8 Reasons to Pick Georgia Over Florida This Summer

If you live on the East coast, you probably grew up thinking Florida was the place to go on a beach vacation. It’s been drilled into us since childhood, right? But as someone who lives in Brunswick and spends way too much time on the beach, I’m here to tell you that coastal Georgia beaches deserve a serious look for your summer trip.

Here’s why you should skip Florida this year and head to Georgia’s coast instead.

1. You can avoid the crowds

Don’t get me wrong – you’ll be hard pressed to find a beach anywhere in the country that isn’t packed on major holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day weekend. But any other day? You’ll have no problem claiming your spot on the sand at any of the best beaches in Georgia.

South Beach on Tybee Island can still get pretty crowded, but if you head to North Beach, St. Simons Island, or Jekyll Island you’ll have no issue. There’s something deeply satisfying about being able to hear the actual waves instead of everyone else’s Spotify playlists and family drama.

2. It’s still hot (but not miserable)

Georgia’s coast runs about 5-10 degrees cooler than most Florida beach towns in summer, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to enjoy yourself outside.

But before you worry – yes, it’s still hot enough for the beach. The water stays perfectly comfortable all summer long. You’re just not going to feel like you’re melting into the pavement when you walk from your car to the beach.

And while you’re walking around town, those live oak trees are doing the Lord’s work providing shade.

3. The Georgia coast still feels real

When you drive through coastal Georgia, you’re not staring up at endless high-rise condos blocking your view of the water. You’re seeing small beach towns that still have their own character – historic downtown Brunswick with its locally-owned shops, the quirky boutiques on St. Simons, actual neighborhoods where actual people live year-round.

The tourism industry hasn’t steamrolled the culture here. Chain restaurants exist, sure, but they’re not dominating the landscape. You can still find authentic coastal Georgia at every turn.

4. Your wallet will thank you

Let’s talk money. Coastal Georgia is significantly more affordable than comparable Florida beach destinations. Your accommodations cost less, your meals cost less, and you’re not hemorrhaging money on parking fees and tourist trap pricing.

5. The natural beauty here is something special

Florida has beaches. We have beaches plus some of the most stunning salt marshes you’ll ever see. Kayaking through Georgia’s marsh ecosystems at sunset is an experience you simply cannot replicate elsewhere.

And if you really want something unique, take the ferry to Cumberland Island. This Georgia barrier island is an undeveloped National Seashore, meaning you get pristine beaches, wild horses roaming free, and maritime forests that feel like stepping back in time.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk for miles and see maybe a dozen other people. You can go from beach to forest to marsh all in one day, and the variety makes for a richer vacation than just plopping on the same stretch of sand for a week. And if beach camping is your thing, you’re going to find heaven on Earth on Cumberland.

6. The local seafood can’t be beat

Georgia’s wild-caught shrimp are legitimately the best in the world – and yes, I’m prepared to fight anyone who disagrees. Our local shrimp boats still operate out of ports along the coast, and when you eat Georgia shrimp, you’re tasting the real thing, not imported impostors.

The sweetness and texture are completely different. Once you’ve had actual Georgia shrimp, you’ll understand why we’re so obnoxious about it.

And then there are the oysters. Salt Bombs from Tybee Island Oyster Company are taking the South by storm right now, and for good reason. These oysters are so briny and delicious that they’ve become the standard against which other oysters are measured. If you’re an oyster lover, you need to get your hands on some Salt Bombs while you’re here.

7. The history goes deep

This isn’t fabricated “pirate-themed mini golf” history. This is real, significant American history that shaped this country.

Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island was built by James Oglethorpe in the 1730s and played a crucial role in protecting the Georgia colony from Spanish invasion. You can walk through the ruins and actually imagine what life was like for those early settlers. Christ Church on St. Simons, built in 1820, sits under a canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss that will take your breath away. Both are among our top things to do on St. Simons Island.

And then there’s the vibrant Gullah-Geechee cultural heritage that runs throughout these islands. Sapelo Island is home to the Hog Hammock community, one of the last intact Gullah-Geechee communities in the nation – descendants of enslaved Africans who have maintained their unique language, traditions, and culture for generations.

The sweetgrass basket traditions, the distinctive foodways, the language that survived – this living culture is specific to Georgia’s coast and incredibly meaningful.

8. Getting to the beach is actually easy

Here’s a refreshing change: Georgia beaches don’t require you to take out a small loan just to park your car.

Yes, you’ll pay for parking on Tybee Island and there’s an entrance fee for Jekyll Island. But St. Simons Island beaches? Completely free parking.

Florida will still be there next year. But this summer, why not try something a little different? Coastal Georgia offers everything you actually want from a beach vacation – warm water, beautiful beaches, great food, interesting things to do – without the crowds, the concrete jungle, and the inflated prices.

Plus, you might just fall in love with Georgia beaches the way I did. Fair warning: it happens more often than you’d think.

More resources to help you plan your Georgia beach trip

• Your Guide to Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
• St. Simons Island Locals’ Beach Guide
• Georgia Beach Camping: Where to Pitch Your Tent by the Sea
• 10+ Best Beaches Near Brunswick, GA
• Your Guide to the Best Savannah Ga. Beaches
• The Best Beaches in Georgia for Your Next Vacation
• Georgia Beaches Ranked: A Local’s Honest Guide to the Best Spots!