11 Best Georgia Beaches For An Ideal Getaway

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Tybee Island — Photo: DansPhotoArt on flickr/Getty Images

Even though Georgia only has roughly 110 miles of shores, the Peach State's coastline is dotted with marshland, beaches, and barrier islands—including Tybee Island to the north and the Golden Isles, which includes Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, farther south. Their natural wonders and coastal treasures make for an ideal getaway. On these barrier islands, visitors will find stunning beaches, attractions for everyone, coastal restaurants, and lodging ranging from luxury suites to charming bungalows. Take in each island's distinctive personality. Visit, and you'll find yourself walking canopied trails, biking island paths, kayaking salty shorelines, and settling in for relaxing days on the sands. Wind your way along Georgia's shores to find the best beaches that are preserving their ecological treasures while inviting visitors to experience one-of-a-kind getaways on the coast.

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North Beach

This area of Tybee Island is a destination for shopping, restaurant-hopping, and marveling at the historic island lighthouse, Georgia's tallest and oldest. You'll also find a bevy of bed-and-breakfasts here, all close to the island's less-busy beaches. You can access North Beach via a boardwalk at the end of Gulick Street.

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Driftwood Beach

Located on the northern shores of Jekyll Island, this beach is loved for its picturesque sands, which are scattered with the skeletal remains of toppled and salt-scrubbed trees—the driftwood that gives the beach its name.

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Nanny Goat Beach

This beach is located on a southern stretch of Sapelo Island. It's a destination for researchers and educators because of the area's ecological richness and biodiversity. You must pre-register to visit Sapelo Island, and once there, you'll find shores with oceangoing birds like herons, egrets, and ospreys.

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Mid Beach

Visitors will find a laid-back shore at Tybee Island's Mid Beach. According to Visit Tybee, "Tybee Island's Mid Beach draws from the quiet attraction of North Beach and the iconic action of South Beach to create an atmosphere attractive to any traveler." You can find beach access south of Lovell Avenue.

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St Andrews Beach

Bordered by scrub forest, this beach is near Jekyll Point, which is the southernmost point of Jekyll Island. It's a popular place for seeing wildlife—including migratory and seafaring birds, dolphins, and other ocean creatures—as there is a wildlife viewing platform and trails nearby.

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South Beach

Tybee Island's busier—but no less enjoyable—beaches are located at the southern end of the island, where you'll find several beach access points, including at 18^th Street near the fishing pier and at Inlet Avenue.

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East Beach

According to Golden Isles CVB, "'East Beach' is the name given to St. Simons Island Beach, the stretch of beach along the Oceanside of St. Simons Island." Set your sights here for shelling and splashing; it's also a good spot for biking. You'll find Gould's Inlet nearby, a scenic spot for fishing and spotting birds at the mouth of Postell Creek.

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Cabretta Island Beach

This beach is located on the Atlantic coast of Sapelo Island, which is accessible via ferry across Dooby Sound. Once there, you'll find Cabretta Campground and surrounding creeks, marshes, and beaches.

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Back River Beach

A great spot to see the sunset, Back River Beach is one of Tybee Island's lesser-known stretches of sand. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk on the broad sands—it's a good spot for glimpsing dolphins too.

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Sea Island Beach

Guests staying on Sea Island will enjoy the Sea Island Beach Club with its five miles of private Atlantic shoreline, family-friendly pools, and opportunities for sailing and kayaking.

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Cumberland Island National Seashore

Accessible only by ferry, this quiet island boasts undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and historic sites. Pack your gear for an overnight camping trip, or visit for the day and explore the island by bike, stroll along its 17 miles of beaches, or take a guided tour of several historic properties.

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