11 Best Georgia Beaches

The pristine, white-sand beaches and lively resorts found along Georgia's 100 miles of coastline are just a short flight from major cities like Atlanta or Charlotte, making them ideal for romantic long weekends or family summer vacations. Georgia beaches offer perfect getaways for every type of traveler, with everything from luxurious resorts to low-key escapes. An exploration of the Georgia coast is also an opportunity to discover African American history and learn more about Gullah-Geechee culture.

Enjoy the natural splendor of Jekyll Island, or take a day trip to Tybee Island, located just 20 minutes from Savannah. Here are the 11 best beaches in Georgia for your next trip to the Peach State.

North Beach, Tybee Island

Just a short drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a perfect beach destination for people wanting to soak up the sun while also enjoying the restaurants, attractions, and culture of the nearby historic city. More than just a stretch of oceanfront, North Beach is a charming low-country neighborhood, and it has plenty to offer visitors. After a morning swim, you can visit historical landmarks, such as Georgia's tallest and oldest lighthouse, then hunt for bargains while strolling under a canopy of pine and live oak at one of the state's most unique shopping districts.

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Sea Island Beach, Sea Island

If you're looking for a luxurious beach experience in Georgia, book a stay at Sea Island, a spacious resort with a number of highly rated accommodations including private cottages. Sea Island has five miles of beach to enjoy, along with beautiful pools, a renowned golf course, a stellar spa, a slew of restaurants, and more.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland, Georgia's largest barrier island, is accessible only by ferry or boat. In addition to the 17 miles of beautiful, undeveloped beach, this island is home to the First African Baptist Church, established by former slaves in 1893 and rebuilt in 1937; the Plum Orchard Mansion, which was the primary winter home of George Lauder Carnegie and Margaret Thaw; and the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion, another Carnegie-owned mansion that burned down in the 1950s. You might even spot a few of the wild horses that wander around Cumberland Island. For those who want to get the most out of a trip to the island, you can hop on the Lands and Legacies Tour as soon as the 9 a.m. ferry arrives. The five to six hour tour provides a good overview of the island's historic landmarks.

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

During the Gilded Age, Jekyll Island was a favorite retreat for members of the Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, and Pulitzer families. Today, you can find a mix of history and natural beauty on this island that boasts 10 miles of shoreline. Driftwood Beach, located on Jekyll's north end, is known for the gnarled oak and pine trees, felled by erosion and preserved by saltwater, that resemble an organic sculpture garden on the sand. Plan your visit for low tide when there is more room to walk around.

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Main Beach, Little St. Simons Island

This private island, accessible only by boat, offers seven miles of undeveloped oceanfront for a relaxing beach getaway. Only registered guests of the all-inclusive Lodge on Little St. Simons Island may visit, so you could have the pristine sand and swimmable waters at Main Beach practically to yourself. The Lodge maintains its natural surroundings through sustainability and conservation initiatives like turning waste into compost for the vegetable garden and collecting rainwater for the rinsing station near the beach.

East Beach, St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is the largest of the four Golden Isles, and it offers a mix of golf courses, museums, shopping, and more, so the whole family is sure to enjoy this destination. East Beach, the island's most popular, is a dog-friendly spot, so feel free to bring your pup along for a day in the sun. History buffs will love the exhibits and interactive galleries at the World War II Home Front Museum, housed in a former Coast Guard Station near the beach's main access point.

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Glory Beach, Jekyll Island

To film the climactic battle scene of the 1989 Civil War epic Glory, the production crew built a 550-foot wooden boardwalk to transport actors and equipment over the dunes and onto the Jekyll Island 's southern oceanfront. Today, you can walk over the same boardwalk to access Glory Beach, named for the movie. One of the more remote spots on the island, it’s a great place to escape if you're looking for a little peace and quiet.

St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island

On the southern part of Jekyll Island, you'll find St. Andrews Beach Park, a great beach for wildlife enthusiasts. It has a two-story wildlife viewing platform from which you can spot dolphins and migratory birds. St. Andrews is accessible for visitors with physical disabilities, with free beach wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also worth a visit: The Wanderer Memory Trail, which tells the story of the last group of enslaved people brought from Africa to the United States.

Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island

Sapelo Island is accessible only by ferry, and fewer than 70 people make it their full-time home. Most of them are Geechee, descendants of enslaved West Africans who have retained their ancestors’ unique language, culture, and traditions. Secluded Nanny Goat Beach is an ideal place to go for a swim, fish, take a mind-clearing walk, or just soak in the sun. The staff at Sapelo Island Birdhouses, a collection of rental cottages, can arrange tours and activities for guests.

Back River Beach, Tybee Island

If North Beach is too crowded for you, head to Tybee Island's "secret" beach: Back River Beach. This stretch boasts some of the best sunset views on the island, making it the ideal spot for a romantic dinner or evening stroll. Back River Beach is the perfect place to lounge for a lazy day in the sun, and you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin. The current can be strong, so weak swimmers should take caution, and no visitors are allowed on the sand bar, since it is easy to get stranded.

Robin Lake Beach, Pine Mountain

Located far from the ocean, in western Georgia, Robin Lake Beach is perfect for those who want a beach experience within a 90-minute drive from Atlanta. Callaway Resort & Gardens complex has golf courses, a spa, ziplines, kayaks, tubing, paddleboards, and more, so there's plenty to keep you occupied besides sunbathing on the half-mile-long beach and swimming in the lake.