodge or joining a day trip, they’ll arrange your transportation. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes through beautiful marsh waterways. Day trips must be booked well in advance through the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island.

Hampton Island

Hampton Island is a private preserve that’s mostly closed to the public, but it’s still an important part of our barrier island system.

Connected to the mainland by a causeway off Harris Neck Road from South Newport, it’s home to some pretty swanky private residences and a beautiful preserve.

While you can’t visit unless you’re a property owner or their guest, it’s worth knowing about because it’s part of the incredible network of islands that help protect our coast and provide crucial wildlife habitats.

Skidaway Island

Here’s something cool – while Skidaway is technically one of our barrier islands, it’s unique because it’s connected to the mainland by a causeway. And let me tell you, it’s got the best of both worlds! Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, it’s become home to a thriving community (including the gorgeous Landings neighborhood) while still keeping its natural island charm.

Why you’ll love Skidaway:

• Super easy to access – just take Diamond Causeway from Savannah
• Amazing state park with some of the best hiking trails on the coast
• Great camping facilities if you want to rough it in comfort
• Perfect base camp for exploring Savannah – you’re only 20 minutes from the historic district!

The interpretive center does an awesome job of helping you understand our coastal ecosystem, and the trails give you up-close views of maritime forest, salt marsh, and even some prehistoric history. If you’re lucky, you might spot fiddler crabs, deer, or even an alligator sunning itself!

St. Catherine’s Island

Here’s one of our most mysterious islands off the coast of Georgia – St. Catherine’s Island! While it’s not open for regular public visits, this island plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and research. The St. Catherine’s Island Foundation does amazing work here, especially with endangered species conservation.

What makes St. Catherine’s super special is its research facility and wildlife programs. They’ve done incredible work with endangered species, including loggerhead turtle conservation. The island is also home to some fascinating archaeological sites that tell stories about ancient Native American settlements and Spanish mission history.

While you can’t visit without special permission (it’s primarily a research facility), you can sometimes spot the island from boat tours in the area.

Why I Love Our Islands Off the Coast of Georgia (And Why You Will Too!)

What makes the Georgia Barrier Islands so amazing is that there’s something for everyone. Want all the amenities and easy access? Tybee, St. Simons, and Jekyll have got you covered. Ready for a wild adventure? Cumberland and Little Tybee are calling your name. Looking for something totally unique? Sapelo’s rich culture and pristine beaches are waiting for you.

The best part is each island helps protect our mainland coast while providing crucial habitats for wildlife. When you visit, you’re not just having an amazing vacation – you’re experiencing one of the most special ecosystems in the South.

Essential Tips for Your Island Adventure

Before you start packing those beach bags, let me share some local wisdom that’ll help make your trip amazing:

Timing is Everything:

• Spring and fall are your best friends – the weather is perfect and the crowds are smaller
• If you’re heading to Cumberland or Sapelo, book those ferry reservations MONTHS in advance
• For the more remote islands, always check tide schedules before heading out

Pack Like a Pro:

• Bring more water than you think you need, especially on the undeveloped islands.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, the works
• Bug spray is your best friend (trust me on this one!)
• Pack a basic first aid kit if you’re heading to the more remote spot

Know Before You Go:

• Always check access requirements – some islands need permits or advance reservations
• For undeveloped islands like Little Tybee, remember there are zero facilities
• Weather can change quickly – keep an eye on forecasts
• Consider hiring local guides for remote island visits – they know all the secret spots and safety concerns

Pro tip: If you’re just starting your coastal Georgia journey, begin with the easily accessible islands like Tybee, St. Simons, or Jekyll. Once you’ve gotten your feet wet (literally and figuratively!), then venture out to the more remote spots. Each island will show you a different side of what makes our coast so special.

Protect What You Love:

• Follow Leave No Trace principles – pack out what you pack in
• Stay on marked trails to protect delicate ecosystems
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife (yes, even those photogenic wild horses!)
• Support local communities and businesses when you visit

So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and come fall in love with these islands off the coast of Georgia. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself planning your next island trip before you’ve even finished your first one – it happens to everyone!