Georgia’s Atlantic coastline — with its sweeping barrier‑islands, soft sand, calm surf, and charming small towns — offers a mix of relaxation, nature, and kid‑friendly fun. From historic lighthouses to driftwood‑scattered shores and peaceful islands, there’s something for every family: beach days, wildlife spotting, quiet walks, and local culture. Here are 15 of the best beach destinations in Georgia — each bringing a different flavor, so you can choose based on what kind of getaway your family dreams of.
1. Tybee Island – Classic Beach Near Savannah
Location & Access: About 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is very easy to reach by car. Parking is available near the main beaches, but it can fill up in summer, so early arrival is best.
Wide sandy beaches with gentle surf — safe for kids.
Lifeguards on duty during peak season.
South Beach Pavilion: restrooms, picnic areas, snack bar.
Family Activities:
Dolphin watching tours.
Bicycle rentals for island exploration.
Visit Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum for a bit of history.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures.
The Crab Shack – casual seafood with a fun outdoor seating area.
A-J’s Dockside Restaurant – great for families with kids menu.
2. Jekyll Island – Nature & Driftwood Beauty
Location & Access: Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Jekyll Island is easy to drive to. Parking is free at most public beaches.
Driftwood Beach: dramatic tree trunks, photogenic scenery.
Quiet stretches with soft sand — perfect for picnics or nature walks.
Family Activities:
Bike the 20-mile loop trail through the island.
Explore Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Kayaking and paddleboarding in calm waters.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring — cooler temps, fewer tourists, and nesting sea turtles might be visible.
Driftwood Bistro – ocean view and family-friendly.
Shops and snack stands near the Jekyll Island Historic District.
3. St. Simons Island – Classic Family Fun
Location & Access: Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, easily reachable via I-95. Public beach access at East Beach and other spots.
Gentle waves, clean sand, ample space for kids to play.
Lifeguards in summer months.
Family Activities:
Mini-golf and bike rentals.
Fishing pier and marsh walks.
Historic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach weather, but spring/fall offer smaller crowds.
The Georgia Sea Grill – family-friendly seafood.
Palmer’s Village Cafe – casual, kid-friendly breakfast.
- Website/More Info: St. Simons Island
4. Cumberland Island National Seashore – Untouched Wilderness
Location & Access: Only accessible by ferry from St. Marys, GA (about 30 minutes). No private cars allowed on the island; bring bikes or walk.
Untouched, natural beaches.
Wild horses and deer roam freely — a unique experience.
Rustic feel with few facilities; picnic areas provided.
Family Activities:
Hiking trails for all ages.
Explore historic ruins and maritime forests.
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall to avoid extreme summer heat; winter offers solitude but less wildlife activity.
- Tips: Book ferry tickets in advance; bring your own food and water.
- Website/More Info: National Park Service – Cumberland Island
5. Little St. Simons Island – Private, Exclusive Escape
Location & Access: Reachable only by boat from nearby St. Simons Island. Limited visitors per day — reservation required.
Pristine, uncrowded beaches.
Soft sand, calm water.
Very private — perfect for unplugged family time.
Family Activities:
Guided nature walks.
Kayaking and boating.
Birdwatching, shells, and tide pools exploration.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for comfortable weather and optimal wildlife viewing.
Booking in advance is essential; accommodations include a lodge and cottages.
Meals are included in the stay, simplifying family logistics.
- Website/More Info: Little St. Simons Island
6. Sapelo Island – Quiet Nature Escape
Location & Access: Reachable by ferry from Meridian, GA. Cars aren’t allowed on most of the island; golf carts or walking is the way to explore.
Undeveloped beaches, soft sand, calm water.
Low crowds — perfect for peaceful family days.
Family Activities:
Guided nature tours with local rangers.
Shell collecting and birdwatching.
Visit the historic Hog Hammock community to learn Gullah culture.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for comfortable weather and fewer insects.
7. Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island) – Iconic Photogenic Spot
Location & Access: Part of Jekyll Island; accessible by car with public parking nearby.
Dramatic driftwood and tree skeletons along the shore.
Wide, quiet beaches ideal for exploration.
Family Activities:
Family photography sessions.
Picnic spots along the dunes.
Easy walking trails along the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or late afternoon for amazing photo light and fewer crowds.
- Website/More Info: Jekyll Island Authority
8. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge – Hidden Coastal Gem
Location & Access: Near Darien, GA. Short drive from Savannah.
Secluded shoreline along tidal creeks.
Not a traditional “swimming” beach, but great for exploring and wildlife spotting.
Family Activities:
Birdwatching — home to herons, egrets, and ospreys.
Nature walks and photography.
Picnic areas for a relaxed day outdoors.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for migratory birds; spring for mild weather.
- Website/More Info: Harris Neck NWR
9. Sapelo Sound Beaches – Calm Water Fun
Location & Access: Accessible via boardwalks and small trails on Sapelo Island.
Calm, shallow waters ideal for young kids.
Secluded and safe swimming environment.
Family Activities:
Kayaking in calm sound waters.
Tide pooling for seashells and small sea creatures.
Guided nature tours to learn about local marsh ecosystems.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer mornings are ideal — low tides and warm waters.
10. Sea Island Beaches – Luxurious Family Escape
Location & Access: Part of the Golden Isles, near St. Simons Island.
Private resort beaches, clean sand, calm water.
Excellent amenities: lifeguards, umbrellas, cabanas.
Family Activities:
Water sports: paddleboarding, kayaking.
Biking and walking trails along the coast.
Golf and tennis for older kids or parents.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for full resort amenities; winter for fewer crowds.
- Website/More Info: Sea Island Resort
11. Little Tybee Island – Untouched and Secluded
Location & Access: Just south of Tybee Island; accessible only by boat. No development, perfect for adventure‑loving families.
Completely undeveloped, natural shoreline.
Secluded and quiet; soft sand, natural dunes.
Family Activities:
Shell collecting and exploring tidal pools.
Wildlife spotting (birds and crabs).
Kayaking or small boat trips around the island.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for calm waters and fewer insects.
- Website/More Info: Tybee Island Guide
12. St. Catherines Island – Private Nature Reserve
Location & Access: Off the coast near St. Marys; private island, requires permission for visits (guided tours or research trips).
Remote, pristine beaches.
Rare wildlife and sea turtles.
Soft, untouched sand ideal for quiet walks.
Family Activities:
Nature exploration and photography.
Guided tours (pre-arranged).
Educational wildlife experiences.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildlife activity; summer for warm water.
13. Sapelo Island East Beach – Gentle Family Waves
Location & Access: Eastern shore of Sapelo Island; reachable by ferry from Meridian, GA.
Calm, shallow waters ideal for kids.
Soft sand and open space for playing and picnicking.
Family Activities:
Beachcombing and tide pooling.
Kayaking along tidal creeks.
Birdwatching in surrounding marshes.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer mornings for safe swimming and warm weather.
- Website/More Info: Sapelo Island NERR
14. Sea Island’s Cloister Beach – Resort-Style Comfort
Location & Access: Sea Island Resort; near St. Simons Island.
Private resort beach with clean sand and calm waves.
Family-friendly facilities: lifeguards, umbrellas, and cabanas.
Family Activities:
Paddleboarding and kayaking.
Walking trails and bike paths.
On-site kids’ programs at Sea Island Resort.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through summer for full amenities; fall for smaller crowds.
- Website/More Info: Sea Island Resort
15. Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge – Remote Coastal Adventure
Location & Access: Accessible by boat only; near Darien, GA.
Completely natural, undeveloped coastline.
Quiet beaches perfect for nature-lovers and families who want a unique experience.
Family Activities:
Hiking and exploring coastal marshes.
Wildlife spotting — migratory birds and native species.
Picnicking in designated areas.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for wildlife activity and comfortable weather.
- Website/More Info: Blackbeard Island NWR
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s coastline offers an amazing variety of family-friendly beaches — from lively, amenity-rich shores like Tybee Island and St. Simons Island to serene, untouched escapes like Cumberland Island and Little St. Simons Island. Whether your family is looking for a classic beach day with easy access and local restaurants, or a quiet adventure surrounded by nature, Georgia’s beaches have something for everyone.
Plan ahead for ferry-access beaches, respect wildlife, and pack accordingly. With soft sands, gentle waters, and scenic surroundings, your family can enjoy a memorable getaway along the Golden Isles and barrier islands of Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most family-friendly beaches in Georgia?
Some of the top family-friendly beaches include Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, and Little St. Simons Island. These beaches offer calm waters, safe sand areas for kids, and nearby amenities for families.
2. Are Georgia beaches safe for young children?
Yes! Many beaches like Tybee Island and St. Simons Island have gentle waves, lifeguards during peak season, and easy access to restrooms and picnic areas, making them ideal for young children.
3. Which Georgia beaches are less crowded and more natural?
For a quiet, nature-focused experience, try Cumberland Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, or Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. These beaches are mostly undeveloped and offer unique wildlife and scenery.
4. Do any Georgia beaches require a ferry to access?
Yes. Cumberland Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, and St. Catherines Island require a ferry or boat to reach. Planning ahead is essential, especially for families.
5. When is the best time to visit Georgia beaches with kids?
Spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and enjoyable beach activities. Summer is great for swimming, but beaches can get busy, so early arrival is recommended.
