Coastal Georgia displays a charming 100-mile, scenic coast of natural beauty and intriguing history. There’s also hospitality and majestic oaks dripping with Spanish moss! The quaint coastal towns and barrier islands of Georgia are hidden gems of the south. Southern charm and protected natural landscapes are at every turn.
If you are looking for a list of the very best places to visit along Georgia’s coast, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled the complete list of places and waiting for your coastal Georgia visit and exploration.
Don’t worry if you can’t go visit all of these locations at once! I’m covering all the things to do in Coastal Georgia to reveal what they are really like and answering questions YOUR questions.
Use the info about each place to plan your own weekend getaways or a longer road trip to see it all! Click on the places you want to know more about.
THE GEORGIA COAST
Long ago, Georgia’s earliest settlements were established along the coast. This stretch extends from Tybee Island to Cumberland Island.
Each Georgia county (there are 6) along Coastal Georgia is unique with beauty and history. Georgia coastal cities and towns fit together like peanut butter and jelly, but like this favorite snack, are unique from each other.
Join us on our Georgia Coast road trip quest to visit every Georgia Coast beach, waterfront community, and lighthouse! We’ll travel from the top of the state to the bottom & share the
“best of” beaches + food + accommodations & things to do!
*see the map below of the 100-mile Georgia Coast towns route along the sea*
Chatham County Georgia
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum and Old Fort Jackson are unique things to see. Cockspur Island and Tybee Island Lighthouses are rare treasures. Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe State Historic Site, and Fort Screven are great outdoor activities.
- Savannah
- Tybee Island
- Cockspur Island
- Skidaway Island
- Isle of Hope
Bryan County Georgia
Fort McAllister State Park is an outdoor waterfront location. Richmond Hill History Museum and the Heritage Trail are nearby.
- Richmond Hill
- Pembroke
Liberty County Georgia
Fort Morris Historic Site and Sunbury Cemetery are located here. The Geechee-Kunda Cultural Arts Center & Museum is as well.
McIntosh County Georgia
It’s home to Ashantilly Historic Site and the Smallest Church in America. Sapelo Island Lighthouse and Fort King George are historical sites. Vernon Square is a lovely park venue for past events.
- Townsend
- Darien
- Sapelo Island
Glynn County Georgia
Fort Frederica National Monument and St. Simons Island Lighthouse are gems. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center hospital rehabilitates injured marine life.
- Jekyll Island
- St. Simons Island
- Little St. Simons Island
- Sea Island
- Brunswick
Camden County Georgia
Houston McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins and Crooked River State Park are family-friendly outdoor sites. Camden also houses the Submarine Museum and the state’s only National Seashore.
- St. Mary’s
- Cumberland Island
- Kingsland
- Woodbine
COASTAL MAP
GEORGIA’S BARRIER ISLANDS
Georgia Coast has fifteen barrier islands that protect the mainlands. Four of the islands are accessible by car. Access to the other barrier islands is only possible by boat or helicopter.
- Wilmington Island
- Tybee Island
- Little Tybee Island
- Skidaway Island
- Wassaw
- Ossabaw Island
- St Catherine’s Island
- Blackbeard Island
- Sapelo Island
- Wolf Island
- Sea Island
- St. Simons Island
- Little St. Simons Island
- Jekyll Island
- Cumberland Island
Follow along with our Georgia County Road Trip Quest!
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- River Tubing in North Georgia
Common Questions about Coastal Georgia Towns & Cities
It’s understandable that you have questions about the unique coast of Georgia. The following are the most common. If your question wasn’t answered, please reach out and I’ll get your answer!
What cities in Georgia have beaches?
These are the Georgia islands that have accessible beaches:
Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Sapelo Island, Tybee Island, and Cumberland Island.
Which is better St Simons Island or Tybee Island?
This is actually a question I hear often and an article and video are in the works to fully give you the scoop. The short answer is that they are both beautiful but commercialized and busy. Tybee is more touristy. St. Simons is more upscale and historical. Both have great food and shopping.
Can you swim in the ocean on Jekyll Island?
Absolutely. My advice is to watch the Jekyll Island tide chart to track high and low tides. Driftwood Beach is beautiful with its eerie graveyard of trees along the northern shore but has the murkiest water. Find a beach access mid island or at the south end for the best spots.
Is Tybee Island Beach free?
There is no charge to cross the causeway to Tybee Island. Be aware though that among the five different beach spots, there are parking fees. There are parking fees all over the island. Read more HERE.
What is closest beach to Atlanta?
Tybee Island beach is the closest beach to Atlanta.
What city in Georgia is closest to Jacksonville?
St. Mary’s Georgia is the closest Georgia city to Jacksonville, Florida.
