3 Best Beaches Near Savannah

By VI Staff on March 27, 2020

The United States of America has some of the best beaches you could ever hope to see, and the wonderful thing about American beaches is that some surprisingly beautiful ones can be found in the most unlikely of places. Everyone is familiar with the beaches of Hawaii, Florida, and California, but if you start looking outside these three big beach states, you’ll find even more terrific coastal spots in areas like New England, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Georgia. The Peach State, in particular, is home to some of the best Atlantic Coast beaches of all, and one of the best things about Georgia beaches is that they’re often far less crowded and commercial than the sandy spots in neighboring Florida.

1.Tybee Island

Tybee Island 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 Savannah 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. History buffs 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.

2.Little Tybee Island Beach

Despite the name, 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 to 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.

3.St. Simons Island

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 bit of a 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 family and 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 to enjoy here including hiking, cycling, and sailing, and there are several great golf courses in the local area too.

4.More Info

Located in Chatham County on the Savannah River, the city of Savannah is actually the oldest city in all of Georgia, making it a fascinating cultural and touristic location. A major port city during key periods in the history of the United States, including the American Revolution and Civil War, Savannah is the fifth biggest city in the state and has a lot of interesting stories to tell and sights to see. The city is home to around 146,000 people but attracts thousands of additional visitors on an annual basis, with many people traveling from Georgia, neighboring states, and even internationally to visit this unique and beautiful city and check out its famous historical sites and lovely local beaches.

Best Beaches Near Savannah

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 a dozen 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.