Georgia offers 100 miles of peaceful shoreline, barrier islands, and preserved ecosystems, making it a formidable competitor to its more popular neighboring beaches. Both tourists and residents can enjoy a range of calm beaches suitable for families, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a romantic getaway.
The barrier islands add a historical and fascinating touch to your beach experience, with opportunities to admire picturesque white sand, explore rolling sand dunes, and wander through protected coastal forests. Remnants of 19th-century life can also be found nearby.
11. Cumberland Island National Seashore
The Cumberland Island National Seashore has around twenty miles of natural beaches. You can only get there by boat, so leave your car at home and take the Cumberland Island Ferry. It’s the most southern of the Golden Isles in the state. When you get off the ferry, you’ll find a beautiful untouched paradise with a few historic buildings.
There’s no traffic, restaurants, or bars, so you can forget about the real world for a day and enjoy the peace and quiet. You can spend the whole day on the beach, taking in the views and swimming in the Atlantic. But the best part is exploring the uninhabited island.
Go for a hike and discover almost twenty different ecosystems and visit the Dungeness Ruins and Plum Orchard Mansion.
10. North Beach, Tybee Island
When visitors come to Tybee Island, many go to the popular South Beach. However, the North Beach is actually bigger and less crowded, giving you more space to relax. It is also conveniently located with shops, restaurants, and attractions nearby.
The beach itself has beautiful golden sand filled with interesting seashells and offers great swimming opportunities. As you lay on the beach, you can enjoy the stunning view of the island’s famous rolling sand dunes meeting the ocean. If you get hungry, you can take a short walk to the local town for a meal.
Afterward, you can leisurely walk to the Tybee Island Light Station, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, which also has a museum. Finally, end your day at North Beach by watching the breathtaking sunset, which is rarely disappointing.
9. St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island isn’t just about beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and swimming. St. Andrews Beach, located below Driftwood Beach, offers a unique beach experience. If you’re interested in birds and animals, you should explore the southern tip of Jekyll Island, where St. Andrews Beach is located.
This area includes the beach, a connecting park, and Jekyll Point, all of which give you access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Jekyll Sound, as well as the diverse wildlife that is attracted to the region.
Once you’ve had enough sunbathing, you can visit the wildlife viewing platform, which takes you up into the treetops where you can see the island’s migratory bird population.
As an additional activity, you can hike along the Wanderer Memory Trail, which is a self-guided journey that focuses on the Wander, the last known slave ship in the United States.
8. Main Beach, Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island is a special beach destination that offers a unique experience. Unlike other islands that have ferries for visitors, this island is different because it is mostly exclusive to guests of The Lodge. This means that guests have the luxury of essentially having a private beach to themselves.
The Lodge is committed to preserving and protecting the island’s natural elements, focusing strongly on conservation efforts. With a limited capacity of just over 30 guests, it’s easy to feel immersed in the island’s beauty and experience a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Leave behind the noise and distractions, relax on the soft sand, and enjoy a day of pure peacefulness.
7. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
In the past, only rich people lived on Jekyll Island. Nowadays, everyone can visit, but if you go to Driftwood Beach, you can understand why the wealthy were attracted to this place. Jekyll Island has many miles of beautiful sandy beaches next to historic buildings and a wild, untamed area that is slowly taking back the land.
However, photographers and romantic people love to go to Driftwood Beach in particular. The trees on this beach are not able to hold onto the sand because of erosion, so they are scattered all over the landscape like forgotten toys. Over time, the wind, rain, and salty water have made the trees appear white and beautiful.
Visitors come to this beach to enjoy the peacefulness, take unique pictures, and sometimes witness a quiet wedding.
6. Glory Beach, Jekyll Island
Glory Beach, located at the southern end of the island, is true to its impressive name. Visitors can easily find parking close to the beach and then walk across an elevated boardwalk over the magnificent dunes covered in sea oats.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by beautiful golden sand and a peaceful beach secluded from the rest of Jekyll Island. Spending a day on Glory Beach is all about enjoying the sun, swimming in the sea, and relaxing with a good book. The cool breeze on a warm summer day makes it perfect for flying kites and windsurfing.
The sand is compacted, making it great for leisurely walks or even a bike ride while enjoying the scenic views of the ocean and Cumberland Island.
5. Acworth Beach
Acworth Beach is a popular destination for families because it is located on the north shore of Lake Acworth. It is a safe and enjoyable place for swimming due to the lack of strong waves and a designated area with ropes.
In addition to swimming, visitors can also participate in activities such as paddling, fishing, and exploring the lake’s surroundings. The beach offers a wide stretch of sandy shoreline, providing a perfect spot for relaxation under the warm Georgia sun. The presence of playgrounds makes it even more suitable for young children to have fun.
Furthermore, volleyball courts are available for friendly competition among beachgoers. Acworth Beach, situated just north of Atlanta, is highly recommended for those who are not near the east coast.
4. East Beach, St. Simons Island
East Beach, located on St. Simons Island, is a popular and dog-friendly beach that stretches along the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It offers several miles of sun-soaked coastline where people can swim and relax. As the Atlantic Ocean comes to an end, both locals and travelers can enjoy various water sports activities.
East Beach is a perfect place to witness the stunning sunset. In addition to facing the rising sun, the sand on the beach is firm which makes it ideal for pleasant walks or even runs while enjoying a warm cup of coffee in the morning. After getting refreshed, you can return to the beach for a full day of fun.
You can spot kite boarders, windsurfers, and boogie boarders enjoying the beach, while children eagerly search for shells along the shoreline.
3. Great Dunes Park, Jekyll Island
The Golden Isles is a stretch of beautiful barrier islands in Florida, running from Savannah to Jacksonville. Jekyll Island stands out among these islands as particularly interesting. Upon arrival, a visit to Great Dunes Park is highly recommended, as it is the most popular spot on the island.
The beach at this park not only showcases the island’s famous natural beauty but also provides a family-friendly experience. It is a large beach with plenty of space for everyone, and you can enjoy a nice swim as well. However, what really sets Great Dunes apart is the wide range of activities available.
Just behind the dunes, there are mini-golf courses, playgrounds, and a starting point for the island’s extensive 20-mile bike trails. Additionally, the park provides grills and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy before going back for a refreshing swim.
2. Sea Island
There are various types of beach days, each offering a unique experience. Whether you prefer a natural and peaceful setting, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a luxurious getaway, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking to indulge yourself, Sea Island is the perfect destination.
At the award-winning Sea Island Beach Club, you can enjoy five miles of private beachfront, sparkling pools, relaxing spa houses, and delightful on-site restaurants. Begin your day in comfort and leisure, strolling along the private beach and immersing yourself in the soothing sound of crashing waves, with very few people around.
Later, you can try out the exciting water sports available at the club, such as kayaking, sailing, or kiteboarding. Afterward, unwind and enjoy a superb meal at one of their upscale restaurants. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still have fun by going bowling or exploring the Sea Island Nature Center.
1. Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
Nanny Goat Beach, stretching across two miles of unspoiled coastline, not only captivates with its beauty but also holds ecological significance. Situated within the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, visiting this beach requires booking a tour or opting for an overnight stay.
Upon a short ferry ride to Sapelo Island, head to the southeast cape, where you’ll discover brilliant white sand bordered by maritime forests and rolling dunes. Enjoy some leisure time, searching for seashells and keeping an eye out for ospreys and bald eagles in the nearby forests.
Later, take a stroll along the beach’s hiking trail, leading through five distinct habitats before reaching the historic R. J. Reynolds House.
