Georgia is a southeastern US state stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the subtropical Golden Isles coast in the south. Atlanta, the vibrant capital, anchors the state with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and pivotal civil rights history. Savannah enchants visitors with Spanish-moss-draped squares, antebellum architecture, and a legendary food scene. Beyond the cities, visitors find dramatic waterfalls at Amicalola Falls, pristine barrier islands at Cumberland and Jekyll, and the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Georgia.
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- Lifeguards (seasonal summer)
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Parking ($8/vehicle island entry)
- Bicycle rentals on island
- 10 miles of undeveloped beach
Jekyll Island Beach
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- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Restrooms and showers
- Paid parking
- Beach umbrella and chair rentals
- Bars and restaurants within walking distance
- Tybee Island Lighthouse nearby
Tybee Island Beach
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- Public beach access
- Picnic areas at Massengale Park
- Restrooms
- Fishing pier
- Neptune Park pavilion
- Bicycle paths to beach
St. Simons Island Beaches
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- 17.5 miles of undeveloped beach
- Wild horse viewing
- Ruins of Dungeness Mansion
- No cars on island
- NPS campgrounds (reservation required)
Cumberland Island National Seashore Beaches
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- Resort beach with full service (The Cloister hotel guests)
- Public beach access at extreme south end via St. Simons Bridge Road
- Watersports rentals for hotel guests
Sea Island Beach
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- 7 miles of completely private beach
- Limited to 32 guests
- Naturalist-guided beach walks
- Sea turtle nesting area (May–August)
- No day visitors
Little St. Simons Island Beach
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- Free access ($8 island gate fee)
- No facilities at site (restrooms at main beach areas)
- Free parking along Beachview Dr
- Excellent sunrise photography
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
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- Free access
- Viewing platforms over salt marshes
- Sidney Lanier Bridge views
- Kayak launch points at several access areas
Glynn Marsh at Brunswick
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- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Nature trails
- Camping ($28–35/night USD)
- Swimming area in tidal creek
- Close to Cumberland Island ferry
Crooked River State Park Beach
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- Unspoiled barrier island
- Wild horses and abundant wildlife
- No facilities
- Research and education permits required for day access
Ossabaw Island Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.