Top 7 beaches in Georgia for families, dog enthusiasts, and seashell collectors

Georgia boasts just over 100 miles of coastline, but within that stretch lies some of the Atlantic coast's most distinctive features, making it a unique destination hard to find elsewhere.

This area is scattered with barrier islands, small landforms created by waves depositing sand over millennia. This natural process results in a captivating array of tiny islands and tidal rivers that border the mainland, complemented by marshes, lagoons, and coastal forests. The Peach State is home to 14 of these islands, each boasting its own stunning beaches.

While some beaches are restricted to protect local wildlife—ranging from sea turtles to wild boars and horses—the public beaches provide ample natural diversity. Visitors flock to Georgia’s island beaches to stroll along nearly deserted white sand shores, capture images of ancient tree remains, and witness breathtaking sunrises daily. Here’s a list of our favorite sandy stretches— which one will you choose?

1. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

At first glance, Driftwood Beach may seem a bit unsettling due to the twisted trunks of live oak trees dotting the shoreline. This eerie beauty results from beach erosion, which has caused the forested area of these grand hardwoods to edge closer to the ocean. Today, beachgoers enjoy a beloved coastal stretch, popular with families and those looking to capture stunning photographs. If you're planning to photograph the sunrise, expect to share the beach with several other photographers.

Tip for visitors: A daily parking fee of $10 ($15 for larger vehicles) applies for any vehicle entering Jekyll Island. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter without a fee.

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2. North Beach, Tybee Island

North Beach is a paradise for water enthusiasts, whether you’re into surfing, sea kayaking, or jet skiing—lessons are available if you need them. Many visitors report spotting dolphins while enjoying the beach, and those eager for a closer encounter can book a dolphin tour. Just a short distance away is Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1773 and partially rebuilt after the top was destroyed during the Civil War in 1861.

Visitor tip: Tybee Island funds its public services through parking fees. Free public parking is unavailable from 8 am to 8 pm, so expect to pay around $4/hour wherever you park, including near North Beach.

3. Stafford Beach, Cumberland Island

For those dreaming of a quiet day on a deserted beach, Cumberland Island is a paradise come to life. As a National Seashore, it’s safeguarded by the National Park Service (NPS), prohibiting commercial development and personal vehicles. Each day, only 300 visitors are permitted on the island, with many coming to explore the Dungeness Ruins. Stafford Beach is a -mile trek from the ferry drop-off, so consider bringing a bike or be ready for a hike. Those who make the journey will be rewarded with miles of soft, white sand and serene waters all to themselves.

Tip for visitors: Reservations are necessary prior to your trip to Cumberland Island. For overnight stays, secure a room at the island’s sole hotel, the Greyfield Inn, or reserve a campsite through the National Park Service (the Stafford Beach campground is the nearest to Stafford Beach). Day trips are also an option, with only one ferry company operating rides from St. Marys several times daily.

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4. St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island

Don’t miss the river-facing beaches on Georgia’s barrier islands! St. Andrews Beach greets visitors with gentle waters laced with seafoam, making it an ideal location for birdwatching, shell collecting, and spotting dolphins. Just steps from the shoreline lies The Wanderer Memory Trail, a brief hiking path that runs alongside the coast and narrates the history of the passengers from The Wanderer, a slave ship that unlawfully brought over 400 individuals to Jekyll Island after the international slave trade was banned in the U.S.

Tip for planning: Enhance your beach experience by combining visits to Driftwood Beach and St. Andrews Beach. The two are approximately seven miles apart on Jekyll Island and easily accessible by car or bike.

5. East Beach, St. Simons Island

The warm waters and soft white sands of East Beach on St. Simons make it a top choice among beach lovers in Georgia. The tightly packed sand, thanks to the tides, is perfect for biking along the shore. St. Simons' beaches are also known for being particularly pet-friendly—dogs can roam unleashed from 6 pm to 9 am year-round and have more freedom in the afternoons outside the busy summer months.

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