Georgia's 100-mile long shoreline, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean between South Carolina and Florida, has hundreds of magnificent beaches. There is a network of small barrier islands scattered off the coast, home to some of the best beaches in the state. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly beach on the ocean with all the important facilities or prefer a secluded, wild stretch of sand, you will find it on the coast of Georgia. Some beaches are accessible only below high tide, such as St. Catherine's Island Beach, and some are not even on the ocean, such as Georgia's John Tanner State Park beaches, which are located on one of two lakes
1. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is one of Georgia's barrier islands and a popular coastal retreat near Savannah. The island is famous for its wonderful, wide sandy beaches. One of the most famous is South Beach, with a lively pier that stretches far into the ocean as well as a picnic pavilion. On its northern end, the island features Fort Screven, 19th century gun batteries, as well as the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The lighthouse was built in the 18th century and is still functioning. The museum, located in Battery Garland, tells the story of the local history. This combination of history, magnificent natural beauty, and Southern hospitality make Tybee Island a popular family vacation destination.
2. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest Golden Isle, and most of this barrier island is protected within the Cumberland Island National Seashore. It has wonderful sandy beaches, ancient dunes, large marshes, dense maritime forests, and clear freshwater lakes. Within the national seashore there are also many historic structures and sites. The island's largest town is St. Mary, where the ferry stops. The town has a nice little history museum that tells the story of missionaries, natives, African slaves, and rich industrialists, all of whom walked the island's shores. Part of the national seashore is the 9,886-acre Cumberland Island Wilderness.
3. Cabretta Beach, Georgia
Located on Georgia's Sapelo Island, Cabretta Beach sprawls along the island's eastern shore, ending at the Blackbeard Creek outflow. It is remote and favored by those looking for solitude and peace. The sand is hard packed, making it great for walking and running. Most visitors are fishermen and kayakers stopping by on their way to Blackbeard Island. There is a small wilderness campsite with showers and toilets. Sapelo Island is one of Georgia's largest barrier islands and can only be accessed by ferry. It is great for hiking through beautiful maritime forests or kayaking through vast salt marshes.
4. Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Very popular with photographers and wedding parties, Driftwood Beach is located on the north side of Georgia's Jekyll Island. Its landscape is incredibly photogenic and almost otherworldly, with a huge number of dead oak and pine trees and bleached driftwood, a veritable tree graveyard. The trees are victims of the slow yet inevitable erosion of the island's northern end. Driftwood Beach stretches from the Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center and the Clam Creek Picnic Area and is not far from the Jekyll Island Campground. Not so long ago this beach used to be a popular picnic area. It is now closed for swimming and other activities as it is unsafe due to the constant erosion, but it is great for long walks.
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5. East Beach, Georgia
East Beach is the popular name of the St. Simons Island public beach, a stretch of fine white sand a few miles long on the island's ocean side. The dog-friendly beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, hunting for shells, kite boarding, and all sorts of other watersports. The sand is hard packed and is great for hiking, running, and biking. Massengale Park on the beachfront has picnic tables and bathrooms. On the northern end of East Beach is Gould's Inlet and to the south of it is the US Coast Guard Station and the island's most popular beach.
6. Glory Beach, Georgia
Located on the south side of Georgia's Jekyll Island, south of the South Dunes Picnic Area, Glory Beach is a huge, wide sandy beach lined with massive sand dunes covered with verdant sea oats. This beach is known as a sanctuary for nesting and resting migratory birds, and to protect the birds, no dogs are allowed on the beach. Glory Beach is a part of Jekyll Island's beach and can be accessed only from the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex through a long boardwalk that was built by the producers of the movie Glory, which was filmed on the beach. On a clear, sunny day you can see Little Cumberland Island from the boardwalk.
7. Georgia Beaches: Gould's Inlet
Located at one end of Bruce Drive near the Coast Guard Station on St. Simons Island, Gould's Inlet is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is located at the opening of Postell Creek, which separates Sea Island from St. Simons Island. Because of the strong currents and a dangerous undertow, the beach is unsuitable for swimming, but it is great for fishing, birdwatching, and just relaxing by the ocean. From the beach you can see Sea Island across the creek as well as many species of coastal birds. You can also see fishermen throwing their lines off the pier as well as paddleboarders trying to catch waves.
8. GA Beaches: Great Dunes Park
Great Dunes Park is located on Jekyll Island's North Beachview Drive, across the road from a mini-golf course, a playground, and bike and Segway rentals and it is a great launching spot for a day trip to Jekyll Island. Leave the car at Great Dunes Park and rent bikes for the whole family; there are more than 20 miles of wonderful bike trails on the island to explore. The park is used regularly by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is located across the island, as a release site for rehabilitated sea turtles. Many local annual festivals and events are also held at Great Dunes Park. You can spend the whole day here - the park has grills, picnic pavilions, a covered deck, restrooms, a spacious grassy area, and bike racks. The park has easy access to Jekyll Island's beach.
9. John Tanner State Park
Georgia's John Tanner State Park is a 138-acre park located between Mount Zion and Carrollton. The park, a Carroll County landmark, has two lakes and one of the lakes has the biggest sand beach of all of Georgia's state parks. There is also a pleasant nature and walking trail that goes around one of the lakes as well as a camping area, a spacious picnic area, and mini-golf. Fishing and paddleboarding are also popular. For those who wish to stay longer, there is a 40-person group lodge with bunk beds in addition to a campground and a motel. This wonderful beach is very popular with kids, but it does get crowded on holidays and weekends.
10. Lake Lanier Beach, Georgia
Lake Lanier is a large basin in northern Georgia that was created in 1956 as the result of the construction of the Buford Dam on the Chattanooga River. The lake covers about 40,000 acres and has 700 miles of coastline. The lake's public beach is popular with Atlanta folks as a weekend escape, offering diverse outdoor recreation and excellent facilities. There are almost 100 parks around the lake, and 24 of them have beaches. Lake Lanier Public Beach is among the largest and most popular. It has volleyball nets, a kids' lagoon, and boat docks. There are many hiking and biking trails around the lake and through the surrounding forests.
11. Romantic Georgia Beaches: Little St. Simons Island
One of the smallest but also the most beautiful barrier islands among Georgia's gorgeous Golden Isles, Little St. Simons Island attracts visitors with its magnificent natural unspoiled beauty and especially its 7-mile-long sandy beach. The 11,000-acre island is privately owned and can be accessed only by boat. Accommodation is available in the charming Old World Lodge, surrounded by marshes and moss-draped oaks. To ensure the island's long-term protection, the owners donated to the Nature Conservancy a conservation easement on the whole island. The island is a heaven for those seeking solitude and an unspoiled natural landscape, and it offers a range of activities such as canoeing, birdwatching, hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.
12. Nanny Goat Beach, Georgia
Located on the southeastern end of Sapelo Island, Nanny Goat Beach is an important part of the island's rich and unique ecological zone. The beach is used as an outdoor classroom by the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, and its scientists sometimes also bring groups of visitors to enjoy beach walks. The beach is 2 miles long and is covered with fine white sand, where kids love to hunt for whelk shells or sand dollars. There are many birds that make the beach their home, such as blue herons, ospreys, egrets, bald eagles, and sometimes even plain chachalaca. A paved 1-mile-long trail links the beach with the R.J. Reynolds House, passing through five ecological zones.
13. South Dunes Beach, Georgia
Located on the ocean side of Jekyll Island, South Dunes Beach is separated from the nearby South Dunes Picnic Area by massive 20-foot-high ancient dunes. The beach can be reached by an elevated boardwalk, which also offers wonderful views of the island. The huge dunes protect the beach from the strong winds, making it a favorite for families with small kids. The beach provides a home and nesting ground for resting migratory birds, so pets are not allowed. The nearby South Dunes Picnic Area provides grills, picnic tables, and open and screened picnic pavilions. It also offers restrooms, showers, and a freshwater pond.
14. St. Andrew's Beach, Georgia
Located on the southernmost end of Jekyll Island between the Glory Boardwalk and the St. Andrews Picnic Area, St. Andrew's Beach is not far from Jekyll Point. It is a popular place for watching dolphins and migratory birds, and the best spot for it is a two-story wildlife observation platform in the picnic area. The platform also offers a view of the Jekyll Creek outflow. The historical marker for the Wanderer, the last American ship transporting slaves, is also located within the picnic area on the beach. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. The beach is fairly narrow and at its back is a lush maritime forest, creating an air of seclusion and peace.
15. Georgia Coast Beaches: St. Catherines Island Beach
One of Georgia's famous Golden Isles, 14,640-acre St. Catherines Island is located about 20 miles from Savannah, between St. Catherine's and Sapelo Sounds. It is about 10 miles long and up to 3 miles wide, with most of it covered in wetlands and tidal marsh. The island is also known for a wonderful sandy beach, which is not open to the public as it is owned by the Saint Catherines Island Foundation, except from below the high tide line. During the day, visitors can use the beach for searching for shells, hiking, or picnicking, but they are not allowed to enter the island's interior. The lovely sandy beach is over 11 miles long and wraps around the island's eastern side. The beach and its surrounding areas are a nesting ground for endangered marine turtles.
16. Robin Lake Beach and Callaway Gardens
Located just 60 miles from Atlanta and half an hour north of Columbus, Callaway Gardens Resort and Robin Lake Beach are your perfect family destination this summer. The man-made beach was created more than 60 years ago to host the Masters Water Ski Tournament. Today it offers a plethora of fun activities for all ages. You can just relax in the sun and splash around in the water to take your day out to the next level at the fun Aqua Island Playground. There is a beach-side bar and grille, kayak and boat rentals, Putt-Putt and Zip Line at Callaway Gardens and much more.
17617 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, 855 894 0420
What are the 16 Best Georgia Beaches?
The 16 Best Georgia Beaches according to local experts are:
- Tybee Island
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Cabretta Beach, Georgia
- Driftwood Beach, Georgia
- East Beach, Georgia
- Glory Beach, Georgia
- Georgia Beaches: Gould's Inlet
- GA Beaches: Great Dunes Park
- John Tanner State Park
- Lake Lanier Beach, Georgia
- Romantic Georgia Beaches: Little St. Simons Island
- Nanny Goat Beach, Georgia
- South Dunes Beach, Georgia
- St. Andrew's Beach, Georgia
- Georgia Coast Beaches: St. Catherines Island Beach
- Robin Lake Beach and Callaway Gardens
More Ideas in GA: Summer Waves Water Park
Georgia’s Jekyll Island is home to the Summer Waves Water Park, an 11-acre family attraction overlooking the Jekyll River.
Attractions at the park include a Splash Zone for small children, packed with interactive water features such as a splash bucket, timed downpours, water guns and fountains. Turtle Creek is a slow-moving half-mile stream that guests may float on in inner tubes. The creek loops continuously through the center of the park.
Water slides at the park include Force 3, a grouping of three separate inner tube rides that include the 32-foot tall Lightning slide, a 350-foot long spiral called Flash Flood, and a fully enclosed 150-foot long flume, named Thunder. Pirate’s Passage is a two-person inner tube ride which sends guests at a high speed down one straight fall through an enclosed tube from atop a five-story tall tower. Nature’s Revenge is a pair of body slides standing 40 feet tall that spirals riders feet first through open and closed twisted tunnels to the pool below. The Shark Tooth is the park’s newest ride. Added in 2017, the four-lane slide in the Kid’s Zone allows for a competitive race to the bottom.
The Frantic Atlantic Wave Pool is the park’s largest pool at over 500,000 gallons. Waves reach heights of over two feet, while the shallows remain relatively calm for relaxing lounging. Guests may ride the waves on inner tubes, or body surf.
Plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas are located throughout the park. Private cabanas may be rented, which include lounge furniture, a ceiling fan, a cooler stocked with bottled water, express food service, and a phone charging station. Cabanas are surrounded by semi-private sunbathing space, and all are wheelchair accessible.
Larry’s Giant Subs is an on-site concessionaire offering subs, snacks, salads, ice cream and a children’s menu. The Surf Shop sells swimsuits, beachwear and sunscreen along with souvenirs.
History: Jekyll Island is rich in history, having long been occupied by Native Americans. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, it rose as a summer destination for wealthy businessmen from the Northeast, who designated the island for use as an exclusive hunting club. The elaborate homes and businesses that sprung from this occupation are preserved today in the largest historic district of the Southeastern United States.
During World War II, the island was evacuated for safety reasons, and in 1947, all properties were transferred to the state in the interest of preservation and protection. The island is managed today as a State Park and run by the Jekyll Island Authority, a state agency dedicated to maintaining the balance of nature with the human use of the important barrier island.
The island’s recreational history dates back well before its opening as a State Park in 1948, but with the state park came the first amusement park, Peppermint Land, in 1956, followed by construction of a fishing pier in the 1960’s, and the first bike path in the 1980’s. Aquarama was a convention center that opened in 1961 and featured an Olympic Size Swimming Pool. In the 1980’s, the first bike path was built on the island. Summer Waves was introduced around this same time.
The more than 30-year old park is largely responsible for the island’s revenue and supports the self-sustaining Jekyll Island Authority. In 2006 the board of directors approved funds for the addition of the Spash Zone, while the last major improvement was the $1 million Shark Tooth Cove. The new attraction improved the safety, accessibility and attractions in the park’s children’s area.
Ongoing Programs and Education: Special events at Summer Waves include a water aerobics class which takes place weekdays during June and July. The 60-minute classes are led by certified fitness instructors. Swim-In Movies take place once monthly during the summer months. Guests float on inner tubes in the Frantic Atlantic Wave Pool while movies are shown on a large outdoor screen. Each film is family friendly, past events have shown Despicable Me and The Little Mermaid.
What’s Nearby: Jekyll Island is a small barrier island located off the coast of Georgia. Since 1947, the island has been state owned for purposes of preservation. In addition to summer waves, popular tourist destinations include the many beaches, and the downtown area, a National Historic Landmark. Tidal marshlands surrounding the island create important wildlife habitats for birds, mammals and reptiles.
210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, Phone: 912-635-2074
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More Ideas in GA: Dahlonega Spa Resort
Dahlonega Spa Resort is a 75-acre wooded resort nestled among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The resort encourages guests to unplug from the distractions of modern technology to fully relax and unwind during their stay. Yoga classes, a visit to the spa and meditative walks along the outdoor trails renew the mind and body. Healthy meals from the resort’s restaurant Pura Vida fuel outdoor adventures, gold mine tours and shopping trips in nearby Dahlonega. Families, wedding parties and corporate groups are welcome to enjoy the resort’s peaceful atmosphere for special occasions, workshops, and meetings.
Rooms & Suites
Guests at Dahlonega Spa resort can choose from 22 accommodations at four locations across the property. Rooms in the Main Inn feature queen-sized beds and a view of the gardens or the surrounding mountain landscape. In the Inn’s West Wing, rooms feature either one king, two twin or two queen-sized beds. Tucked away in the woods, the cabins offer additional space and privacy, as well as pet-friendly accommodations. Each cabin features one king or two queen-sized beds, wood floors, a refrigerator and coffee maker, sitting area and covered porch. Rooms at the Cottage House include a queen bed, with soaking tubs in some of the private bathrooms. Guests can access free wireless Internet throughout the resort, except in the cabins.
Dining
The resort’s restaurant, Pura Vida, seats 40 guests and serves breakfast and lunch daily, with dinner reservations available five days a week. Pura Vida’s cuisine focuses on simple, healthy meals with local ingredients. The restaurant offers both meat and vegetarian options.
Guests visiting the town of Dahlonega will find over 40 dining options to choose from, including upscale restaurants, casual bistros, sandwich shops and ice cream parlors.
Spa
The Spa at Dahlonega Spa Resort features four treatment rooms for a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests can choose a 60 or 90-minute massage with Swedish, reflexology, hot stone, and other techniques. The sea salt scrub uses full-body exfoliation to reveal renewed skin, followed by a relaxing aromatherapy treatment with essential oils. The spa also offers mud and sea algae wraps.
Weddings & Conferences
The resort regularly hosts yoga, business, and fitness retreats, with catering available for groups of up to 44 guests. The Gadane Yoga Hall can accommodate both workshops and fitness classes with 1,200 square feet of space and seating, a projector, screen and sound system for meetings and presentations. Dahlonega Spa Resort can also host small wedding ceremonies and receptions with buffet-style catering. Groups have the option to book the entire resort for exclusive access of facilities and services.
Recreational Activities
The resort’s resident yoga instructors host hatha yoga sessions in the Gadane Yoga Hall, located near the Spa. The 1,200-square-foot hall features wood floors and plenty of natural light from windows looking onto the surrounding woodland. Guests can register for individual classes, or book one of two resort packages combining yoga and other wellness services.
The Main Inn features a large front porch, perfect for passing the afternoon with a book or watching the sun sink below the ridgeline.
A 1.5-mile hiking trail circles the 72-acre resort, passing through wooded areas and green meadows. Along the path lies a bonfire area, 40-foot meditative walking labyrinth and an outdoor whirlpool.
Things to Do Nearby
The soil and elevation of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains make the area a distinctive wine-growing region. Dahlonega Spa Resort lies within 25 minutes of eight wineries and vineyards, where visitors can enjoy live music and attend tastings and tours.
The town of Dahlonega prizes its history as the site of the first U.S. gold rush. Housed in a historic brick courthouse, The Dahlonega Gold Museum offers visitors a look at the Northeast Georgia mining boom beginning in 1828. The town also features two gold mines offering gold and gemstone panning, mine tours and wagon rides.
Visitors can explore the town’s haunted past on a 13-location ghost tour. Tour guides share local legends and ghost stories as the group visits historic buildings, eerie back alleys, and the Mount Hope Cemetery.
Shopping in Dahlonega includes gift shops, clothing boutiques, antique and thrift shops, candy stores and more.
The Crimson Moon Cafe features live music and entertainment Wednesday through Sunday evenings. The Holly Theater is another local favorite to catch an evening show. Built in 1946, the renovated building shares comedy, music, and drama through the art of live theater in an intimate venue.
Visitors will find plenty of outdoor adventures in Dahlonega, with the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail close by. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and canoeing, horseback riding, fishing and more.
400 Blueberry Hill Dahlonega, GA 30533, Phone: 706-865-7678
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More Ideas in GA: Paradise Hills
Paradise Hills sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blairsville, Georgia. The resort property includes rentable cabins, a full-service spa, and a vineyard and winery. It is also near the Chattahoochee National Forest and many different outdoor adventures and activities.
Cabin Rentals
Paradise Hills offers a variety of different cabins for guests visiting the Blue Ridge Mountain area. The room designs are basic, and guests can choose from one-bedroom cabins all the way up to a four-bedroom suite.
There are six one-bedroom cabins:
- Bear’s Paw
- Deer Run
- Eagle’s Nest
- Fox Lair
- Hawk’s Peak
- Owl’s Perch
These cabins generally sleep from two to four people and have one bathroom. They also include a fully equipped kitchenette (these do not have dishwashers).
There are five two-bedroom cabins:
- Rabbit Hill
- Coyote Moon
- Dancing Creek
- Magic Raven
- Wolf’s Den
Even though the two-bedroom cabins can sleep up to four people at a time, each guest can have complete privacy within the suite. The majority of these cabins also have two bathrooms (although some cabins only have one private bathroom).
This is a list of three-bedroom cabins:
- Clark’s Haven
- Tranquility (off site)
- Magic Raven Plus
The cabins sleep from four to eight people at a time in three private bedrooms and have between two and three bathrooms. Bed sizes range from king to full size.
There are two four-bedroom cabins:
- Cat’s Meow
- Chocolate Moose
These are the largest offered at Paradise Hills. Both of the cabins sleep up to 10 with four private bedrooms and either two or three bathrooms. The majority of the bedrooms have king size beds, with a bedroom with two double size beds.
All cabins are non-smoking.
Amenities
A few of the cabins located at Paradise Hills have hot tubs - Cat’s Meow, Clark’s Haven, Coyote Moon, Dancing Creek, and Chocolate Moose.
Resort guests looking for dog friendly cabins to rent can choose from the 1-bedroom
- Bear’s Paw
- Deer Run
- Eagle’s Nest
- Fox Lair
- Hawk’s Peak
- Owl’s Perch cabin
Guest may also choose a 2-bedroom cabin that is pet friendly:
- Coyote Moon
- Dancing Creek
- Magic Raven
- Rabbit Hill
- Wolf’s Den cabin
Other pet friendly cabins are the three-bedroom Clark’s Haven or Tranquility cabin, or the four-bedroom Chocolate Moose cabin.
Other amenities at Paradise Hills include wood burning fireplaces and satellite television (with a DVD player and Dish Network cable access). All linens, towels, and initial soaps and shampoos will be provided, but guests should plan on bringing their sheets and comforters.
There is complimentary wireless internet access provided for guests of Paradise Hills at the main lodge only.
Dining
Gas grills are available at many of the cabin rentals, and the majority of the cabins have a fully functional kitchenette or full kitchen with dishes, pots, pans, and silverware.
Spa
Paradise Hills also operates a fully functional spa on site. The facilities at the spa include an aromatherapy lounge (offering light snacks), a steaming rock sauna, and three spa treatment rooms. The spa requires at least a week advance reservation for services. The trained professionals at the spa provide massage therapy services including:
- Swedish Aromatherapy
- Therapeutic
- Power/Deep Tissue
- Ancient Hot Stone
- Thai Yoga, Neck/Back/Shoulder
- Paradise Hills Signature
- Medical/Pain Management
- Fitness Massage Options
There is also a facial menu (with options like facial rejuvenation, age defying, and an organic face therapy facial) and body therapies (herbal salt scrubs and red clay). Additional services can be added to any spa reservation, including detoxifying mustard baths, foot rubs, and mineral soaks.
Vineyard and Winery
Also located on the property is a full vineyard and attached winery. The main wines that are produced at Paradise Hills are:
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Sangiovese
- Traminette.
Each wine is cultivated using seasonal wine techniques to produce flavorful, full bodied wines that resort guests can purchase and sample during a stay at Paradise Hills. The tasting room is open all week and provides a variety of different tours and tastings prices, some of which can be paired with cheese and local produce.
Local Activities and Attractions
The area surrounding the Paradise Hills resort is full of both indoor and outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy rafting, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and more. The resort is also near the famous Chattahoochee National Forest, which also hosts a variety of festivals and special event throughout the year (including folk art and music events featuring both local and worldwide artists). The website maintains a full calendar of all available events.
366 Paradise Road, Blairsville, GA, 30512, Phone: 877-745-7483
