Jekyll Island Beaches
Warm weather and miles of coastline make Georgia beaches a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike. While most people think of Florida when beach trips come to mind, Georgia actually has a number of great beach towns, each with its own unique charm. From family-friendly spots to secluded getaways, here are the best beaches in Georgia.
Driftwood Beach
One of the most photographed locations on the island, Driftwood Beach is a destination that must be seen. This surreal location features dozens of petrified driftwood trees, unseen anywhere else in the region.
St. Andrews’s Beach
Located on the southernmost tip of Jekyll Island, St. Andrew’s Beach is known to be the only beach on the island to catch the sunset. The beach park features scenic picnic grounds and a two-story wildlife viewing platform.
Best Beaches Near Jekyll Island
St. Simons Island
This popular day trip destination offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic beaches to historic sites, shops and restaurants. St. Simons Island is also conveniently located near other popular attractions in Georgia, such as Little St. Simons and Jekyll Island.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a beautiful barrier island off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. The island is a popular vacation destination, known for its sandy beaches, diverse wildlife and historic sites, including the Tybee Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1736.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wild horses, loggerhead turtles, alligators and many different species of birds with plentiful hiking and biking, plus several historic sites. There is a daily limit on the number of visitors to the island, so it is important to plan your visit in advance.
Glory Beach
Glory Beach is situated in a beautiful location and is well-maintained by the local authorities. Graceful sea oats and pristine sand dunes line Glory Beach Park on the south end of Jekyll Island.
East Beach
“East Beach” is the name given to St. Simons Island Beach, the stretch of beach along the ocean side of St. Simons Island. This is a great location for a range of beach activities, from relaxed shelling to extreme kiteboarding, and the hard-packed sand is ideal for biking.
Little St. Simons Island
Accessible only by boat from Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island’s north end, Little St. Simons Island is a privately owned, 11,000-acre barrier island resort. Known for its privacy, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island features six charming cottages, several of which date back to the early 1900s.
Gould’s Inlet
Not primarily a beach destination, but rather a bird watching, fishing and ocean observation area. Here you can see the southern end of Sea Island, just across the river inlet, and observe many varieties of coastal birds.
Coast Guard Station Beach
Occasionally called “First Street Beach Access,” it offers by far the widest section of beach on St. Simons Island with the most parking.
Sea Island Beach Club
This private beach offers visitors to Sea Island a luxury beach escape. With five miles of private beach along the Atlantic Ocean, three swimming pools, a water slide, a splash pad and more, the possibilities are endless.
North Beach
North Beach offers something for every kind of beachgoer: white sand, blue water, excellent surfing conditions and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Back River Beach
The beach is situated on a barrier island and is well-known for its excellent surfing conditions. It also has a fishing pier and a great spot for kayaking, sunbathing and swimming. There are several restaurants and cafes located near the beach, making it easy to grab a bite to eat.
Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is popular among tourists for its natural beauty and its rich cultural history. The island is home to the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is a protected area perfect for fishing, kayaking and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy the island’s nature trails and picnicking areas.
Nanny Goat Beach
Nanny Goat Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking and gets its name from the Nanny goats that used to live on the nearby island.
St. Mary's Beach
The sandy beach and clear water make this a perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views, while the nearby state park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and bird watching. The historic city of St. Mary’s is just a short drive away and features a number of well-preserved eighteenth-century buildings.
John Tanner State Park
The park offers a variety of activities for all ages, including camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking. There are also pavilions available for rent for birthday parties or family reunions. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, making it a great place for nature lovers to explore.
Robin Lake Beach & Callaway Gardens
Robin Lake Beach is a man-made beach situated on a beautiful lake, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In addition to its natural beauty, Robin Lake Beach also features a number of amenities including sun loungers, a gift shop and a campground.