The haunting beauty of Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island or the bustling vibe at the popular South Beach on Tybee Island, Georgia’s 100 miles of coast makes for an easy day trip from Savannah.
The coastal communities dotting the shoreline are ideal destinations for frolicking white-sand beaches, enjoying fresh seafood, or just watching the waves lap at your feet. Here’s our list of the best beaches near the Hostess City of the South.
South Beach, Tybee Island
Tybee’s South Beach is the island’s most popular tourist spot and just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. The destination is packed with beachy fun, several major motels, bars, cafes, and beach shops; while the Tybee Pavilion and Pier is filled with concession stands and public restrooms. For those looking for more than just a lazy day at the beach, head to Tybee Marine Science Center to learn about the area’s marine wildlife.
The long strip of white sand on South Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or even surfing. However, weekends can be busy; therefore, if possible, opt for a weekday or offseason visit.
The beach runs from 14th Street to the southern tip of Tybee Island, with the main stretch between 14th and 18th streets. Street parking and metered parking are available on the southern tip of the island but fill up fast in the summer months.
The restaurant scene on Tybee Island is mostly casual and beach-style, so visitors can leave the formal attire at home.
Mid Beach, Tybee Island
There’s nothing better than sitting on the soft sand while watching pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, or nesting turtles at Mid Beach, which runs parallel to the residential center of Tybee Island for about a mile-and-a-half.
Front Beach (part of Mid Beach) offers a long stretch of sand, few crowds, and wonderful sand dunes. For public restrooms, head to Memorial Park, just west of Butler Avenue.
North Beach, Tybee Island
North Beach is where the locals head. This area is a birdwatcher’s haven, ideal for spotting species like osprey, brown pelicans, and American Oystercatchers soaring through the dunes, while pods of dolphins follow fishing boats along the coast. When the tide is out, one can spot marine life like starfish, sand dollars, and sea snails.
Views of the Tybee Island Lighthouse and the ferries that ply the Savannah River make North Beach worth a visit for those seeking solitude. Although it’s still less crowded than South Beach, North Beach is beginning to attract more and more visitors.
Little Tybee Island
While the name is a bit ironic (Little Tybee is actually twice the size of Tybee Island), those truly wanting to unplug will find peace on Little Tybee Island. This beach is only accessible by boat, kayak, or jet ski.
The island is excellent for fishing and camping. If you don’t want to rough it too much, you can charter a boat and spend half a day exploring.
Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Just over the border in South Carolina, Hilton Head is a popular beach destination and just under an hour from Savannah. The best beach is Coligny Beach. It’s accessible from many nearby hotels and has ample parking. The beautiful white sand is perfect for relaxing and then wading in the gentle waters to cool off.
Thanks to its popularity with visitors from surrounding areas, you won’t find much privacy at Coligny, but it’s still a blast. This beach is great for family activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset cruising.
If you prefer quieter beaches, head to Driessen Beach, also known as Bradley Beach. It’s more of a locals’ hangout but has ample parking and a boardwalk offering great views.
East Beach, St. Simons Island, Georgia
Best beach for couples
East Beach wraps all the way around the island’s southern edge. It’s ideal for those who want to play in the water or enjoy long walks along the surf. A unique feature of this beach is the long sandbars (some up to ¼ mile long) that run off the shore during low tide.
One of Georgia’s “Golden Isles,” St. Simons Island is located one hour south of Savannah. It boasts miles of beaches, historic sites, including a 19th-century lighthouse, and remnants of a former plantation.
The historic port city of Brunswick serves as the bridge to St. Simons Island. History enthusiasts should also visit Fort Frederica National Monument built in 1733 to fend off attacks from the Spanish.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
Best for privacy
Years of erosion have shaped Driftwood Beach into a stunning site, where crooked and mangled driftwood and trees dot the miles of beautiful beaches, creating a haunting yet captivating backdrop. Note that when the tide is high, the beach becomes inaccessible.
Just across the bay from St. Simons Island (about an hour and a half from Savannah) lies Jekyll Island, a former winter retreat for the wealthy. There’s a historic district along Jekyll Island featuring hotels and “cottages” of 19th-century visitors. A string of beaches, especially intriguing is the “tree graveyard” at Driftwood Beach, dot the coastline. Jekyll Island also boasts tour companies focused on both history and nature.
