8 Best Beaches to Explore in Georgia, USA

There is something for every kind of beach lover –from vast stretches of spectacular sandy shores that are very popular among tourists to certain off-beat beaches but exquisite nonetheless.

Accessible only by a boat, Cumberland Island is the largest and southernmost of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The 17-mile shoreline is home to pristine white sandy beaches, ancient dunes, maritime forest, freshwater lakes and marshes. Sea Camp Beach on the south of the island is equipped with basic beach facilities and is great for camping.

Since, the number of people allowed on the beach is restricted for conservation purposes, prior reservation for camping is advisable. The island has rich biodiversity and is home to as many as 23 ecological communities. Apart from lazing on the beach, visitors can go on hiking to explore the areas around the island.

A city located in the close proximity of Savannah, Tybee Island has about 5 miles of scenic beaches. You can lie on the beach and sunbathe, indulge in water sports activities like kayaking, jet skiing, etc. Go for a dolphin tour and grab something to eat at the nearby eateries and restaurants.

During the summer months, you can also spot nesting sea turtles here. The island is also a haven for birdwatchers – look out for ospreys, herons and egrets. When you are done with the beach, don’t forget to check out the Tybee Island Lighthouse - the oldest and tallest in Georgia and Fort Pulaski National Monument - a Civil War landmark.

Boasting 10 miles of seashore, Jekyll Island is eerily beautiful and is great for both beach swimmers and walkers. The Driftwood Beach on the north of the island is a photographer’s paradise. Due to soil erosion in the area, you can see a vast network of tree roots which gives the impression as if the trees are growing downwards.

At the southern end of the island is the Great Dunes Beach Park popular among beachgoers for sunbathing and other water activities. You can walk or jog around the coastlines or explore the surrounding trails on a bike.

The St. Simons Island Public Beach is popularly known as the East Beach. A fine stretch of white sand, this beach is pet-friendly and is great for swimming, sunbathing and various water sports activities. Towards the south of the beach is the US Coast Guard Station and at the northern end is the Gould’s Inlet where you can spot a number of sea birds.

If you want to have a quieter beach experience, head to the Little St. Simons Island Beach. For conservation purposes, only 32 people can stay on this island at a given time. Apart from lazing in the sun here and swimming, you can also take the guided turtle beach walks.

Glory Beach at the South of Jekyll Island needs a special mention. A pristine beach paradise, the award-winning Civil War movie – ‘Glory’ was shot here. The beach is pretty wide and is a sanctuary for migratory birds – a haven for birdwatchers. This is a no-pet beach, so while you rest and soak up some sun here, make some other arrangement for your pet.

Situated between Mountain Zion and Carrollton is Georgia’s most popular inland beach at John Tanner Park. The Park is spread across 138 acres and features two lakes – one of which has the largest sand beach of all the state parks in Georgia.

It is a popular location among campers and can get somewhat crowded during the holiday season. Other activities to check out here include boating, pedal boating, fishing, nature trail walking, and hiking.

The island can be accessed only by a ferry ride or an aircraft. While you are on the island, don't forget to check out the historic Reynolds Mansion and the iconic lighthouse that dates back to 1820.

St. Andrews Beach Park is situated a short walk from the Jekyll Point - the southern-most point of Jekyll Island. It is a popular place among visitors for dolphin sighting and watching migratory birds. The beach is narrow and has a lush maritime forest at its back.

The Picnic Area in the beach park has a historical significance and is home to the Wanderer Memorial dedicated to African slaves. You can walk around the beach and have a good family time gorging on food in the picnic area.