Plan your summer escape to the islands of Coastal Georgia

If you've ever explored Savannah and wished for an ocean view to enhance its historic charm, draped with Spanish moss and filled with delectable Southern cuisine, your wish is granted. Such a place exists, and Coastal Georgia offers a variety of options.

The challenge lies in choosing between Tybee Island, just 30 minutes east of Savannah, and the seemingly endless beauty of Georgia’s barrier islands. As summer arrives, these islands become the ultimate destination, featuring stunning white sand beaches, abundant fishing, pristine golf courses, and family-friendly activities at every corner.

Whether you’re planning a vacation rental with a group of 20 friends or a cozy boutique retreat with a partner, your summer adventure is ready to unfold on one of Coastal Georgia's charming islands. Here’s how to pick the perfect one and plan your getaway.

Step 1: Choosing your summer adventure base

Tybee Island

Vibes: This is a beloved spot for Savannah residents – just a short drive away, featuring vibrant homes and cultural sites within its three square miles. It’s the perfect place for a vacation rental, whether you prefer a cozy cottage, a stylish condo, or a grand mansion. The southern end is especially vibrant, boasting excellent shopping along Tybrisa Street.

Do: Dolphin tours are a must on Tybee Island, with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour providing a sunset cruise for stunning views. For those interested in history, Fort Pulaski National Monument – located just off the island – is notable for being the site of the first Civil War battle to use rifled artillery, along with a few easy hiking trails.

Stay: The Surf Song bed and breakfast is located in a charming southern estate built in 1904, featuring a pool, private beach access, and expansive gardens. Beachside Colony Resort is the island's sole beachfront option, offering two pools, a sandy path to the beach, and spacious condos perfect for larger groups.

Eat: Back River Brewery offers a wide range of beers, from lagers to IPAs, alongside a vibrant menu that includes smoked beer brats and a smoked prime rib melt. Don’t miss Sundae Café, known for its creative takes on southern cuisine, like a sweet potato waffle topped with lobster.

St. Simons Island

Vibes: The largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles (including St. Simons, Little St. Simons, and Jekyll), this island features moss-draped oaks, art galleries, charming boutiques, and friendly locals. It's a fantastic spot to explore on bicycles, offering views from the pier to the wildlife at Cannon’s Point Preserve. Additionally, you can easily reach Little St. Simons Island from its northern shore, a haven for birdwatchers.

Do: Wander and shop through Pier Village, starting along Mallery Street. For unique souvenirs, visit Golden Isles Bracelet Co., which offers trinkets inspired by mermaids, oysters, and sea turtles. Make sure to stop by the entrance to Sea Island Golf Club to see the impressive “Avenue of the Oaks,” with trees that have stood since the early 1800s.

Stay: For a boutique experience, consider Hotel Simone, featuring ocean-themed suites along the central Ocean Boulevard. Ocean Inn and Suites offers a charming, no-frills stay just a block north of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.

Eat: Southern Soul reigns as the island’s barbecue champion, renowned for its local specialty, Brunswick Stew, packed with pork, beans, potatoes, and more. Meanwhile, Porch serves up Nashville hot chicken and fried catfish, customizable to your preferred spice level.

Jekyll Island

Vibes: This island boasts historic architecture, conservation experiences, and plenty of mini golf. Enjoy entertaining tours ranging from traditional golf carts to delightful Model T replicas. For a taste of the past, explore the Millionaire Motorcar Tour in Jekyll Island’s historic area.

Do: Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a unique conservation facility dedicated to the beloved turtles, offering education and focusing on their rehabilitation. For an unforgettable beach experience, head to the northern part of the island, where Driftwood Beach showcases stunning pieces of driftwood against its white sands, creating a striking and hauntingly beautiful landscape.

Stay: Villas by the Sea is one of the island’s larger resorts, featuring three-bedroom villas, a children’s playground, and an outdoor pool. Alternatively, explore the range of historic stays available through AirBnb and VRBO.

Eat: Dining options here often embrace nautical themes. For example, Beach House is a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts, offering two dozen rotating taps, while The Wharf presents a bright bistro setting perfect for sunset views while savoring oysters on the half shell.

Step 2: Secure your accommodations

Summer marks the height of tourist activity, so it's essential to book your stay as early as possible. Some vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO can be reserved up to a year in advance, with regular visitors securing their favorites the moment they become available. Charming cottages and elegant inns across the islands offer delightful accommodations.

Nestled less than a mile from St. Simon’s East Beach, The Grey Owl Inn on St. Simon’s Island features beautiful grounds with grand oaks, a tranquil water garden, and five inviting suites. Camping and glamping options are also rising in popularity in the area. Little Raccoon Key, a unique private island off Jekyll Island, boasts an on-site chef and the occasional sighting of dolphins swimming nearby.

Step 3: Organize your itinerary and discover the top activities for your summer getaway

If you appreciate nature coupled with luxury, consider staying overnight at the lovely Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island, Georgia's southernmost barrier island. Here, wild horses roam freely, and pristine white sands extend for 17 miles. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of Dungeness, the former residence of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie. If your budget doesn’t allow for an overnight stay, Cumberland Island makes for a fantastic day trip.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Little St. Simons Island is a standout destination, accessible only by boat, where you can witness flocks of blue herons, majestic bald eagles, and various shorebirds in abundance.

Step 4: Discovering the best dining spots along Georgia's coast

Come hungry for some delicious low country cuisine, brimming with fresh seafood and hearty Southern dishes. A unique choice in the area is Skipper’s Fish Camp in Darien, which has a dock for the local shrimp fleet. This means that fresh shrimp are delivered daily, perfect for dishes ranging from creamy shrimp dip to shrimp paired with the creamiest grits.

For a picnic or in-room dining, be sure to try regional favorites like pimiento cheese, pecans, peaches, and peanuts in their various forms. Jekyll Market is a popular spot known for its gourmet offerings and a welcoming, homegrown atmosphere.

Step 5: Getting there

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about a 50-minute drive east of Tybee Island, while Jacksonville International Airport is roughly an hour away from Jekyll and St. Simons Islands. Amtrak services also stop in Savannah and Yemassee, S.C., but you’ll need to drive to the islands from there. With such diverse landscapes to discover, renting a car is highly recommended. Rideshare options like Lyft and Uber may be challenging to secure in the coastal area, especially in less populated regions—it's best to check these apps in advance for availability and, when possible, book ahead to avoid any last-minute issues.

Step 6: What to pack

Daytime temperatures range from the upper 80s to low 90s, cooling down to the upper 70s at night. July and August often bring the heaviest rainfall in the area, so it's wise to pack a rain jacket for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. Beach casual or chic attire is typical, with essentials like swimsuits, sandals, and cover-ups being must-haves. If you plan to explore the more secluded islands and parks, don't forget a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray to manage the humidity.