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The 9 Best Beaches in Georgia For A Hot Summer’s Day

When planning a trip to the coast, the best beaches in Georgia are guaranteed to provide a wonderful experience for you and your loved ones.

Whether traveling with your family, some friends, or taking a much-needed solo trip – each of these best Georgia beaches have excellent options to make your next trip one for the books! Keep reading for all you need to know before planning your next beach vacation.

A wooden walkway at Cumberland Island National Seashore, where you can find some of the best beaches in Georgia.

1. Cumberland Island National Seashore

St. Marys, GA

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a true treasure that is home to some of the best beaches in Georgia. 17 miles of powdery white sand stretches along Georgia’s largest barrier island only accessible by boat or ferry.

For nature lovers, this island is a beautiful spot to go hiking, fishing, rent bikes or kayaks, and watch a beautiful sunset. Once the sun goes down, enjoy a wonderful sky full of stars from one of the five campsites located on Cumberland Island. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the wild horses that roam this island!

Cumberland Island is a historic wonderland, and many of this island’s beloved sites date back to the 1800s and have ties to the Carnegie family. Dungeness Ruins shows off the remains of a mansion before it burned down, and Plum Orchard is a beautiful 22,000-square-foot mansion that visitors can tour for free. The First African Baptist is another rewarding destination just waiting to be explored.

It’s important to note that Cumberland Island is a secluded stretch of land that doesn’t have any restaurants or stores. Make sure to pack accordingly with lots of food, drink, sunscreen, and anything else you would like to have with you during your relaxing beach day at one of the best beaches in Georgia!

2. Great Dunes Beach Park

Jekyll Island, GA

Great Dunes Beach Park is undoubtedly one of the best Georgia beaches for families – even pets on a leash are welcome! Beautiful soft sands offer plenty of space to make sandcastles, and a volleyball court and bocce ball area are great spaces to show off your skill.

Covered picnic areas with grills are the perfect place to enjoy a homemade meal with an ocean view. Jekyll Island Mini Golf is located nearby, with two 18-hole courses that range from easy to more challenging holes. Also nearby is the Summer Waves Water Park – a family-friendly spot that offers waterslides, a lazy river, a splash zone for young ones, and more!

Pizza, Mexican food, frozen yogurt, seafood, and classic American burgers lie just a short distance away. For an extended stay, there are plenty of nearby hotels – with some even offering a pool! With so many wonderful options that suit the whole family, Great Dunes Beach Park is certainly one of the best beaches in Georgia!

3. Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island, GA

For those who just can’t resist the perfect photo op, Driftwood Beach in the northernmost part of Jekyll Island is definitely one of the best beaches in Georgia. Throughout the sand lie dozens of weathered tree trunks that have been twisted into unique shapes that decorate the coast of this picturesque destination.

The beach is not recommended for swimming, but there’s a handful of other delightful activities just waiting to be explored!

Driftwood Beach in Georgia at sunset.

Nearby to Driftwood Beach is the Jekyll Island Fishing Pier, a great place to test out your new fishing poles and show off an impressive catch. The pier is also a great place to birdwatch – if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some dolphins! In between the pier and the beach lies the Clam Creek Picnic Area – a relaxing spot to take in the views and enjoy a packed lunch.

For a more adventurous experience at one of the best beaches in Georgia, horseback riding is available through Three Oaks Farm. Riding a horse at sunset is a magical experience that is fun for the whole family – even children over the age of 5 are welcome to join!

With such a beautiful landscape, Driftwood Beach is a wonderfully romantic location that has seen many proposals and weddings. Whether you’re looking for a casual beach outing or a charming backdrop for a very important day, Driftwood Beach is certainly one of the best Georgia beaches to visit!

4. Little St. Simons Island Beach

Little St. Simons Island, GA

To take a break from the rush of everyday life and truly immerse yourself in the outdoors, Little St. Simons Island Beach is absolutely one of the best beaches in Georgia. A rather undeveloped part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Little St. Simons boasts over 11,000 acres of untouched wilderness and seven miles of beautiful coastline.

The privately owned island is exclusively accessible by boat, and overnight stays are offered solely by The Lodge – a collection of six quaint cottages that can only hold up to 32 guests. The Lodge offers a saltwater pool, stunning views, and delicious fresh dining.

Throughout the island, guests are given the opportunity to experience endless possibilities such as hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, taking in the views on a bike ride, and more. The Lodge even offers guided tours from experienced naturalists to help guests get the most out of their experience at one of the best beaches in Georgia.

While on Little St. Simons Island, visitors have the chance to see wild armadillos, deer, dolphins, over 300 different bird species, and more. With so many unforgettable experiences just waiting to happen, make sure to add Little St. Simons Island to your list of the best Georgia beaches!

5. North Beach

Tybee Island, GA

Just a short drive from Savannah, Georgia, North Beach is a popular destination on Tybee Island that is filled with wonderful history, thrilling attractions, delicious restaurants, eccentric shopping, and more.

North Beach is one of the best beaches in Georgia if you’d like to learn about the state’s rich history. This beach had an important role in multiple wars throughout the early days of the US, and various historic sites allow visitors to learn all about the significant presence Tybee Island once had. Visit the Tybee Island Museum for all you need to know about the island, and to see the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia!

Tidal flats at North Beach in Georgia.

North Beach sits along the Colonial Coastal Birding Trail, which gives visitors the perfect opportunity to see over 200 bird species that reside along the trail. For more adventurous visitors, North Beach offers deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, surfing lessons, ocean kayaking, airboat rides, bike rentals, and more.

After a fun-filled day, grab a bite to eat at one of the many mouthwatering restaurants on the island and head over to the Tybee Post Theater to see a movie, attend a concert, watch a dance performance, or laugh at a hilarious comedy show. With so many unique things to do, there’s no doubt North Beach is one of the best beaches in Georgia!

6. Nanny Goat Beach

Sapelo Island, GA

Nanny Goat Beach is a quaint island destination only accessible by ferry boat, making it one of the best beaches in Georgia for ultimate relaxation. It’s important to note that visits to this beach must be preregistered, either by joining a public or private tour prior to arriving on the island.

Once stepping off the ferry, visitors will be greeted by two miles of stunning white sand against a backdrop of forests and rolling dunes. On the island lies Reynolds Mansion, an impressive estate that holds over 200 years of history. The historic Sapelo Lighthouse is also a must-see when visiting Nanny Goat Beach.

For memories that will last a lifetime, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is a wonderful place for fishing or scuba diving. The marine sanctuary doesn’t offer its own adventures, but various fishing and diving charters are available to book your trip.

Whether you’d prefer to have a more relaxing or more adventurous trip to the coast, Nanny Goat Beach is certainly one of the best Georgia beaches to visit!

7. East Beach

St. Simons Island, GA

Located on the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, East Beach is the heart of St. Simons Island. This pet-friendly beach is one of the best beaches in Georgia for families, and endless options guarantee a fun-filled day.

Near the entrance lies the World War II Home Front Museum – a great place to visit to learn about the historic past of St. Simons Island. The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is also nearby, offering beautiful views and lots of information on the lighthouse’s importance.

East Beach in Georgia.

East Beach is a common spot to find crabs, sand dollars, fish, and more. Taking a kayak tour, kiteboarding, swimming, sunbathing, and making sandcastles are all popular activities at this beach. The sand is rather firm, which makes this one of the best Georgia beaches for biking! For a quick bite, nearby concession stands are open seasonally.

Multiple golf courses line the island, and golf cart rentals are available to make getting around a breeze. To explore the island on foot, the John Gilbert Nature Trail is a great place to go for a stroll surrounded by the Georgian wilderness.

With plenty of places to eat, stay, shop, and explore – East Beach is certainly one of the best beaches in Georgia!

8. St. Andrews Beach Park

Jekyll Island, GA

St. Andrews Beach Park is one of the best Georgia beaches for those who want to connect with the state’s natural beauty. The beach is well-known for birdwatching and dolphin spotting, and there’s even a two-story platform that is meant for viewing wildlife.

St. Andrews Beach Park is a wonderful spot for fishing, swimming, and enjoying the peace and quiet during a relaxing day on the coast. A picnic pavilion is a great place for guests to enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning views of the island.

The historic Wanderer Memory Trail is a powerful attraction at this beach, as it tells the tale of the Wanderer – America’s last known slave ship. The site has been recognized by UNESCO, and is a great learning experience for guests of all ages!

9. Sea Island Beach Club

Sea Island, GA

For a luxurious vacation that has everything you could ever need, Sea Island Beach Club deserves an immediate spot on your list of the best beaches in Georgia. This private five-star resort has over five miles of beautiful white sand beaches, with access only granted to club members or guests staying at the resort.

Sea Island Beach Club has three pools, a spa, horseback riding, bowling, bingo, biking, kayaking, archery, tennis, fishing, and much more. Three golf courses are scattered throughout the island, each offering beautiful scenery and unique holes that can challenge even the most skilled golf players.

The resort is fantastic for families, even offering painting classes and cookie decorating courses for children. The Sea Island Nature center gives guests the opportunity to get a closer look at some fascinating wildlife – a fun experience for guests of all ages!

For dining, resort guests have a plethora of options. Delightful restaurants serve a range of Italian, French, fresh seafood, filet mignon, and even fried chicken and coconut shrimp tacos. Whatever you’re hungry for, Sea Island Beach Club has got you covered!

There is no doubt that Sea Island Beach Club is one of the best beaches in Georgia. At this resort, the possibilities are truly endless!


What to Bring to the Beach

Packing your beach bag is just as important as choosing which beach you’d like to visit. While some beaches have stores nearby, it’s best to come fully prepared to avoid any unwanted surprises.

For some inspiration on what to bring to the best beaches in Georgia, check out these convenient items we love:


Visiting the Best Beaches in Georgia

With miles of beautiful white sandy coastline just waiting to be explored, the only thing left to do is plan your visit to one (or more!) of the best beaches in Georgia.

Want to learn about more things to enjoy in this magnificent state? Check out our other blog posts on things to do in Georgia!