Beaches in Georgia
Georgia’s coastline may be small, but it’s full of charm, history, and natural beauty that make its beaches truly unforgettable. From wide sandy stretches to peaceful barrier islands, the Georgia coast offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and coastal serenity. These beaches have become some of my favorite places to unwind, whether I’m walking along quiet shores, exploring tidal marshes, or watching the sun rise over the Atlantic.
I discovered lively waterfronts, pristine natural escapes, and beaches that invite you to swim, stroll, or simply relax by the water. With family-friendly spots, historic seaside towns, and breathtaking views, Georgia’s beaches offer a little something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Tybee Island
Tybee was my first stop, and it felt like a good handshake with the coast.
Tybee Island, just a short drive from Savannah, has always felt like my favorite kind of beach getaway. The moment we cross over the bridge and see the marshes open up to the Atlantic, I know a slower pace of life is waiting for me there.
I love how Tybee balances small-town charm with natural beauty. The sandy shoreline is wide and welcoming, perfect for long walks, swimming, or just setting up a chair and watching the waves roll in. It’s such an underrated stretch of coast compared to some of the more crowded Southeastern beaches.
We’ve had joyful days exploring the island’s different beaches—North Beach with its historic lighthouse, South Beach with its livelier pier, and Mid Beach when we just want a quieter escape. Each one has its own personality, and that makes every visit feel new.
One of my favorite things to do is rent bikes and ride along the island’s flat roads. Pedaling past pastel cottages, palm trees, and breezy salt air always feels like a simple but spectacular way to spend the day.
Sunsets on Tybee are unforgettable. Whether we’re sitting near the pier or tucked away on the back river side, the sky lights up with glowing colors that seem to linger just a little longer than anywhere else.
For me, Tybee Island is a cool mix of history, relaxation, and natural charm—close enough to Savannah for convenience, but far enough to feel like a true coastal escape.
2. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore is one of those places that instantly feels like a world apart. Just off the coast of southern Georgia, near St. Marys, getting there by ferry makes the whole journey feel like the start of an adventure.
What I love most is how untouched and wild it feels. The beach stretches for miles with soft sand and rolling waves, and often, we’re the only ones around. It’s such an underrated treasure—quiet, peaceful, and full of raw coastal beauty.
Exploring the island is always a joyful experience. We’ve wandered through maritime forests, discovered hidden trails, and marveled at the wild horses grazing near the dunes. Every turn feels like stepping into something both unusual and timeless.
One of my favorite stops is the ruins of Dungeness, the old Carnegie mansion. Walking through the crumbling walls with the ocean breeze all around is both haunting and spectacular—it’s history and nature blending in the most unique way.
We usually bring everything we need for the day, from snacks to water, since there aren’t shops or restaurants here. That sense of remoteness only adds to the magic, making every picnic or break on the sand feel extra special.
For me, Cumberland Island is an absolute best coastal escape—remote, wild, and unforgettable. Every visit leaves me in awe of its beauty and grateful for the chance to step into a place where nature truly rules.
3. Cabretta Beach
Cabretta Beach wasn’t on my original itinerary. It was a suggestion from a park ranger who said, “If you want quiet, that’s where you’ll find it.” She wasn’t wrong. Reaching it meant driving through Sapelo Island’s thick maritime forest, past Gullah homes and sleepy fields, then walking a short path until the dunes gave way to a beach that looked untouched.
Cabretta Beach on Sapelo Island, Georgia, is one of those places that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Because the island is only accessible by ferry, every visit already has a sense of adventure, and by the time I step onto the sand, I feel worlds away from daily life.
I love how remote and natural Cabretta Beach is. The sand stretches wide and open, with hardly another person in sight. It’s such an underrated spot compared to busier beaches, and that solitude is exactly what makes it so special to me.
We usually pack a cooler and plan to stay the whole day, because once I settle in under the sun with the sound of waves rolling in, I never want to leave. It feels like having an entire shoreline to ourselves, which is a joyful kind of freedom.
One of my favorite things about Cabretta is how the beach connects to maritime forests and salt marshes. Exploring the trails between beach walks makes the experience feel both unusual and spectacular, with so much natural beauty in every direction.
Sunsets here are unforgettable. Watching the sky turn pink and orange over an untouched horizon is the kind of simple moment that stays with me long after I’ve left. It’s pure coastal magic.
For me, Cabretta Beach is a hidden gem—quiet, wild, and beautifully raw. Every trip reminds me why it’s one of the absolute best escapes on Georgia’s coast.
4. Driftwood Beach
I arrived at Driftwood Beach just before sunset. I’d heard it was surreal, a place where dead trees rise like sculptures from the sand, and it was exactly that. The gnarled trunks, bleached by years of salt and time, looked like something from a dream or a forgotten world. It was both eerie and beautiful.
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of my favorite places to visit on the Georgia coast. The first time I walked onto the sand and saw the massive, weathered trees scattered across the shoreline, I knew this was no ordinary beach—it felt almost magical.
I love how unusual it looks, with twisted branches rising out of the sand like sculptures. It’s both haunting and beautiful, and every time I come back, I notice new shapes and details in the driftwood that make it feel like a living art gallery.
We’ve had joyful afternoons here just exploring—climbing on the driftwood, snapping photos, and walking the long stretch of beach as the tide shifts. It’s the kind of place that invites wandering and discovering at your own pace.
One of my favorite moments was watching the sunrise at Driftwood Beach. The golden light filtering through the branches created a spectacular scene I’ll never forget. It felt peaceful, almost like the island was revealing a secret just for us.
Because it’s so natural and raw, I always bring water and a few snacks to make the most of the time there. It’s not a beach for swimming, but it’s absolutely one of the coolest spots for photography, picnics, or simply reflecting by the sea.
For me, Driftwood Beach is a hidden gem—unique, inspiring, and unlike anywhere else on the coast. Every visit feels like stepping into a dreamscape shaped by nature’s own artistry.
5. East Beach on St. Simons Island
East Beach on St. Simons Island has become one of my favorite coastal escapes in Georgia. The moment we drive onto the island and make our way toward the shoreline, I can already feel the relaxed energy that makes this spot so special.
I love how wide and inviting the beach is. At low tide, the sand stretches out for what feels like forever, giving us plenty of room to walk, bike, or even play a quick game of frisbee. It’s such a joyful place to spend a sunny afternoon.
What makes East Beach spectacular is its mix of beauty and convenience. We can set up our chairs, take a dip in the calm Atlantic waves, and then walk to nearby restaurants and shops without ever feeling rushed. It’s the perfect balance of laid-back and lively.
One of my favorite things to do here is wake up early and catch the sunrise. Watching the sky light up over the ocean while the beach is still quiet always feels like a cool, peaceful way to start the day.
When we bring the family, there’s something for everyone—shell hunting, kite flying, swimming, or just lounging under an umbrella with a good book. It’s simple but so rewarding every single time.
For me, East Beach is an underrated gem on Georgia’s coast—easy to reach, beautiful to experience, and filled with the kind of coastal charm that makes each visit feel both refreshing and memorable.
6. Glory Beach
Glory Beach on Jekyll Island, Florida’s neighbor just across the state line in Georgia, is one of those places that always feels peaceful and wide open. I love walking the long wooden boardwalk that stretches across the dunes—it sets the tone for a beach day that feels both calm and spectacular.
What stands out to me is how natural and quiet it is. The beach seems to go on forever, with soft sand and gentle waves, and it rarely feels crowded. That kind of space makes it such an underrated spot compared to busier stretches along the coast.
We’ve had joyful afternoons here where it’s just us, the breeze, and the sound of the surf. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, and feel like you’ve escaped into nature without going too far from the comforts of the island.
One of my favorite details is knowing this beach got its name from the movie *Glory*, which filmed scenes here in the late 1980s. Standing on the boardwalk or by the dunes, it’s easy to see why—there’s something cinematic about the view.
Sunsets at Glory Beach are spectacular. The horizon glows orange and pink, and with so much open shoreline, it feels like the sky and sea are endless. Those moments stay with me long after I leave.
For me, Glory Beach is a hidden gem—simple, natural, and beautifully serene. Every visit feels like discovering the coast all over again.
7. Gould's Inlet
Gould’s Inlet was a discovery. I parked near the edge of a quiet neighborhood and followed a short path that opened onto a stretch of sand edged by marsh grasses and tidal pools. The water was calm and shallow, perfect for wading or watching fiddler crabs dart in and out. The sky was wide, and the breeze smelled faintly of seaweed and salt.
Gould’s Inlet on St. Simons Island has always felt like one of those quiet treasures I can escape to when I want a slower pace. Tucked at the island’s northern end, it offers a more natural and peaceful vibe compared to some of the busier beaches nearby.
I love the view here—watching the tide roll in and out, spotting shrimp boats on the horizon, and seeing the sandbars appear and disappear throughout the day. It’s such a cool reminder of how alive and changing the coast really is.
Whenever we come, I always bring binoculars because Gould’s Inlet is a spectacular spot for birdwatching. Pelicans, herons, and even ospreys circle overhead, and it makes the whole experience feel even more connected to nature.
One of my favorite things is the fishing. The pier and shoreline are popular with locals, and there’s something joyful about joining in—whether you catch something or just enjoy the salty breeze while you wait.
Since the currents can be strong here, it’s not really a swimming beach, but that’s part of the charm for me. It’s more about walking the shoreline, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating the serenity.
For me, Gould’s Inlet is an underrated gem on Georgia’s coast—simple, scenic, and deeply relaxing. Every visit feels like a reminder that sometimes the quietest places are the ones that stay with you the most.
8. Great Dunes Park
Great Dunes Park on Jekyll Island is one of my favorite places to start a beach day. Located right near the Jekyll Island Convention Center, it’s easy to get to and has everything you need for a simple, fun escape to the sand and surf.
I love how welcoming the beach feels here. The sand is wide and soft, the waves are gentle, and there’s plenty of space to spread out whether we’re setting up chairs, flying kites, or just strolling along the shoreline. It’s such a joyful place for families and friends alike.
What makes Great Dunes Park spectacular is the convenience. There are picnic pavilions, showers, and restrooms right by the beach access, which makes it easy to spend the entire day without worrying about much. We often pack lunch and enjoy a shaded break before heading back out to the water.
One of my favorite things about this spot is how close it is to the island’s bike trails. Sometimes we ride over, lock up the bikes, and then walk straight onto the sand. That mix of activity and relaxation makes the whole day feel complete.
Sunrises here are unforgettable. Watching the sky light up over the Atlantic while the beach is still quiet always feels like a cool and peaceful start to the day. It’s moments like that which make Great Dunes stand out to me.
For me, Great Dunes Park is an underrated gem on Jekyll Island—affordable, easy to reach, and filled with the kind of coastal charm that makes every visit memorable.
9. John Tanner State Park
John Tanner State Park in west Georgia has always felt like one of my favorite escapes when I want a mix of nature and relaxation without driving too far. Just outside Carrollton, it’s a peaceful spot that centers around two lakes, making it perfect for both water and land activities.
I love how family-friendly the park is. The sandy freshwater beach along the larger lake is such a joyful place to spend a warm afternoon. Swimming, paddling, or just lounging in the sun gives me the same easygoing vibe I get at the coast, but right here in the Georgia countryside.
When we visit, we usually bring a picnic and set up at one of the shaded tables. It’s an affordable way to spend the day, and the kids love having space to run, play, and splash while we relax under the trees.
One of my favorite things to do is take a walk along the trails that loop around the lakes. The views of the water are spectacular, especially in the late afternoon when the light reflects off the surface. It’s simple, but it always feels refreshing.
We’ve also come here for fishing and even rented paddleboats, which made for a cool change of pace. The variety of activities keeps the park exciting no matter how many times we return.
For me, John Tanner State Park is an underrated gem in Georgia’s state park system—easy to reach, full of charm, and offering a perfect mix of lakefront fun and quiet natural beauty.
10. Lake Lanier Beach
Lake Lanier Beach has always been one of my favorite spots for a quick escape in North Georgia. Just about an hour from Atlanta, it feels like stepping into a lakeside getaway without having to drive all the way to the coast.
I love how the beach area combines soft sand with calm, clear freshwater. It’s such a cool experience to spread out a towel, swim in the lake, and still get that laid-back beach vibe even though you’re miles from the ocean.
When we go as a family, it’s always a joyful day. The kids splash in the shallow water, build sandcastles, and run along the shoreline, while we relax under an umbrella with snacks and cold drinks. It’s simple, affordable fun that never feels rushed.
One of my favorite things about Lake Lanier Beach is how much there is to do nearby. From boat rentals to water slides and even little restaurants right by the water, it’s easy to make a whole weekend out of it. That variety keeps everyone happy.
Sunsets over the lake are spectacular. Watching the sky shift from golden orange to deep purple while the water reflects every shade always feels like the perfect way to end the day.
For me, Lake Lanier Beach is an underrated gem in Georgia—it’s close, convenient, and full of the kind of relaxed energy that makes every visit feel like a true lakeside getaway.
Conclusion: Georgia’s Beaches, Where Wild Meets Welcome
Georgia’s beaches surprised me. They weren’t just stretches of sand; they were stories...wild horses roaming free on Cumberland, sculpted driftwood at Jekyll Island, and quiet moments collecting shells on Sanibel’s cousin shores. From the salty Atlantic waves of Tybee Island to the gentle freshwater calm of John Tanner State Park, each beach had its own rhythm and reason for slowing down.
What tied them all together was a sense of space, not just physical space but the kind that lets you breathe a little deeper, listen a little closer, and find a quiet corner for yourself. The food, whether spicy shrimp or a simple sandwich, grounded me in each place, a reminder that every beach day deserves a meal worth savoring.
If you’re planning your own Georgia beach escape, be ready for a mix of wildness and warmth, solitude and laughter, salty air and sweet sunsets. And no matter where you go, bring a little patience. These shores reward those who slow their pace and look around.
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