One of the most popular reasons to visit and live in Georgia is its stunning beaches. From its beautiful coastline on the mainland to the many barrier islands filled with pristine white sand and idyllic surroundings, there are few places in the United States where you have more options for sunbathing, swimming, or building a sandcastle.
In fact, the most difficult challenge when it comes to Georgia’s beaches is choosing which one to visit. With multiple islands, state parks, coastal destinations and resorts available, how do you even know where to start?
Let our team of Georgia experts at Freedom National help. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best beaches in Georgia, starting with some of its famous barrier islands followed by other destinations that you don’t want to miss.
Jekyll Island
Some of the best beaches in Georgia are all located on Jekyll Island, a Georgia barrier island that’s world renowned for its pristine white sands, wildlife, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Three of the best beaches on Jekyll Island are Driftwood Beach, Glory Beach, and St. Andrews Beach, and each one has something unique to offer.
Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach is one of the most photographed destinations in Georgia, and for good reason. Littered with massive driftwood the size of massive trees, it’s like walking through a natural sculpture garden framed by the beauty of the sky and surf. The trees are bleached and dried by the sun, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape for photography or just taking it all in.
Glory Beach
Glory Beach features a long stretch of stunning, soft white sand punctuated by massive coastal boulders and rock formations. Hiking, climbing, sunbathing, or paddling in the water are all served by Glory Beach. Plus, kids will love the sand that’s some of the best in the world for building sandcastles.
And did you know that Glory Beach gets its name from being one of the filming locations for the 1989 film “Glory,” starring Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman? Now you know!
St. Andrews Beach
St. Andrews Beach is one of the best spots for wildlife spotting, especially when it comes to dolphins and birds. That’s thanks in large part to the two-story wildlife viewing platform that’s been built right on the beach. Meanwhile, enjoy soft sand, calm waters, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp that lets everyone take in the island’s stunning beauty. Plus, you can access the other Jekyll Island beaches on our list on the same day if you’d like.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island features a legendary historic fort, a beautiful (and still functioning!) lighthouse, as well as on-island resorts and more activities than you’ll know what to do with. Walk the shoreline looking for seashells, paddle out with your loved ones, or simply lie on the beach and watch for coastal dolphins that frequently visit the waters off the shore of Tybee Island. Our two favorite beaches on Tybee are North Beach and Mid Beach.
North Beach
Tybee Island’s North Beach takes up a large section of the island, and no one’s complaining. The long stretch of beautiful sandy shore is a beachcomber’s dream, while you’ll also have the chance to explore the tallest and oldest lighthouse in the state plus a famous shopping district that makes for the perfect way to end a day at the beach.
Mid Beach
Don’t sleep on Mid Beach! Well, metaphorically, we mean. Feel free to take a nap on Mid Beach anytime. Our point is that while not as popular as North Beach, Mid Beach is just as beautiful and offers all of the coastal charm of its more famous sibling. You don’t want to miss it!
St. Simons Island
St. Simons is a beautiful barrier island off the coast of Georgia with two incredible beaches to explore— East Beach and Gould’s Inlet. Each one offers its own unique charm, and each one will have you wishing that you could stay just one more day on the idyllic paradise that is St. Simons Island.
East Beach
East Beach features beautiful island landscapes with pristine sands and wild grass, and while it technically includes Gould’s Inlet (our next beach on the list), we’re counting it as a separate beach because it has its own laid-back, sand-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see charm.
Gould’s Inlet
Gould’s Inlet is beloved as a prime spot for fishing, bird watching, and taking in ocean life. We also love that Gould’s is pet-friendly, allowing your furry best friend to have a swim or frolic in the sand.
Paddleboarders and fishers also love Gould’s Inlet, making this the perfect spot for either laid-back relaxation or adventurous water sports.
Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is accessible from mainland Georgia only by ferry, and features 70 full-time residents. The beaches remain mostly undeveloped, providing a rugged coastline that still offers the pristine luxury of lounging on gorgeous soft sand and taking in the coastal Atlantic waters.
Nanny Goat Beach
Just a ferry ride away from the mainland is Sapelo Island’s Nanny Goat Beach. It may have a strange name, but its beautiful rippling sands and gentle tides are famous in their own right. Nanny Goat Beach is particularly beloved by beachcombers looking to collect shells and sand dollars, or birdwatchers who want to take in blue herons, bald eagles, majestic osprey and more.
Cabretta Beach
Also located on Sapelo Island, Cabretta Beach offers the chance to take in an alien landscape of bleached tree branches and tree trunks along the shore. Great for photos or simply taking it all in with someone you love, Cabretta is one of the best beaches in Georgia.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island has earned national designation for a reason, or should we say multiple reasons. You’ll find the Greyfield Inn, the Dungeness Ruins, and even spots where you can camp right on the beach for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. With 17 miles of secluded, gorgeous white beaches for exploring, Cumberland Island is one of the best beaches in Georgia and well worth the short ferry ride from St. Mary’s.
NOTE: Cumberland Island limits its daily visitors, so be sure to book your trip well in advance to experience its unspoilt beauty!
Sea Island
If you like a little luxury with your secluded island experience, you may want to consider a stay at the Sea Island Beach Club— a luxurious and spacious resort with top ratings and access to five miles of private beach, gorgeous freshwater swimming pools, and one of the world’s most renowned golf courses. Plus, relax in the spa or get dinner at the resort’s highly rated restaurant. It’s all waiting for you on Sea Island.
Little St. Simons
No more than 32 visitors are allowed on St. Simons Island at a time, and the result is that any visitors will find themselves secluded in a gorgeous tropical-feeling paradise that feels a world away from the rest of civilization. It’s truly one of the best beaches in Georgia. This privately owned island sanctuary features seven miles of undeveloped sandy beaches, filled with beautiful trees, marine wildlife, and perfect conditions for fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and— a local favorite— searching for beautiful shells along the beach.
Conclusion
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