15 Best Beaches Near Atlanta, GA
Georgia’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, from Tybee Island to St. Simons Island. Given countless options, it can be hard to decide where to go! In this guide, we’ll show you 15 of our favorite spots in the area, including some of the best beaches near Atlanta. From stunning landscapes to fun activities like kayaking and swimming with dolphins, there’s something for everyone here—even if you don’t want to swim! So sit back, tidy up your luggage, and relax as we take you on an adventure through Georgia’s best beaches.
- Coligny Beach Park — Hilton Head Island
If you’re longing for a relaxing beach day, Coligny Beach Park is your place. Located in Brunswick, GA, it has everything you could want: beaches (with sand), playgrounds and picnic areas, and pier access for fishing boats and kayaks. If you’re craving adventure or just want to spend some time outdoors with your family this summer, then Coligny Beach Park should be at the top of your list!
- East Beach — St. Simons Island
East Beach is a popular beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It’s a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride, and it’s also good for picnicking and swimming. You can find parking near the beach, but be sure to bring your transportation since there aren’t many options nearby or within walking distance of East Beach itself.
The sand here is fine-grained and white, making it ideal for playing in when you’re not swimming or reading books by the water’s edge!
- Driftwood Beach — Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and for a good reason. Its shallow water means that it’s perfect for young children, who can run around or play in the waves without getting too far away from an adult’s supervision. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained here as well—you can rent kayaks or paddle boards (if you’re feeling more adventurous), take a boat ride out onto nearby Gasparilla Sound, or just relax on a private stretch of sand.
- St. George Island State Park — St. George Island
St. George Island State Park is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is a state park. It’s also located on St. George Island, which is part of the Calcasieu-Apalachicola estuary (the mouth of the Apalachicola River). This beautiful location provides access to two oceans: one by boat or kayak and another through its sandy beach.
The park has several amenities, including camping sites, cabins/motels/hotels, as well as campsites for tents or RVs only; there are no hookups available at this time, but they can be added later if needed!
- Cauble Park — Acworth
This 250acre Cauble Park is located at 1060 Cobb Parkway NW in Acworth. The park is open from 7:00 am to sunset daily, and it’s a great place for families who want to go fishing, boating, walks, or picnics.
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park — Kiawah Island
Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a beautiful beach with a great view of the ocean. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the beach, whether you want to go for a walk or run. The park has lots of walking trails through pine trees and along salt marsh areas where you can see mangroves and other wildlife at their best.
If you’d rather stay in one place, there are plenty of places along this stretch where you can catch some rays.
- North Beach — Tybee Island
North Beach Tybee Island is a popular beach destination and has several amenities that make it great for families. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset, as well as wildlife such as pelicans and turtles. If you’re planning on staying overnight at North Beach, there are plenty of hotels nearby, but if not, camping is an option.
- Hunting Island State Park — St. Helena Island
Hunting Island State Park is a barrier island located on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Beaufort County, South Carolina. It is one of the top choices and most visited state parks in South Carolina.
The park was established in 1926 as a hunting preserve for wealthy families who wanted to enjoy their summer vacations there but did not want it to be overrun by tourists. Many parts of Hunting Island have been preserved as they were more than 100 years ago when this area was in the territory of John Gadsden’s land grant from King George III (1760-1820).
- Gulf Islands National Seashore — Gulf Breeze
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the most popular beaches in the country. It’s located on the Gulf Coast, just north of Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach. The park offers a full box of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.
The best part? If you’re looking for an ocean view that is pocket-friendly, this is your spot!
- Huntington Beach State Park — Murrells Inlet
Huntington Beach State Park is located in Huntington Beach, New York, and is a popular spot for surfing. The park has a wide beach area with many sandy areas to relax on or swim in the ocean. It’s also home to multiple bathhouses where you can get clean after getting wet at the beach!
Huntington Beach State Park is also popular among families because of its playgrounds and lake for swimming (which allows for kids who want more than just sand). If you’re looking for something less crowded than Lake Michigan, this might be your best bet!
- Seaside — Santa Rosa Beach
Seaside Santa Rosa Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country, with a wide variety of activities to enjoy. The beachfront is lined with restaurants and shops, making it a great family-friendly destination. You can also find some of Georgia’s best golf courses on this list!
Seaside Santa Rosa Beach is located just south of St. Simons Island and has been described as “the perfect mix between relaxation and fun” by Travel + Leisure magazine. It’s located along one of GA’s largest barrier islands, so you’ll find beautiful beaches surrounded by water at every turn—all within easy reach from your home or hotel room!
- Myrtle Beach — Myrtle Beach
Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of the state, in the community of North Myrtle Beach. This park is one of three state parks on this stretch of coastline, which includes Holly Ridge State Park and The Strand State Park.
Unlike its neighbors to the east (Holly Ridge), Myrtle Beach State Park has plenty to offer if you’re looking for something different than what’s offered at other nearby beaches like Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral National Seashore—and even more so if your family wants to experience an exciting new adventure together!
- Henderson Beach State Park — Destin
Henderson Beach State Park is a great place for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more. The beach offers access to the Alabama Gulf Coast. It’s also dog-friendly, with a leash-free policy in effect during the summer months. Henderson Beach State Park includes a nature trail that is perfect for hiking or biking with your pet on your side!
Henderson Beach State Park has two campgrounds: Campground 1 and Campground 2. The campsites at both locations offer electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings (at each site), drinking water, and restroom facilities nearby; however, no showers are available at either location upon request due to their proximity to water bodies such as lakes or rivers which could pose health risks if not cleaned properly after use so please note this when reserving reservations online before arriving at these locations since there won’t be any available amenities available once you get there unless you’re willing
- Red Top Mountain State Park — Acworth
Red Top Mountain State Park is a great place to hike, bike, camp, or swim. The park’s 468 acres are home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and armadillos.
The park also has several historical markers that tell the story of its Native American heritage. This includes an 1830 burial mound and stone shelter built by Cherokee Indians who used the site as part of their sacred grounds before European settlers arrived in Georgia in 1733. If you want to see some natural beauty while you’re at Red Top Mountain State Park Acworth (or anywhere else), make sure to check out these hidden gems:
Red Top Mountain State Park has plenty of hiking trails for those who love nature but don’t have time for long hikes—just pick up your water bottle from one of many streams running through this lush forested area where ferns line every inch!
- Perdido Beach — Pensacola
Perdido Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Pensacola. It’s a great place to play in the sand and water and watch the sunset or sunrise while enjoying a cocktail on one of their many benches. You’ll also find plenty of local shops where you can grab some souvenirs or buy food from nearby vendors.