5 Best Beaches near Atlanta

Tybee Island is a charming year-round coastal retreat. Explore pristine shorelines, indulge in local culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the island’s intriguing history. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this island has something for everyone. Visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse and admire the view. Spend the day beachcombing, souvenir shopping, or sightseeing aboard a sunset cruise.

Gather around the table at your favourite local eatery to enjoy local specialities such as shrimp, crab cakes, and oysters. For those seeking adventure, the island’s fossil hunting tours combine the thrills of discovery with fascinating insights into the dynamic coastal ecosystems. With a keen eye, you’ll find a few treasures to take home.

Jekyll Island is a captivating barrier island that beckons beachgoers with unspoiled shorelines. At Driftwood Beach, the trees along the shoreline have been sculpted by the wind and tides into fantastical shapes. For nature enthusiasts, St. Andrew’s Beach Park is a great location to observe diverse wildlife including dolphins, marsh wrens, and roseate spoonbills.

Visit South Dunes Beach Park to stroll and picnic beneath a canopy of live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Delve into the island’s history through interactive displays at the Mosaic Gallery. The Georgia Sea Turtle Centre is a must-visit for marine enthusiasts of all ages to discover fascinating facts about sea turtle rehabilitation and wildlife on the beaches near Atlanta on the Georgia coast.

Step into a world of natural wonders on Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island and the largest of Georgia’s iconic Golden Isles. To explore this island gem, hop on a ferry and make your way over to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Join a Ranger-led tour for in-depth insights about the island’s history and its diverse ecosystems. Along the way, uncover the history of the Dungeness Ruins, a mansion built by the Carnegie family in the late 19th century. Listen to the sounds of nature as you marvel at the beauty of the natural coastline. During your tour, keep an eye out for sea turtles, armadillos, and more than 100 horses that roam free on the island.

St. Simons Island boasts pristine beaches and a rich maritime heritage. Beyond beachcombing on the island’s sandy shores, check out St. Simon’s Lighthouse Museum and marvel at panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Delve into Georgia’s colonial past at Fort Frederica National Monument on a tour of the remains of a colonial-era fort built by the British in the 18th century.

Explore a variety of shops and a casual dining atmosphere in St. Simon’s Pier Village District. Take a family bike ride and embark on a scavenger hunt to find Tree Spirits scattered throughout the island. These works of art memorialise mariners who sailed on ships that were built from the island’s oak trees. Can you spot the mermaid?

Nestled along the Golden Coast, Sea Island Resorts boasts an exclusive collection of luxury retreats and is home to the best beaches near Atlanta. The Cloister at Sea Island, a distinguished 5-star resort, features Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush grounds along 5 miles of beaches. The Lodge is an intimate hideaway amid towering pines, while the cottages offer guests an intimate at-home experience.

Sea Island is a recreational haven, offering activities such as biking, fishing, horseback riding, and sailing from the marina at the Sea Island Yacht Club. This destination is also home to championship golf courses, including the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course. Whichever activities you choose, don’t miss out on mouthwatering Southern barbeque.