Recently updated on December 20th, 2024
When you think of beach getaways, Georgia might not be the first state that comes to mind.
But let me tell you, Georgia has some seriously awesome beaches that don’t get enough credit. This state isn’t just peaches and Atlanta. It also has a great coastline along the Atlantic Ocean that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t visited sooner.
Whether you’re looking to be a beach bum for a day or planning a full-on vacation, the best beaches in Georgia have got you covered. From Tybee Island with its laidback vibe to the wild beauty and history of Jekyll Island, there’s a beach here on Georgia’s shore that’ll make you forget all about those crowded Florida beaches.
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Tybee Island: The Closest Beach to Savannah

Just a short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is also known as “Savannah’s Beach.” It’s one of the most accessible and popular beaches on the Georgia coast, so it’s a great place to start our coastal adventures.
The Beach
Tybee Island packs a lot into its five miles of beaches, and each area has its own vibe. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to North Beach. It’s less crowded and perfect for a relaxing day. South Beach, on the other hand, is where the action happens. It’s great for people-watching and soaking up the sun.
One of the best things about Tybee is the water is usually pretty calm. That makes it a great spot for families with kids. You can relax a bit more without worrying about big waves.
While you’re here, make sure to check out the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Yeah, climbing to the top is a bit of a workout, but the view is absolutely worth it. You get a 360-degree look at the island and the Atlantic Ocean stretching out as far as you can see. It’s the kind of view that makes you glad you made the trip.
Where to Eat
After a day in the sun, you’ll want some good food. At the North End, you’ll find The Original Crab Shack, an island institution since the 19030’s. The food is amazing, but the view is just something else. It overlooks the marsh and has shrimp boats that dock right outside.
If you want to stay on the beach while you grab a bite, head to The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen. You can walk right up from the sand – it’s actually the island’s only beachfront restaurant!
More places to eat on Tybee Island:
Where to Stay

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Tybee has places to stay for every budget. If you want to splurge a bit, book a room at the DeSoto Beach Hotel. It’s the only beachfront hotel on the island.
If you prefer more of a home-away-from-home feel, there are plenty of private cottages around the island for rent.
Some of our favorite places to stay on Tybee Island:
- Hotel Tybee
- Admiral’s Inn
- The Alley at North Beach Vacation Rental (with pool and indoor bowling lane!)
- Lighthouse Point Vacation Rental (waterfront!)
Things to Do

There’s more to Tybee than just beach time. Here are some other things to check out:
- Visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. It’s a great place on the North End to learn about the local sea life.
- Take a Historic Tour of Tybee Island. This comfortable golf cart tour will teach you about everything from the area’s indigenous past to tales of pirates and ghost stories.
- Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. The calm waters are perfect for it. If you want to try your hand at surfing, you can take surf lessons, too!
- Go on a dolphin tour. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat is pretty special. This dolphin cruise is perfect for those staying in Savannah.
- Take a bike tour. A little island like this just begs to be explored by bike. This guided tour will take you to all the island’s highlights and teach you some history along the way.
- Explore Fort Pulaski National Monument. It is full of Civil War history, and you can still see the damage it sustained from cannonballs.
St. Simons Island: The Largest of the Golden Isles

Moving farther south along Georgia’s coast, we come to St. Simons Island, part of the Golden Isles. This island is a favorite because of the wide beaches, fabulous restaurants, and tons of things to do.
The Beach
East Beach is the main public beach on St. Simons, and it’s a good one. There’s plenty of room to spread out, the water’s great for swimming, and you can take long walks along the shore.
Nearby Massengale Park is not only a perfect spot to hit the beach, but you’ll also find a shaded playground and water fountains for your furry friends, so it’s a great place for families.
While Gould’s Inlet isn’t great for swimming, this is our favorite spot for a sunset walk on St. Simons Island.
For more information about the beaches on St. Simons Island, check out the full article!
Where to Eat

For a nice dinner out, we love the Georgia Sea Grill. They serve up fresh, local seafood and have a great wine list and a live piano player if you sit in the lounge.
For some of the best barbecue you’ve ever had and a more casual dinner, go to Beachcomber BBQ near the King & Prince Resort. The tasty menu you’ll find here is a favorite amongst the locals!
More places to eat on St. Simons Island:
Where to Stay
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is right on the beach and has some amazing ocean views and a delicious onsite restaurant. You’ll love the amenities here, like the five oceanfront pools, three hot tubs, and one of the best golf courses in St. Simons.
For something a bit smaller, check out The Inn by Sea Island. It’s a boutique hotel that gives you access to a lot of Sea Island’s fancy facilities.

We also love the Village Inn & Pub. Each room is different and makes you feel like you’re in a home away from home. It’s in a great location right in the fishing pier village, and the pub at the inn is one of the best bars on St. Simons Island!
Some of our favorite places to stay on St. Simons Island:
- King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
- Village Inn & Pub
- The Inn by Sea Island
- The Oyster Vacation Rental (in the East Beach area with a saltwater pool, hot tub, ping pong, and fire pit!)
- The Dixon (just steps to the beach with a private saltwater pool)
Things to Do

St. Simons has plenty to keep you busy:
- Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse. The view from the top is worth the climb, and the museum at the bottom is full of historical artifacts from the island’s maritime past.
- Take a trolley tour to learn about the island’s history.
- Play a round of golf. The island has some world-class courses. You can read all about the best golf courses on St. Simons Island in this article! You can also take a private golf lesson on the iconic Sea Island!
- Visit the World War II Home Front Museum to see how the island played a role in the war.
- Visit Fort Frederica. This is a super interesting national monument and an active archeological site, and the views over the water are spectacular!
For more information about the best things to do on St. Simons Island, check out the full article!
Jekyll Island: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Our final stop is Jekyll Island. Once a private retreat for America’s wealthiest families, this island is now a state park dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and history.
The Beach

Jekyll Island has 10 miles of beaches, and each one is a bit different. Driftwood Beach is probably the most famous – it’s covered in weathered trees and driftwood, making it look like something out of a movie.
If you want more of a classic beach day, you’re in luck because Jekyll Island has some of the best beaches in Georgia. Head to Great Dunes Beach Park or St. Andrews Beach Park for convenient amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.
Insider Tip: Some of the beaches on Jekyll Island are only accessible at low tide. Before you head off to the beach, I recommend checking the Jekyll Island tide chart!
Where to Eat
The Wharf is a great casual spot in the historic district. It’s right on the Jekyll River, so you can watch the sunset while you eat.
For a special night out, book a table at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar in the Jekyll Island Club Resort. The food’s fantastic, and the setting is pretty swanky.
For more information on the best seafood restaurants on Jekyll Island, check out the full article!
Where to Stay

The Jekyll Island Club Resort is the place to stay if you want to feel like one of the island’s original millionaire inhabitants. It’s super luxurious and has fantastic amenities.
For a more budget-friendly option, try the Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island. It’s super comfortable and just a short walk from the beach.
Some of our favorite places to stay on Jekyll Island:
- Jekyll Island Club Resort
- Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
- Anchors Away (pet friendly with fire pit – just steps to the beach!)
- Villa 276 (oceanfront condo with pool!)
Things to Do

Jekyll Island is the perfect place for nature lovers:
- Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This is where injured and sick sea turtles from up and down the East Coast go to get rehabilitated. They have tons of interactive exhibits and nurseries where you can get up close and personal with the sea turtle.
- Visit a tree boneyard. Driftwood Beach is famous for the otherworldly feeling created by the driftwood trees. This is a great place for photographers, especially at sunrise!
- Rent a bike and explore the island’s bike paths. There are over 20 miles of them throughout the island.
- Take a dolphin tour. It’s a great way to see the island from a different perspective, and you’ll see lots of wildlife on the water. I love this dolphin tour, which leaves from the dock at The Wharf.
- Tour the historic district. The old mansions from the island’s exclusive club days are really something to see.
- Make a splash at Summer Waves Water Park. This water park is a must-visit if you’re visiting in the summer. Take a break from the sand and head to the park for all the water slides you can handle.
For more information about the best things to do on Jekyll Island, check out the full article!
Off the Beaten Path Beaches in Georgia
While we’ve mainly highlighted Georgia’s beaches that have plenty of amenities and things to do, sometimes you just want natural beauty. Here are some more of the best beaches in Georgia, though visiting them might take a bit more planning!
Cumberland Island
If you’re looking for a truly unique beach experience, Cumberland Island is the place to go. It’s one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets, and for good reason. This unspoiled barrier island has miles of coastline, wild horses roaming free, and forests that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale.
To get to Cumberland Island, you’ll need to take a ferry from St. Marys, and it’s a good idea to book in advance because space is limited. When it comes to staying on the island, camping is available at several sites across the island. Just remember to bring everything you need, including water, as amenities are limited.
If you prefer a roof over your head, the Greyfield Inn will give you a luxurious stay in a historic mansion!
What makes Cumberland Island special is its untouched natural beauty. The beaches are wide, empty, and perfect for long walks. You might spot wild horses grazing near the shore or see loggerhead turtles nesting if you visit in the right season. The island’s also home to interesting ruins like the Dungeness mansion.
Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is perfect for history buffs and those looking to mix beach time with a dash of culture. This barrier island is home to the Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved West Africans who’ve preserved their unique culture for generations.
To get to Sapelo, you’ll need to hop on a ferry from Meridian, Georgia. The island isn’t open to the public without a reservation, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
When it comes to staying on Sapelo, the options are geared towards groups. The Reynolds Mansion, a 13-bedroom antebellum home, will give you a luxurious experience but is only open to groups of 16–25 people.
For those who love the outdoors, the Cabretta Pioneer Campground is available, but again, it’s for groups of 10–25 only.
If you just want to take a day trip to Sapelo Island, I highly recommend Sapelo Island Tours, which offers daily tours given by a member of the Gullah-Geechee community.
So there you have it – some of the best beaches in Georgia. Georgia’s coast and barrier islands have a great mix of natural beauty, history, and good old Southern hospitality. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, you’ll find something to love here.
The best time to visit is usually between March and September when it’s warm enough to swim. But even in the off-season, these beaches are beautiful, and there’s still plenty to do.
Next time you’re thinking about a beach vacation, give Georgia a shot. With its white-sand beaches, historic sites, and tons of activities, the state of Georgia might just become your new favorite beach destination in the U.S.
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