The 5 Best Beaches In Georgia For Your Next Getaway

Atlanta is a beautiful city, full of lush parks, exciting history, nightlife, and delicious culinary restaurants. The city stands tall among the hustle-bustle of typical metropolitan chaos. With tightly packed schedules and subways, sometimes you just need to get out of the town and enjoy the sun and sand. Luckily, there are plenty of great beaches in Georgia. 

The beaches of Atlanta offer a beautiful and relaxing getaway from the busy life of a city dweller. With lots of recreational activities, adventure sports, long strolls, and barbeques, the beaches make up for a much-needed holiday with your family and friends. In this post, we'll share our favorite beaches near Atlanta, as well as some tips for making the most of your visit to the beach. So, pack your sunscreen and come along with us!

Why Georgia locals love the beach

People in Georgia love the beach! The beaches near Atlanta offer something for everyone. From sandcastle-building to swimming and sunbathing, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the beach. In this article, we'll give you a local's guide to the best beaches near Atlanta. We'll tell you why we love these beaches and what you can expect when you visit. So, whether you're a tourist visiting Georgia or a local looking for a new beach to explore, read on and explore the best beaches in Georgia!

A beach is a place where people can go to escape from their daily lives and worries. At the beach, people can find peace and tranquility. People love the beaches because they provide them with great spots for vacations and getaways or just as an escape from their daily lives. It provides them with peace and tranquility in the lap of nature, whether they want to dive into the waters to escape the summer heat or just relax on the sand and enjoy the sun.

Top 5 beaches near Atlanta

1. Tybee Island

Located just a short twenty-minute drive east of Savannah, Tybee Island is the nearest beach to Atlanta, Georgia, and is a popular beach getaway for locals and tourists alike. Once after getting onto the water-lined highway of Tybee Island, it will act as a personal greeting to paradise. The island paints a gorgeous tropical picture with tall picturesque palm trees and gracefully swaying river grass throughout the landscape, welcoming visitors to the sandy Savannah's Beach. This charming barrier island is home to over three miles of beautiful and well-maintained beaches, each offering its own charismatic view and aura. This destination is a lot quieter and sunnier. The island offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and more. Visitors can also enjoy Tybee's charming downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and bars.

 2. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is located about an hour and a half drive south of Atlanta. One of the best beaches in Georgia, the beach on this Island is unlike those of any other coastal destination. Jekyll Island offers ten miles of grand, unspoiled shoreline and various amenities. Best known for its untouched natural periphery, Jekyll Island's beaches stand entirely different from the other. It happens to be very popular as a great family beach vacation destination if you’re looking for a quieter island. Jekyll Island is a great place to take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a beach like Driftwood Beach. These sun-drenched sanctuaries offer a truly refreshing experience to relax and refresh the senses. From bird watching on St. Andrews to photo ops on Driftwood Beach, picnic pavilions, and plenty of other activities and attractions, this island should top the bucket list of every beach person.

3. St. Simons

St. Simons is about two hours south of the capital city of Atlanta. Simons' white sand beaches are a must-see. St. Simons Island features two spectacular public beaches. Massingale Park Beach is the most popular and offers a scenic picnic area overlooking the horizon of the clear blue waters and the sky. The second beach on St. Simons Island is the Coast Guard Station Beach. These beaches in Georgia are full of recreational activities for everyone. Some of the activities are grilling, birding, biking, fishing, or shelling. Gould's Inlet is best-loved for spotting unique coastal wildlife. The East Beach on St. Simons is a hit among travelers and locals.

4. Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island National Seashore is about five hours south-east from Atlanta and is the largest and southernmost barrier island in America. The absolutely beautiful white, sandy beaches offer many recreational activities for people of all age groups. The beach offers hiking, fishing, swimming, and sightseeing at the Dungeness Ruins and other historic structures. There are tons of wildlife to see, such as deer, raccoons, sea turtles, wild horses, and several types of shorebirds. This serves as a haven for the city dwellers to connect more with nature and wildlife. Beautiful wild horses and other island wildlife can be spotted roaming freely throughout the ruins and along the beach, making it a picturesque view for photography.

5. Hilton Head Island

It takes a ride of 5 hours to reach Hilton Head from Atlanta. This blissful beach paradise is situated off the coast of South Carolina. There's a beach for every type of traveler on Hilton Head Island. Before this paradise lies more than twelve miles of uninterrupted sand beaches, ideal for long romantic walks, family bike rides, and exciting wildlife viewing. Coligny Beach is by far regarded as the most popular beach on Hilton Head, boasting the best as well as the most accessible beach. From biking and hiking to fishing and kayaking, warm waters, and days filled with sunshine, this destination is truly a haven waiting to be explored by travelers.

Why are these beaches ideal for a weekend getaway?

If you're looking for a quick day trip or a fun weekend getaway,  getting to the nearest beach to Atlanta, Georgia, is the perfect option. They offer everything from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking. You will be amazed by the majestic spread of the ocean before you and the palm trees swaying all around. The beaches offer excellent picnic spots to go with your family and tiny tots. Also, the best sites for a family picnic or barbeque can be found on the bays without running into any nook and crannies as many shops selling basic amenities are available nearby. Beaches in Georgia are pet-friendly, which creates a playful atmosphere for your pets. Plus, they're all within easy driving distance from the city. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen and your beach bag, and start planning your trip!

How long does it take to get to each beach from Atlanta?

1. Tybee Island: 30 minutes east of Atlanta on I-16

2. Jekyll Island: 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Atlanta on I-95

3. St. Simons Island: 1 hour and 30 minutes east of Atlanta on US-17

4. Cumberland Island: 2 hours and 45 minutes east of Atlanta on GA-95

5. Hilton Head Island: 3 hours and 30 minutes south of Atlanta on I-95

What to expect at the beaches

All of the beaches in Georgia offer their own unique atmosphere, so it's important to know what to expect before you go. See our rundown of the best beaches near Atlanta, Georgia, for an insider's look at what each has to offer. Head to Tybee Island for a lively and family-friendly experience with plenty of activities available. If you're looking for a picturesque and serene setting, venture to Cumberland Island. With miles of undeveloped shoreline and pristine white sand beaches, it's easy to see why this island is a favorite spot for nature lovers. For a beach that offers something for everyone, check out Jekyll Island—from kayaking and fishing to sunset walks on the pier, there's something for everyone here. Cumberland Island would be a must-visit for wildlife lovers, with the beaches offering a wide diversity of fauna and other recreational activities. Hilton Head Island is the most popular among Americans for a peaceful and lazy family vacation.

Conclusion

There's nothing quite like spending a day at the beach, and luckily for Atlanta locals, there are plenty of beautiful beaches just a short drive away. Making the most out of your beach getaway, Atlanta's beaches are a must-visit for every traveler coming to the state. The natural periphery and the sandy beaches are likely to woo you with their charm and surreal sceneries. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a beach with plenty of activities and amenities, these five Georgia beaches have something for everyone. So, pack your sunscreen, grab a towel and head out for a day of fun in the sun at one of the best beaches in Georgia! Visit Leisure.com for more travel and vacation tips, ideas, guides, and information.