Georgia has quite a long stretch of coastline looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. The state's coast runs for around 110 miles in total and features over barrier islands to admire and explore as well. Savannah is definitely a great city to visit first if you're looking to explore the beaches of Georgia, with lots of terrific coastal spots not too far from the famous port city. Read on for full details on the features, amenities, and activities at the best beaches near Savannah.
Best Beaches Near Savannah:
1. Tybee Island - 25 minutes from downtown Savannah, GA
Rating: ★★★★★
Tybee Island beach is the main beach that serves the city of Savannah and it's also one of the most popular beach locations in all of Georgia.
Located just a short drive away from Savannah, this little island sits at the mouth of the Savannah River and has a lot of history behind it, best demonstrated by the 18th century lighthouse and Civil War fort , both of which can be explored. This beach has been beloved by locals for decades now and it's easy to see why.
With long, open sandy spaces and gentle blue-green waters, as well as a long pier and a lot of wildlife in the local area, Tybee Island has a lot to offer.
If you are a history buff like me, you will love the fort and lighthouse, while casual beach-goers will be happy to play games and sunbathe on the warm sands.
It's a particularly popular spot with wildlife spotters too, as many different birds and even turtles can be spotted nearby, and the local area features a lot of good amenities including stores, accommodation, and eateries.
Cost:
Public beach access is free; parking fees apply in many areas via meters or app-based systems.Best time to visit:
Spring through early fall for beach activities; late fall for quieter getaways and wildlife spotting.Local tips:
Bring quarters or download the Park TYB app for metered parking. Early morning is best for pier walks and beating the crowds.Distance:
About 20–25 minutes from downtown Savannah, GA by car.How to Get to Tybee Island Beach:
Take US-80 E from Savannah straight to Tybee Island. Follow signs to the main beach and pier area at the island’s southern end.2. Little Tybee Island Beach - Less than 30 minutes from Savannah
Despite the name, I was interested to learn that Little Tybee Island is actually bigger than Tybee Island.
It's twice as big, in fact, but doesn't attract the same big crowds as its neighbor. This means that Little Tybee Island Beach is one of the best Savannah beaches for folks who want to get away from the noise and attractions and see something more natural and rawer.
A lot of Little Tybee Island Beach is completely untouched by the tourism industry and there's a real romantic vibe to this beach, making it a nice place to stroll hand-in-hand with a special someone as the sun starts to set.
The local scenery is a joy to behold and plenty of wildlife can be spotted on this Georgia beach as well, with many groups of dolphins often being spotted splashing around just off the shores.
Other fun activities you can enjoy on this beach include fishing and shelling, and there are basic facilities for camping too if you want to spend the night beneath the stars and watch the sun rise over the sands in the early hours of the morning.
Cost:
Free public access; transportation via boat or kayak rental may incur cost. No facilities provided.Best time to visit:
Avoid after heavy rains as marsh access can be tricky.Local tips:
No water, bathrooms, or trash bins are provided. Leave-no-trace ethics are essential.Distance:
Less than 30 minutes from Savannah by car to Tybee Island; a short kayak or boat ride from there to Little Tybee’s shore.How to Get to Little Tybee Island Beach:
Launch from the south end of Tybee Island at Alley 3 Kayak Launch or hire a local charter. Paddle or ride across the Back River to reach Little Tybee’s untouched coast.Review:★★★★★ "Little Tybee Island Beach was just as amazing as everyone said. I wish I had packed bug spray, more water and more snacks since there was no place to buy anything. Just walking and exploring was super fun. "
Romantic Beaches Near Savannah:
3. St. Simons Island - 1.5 hours south of Savannah
St. Simons Island is actually the smallest of all the Golden Isles of Georgia, but the beaches on this beautiful little spot of land prove that size really doesn't matter when it comes to fun in the sun.
It's a 1.5-hour drive out of Savannah, but if you're looking for something different to the classic Tybee Island days, it's a great place to go and many tourists don't tend to stop off here, so there's a very peaceful, relaxing sort of atmosphere here that is ideal for folks who want to sit on the beach and relax or reflect.
St. Simons Island a great spot to sit with a good book for a few hours or bring a picnic to share with friends. It's also a super location to visit if you're a keen wildlife spotter, with deer, alligators, rabbits, and many kinds of birds being spotted all around the island, while manatees and dolphins can be seen out in the waters.
Other fun activities you can enjoy here including hiking, cycling, and sailing, and there are several great golf courses in the local area too. I stayed at Hampton Inn St. Simons Island which was one of the more affordable options.
Cost:
Free beach access; some parking and activity fees may apply depending on location and season.Best time to visit:
Spring and early fall for great weather and fewer crowds; summer for full activity access and local events.Local tips:
Bring binoculars if you're into wildlife—St. Simons is a haven for coastal species. Arrive early if you want prime beachfront or picnic spots.Distance:
About 1.5 hours south of Savannah, GA; around 1 hour north of Jacksonville, FL.How to Get to St. Simons Island Beach:
Take I-95 to GA-25 Spur S, then follow signs to the St. Simons Island Causeway. Beach parking is available near East Beach and Massengale Park.4. Butter Bean Beach - 20 minutes from Savannah, GA
Just a short drive from downtown Savannah is Butter Bean Beach, a hidden gem of the Isle of Hope and a great beach to visit with family and friends.
Despite being mere minutes away from the busy historic downtown area of Savannah, a trip to Butter Bean Beach will make any visitor feel like they’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city behind.
It’s quiet, relaxing, and a great, recreational way to spend an afternoon. Take a kayak out onto the clear blue waters, rent a boat for a relaxing sail down the quiet river, hang out on the floating dock, or try your hand at fishing. Whatever you choose to do at Butter Bean Beach, you’re in for an enjoyable and serene treat.
Cost:
Free public access; kayak and boat rentals available through local outfitters.Best time to visit:
Spring through fall for water activities and great weather. Mornings and weekdays offer the most solitude.Local tips:
Bring sunscreen, water, and your own gear if you plan to paddle or fish. It’s a no-frills destination—perfect for peace seekers.Distance:
About 15–20 minutes southeast of downtown Savannah, GA.How to Get to Butter Bean Beach:
Head south on Truman Parkway to Diamond Causeway. Continue east across the bridge and look for signs for Butter Bean Beach on your right, just before entering the Skidaway Island area.Family Beaches Near Savannah:
5. Hunting Island State Park - 1.5 hours north of Savannah, GA
With millions of visitors making the trip down annually, it goes without saying that Hunting Island State Park is the hands-down most popular state park in South Carolina.
Just a short drive from Savannah, Hunting Island State Park features 5,000 acres of secluded semitropical land, five glorious miles of gorgeous beaches, a salt water lagoon, and even an ocean inlet.
Not only is the park great for recreational activities, but it’s also got some great historical sites to visit as well like the 1875 Hunting Island Lighthouse.
Tours of the lighthouse can be booked ahead of time. You can also make camping reservations thanks to the 100 water and electrical-equipped campsites.
I had a coffee at the Sandbar with is a nice spot near the beach to people watch.
Cost:
State park admission fee required; additional fee for lighthouse tours and overnight camping.Local tips:
Bring bug spray.Distance:
About 1.5 hours north of Savannah, GA and 30 minutes east of Beaufort, SC.How to Get to Hunting Island State Park:
From Savannah, take US-17 N toward Beaufort, then follow SC-802 and US-21 south until you reach the park entrance. Follow signs through maritime forest to the beach, lighthouse, or campground area.Map:
Hunting Island State Park Map6. Hilton Head Island - 45 minutes from Savannah, GA
Of the many beaches near Savannah, one of the most popular is Hilton Head Island. Home to several beaches, Hilton Head Island is a great option for travelers and families who want a great summer beach getaway without having to go too far away from home.
There are a ton of activities you can enjoy at Hilton Head Island. Apart from enjoying the white sandy beaches, you can also take eco-tours to see the best that mother nature has to offer on the island.
Hilton Head Island is also home to an adventure park with go-karts and zip lines, exciting aerial adventure courses, and also has awesome eateries like the legendary Salty Dog Café.
Cost:
Public beach access is free; some resorts, tours, and attractions have fees. Paid parking in some beach lots.Best time to visit:
Spring through early fall for ideal beach weather, water sports, and lively restaurant scenes.Local tips:
Arrive early to secure beach parking. Bike paths are extensive—renting a cruiser is one of the best ways to explore the island.Distance:
About 45 minutes northeast of Savannah, GA by car.How to Get to Hilton Head Island:
From Savannah, take US-278 east into South Carolina. Continue across the bridge to the island and follow signs to Coligny Beach or your chosen resort or beach park.Unique Beaches Near Savannah:
7. Folly Beach
Just south of Charleston is Folly Beach, a city on Folly Island that is beloved for its incredible beaches and exciting year-round beach-side activities.
Folly Beach is best known for having a laid-back culture and vibe that draws in surfers and fishermen from near and far.
Whether you’re at Folly Beach to enjoy the spectacular surfing or to explore the history of the island, there’s something for every guest to experience.
Drop by the iconic Folly Beach Pier, which is known for stretching over a thousand feet into the ocean, learn the history behind the 1876 Morris Island Lighthouse, or drop by Center Street to explore the local sights and sounds of Folly Beach.
Cost:
Public beach access is free; parking may require a fee depending on location. Pier access may include a small admission.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early fall for full access to beach events, warm waters, and bustling local energy. Off-season offers quiet charm and fewer crowds.Local tips:
Bring or rent a bike to explore the island at your own pace. Weekends get busy—arrive early for parking and a prime beach spot.Distance:
Approximately 25 minutes south of downtown Charleston, SC by car.How to Get to Folly Beach:
From Charleston, take SC-171 south (Folly Road) all the way to the beach. Center Street leads directly into the heart of Folly Beach with access to the pier, restaurants, and parking.Plan Your Trip