10 Best Beaches in Georgia

Driftwood Beach is certainly not the beach for swimmers, but the unique scenery is awe-inspiring. From the sunset silhouettes to seashells and tide pools, you must be sure to bring your camera along when you visit this unique beach on Jekyll Island.

The scene of thousands of aged, dried driftwood trees and branches protruding from the sands seems like something you would find in a Tim Burton movie. If you want to stay for more than just the evening, the Jekyll Island campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach.

Tybee is a quaint small town just outside of Savannah, Georgia, and boasts having an expansive beachfront surrounded with activities and as a great place to sunbathe and swim.

Start the day at Tybee Lighthouse & Museum where you will learn the history of the small town and its people. You can be sure to capture a classic lighthouse by the bay photo for Instagram. You will find kayakers, fishermen, and several bike trails leading to and from the beach which are all publicly accessible. Don't forget to catch the sunset hour overlooking South Beach on the Tybee Island Pier.

St. Andrew Beach is the widest stretch of sandy beach along the Georgia coast with plenty of space for runners and walkers to keep a comfortable distance from one another. The area is underdeveloped, making it the perfect beach for a day spent in nature's wonders.

It’s common to see groups of dolphins bathing and playing near the shoreline, and if you’re a shell collector, you won’t be disappointed. The sand is flat and tightly packed, making St. Andrew Beach one of the few that are fully wheelchair accessible. 

Savannah River Beach, located on Tybee Island, is a hidden gem with very few people (if any), and calm waters most of the year. It’s a popular spot for family days with the kids or a romantic getaway with your partner.

If you’re not staying near Savannah Beach, you’ll need to follow the walking path at the end of Polk Street, where you can park your automobile safely at a metered lot. You will enjoy watching the ships sail in and out of port and educating yourself about the several salt marshes forming on this stretch of sand.  

Cumberland National Seashore boasts some of Georgia's most beautiful beaches for many reasons. Only accessible by ferry, the secluded island has a very limited crowd, and sights to see beyond simply the beach.

You’ll find yourself lost in time as you explore the ancient ruins of an old stone mansion called the Dungeness Ruins. You can fill a few hours learning the unique history at the Cumberland museum or trek along the several hiking trails and marshlands. If you’re lucky you will spot the droves of wild horses that trot freely in the sun-kissed grassy fields.

Great Dunes Beach Park is the ideal place to visit for a fun-filled day in the sun. Beyond the flat, sandy beach, you will discover 20 acres of wind-swept sand dunes, water fountains and public facilities to shower off the sea salt.

There’s a selection of interactive activities such as volleyball nets, frisbee toss, miniature golf, and a large play area for the younger visitors. The waters around Great Dunes Beach Park are calm enough for bathing, and the beach is scattered with sand dollars.

John Tanner State Park is located in western Georgia, far from the Atlantic, but offers a beautiful beach area around the massive natural lake. The walking trails offer plenty of shade for those who want to get some exercise during the warmer months.

If you come with a date, you can spend the day on a paddleboat, go fishing together, and if you love the outdoors, there are several neighborhoods where you can pitch a tent and watch the stars reflect from the calm waters of John Tanner Lake.

Wassaw Island is the perfect place for nature lovers. Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the quiet landscapes of this National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatching and wildlife photography is one of the major attractions of the island, but there is something to answer to your sense of adventure.

Bring your bicycles and race through the several hills and dune trails, covered in the shade of large oak trees, pack your fishing gear and catch your meal for the evening as camping and campfires are always welcome, and if you are not craving fish, hunting is also allowed within the borders of this scenic reserve. 

Darien, Georgia is one of the most unique small towns with an unforgettable culture. Having a population of fewer than 2,000 people, it’s no surprise that visitors are treated like family. You can spend hours walking the beach and making several pit stops along the way to take in the historic sights of rural life.

Stand guard and man the cannons at the historic Fort King Georgia, the southernmost British command center from the early 1700s, learn the history of Darien at the McIntosh Visitor Center, and indulge in the freshest seafood and sea breezes at Skipper's Fish Camp Restaurant. When the day winds to a close, you can rest easy at one of the waterfront hotels. 

Sea Island is the party spot of the Georgia coastline. Whether you’re coming for a spa retreat, pool party, fun on the beach, or a night out by the sand, Sea island has it. The Cloister is a club on the island that has children's camps and pool activities, babysitters for the parents who want to spend the night out, and even a private golf course.

Sea Island Beach Club offers the perfect amenities for a couples retreat such as an adults-only heated pool, cool beverages at the bar, private cabanas, a large pool with water slides, and a private exercise trail, perfect for a morning jog.