Top 15 Georgia Beaches to Visit in 2025

Named after Great Britain’s King George II, Georgia is recognized as one of the most diverse states in the United States. The state boasts a picturesque coastline, majestic mountain peaks, and a rich historical background. As the birthplace of Coca-Cola, Georgia radiates southern charm, especially while strolling through the cobblestone streets of Savannah.

The state is home to 47 state parks and features numerous beaches along its shoreline. Georgia also provides outstanding hiking, rafting, and kayaking opportunities. The Chattahoochee River in Columbus is renowned for its urban whitewater course, which is the largest in the world.

As a local resident of Georgia, I am well-acquainted with the area. Below is my curated selection of some of the many splendid beaches found in this historic state.

1. Tybee Island

Located in Chatham County, Georgia, Tybee Island is both a city and an island situated at the easternmost point of the state, drawing visitors from Savannah and beyond.

Strategically located near the mouth of the Savannah River, Tybee Island has historical ties to piracy. Known as Savannah Beach due to its proximity to the city, Tybee is a haven for birdwatchers, with easy sightings of herons, egrets, and ospreys.

The island frequently attracts families and couples seeking to unwind on the soft sandy beaches or cycle through the charming beach town. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the local delicacies available throughout the area.

Endangered loggerhead turtles nest along the sandy shores. I recommend visiting two primary attractions: the Civil War Fort and Tybee Island Lighthouse. For recreational activities, swimming, kayaking, and various water sports are highly recommended.

2. Cumberland Island National Seashore

As the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Cumberland Island mainly resides within the Cumberland Island National Seashore. The 17-mile-long coast features various dunes, freshwater lakes, and marshes.

Notably, access to the island is exclusively by boat. Hiking across the Cumberland Island National Seashore is a prominent attraction.

Overnight camping is possible on the shoreline, which also encompasses the Cumberland Island Wilderness.

The coast is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, attracting wildlife enthusiasts. This park is recognized for housing at least 23 distinct ecological communities, making it the largest of its type among Georgia’s barrier islands.

3. Jekyll Island

Another treasure among Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is part of Glynn County and is the smallest of the islands.

The island is well-favored by vacationers, offering guided tours of the adjacent Landmark Historic District.

Common activities in the area include biking on surrounding trails, as well as walking and jogging along the beaches and sandbars. Families with children will find the Summer Waves water park particularly appealing.

Furthermore, the island boasts a diverse ecosystem, including various mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Jekyll Island is one of only four islands in Georgia with a paved causeway. Parking facilities and three picnic areas are available near the northern part of the island.

4. St. Simons Island

The smallest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island is located on the southeastern coast, positioned between Savannah and Jacksonville. Also referred to as “The East Beach,” the island functions as both a residential community and a seaside resort.

The island’s inviting climate, picturesque coastline, numerous water-based activities, natural surroundings, historical landmarks, as well as shops and restaurants, attract visitors from around the globe.

St. Simons Island enjoys popularity not only among short-term vacationers but also among those seeking longer stays.

Wildlife sightings, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, alligators, terrapins, marsh rabbits, and both native and migratory shorebirds, enliven the vibrant landscape of St. Simons Island.

The waters surrounding the island teem with marine life, such as right whales, dolphins, and various gamefish, with occasional sightings of manatees.

Golfing represents a prevalent activity on the island, while walking, biking, boating, and sailing are also widely enjoyed.

5. Little St. Simons Island

As one of the least developed islands among Georgia’s Golden Isles, Little St. Simons Island features a 7-mile-long coastline. This island lies adjacent to St. Simons Island and is separated by the Hampton River.

Little St. Simons Island is privately owned; visitors must coordinate their trip with the Lodge office. The Lodge also provides all-inclusive day trips and overnight packages, including guided tours for fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and birdwatching, as well as historical and ecological tours.

This island is only accessible by boat. Home to over 330 bird species, it is an ornithologist’s paradise, with sightings of wood storks, red knots, and bald eagles.

Sport fishing is popular in the tidal creeks, allowing for excellent catches of flounders, redfish, and speckled trout. Visitors may also encounter otters, right whales, and dolphins.

6. Driftwood Beach

Renowned for its extensive driftwood, Driftwood Beach is situated at the northern end of Jekyll Island.

This location, popular for weddings and photography, is just a short walk from Jekyll Island and features majestic pine and oak trees scattered throughout the area.

Driftwood Beach has consistently been recognized as one of America’s “Top Ten Romantic Beaches.”

This beach is a favorite among family vacationers and is pet-friendly year-round.

Ongoing soil erosion has created challenging conditions for tree growth, resulting in a striking, eerie landscape filled with bleached and preserved fallen trees.

7. Glory Beach

The setting for the Academy Award-winning film, Glory, Glory Beach is now a serene and peaceful beach retreat. It is difficult to fathom the island’s tumultuous past.

The beach is accessible from the parking lot of the adjacent Soccer Complex. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from the boardwalk constructed by filmmakers during the movie’s production.

The surrounding forest is populated with various wild grass species, coexistently residing alongside Russian thistle and camphor wood.

As evening approaches, the refreshing breeze brings forth a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and numerous coastal birds. Binoculars are recommended for those who appreciate observing marine flora and fauna.

8. Gould’s Inlet

Located at the northern end of St. Simons Beach, Gould’s Inlet is primarily known as a birdwatching destination.

While frequently visited by beachgoers, the Inlet is also renowned for its birdwatching, fishing, and ocean observation opportunities. The southern end of Sea Island is visible from the Inlet.

Flocks of seabirds from various species can be observed from across Gould’s Inlet. Local fishermen are often seen along the beach and pier, pursuing their daily catch.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular activity, and the beach provides several amenities, such as a fishing pier, water hoses, showers, a community water bowl for pets, and a dog waste station. Given the limited parking, early arrival is advisable.

9. U.S. Coast Guard Station

Located just south of Gould’s Inlet, the U.S. Coast Guard Station represents one of the most notable beach locations on St. Simons Island. Named after the esteemed Coast Guard facility that continues to operate as the Maritime Centre, it is also commonly referred to as “First Street Beach Access.”

Regardless of its designation, the U.S. Coast Guard Station provides the widest expanses of beach in the St. Simons Island region and features ample parking facilities.

The Coast Guard Bathhouse, positioned directly on the beach, includes a variety of public amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic areas, water rinses, and bike racks. Grills and a playground are available for visitor enjoyment.

The adjoining U.S. Coast Guard Station Beachfront Massengale Park operates daily from 6:00 AM until 10:30 PM.

10. St. Andrews Beach and Picnic Area

In close proximity to Jekyll Island, the St. Andrews Picnic Area serves as an ideal entrance to St. Andrews Beach. The surrounding park is a brief walk from Jekyll Point.

This beach is particularly famous for dolphin sightings, a diverse range of shells, and a wide variety of bird species.

The St. Andrews Picnic Area also holds historical significance with The Wanderer Memorial, which commemorates the 400 African slaves who were illegally imported into the United States, marking the last of their kind.

Visitors can take advantage of various amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, grill sections, public beach access, and restrooms.

11. Nanny Goat Beach

Reportedly the first location in the United States developed by Europeans, Nanny Goat Beach enchants visitors with its immaculate beauty. The broad expanse of sandy beaches, inviting atmosphere, and historical significance enhance its appeal to vacationers.

Part of Sapelo Island, Nanny Goat Beach is best explored through various guided tours available in the region. The eastern section of the beach, characterized by rolling sand dunes and diverse seagrass, tends to attract more visitors.

While the area lacks extensive tourist amenities, this limitation helps preserve the coastline from excessive commercialization.

The beach’s pristine white sand serves as a distinguishing feature of the shoreline, while the waters present excellent opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. I recommend engaging in a fishing expedition or participating in a birdwatching tour.

12. Robin Lake Beach and Callaway Gardens

Renowned as the home of the largest man-made beach in the world, Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, attracts over 750,000 visitors annually.

This artificial beach was established in 1952 to preserve native azalea species. Currently, the Gardens feature various recreational facilities, including a large butterfly habitat and the Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest. Callaway Gardens holds the distinction of being a designated National Natural Landmark.

The Gardens provide numerous walking and biking trails, among which The Discovery Bike Trail is considered an excellent route to access all tourist attractions.

Furthermore, the Gardens are famous for hosting the Masters Water Ski and Skateboard Tournament during Memorial Weekend.

13. St. Catherines Island Beach

St. Catherines Island Beach is often regarded as the finest beach in Georgia by many. While this assertion may be subjective, the breathtaking 10-mile-long coastline is undeniably a paradise for beach and wildlife enthusiasts.

Located in Liberty County, just south of Savannah, half of the island is covered in tidal marshes and wetlands. Beyond the beach during daylight hours, the island remains closed to the public.

Owned by the St. Catherine Island Foundation, the majority of the island is dedicated to protecting endangered flora and fauna, as well as historically significant sites.

Popular activities include swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing.

14. John Tanner State Park and Beach

Named in honor of a local businessman, John Tanner, the state park features the largest sand beach in Georgia.

Located between Carrolton and Mount Zion, this park has a unique historical background.

The park encompasses two lakes, one with the famous Tanner’s beach. Ideal for camping, it offers a fully functional campground with 32 tent, RV, and trailer spots, along with amenities such as cable, electric, and water hook-ups, as well as a dump site for campers.

Although Tanner’s Beach is spacious, its popularity among campers can make it crowded for those who prefer a peaceful day by the shore. The trail encircling the lake is perfect for hiking and biking.

15. Cabretta Beach

Located north of Nanny Goat Beach, this secluded oasis known as Cabretta Beach offers a tranquil beach experience.

A walk along the shoreline will reveal numerous tide pools, along with sand dollars and conch shells.

Nearby lies the spacious Cabretta Campground, an ideal escape from the busy Georgian beaches. While it may seem isolated, the campground includes several public facilities, such as indoor restrooms, hot showers, a wash station, picnic tables, and a large fire ring.

A trail beyond the campground takes visitors through sandy dunes and tidal inlets.

Sunrise at this beach can be breathtaking, while the sunsets, illuminated by constellations and planets such as Mars, Venus, and Jupiter, create an ethereal ambiance. With a bit of luck, one might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.