Beaches Near Atlanta, GA
While Atlanta sits inland, a getaway to the coast is never far away. Within a few hours’ drive, you’ll find golden stretches of sand, charming seaside towns, and the laid-back vibe of the Atlantic shoreline. From Georgia’s barrier islands to the nearby beaches of Florida and the Carolinas, these destinations offer the perfect escape for sun, surf, and relaxation. Here are the beaches I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Gulf Shores - 5 hours 30 minutes from Atlanta, GA
Gulf Shores, Alabama was one of the most relaxing and vibrant coastal spots I explored—miles of sugar-white sand along the Gulf with turquoise waters shimmering under the sun made the scenery dazzling, while the laid-back Southern beach-town vibe gave the whole place a fun yet restorative energy!
I drove about 5 hours south from Atlanta and stayed for four days at Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front. I lounged on the wide beaches, wandered through Gulf State Park with its miles of boardwalks and bike trails, and even spotted dolphins leaping just offshore on a morning boat tour. In the evenings, I explored the local seafood shacks and beach bars, where the live music kept things lively. The only caveat—this is a popular family destination, so during peak season it can get a little crowded.
2. Panama City Beach - 5 hours 15 minutes
When I visited Panama City Beach and explored some of its 27 miles of powdery white quartz sand meeting the emerald-green waters of the Gulf, my favorite were the views but what I also noticed was the upbeat vibe and great vacation vibes.
I drove about 5 hours southeast from Atlanta and stayed three nights at Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront. My days were filled with swimming in the warm Gulf waters, snorkeling near St. Andrews State Park (where the jetties shelter all kinds of colorful fish), and cruising out on a boat tour to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island with untouched dunes and plenty of space to find quiet. Evenings meant sunset walks along the pier and fresh seafood dinners overlooking the ocean. The only caveat...this is a very popular spot, especially for spring break and summer, so it can get crowded.
3. Jacksonville
We left Atlanta in the morning and drove about five hours southeast, the rolling hills giving way to pine flatwoods and stretches of open marsh.
Jacksonville, Florida surprised me with its wide, uncrowded beaches and a mix of coastal city energy and laid-back surf-town charm. With over 20 miles of shoreline, the area blends golden Atlantic sands, rolling waves perfect for surfing, and charming beach neighborhoods that make it feel relaxing at once.
I stayed three nights at the 3-star Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront. My days were spent strolling the broad shoreline at sunrise, watching surfers catch waves at the pier, and exploring Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park ($5 per car), a coastal forest with trails winding past freshwater lakes and dunes. I wish I had my RV because at $30/day it would have been cheaper than the hotel.
One afternoon, I wandered through the historic fishing village of Mayport and hopped on a ferry across the St. Johns River. Evenings meant fresh local seafood and catching live music at Flask and Cannon beachside bar. Keep in mind though that Atlantic waters here can be rougher and cooler than the Gulf, so swimming feels more invigorating than tranquil.
4. St. George Island - 5 hours 30 minutes from Atlanta, GA
When I visited St. George Island I immediately decided that it's one of my favorite underrated beach getaways in Florida, offering the best combination of natural beauty and peaceful charm.
We left Tallahassee in the late morning and drove about an hour and a half south, the road narrowing as it crossed salt marshes and pine flatwoods before reaching the causeway. We checked into St George Inn for three nights.
When I’m looking for a weekend escape away from crowds, St. George Island is always at the top of my list now because it feels private and untouched. I love that the beaches here are wide, quiet, and filled with soft white sand, making it perfect for a romantic stroll or a fun family day by the water.
My favorite part is exploring St. George Island State Park, where you can hike trails, kayak along the bay, or simply relax with a picnic while enjoying the views.
Some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen are from this island. Trust me, watching the sky light up in pink and gold is a truly romantic experience (you heard it here first!).
I wish my son was little again because for families, St. George Island offers safe, calm waters for swimming, seashell hunting, and even spotting dolphins along the shore.
An underrated highlight here is the charming, small-town atmosphere with local seafood shacks and cozy beach rentals that make every stay feel personal.
For me, St. George Island is the best kind of coastal escape and one of the best beaches near Atlanta, quiet, scenic, and unspoiled, making it my favorite place to return to when I need a relaxing and unforgettable getaway.
5. St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is one of my favorite coastal escapes in Georgia, and I think it’s one of the best underrated islands on the East Coast. I almost with I could keep this secret hidden gem all to myself but I'm happy to share the info.
It's also very easy to get to from Savannah and it makes a great day trip too. We were returning to Atlanta after and we spent two nights at the wonterful 4-star The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. We left Savannah in the morning and drove about an hour and a half south, the road carrying us past tidal rivers and stretches of golden marsh.
When I plan a weekend getaway, St. Simons always feels like the perfect choice because it combines history, charm, and natural beauty. I love strolling under the oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which create such a romantic atmosphere and make the island feel timeless.
My favorite spot is the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and its museum, where the views of the ocean and village are breathtaking and perfect for both couples and families.
Some of the best family moments here come from biking along the trails, exploring the beaches, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants. I find that St. Simons is an underrated gem because it balances laid-back island vibes with plenty of activities, from kayaking in the marshes to browsing unique shops in the village.
For a romantic getaway, nothing compares to watching the sunset at the pier, where the golden glow over the water feels unforgettable.
We stopped at Southern Soul Barbeque, not far from the beach. I ordered the pulled pork plate with collard greens and mac and cheese. The meat was smoky and tender, the greens vinegary with a peppery bite, and the mac creamy and warm like it had just left someone’s stove. Everything smelled like oak wood and spice, it was hard to leave.
6. Tybee Island
This laid-back barrier island off the coast of Georgia swept me away with its broad golden beaches, swaying sea oats, marshland sunsets, and gentle Atlantic breezes. With colorful cottages, a historic lighthouse, and dolphin-filled waters, Tybee feels like a dreamy Southern seaside escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. After an easy 4-hour drive from Atlanta and a short hop through historic Savannah, I felt like I’d slipped into a slower rhythm of life the moment my feet hit the sand.
I spent three serene days in a pastel-painted beach rental, biking along the flat, breezy island roads, kayaking through the salt marshes, climbing the 178-step Tybee Island Lighthouse for sweeping views, and wandering down the pier at sunset with an ice cream in hand. A dolphin cruise was a highlight, watching pods playfully leap in the wake felt nothing short of magical. The local seafood shacks served up fresh shrimp and hushpuppies that tasted like pure comfort.
Local tip: It does get lively in summer with day-trippers, so I’d recommend spring or late fall for a calmer pace.
7. Pensacola Beach
This Florida Panhandle gem immediately won me over with its powdery white quartz sand (some of the softest in the world!), emerald-green waters, and a laid-back, beach-town spirit that balances fun with natural beauty. Driving in from Atlanta, it felt like the world got brighter the closer we came — the air saltier, the skies wider, and the Gulf waters shimmering like liquid jade.
I spent four sun-soaked days at Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach along the barrier island of Santa Rosa, starting each morning with a barefoot walk on the beach where dolphins often surfaced just offshore. Afternoons were for paddleboarding in the calm Gulf, biking through the quiet trails of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, or exploring Fort Pickens with its Civil War-era history.
Evenings slowed down into golden-hour strolls along the pier, live music spilling from casual tiki bars, and seafood feasts of buttery grouper sandwiches and peel-and-eat shrimp. Pensacola Beach definitely draws crowds in peak summer, but there are still plenty of peaceful pockets if you wander a little beyond the main boardwalk. Shaggy's Pensacola Beach was my favorite lunch with a view.
8. Folly Beach
Known as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach has a wonderfully bohemian soul that blends surf-town energy with Lowcountry charm. After an easy 5-hour drive from Atlanta and a short hop over the bridge from Charleston, I felt worlds away — salty breezes, colorful cottages on stilts, and the rhythmic crash of Atlantic waves immediately set the tone for a carefree coastal escape.
I spent three breezy days at the 3-star Tides Folly Beach soaking in the island’s easygoing vibe. Mornings were spent walking barefoot along wide stretches of golden sand, afternoons biking past marshes alive with egrets and pelicans, and evenings lingering over fresh oysters at rustic seafood shacks. Surfers carved the waves at The Washout (the island’s famous surf break), while fishermen lined the pier at sunset. One morning I kayaked through winding tidal creeks, spotting dolphins gliding through the water, and another day I wandered to the far eastern end of the island to catch a breathtaking view of the Morris Island Lighthouse standing sentinel offshore. Folly felt like the perfect balance of laid-back beach life and Charleston’s refined Southern grace just minutes away.
9. Jekyll Island
We left St. Simons in the afternoon and drove about thirty minutes south, crossing marshes that shimmered gold in the sun.
Jekyll Island felt like stepping into a Southern storybook iwth golden beaches framed by gnarled driftwood, quiet marshes glowing at sunset, and grand historic mansions that whisper tales of Gilded Age opulence. After an easy 5-hour drive from Atlanta, crossing over the causeway onto the island felt like slipping into a gentler, more timeless rhythm of life.
I spent two days at Jekyll Island Club Resort exploring Jekyll’s contrasts, biking along the 20 miles of flat, shaded trails, strolling the hauntingly beautiful Driftwood Beach where twisted, weathered trees create a surreal backdrop, and wandering through the historic district with its moss-draped oaks and the palatial “cottages” once owned by America’s wealthiest families.
At the Jekyll Island Club I imagined the gilded parties of Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. During the day I paddled through the tidal marsh, spotting dolphins and roseate spoonbills. The island has a wonderfully unhurried pace — part wild nature preserve, part living museum.
10. Destin
After about a 5.5-hour drive from Atlanta, I felt like I’d arrived in the Caribbean, yet here I was, right in Florida’s Panhandle, with miles of shoreline so bright it almost glowed.
Destin is one of my favorite beach towns for a weekend getaway, and I think it’s easily one of the best destinations on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
My favorite thing to do is relax on Henderson Beach State Park—it feels quiet, natural, and a little underrated compared to the busier public beaches.
For a romantic weekend, I love booking a sunset cruise on the Gulf, where dolphins often swim alongside the boat.
For a family getaway, Destin is perfect—kids love Big Kahuna’s Water Park, the Harbor Boardwalk, and building sandcastles along the wide shoreline.
I also think Crab Island is one of the best and most unique spots in Destin, a floating playground where boats gather in shallow, crystal-clear water. I love exploring the Destin Harbor Boardwalk with its lively mix of fishing boats, boutiques, and seafood shacks...
I ate at Dewey Destin’s Harborside, ordering the grilled amberjack plate with hushpuppies and coleslaw. The fish came hot off the grill, smoky and tender, with a squeeze of lemon that cut through the richness. The hushpuppies were warm and crisp, sweet at the edges. I could still smell the salt air between bites.
For me, Destin will always be my favorite coastal escape—romantic, family-friendly, and filled with unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
I didn’t realize how tightly I’d been holding everything until I stood at the edge of the Gulf, toes buried in warm sand, thinking that going to the beach was my most brilliant idea ever! That’s the thing about beach trips from Atlanta, you leave behind noise, schedules, and sprawl, and trade them for something slower, saltier, and sunlit.
Each place gave me something a little different. Folly’s unpolished charm, Tybee’s familiar hush, St. Simons’ layered calm, and the wide, quiet stretches of Jekyll, all with their own kind of invitation. Some whispered, some sang. And Gulf Shores? That one stayed with me, tucked between the folds of a breezy notebook page.
If you're sitting in Atlanta and wondering if the drive is worth it, it is. Every hour on the road buys you back a little space to breathe, to be barefoot, and to listen to something other than your own hurry. Go soon. Go slow. And don’t forget to eat something delicious with the sea still on your skin.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
