11 Best Georgia Beaches For A One-Of-A-Kind Getaway
Even though Georgia only has roughly 110 miles of shores, the Peach State’s coastline is dotted with marshland, beaches, and barrier islands—including Tybee Island to the north and the Golden Isles, which includes Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, farther south. Their natural wonders and coastal treasures make for an ideal getaway. On these barrier islands, visitors will find stunning beaches, attractions for everyone, coastal restaurants, and lodging ranging from luxury suites to charming bungalows. Take in each island’s distinctive personality. Visit, and you’ll find yourself walking canopied trails, biking island paths, kayaking salty shorelines, and settling in for relaxing days on the sands. Wind your way along Georgia’s shores to find the best beaches that are preserving their ecological treasures while inviting visitors to experience one-of-a-kind getaways on the coast.
North Beach, Tybee Island
This area of Tybee Island is a destination for shopping, restaurant-hopping, and marveling at the historic island lighthouse, Georgia’s tallest and oldest. You’ll also find a bevy of bed-and-breakfasts here, all close to the island’s less-busy beaches. You can access North Beach via a boardwalk at the end of Gulick Street.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
Located on the northern shores of Jekyll Island, this beach is loved for its picturesque sands, which are scattered with the skeletal remains of toppled and salt-scrubbed trees—the driftwood that gives the beach its name. The beach is located across the sound from the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum.
From Driftwood Beach, head to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, an education and rehabilitation facility that offers interactive tours and programs for all ages.
Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
This beach is located on a southern stretch of Sapelo Island, a secluded barrier island. It’s a destination for researchers and educators because of the area’s ecological richness and biodiversity. You must pre-register to take the ferry to visit Sapelo Island, and once there, you’ll find shores with oceangoing birds like herons, egrets, and ospreys.
On the island, see the nation’s second-oldest brick lighthouse, the red-and-white striped Sapelo Lighthouse.
Mid Beach, Tybee Island
Visitors will find a laid-back shore at Tybee Island’s Mid Beach. According to Visit Tybee, “Tybee Island’s Mid Beach draws from the quiet attraction of North Beach and the iconic action of South Beach to create an atmosphere attractive to any traveler.” You can find beach access south of Lovell Avenue.
St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island
Bordered by scrub forest, this beach is near Jekyll Point, which is the southernmost point of Jekyll Island. It’s a popular place for seeing wildlife—including migratory and seafaring birds, dolphins, and other ocean creatures—as there is a wildlife viewing platform and trails nearby.
The interactive Wanderer Memory Trail winds along the Jekyll River and tells the story of one of America’s last-known slave ships and the more than 400 enslaved West Africans aboard.
South Beach, Tybee Island
Tybee Island’s busier—but no less enjoyable—beaches are located at the southern end of the island, where you’ll find several beach access points, including at 18th Street near the fishing pier and at Inlet Avenue.
South Beach is considered Tybee Island’s downtown area where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
East Beach, St. Simons Island
According to Golden Isles CVB, “‘East Beach’ is the name given to St. Simons Island Beach, the stretch of beach along the Oceanside of St. Simons Island.” Set your sights here for shelling and splashing; it’s also a good spot for biking. You’ll find Gould’s Inlet nearby, a scenic spot for fishing and spotting birds at the mouth of Postell Creek.
There are bike paths all over St. Simon’s Island, but East Beach’s wide stretch of sand is the perfect spot for pedaling along the beach at low tide. Start at the Golden Isles CVB for trail maps and end near Gould’s Inlet.
Cabretta Island Beach, Sapelo Island
This beach is located on the Atlantic coast of Sapelo Island, which is accessible via ferry across Dooby Sound. Once there, you’ll find Cabretta Campground and surrounding creeks, marshes, and beaches.
Located on Sapelo Island, the 10-room Reynolds Mansion was originally a plantation that fell into ruin after being attacked by the Union during the Civil War. Large groups can reserve the mansion for overnight stays.
Back River Beach, Tybee Island
A great spot to see the sunset, Back River Beach is one of Tybee Island’s lesser-known stretches of sand. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk on the broad sands—it’s a good spot for glimpsing dolphins too.
Spend a day at Back River Beach and enjoy scenic views of the waterways via dolphin tour or kayak, and pull up to the dock at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant for a sunset dinner.
Sea Island Beach, Sea Island
Guests staying on Sea Island will enjoy the Sea Island Beach Club with its five miles of private Atlantic shoreline, family-friendly pools, and opportunities for sailing and kayaking.
Before dinner, enjoy water views and drinks on a Sea Island Explorer cocktail cruise.
Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island
Accessible only by ferry, this quiet island boasts undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and historic sites. Pack your gear for an overnight camping trip, or visit for the day and explore the island by bike, stroll along its 17 miles of beaches, or take a guided tour of several historic properties.
Visit the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion, the former winter home of Thomas Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie. Though the estate is in disrepair, it is one of the island’s most visited spots.
