Your complete guide to the best beaches in Georgia for a memorable seaside getaway!
Coastal Georgia spans 110 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are wide, clean and feature warm waters perfect for nearly year-round swimming! My husband is originally from this region, so we’ve spent many summer days vacationing up and down the coastline with his family.
If you’re looking to plan a trip to southeastern Georgia, continue reading for our best beach recommendations based on our firsthand knowledge of the area.
East Beach, Georgia
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East Beach on St. Simons Island is a family-friendly oasis with free parking, restroom facilities and a snack bar all within a five-minute walk of the water. We typically hang out in this picturesque area while visiting my mother and father-in-law. St. Simons is one of the best beach towns in Georgia!
The water at East Beach is a great temperature and you can easily swim out to play in the long rolling waves. The surf isn’t rough, and I have not personally experienced many rip currents.
We’ve always found fellow beachgoers on St. Simons Island to be incredibly friendly, outgoing and respectful. A mix of families, young adults and couples usually occupy the beach here. It’s a very diverse and fun crowd!
Another bonus: All beaches on St. Simons Island allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as long as they’re not in glass containers.
One thing to keep in mind with Georgia beaches is that most shorelines are relatively flat, meaning when the tide comes in, you may quickly find your beach gear underwater.
To avoid this, I’d recommend getting situated in a spot near the back, close to the dunes. This way, you won’t have to constantly move your stuff as the water comes further and further in during a long day at the beach.
South Beach, Tybee Island – Savannah, GA Beaches
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Conveniently located just 25 minutes east of beautiful Savannah, Tybee Island has been attracting sun seekers since the 1800s and is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Georgia! This coastline offers 3 miles of perfect sand for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing. You may even spot a dolphin or two in the distance.
The most popular beach is South Beach, with its iconic Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. The pier has a little restaurant with picnic tables for dining, restrooms and plenty of picturesque overlooks for fishing or gazing out to sea. It’s a great photo spot, too!
We typically stay at the Beachview Inn and Spa, which is just a short walk to the water.
Great Dunes Beach, Jekyll Island
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Another one of Georgia’s best beaches is the untamed Great Dunes Beach inside Jekyll Island State Park.
As the name implies, this beach is nestled just beyond beautiful, rugged dunes that are characteristic of the island. To access the leisurely flat beach area, you’ll need to walk across one of the many wooden bridges that transport you to this salty seaside paradise.
Great Dunes Beach is an excellent area for spotting sea turtles who’ve come ashore to lay their eggs. Be sure to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn more about these gentle giants and get an up-close view of some who are undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Great Dunes Beach is pet-friendly and has restrooms, covered picnic pavilions and outdoor showers. This beach is a bit muddier than most, so a quick rinse after your sun-filled day will do you good. Entry to Jekyll Island costs $10 per vehicle, but boy is it worth it to experience one of the best family beaches in Georgia.
You may also consider checking out Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, which is renowned for its hauntingly beautiful landscape with gnarled trees and weathered driftwood. This unique beach offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the silhouettes of the driftwood and tree trunks create a dramatic scene.
Sea Camp Beach, Cumberland Island – Best Georgia Beach
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Cumberland Island has probably the prettiest beach in Georgia with its white sand and wild surroundings. Accessible only via a 45-minute ferry ride from the town of St. Marys, this pristine island was once the winter escape for Pittsburgh steel magnate Thomas Carnegie and his family, who built several mansions on the island.
In fact, Cumberland Island is so peaceful and secluded, John and Carolyn Kennedy even had their wedding here to keep out unwanted paparazzi!
To access Sea Camp Beach at Cumberland Island, hike a half mile east from the second ferry docking point. Exploring this remote beach is worth the extra effort.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the island’s abundant birdlife and the opportunity to spot wild horses roaming freely along the shore. Backpacking and camping are popular activities for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
Be sure to bring along some sort of sun shelter to stake out your area. We always use this pretty blue umbrella that is easy to twist and push deep into the sand. Coastal winds are no joke!
While planning your trip to Cumberland, consider staying one night at the charming Greyfield Inn—one of the old Carnegie mansions that has been restored and now serves as the only hotel on the island.
Sea Island – Georgia Beach Resort
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Known for its luxury resorts and manicured landscapes, Sea Island offers a more upscale beach experience along Georgia’s coast. Sea Island is privately owned and maintained, therefore access to the beach is limited to those staying at a Sea Island resort as well as members of their very exclusive Cloister Beach Club.
If a luxury Sea Island stay is within your budget (rates start at about $450/night), you’ll be treated to an array of beachside amenities, including a covered daybed, lounge chairs, a Yeti cooler filled with drinks and even an attendant for personal beachside service. Talk about relaxation!
Popular Beaches along Georgia’s Coastline
With warm waters and pristine, flat shorelines, the best beaches in Georgia have a lot to offer. I’m so thankful to have family living in this beautiful region—it makes trips home even more special!
Whether you’re looking for a lively vacation or a secluded spot to unwind, you truly can’t go wrong with a trip to this coastal state. Start planning your adventure today and discover why these beaches are the best in Georgia.
Best Beaches in Georgia – Commonly Asked Questions
Are there any white sand beaches in Georgia?
Sea Camp Beach on Cumberland Island has pristine white sand beaches. Be sure to plan and book your ferry to the remote island well in advance of your visit, as Stafford Beach is the least crowded beach in Georgia and takes a little bit of effort to reach.
Can you swim at Cumberland Island?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Cumberland Island, however there are no lifeguards present. Only venture out into the water if you’re a confident swimmer! It’s important to note that Cumberland Island is National Park and there are no trash receptacles in the area. Be sure to pack out everything you bring in!
What is the prettiest beach on St. Simons?
The prettiest and most popular beach on St Simons Island in Georgia is East Beach.
Can you swim in the ocean at St. Simons Island?
The ocean water at St. Simons Island is an incredibly pleasant temperature that’s perfect for swimming. The shoreline has a very long and gradual slope, so you’re able to venture out quite far without being in very deep water. East Beach is perfect for families, children or anyone who just wants to have a good time and enjoy the best beach in Georgia!
What is the best beach to go to on Jekyll Island?
The best beach to visit on Jekyll Island is Great Dunes Beach. This beach has lots of parking available, restrooms and outdoor shower facilities, as well as covered pavilions and long, flat coastline for spending a leisurely afternoon in the sun.
Can anyone go to Sea Island, GA?
Since Sea Island is privately owned and operated, only resort guests or members of the exclusive Cloister Beach Club may access the area.
How much does it cost to stay at Sea Island?
Starting rates for a room at one of the Sea Island resorts with beach access are about $450 and go up to well over $1,000/night on weekends and peak season dates.
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RELATED LINKS
Don’t miss my article on what to do in St. Simons Island or my detailed post on where to stay in Jekyll Island–two of the most beautiful destinations in Georgia’s Golden Isles.
For more U.S. and east coast travel ideas, read my blog about the best day trip ideas from D.C!