Although the sliver of coastline in Georgia is much smaller than the surrounding states, the area has countless beautiful beaches backed by rolling hills and luscious green forests.
To add to the beauty, Georgia has several small islands that can easily be explored by boat and car.
Georgia offers ideal beachfront accommodations for all traveler types, ranging from low-key escapes to luxurious resorts.
If you’re considering the Georgia coastline for your next weekend getaway or a week-long holiday, keep reading to learn more about the best beaches in the state!
12 Best Beaches in Georgia
Twelve: Little St. Simons Island
Only accessible by boat, this secluded island boasts seven miles of undeveloped coastline.
This means that only registered guests of the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island are permitted to visit the beach, so you will practically have this stretch of ocean to yourself!
The Lodge was constructed to maintain natural surroundings using conservation and sustainability programs like collecting rainwater for the local rinsing station and composting waste for the vegetable garden on the property.
Eleven: North Beach Island
Only a short drive from Savannah is North Beach Island.
In addition to being a long stretch of coastline, North Beach also has a charming neighborhood with plenty of shops and restaurants to meet all tastes.
After a morning swim in the Atlantic, you can walk to several historic landmarks, including Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, then hunt for bargains under a canopy of live oak and pine trees at one of the most unique shopping districts in the state.
Ten: Sea Island
Sea Island is a party destination on the Georgia coast.
Sea Island has it all, whether you’re visiting for a night out by the ocean, having fun on the beach, having a pool party, or having a spa retreat.
The Cloister is a popular club with a private golf course, babysitters for parents who want to go out, pool activities, and children’s camps.
The Sea Island Beach Club has the ideal amenities for a romantic couples retreat, including a private exercise trail, waterslides, private cabanas, cool alcoholic drinks, and an adults-only heated pool.
Nine: Darien
Dubbed the “Coolest little town in Georgia,” Darien boasts a unique culture.
With a population of under 2,000 residents, visitors are treated like family.
You can spend hours walking along the beach and making multiple stops at the historical locations that depict rural life.
For example, navigate to historic Fort King and walk along the old walls protected by cannons.
Fort King was the southernmost British location in the early 1700s.
Finish your day with a wonderful dinner at Skipper’s Fish Camp Restaurant, which has some of the freshest seafood in the area.
Eight: Wassaw Island
As an ideal destination for nature lovers, Wassaw Island allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the quiet landscapes of this National Wildlife Refuge.
Wildlife photography and birdwatching are the two most popular activities on the island.
Still, you can get the adrenaline pumping by racing bicycles through the dune trails and multiple hills that dot the island.
Pack your fishing gear and catch a meal for dinner, then cook it over a glowing campfire.
Hunting is permitted within the scenic reserve if you aren’t interested in seafood.
Seven: John Tanner State Park
John Tanner State Park offers an excellent beach far from the Atlantic Ocean.
This destination is located in Western Georgia and boasts an exciting and relaxing beach surrounding a massive lake.
The walking trails provide plenty of shade and soothing nature sounds for those looking to get out of the sun.
For a more romantic experience, you can paddleboat around the lake, go camping and sleep under the stars, or spend the day fishing in the calm waters.
Six: Great Dunes Beach Park
Great Dunes is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled day sunbathing, swimming, or participating in water sports.
Twenty acres of wind-swept dunes, public facilities, and water fountains are slightly inland from the sandy beaches.
The beach boasts many activities, including a large play area for young visitors, miniature golf, frisbee toss, and volleyball nets.
Best of all, the water is calm enough to swim safely, and the beach is sprinkled with sand dollars!
Five: Cumberland National Seashore
Cumberland National Seashore has some of the most stunning beaches in the state because they are only accessible by ferry, the island has a limited crowd, and there’s plenty to experience beyond the beach.
Further inland from the beach are the ruins of Dungeness, an old stone mansion.
When visiting, navigate to the Cumberland Museum to learn more about the history of this secluded island.
Also, you can enjoy trekking along the many marshlands and hiking trails.
As a bonus, you may be lucky to spot the packs of wild horses roaming across the grassy fields.
Four: Savannah River Beach
Savannah River Beach is a hidden gem on Tybee Island with few visitors and mostly calm waters.
It’s an excellent destination for a family day with the kiddos or for those looking to have a romantic getaway.
If your accommodation isn’t near the beach, drive or walk to the end of Polk Street, where you can pay for metered parking.
The views of the ships sailing in and out of the local port are impressive, and you will learn about the different salt marshes that form across this stretch of beach.
Three: St. Andrew Beach
With the broadest stretch of coastline in Georgia, St. Andrew Beach features plenty of sandy spaces for walkers and runners to maintain a respectable distance.
The best aspect of St. Andrew Beach is that it is entirely underdeveloped, which means it’s an ideal location to connect with nature without crowds.
For instance, it’s common to see dolphin groups playing and bathing near the shore, and for all the shell collectors, you won’t be disappointed by the selection.
Additionally, the sand is tightly packed and flat, making it a genuinely wheelchair-accessible destination.
Two: Tybee Island Beach
Located just a stone’s throw from Historic Savannah is Tybee Island Beach, a wonderful place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy various watersport activities.
Begin your day with a visit to the Tybee Lighthouse and Museum, where you will learn about the history of the locals and the small town.
While exploring, be sure to capture a lighthouse-by-the-bay photo for social media.
Just off the coast, you will find plenty of fishermen and kayakers, while bike trails and hiking are popular on land.
Finally, don’t miss the sunset hour, which overlooks the Tybee Island Pier.
It’s nothing short of breathtaking!
One: Driftwood Beach
Claiming the top spot for best beaches in Georgia is Driftwood Beach, a photographer’s wonderland!
While this may not be the best swimming beach, the unique landscape has inspired many photographers to take one-of-a-kind photos and artists to paint beautiful masterpieces.
From tide pools to interesting seashells and sunset silhouettes, Driftwood Beach is like something from a Tim Burton movie.
The most exciting aspect of this beach is the thousands of protruding driftwood trees and branches.
If you want to stay longer than one day, the Jekyll Island campgrounds are only a short walk away.
Georgia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Georgia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tybee Island Beach safe for swimming?
Between May 1st and Labor Day, Tybee Island Beach has lifeguards to protect swimmers.
It’s important to note that lifeguards aren’t on duty at every beach point, and some beaches are specifically designated for surfing, with others being off-limits for water recreation due to jagged rocks in the water and strong undertows.
Therefore, if you plan to visit the island, stick to designated swimming areas when lifeguards are on duty.
What is Tybee Island such a famous Georgia location?
Given its location at the mouth of the Savannah River, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island has been a strategic military point in Georgia.
The island’s lighthouse, which is a great place to visit and learn more about the island’s history, was built in 1736 and used as a warning system for incoming naval enemies throughout the War of 1812.
Which beach has the most pristine water in Georgia?
Although Georgia isn’t commonly known as a state with crystal clear waters, several beaches have bluer water than the rest of the state.
For example, Cherokee Falls within Cloudland Canyon State Park is noted as having some of the bluest water in the state.
Here, visitors can go swimming and sunbathe along the shores of the canyon.
What are the best islands with beaches off the Georgia coast?
Known as the Golden Isles, these land masses sit just off the Georgia coastline, with Tybee Island being the most famous and popular destination.
The Golden Isles consist of St. Simons, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Tybee Island.
Given the popularity of Tybee Island, visiting the other islands provides a more serene and relaxing experience with all the same amenities.
The Georgia coastline is a hidden gem, with beaches like Little St. Simons Island offering secluded beauty and North Beach providing history alongside its sandy shores; there’s something for everyone from party-goers at Sea Island to nature lovers on Wassaw Island.