Georgia might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of a beach trip, but trust me, this state is full of surprises.
We’re talking wild horses, driftwood forests, secret beaches you can only reach by boat, and sand so soft it feels like powdered sugar.
Some spots are perfect for dolphin watching, while others are all about peaceful hikes, epic sunsets, or snapping the best beach photos of your life.
Whether you’re into quiet nature escapes or wide-open stretches of sand, these 7 Georgia beaches are way too beautiful to skip.
1. North Beach, Tybee Island
North Beach is Tybee Island’s widest beach, located on the northern tip of the island just past the Tybee Lighthouse and Museum.
It’s known for calm waves, fewer crowds, and frequent dolphin sightings near the jetty rocks (make sure to keep your eyes peeled!).
You’ll find soft sand perfect for beach walks and a long boardwalk through the dunes that leads straight to the shore.
The beach is also near Fort Screven, so you can explore old military grounds and snap a photo of the giant 145-foot lighthouse after you swim.
2. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
For a beach that looks straight out of a dream, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is the next place to see.
It’s famous for its massive, weathered trees scattered across the sand, creating a cool backdrop for photos and sunset strolls.
You’ll find the beach on the island’s northern end, not far from Clam Creek Picnic Area, and it is very easy to reach by bike or car.
Fun fact: Those twisted trees are actually old oaks and pines left behind by erosion, giving the shoreline an eerie yet beautiful vibe.
3. St. Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island
Just when you think Jekyll Island has shown you everything, St. Andrews Beach shows up with something totally different.
This beach is tucked away on the island’s southwest corner and is one of the best spots to watch dolphins playing in the water (tip: check near the pier).
It’s a calm, quiet place with picnic tables, shady trees, and a short walking trail that leads to a two-story wildlife viewing platform.
Bonus: It’s also home to the Wanderer Memorial, which tells the powerful story of one of the last slave ships to arrive in Georgia.
4. East Beach, St. Simons Island
Up next is East Beach on St. Simons Island, where you’ll find tons of space to spread out and soft sand that feels like powdered sugar.
Stretching for miles along the island’s eastern side, it is super popular with paddleboarders, kayakers, and kite flyers, especially at low tide.
The main entrance is at the Coast Guard Station, where you’ll find bathrooms, showers, and a ramp to help you roll your beach gear straight onto the sand.
And if you love birdwatching, East Beach is part of Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail and often attracts birds like ospreys and painted buntings.
5. Dungeness Beach, Cumberland Island
If you’re up for a little adventure, Dungeness Beach on Cumberland Island is well worth the effort.
You’ll need to take a ferry from St. Marys, then walk about 1.5 miles from the dock.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a wild, empty beach with nothing but ocean, sand, and sky.
Just behind the dunes are the eerie ruins of Dungeness Mansion, built in the 1880s by the Carnegie family and now home to wild horses and armadillos.
With its quiet setting and sweeping views, it’s the kind of place you’ll want your camera ready.
6. Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
When you’re craving total peace and zero crowds, Nanny Goat Beach on Sapelo Island is your kind of getaway.
You can only get here by ferry (with a reservation!) from the tiny town of Meridian.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by dunes, salt marshes, and a calm, laid-back shoreline.
The sand is soft, shells are everywhere, plus the nearby Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve offers boardwalks and trails for exploring.
Just remember, this place is remote with no food or shops, and that’s exactly what gives it that private beach magic.
7. Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
Last but definitely not least is Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem that feels untouched.
Access is only by boat, but after you land, you’ll have more than 5,600 acres of wild landscapes to explore, including a massive, undeveloped beach.
This island is named after the pirate Blackbeard, who supposedly hid treasure here (no promises!).
Today, it’s known for sea turtles, shorebirds, and peaceful hikes through the maritime forest.
There are no roads, buildings, or crowds—just you, the sand, and the sound of the waves, which honestly feels like the best treasure of all.
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