While not a typical location one considers when looking to visit beaches, Georgia is home to many that are scenic and worth seeing on your trip. From the sun-kissed beauty of Golden Isles to the underrated leisure of the state's many lake-based and man-made beaches, Georgia offers something for everyone who dreams of sun and sand.
These top beaches in Georgia beaches offer a respite from the summer's heat, not to mention, amazing scenery and the chance to make memories while relaxing with loved ones. With so many amazing destinations available, however, it can be difficult to plan a beach outing.
Many beaches are hours from major cities such as Atlanta that already have many options for day trips. While planning a fully beach-based vacation can be spectacular, you'll want to choose carefully, as each beach in the state can feel distinct. To guide this process, we've detailed the 9 best beaches in Georgia.
1. Jekyll Island Oceanview Beach Park
- Amenities: Restrooms, changing rooms, showers, trail access
Jekyll Island's famed Driftwood Beach is mesmerizing, but not necessarily ideal for a classic beach experience. After snapping photos of the mesmerizing driftwood, you'll eventually want to head for Jekyll Island Oceanview Beach and most of the sun and the sand. This mid-island beach is easily accessible for vacationers staying on the island but also makes for a wonderful day or weekend trip from Savannah.
Be aware that the sand at this beach is packed and, while this may not seem quite as comfortable, it makes for easier walking and can even accommodate jogging strollers or wagons. This is in keeping with the beach's general accessibility, which makes it a go-to destination for those with wheelchairs or other mobility concerns. Take some time to relax at one of the memorial benches along the adjacent Ocean View Trail.
2. Great Dunes Beach
- Amenities: Pavilion, grills, showers, restrooms, volleyball, bocce ball
Another Jekyll Island gem, the family-friendly Great Dunes Beach is perfect for a day out with loved ones. The beach is sizable, although the tide can make a difference in its perceived size. Hard-packed sand can be great for walking and even accommodates some bikes.
Make the most of the expansive beachfront park, which has several pavilions and a whole host of other amenities. This is a great place to plan a picnic lunch or even to grill out — but the real fun begins as you embrace the beach's recreational opportunities. Highlights include sand volleyball, plus bocce ball a short distance away. Nearby mini-golf should keep kids entertained.
3. Historic U.S. Coast Guard Station at St. Simons' East Beach
- Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, concessions
Perfect for adventurers, the East Beach at St. Simons Island encourages visitors to embrace a unique beach setting while making memories with loved ones. This is a top kitesurfing destination, although many visitors are simply happy to relax and soak in the sun. East Beach offers many access points, although visitors tend to favor the Historic U.S. Coast Guard Station for its free parking and clean restrooms.
4. Massengale Park
- Amenities: Restrooms, shower, grills, playground
Another St. Simons favorite, Massengale Park offers a family-friendly experience, complete with a playground and plenty of space to run around. Beautiful trees provide plenty of shade in several areas of the park, including the large onsite playground.
This is an amazing location for a picnic lunch, with grills making it easy to whip up a tasty meal. The walk to the park can feel lengthy to some, but floating bridges have been installed to prevent visitors from trekking through potentially muddy areas. Many people are willing to put up with this longer walk simply because parking at Massengale Park is free of charge.
5. Tybee Island's Mid Beach
- Amenities: Proximity to the pier, restrooms nearby
Perfect for a day trip from nearby Savannah, Tybee Island feels like a true oasis. There are multiple beaches worth exploring, with many visitors gravitating towards the North Beach due to its proximity to multiple other attractions: the lighthouse and marine center, to name a few. The Mid Beach may offer a quieter experience, however and can provide a wonderful escape if Tybee Island's North Beach feels too busy.
Amenities are comparatively limited at this alternate beach, but this is a sacrifice many visitors are more than willing to make to score a calm beach getaway. Enjoy the relaxed vibes and keep an eye out for the many shorebirds that gather along this beach. Restrooms are not directly on site but can be accessed with a short walk to Memorial Park.
6. Tybee Island's North Beach
- Amenities: Wooden swings, beach yoga, restrooms, changing rooms,
Although louder and more crowded than the previously mentioned Mid Beach, Tybee Island's North Beach is worth checking out due to its unique sights and amenities. The views are absolutely incredible, with visitors frequently spotting cargo ships and even dolphins in the distance.
Sunbathing is always a delight, but there is much more to do at North Beach than simply getting a tan. Visitors love hanging out on the wooden swings but also feel compelled to meander along the beach while collecting shells. Beach yoga classes are held here and can feel deeply rejuvenating.
7. Buford Dam Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas with grills, nearby hiking trails
The Golden Isles and their ocean beaches are widely regarded as the top beaches Georgia has to offer, but not everyone is willing to make the drive. Thankfully, there are a few sizable bodies of water that can be just as appealing as coastal beach excursions. Lake Lanier is among the best, boasting clean water and lovely views. This is a great place for swimming and sunbathing and even better for picnics.
Buford Dam Beach is one of several Lake Lanier beaches worth checking out and, while it's smaller than some other lake-based beaches, it's great for young families. This charming beach is situated within an enclosed portion of the lake and, since boats and jet skis are off limits in this particular area, calmer waters can be expected. The rest of the park is also worth checking out — especially the hiking trails.
8. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens
- Amenities: Pavilion, playground, restrooms, access to other Callaway Gardens attractions
Discover a unique, man-made beach experience at Callaway Gardens, which, although best known for its flowers, chapel and butterfly pavilion, also provides the chance to cool off at Robin Lake Beach. As one of the nation's largest inland white sand beaches, this gem captures the appeal of the coastal beach experience but is far more accessible to those vacationing in Atlanta.
The sandy beach is wonderfully clean and, without seaweed to worry about, swimming at Robin Lake truly is a joy. Pack a lunch and hang out in the sizable pavilion. If you visit with children, be prepared to spend the majority of your time at the playground and the mini golf course.
9. Red Top Mountain State Park
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, nearby visitor's center, playground
State park beaches are not always impressive, but Red Top Mountain State Park exceeds expectations with its beautiful swimming beach. Nestled within a pleasant cove, this lovely getaway feels wonderfully quaint but offers enough amenities to keep visitors comfy.
Although boating is a top activity on Lake Allatoona, this beach feels tucked away, making it an excellent place for swimming. The beach is small but sandy, with trees providing plenty of shade. The expansive state park offers many additional activities, including hiking and fishing.
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