Georgia boasts over 100 miles of coastline with 15 barrier islands. Some are popular beach destinations while others are uninhabited, left to nature.
Some areas are accessible by car while others require a special permit. This guide will dive into the popular destinations of the Georgia Coast and their highlights, running from north to south.
A note on destinations: We’ve decided not to include a few places that are only open to researchers, like St. Catherine’s Island, or accessible by private boat or charter, like Wassaw Island. There are also some great coastal communities like Richmond Hill, South Newport, and Midway worth visiting but we didn’t want to run too long.
Table of Contents
Tybee Island
Georgia’s northernmost island is Tybee Island, the beach closest to Savannah. It’s also the state’s easternmost point. Tybee was first claimed by the Spanish in the 1500s but became a part of the Georgia colony in the 1700s. It was an important location during the Civil War and continues to have a historic district of preserved homes.
What to Do
The Tybee Island Light Station is an iconic location, also home to the Lighthouse Museum which has exhibits on the lives of the lightkeepers. The Marine Science Center offers year-round programming on the coastal plants and animals.
Visitors also enjoy going kayaking, cruising on a Tybee Island Dolphin Tour, or just relaxing on the beach. The Tybee Island Pier also has great views.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is technically on Cockspur Island between Tybee and Savannah but is a preserved Civil War fort. The island also contains a lighthouse off the coast.
Neighboring Little Tybee Island is accessible only by boat. It was the site of yachting events during the 1996 Olympics.
Where to Eat
Tybee Island has a restaurant scene that rivals that of Savannah. The Breakfast Club has a cult-like following since 1976, but go early and bring cash for omelets and grits. The Crab Shack offers casual outdoor dining on dishes like Lowcountry boil, oysters, and massive crab legs.
AJ’s Dockside is another seafood restaurant with fried shrimp, craft beer, and sunset views. Enjoy live music with your meal at The Deck, which takes its menu inspiration from coastal areas like Australia, Mexico, and Hawaii. Grab your daily cup of coffee at Tybean Art.
Where to Stay
Admiral’s Inn has stylish king and queen bedrooms with amenities like a pool, daily continental breakfast, free WiFi and parking, and easy access to the beach. Hotel Tybee is an oceanfront property with a tiki bar, ocean-view balconies, and two outdoor pools.
Royal Palms Motel is a recently remodeled roadside inn with vintage touches from the 1960s. Stylish rooms feature funky wallpaper and in-room coffee makers.
Surf Song Bed & Breakfast feels like home in a Victorian dating back to 1898. They have a wrap-around porch, private pool, and daily breakfast. Rental properties are also popular for larger groups.
Mermaid Cottages and Tybee Vacation Rentals are two companies with multiple properties. Camping is also an option at Rivers End Campground.
Savannah
Savannah was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe. The marshlands had been settled by Native American tribes before it became a major trading hub for the colonies.
Savannah fell into disrepair between the 1950s and 1980s when much of the population fled to the suburbs and historic homes and buildings were slated for demolition. Thankfully the historic preservation movement took hold, saving many of the properties.
For more suggestions, see our Weekend Guide to Savannah.
What to Do
The Telfair Museums are made up of two museums that include American and European works, the Bird Girl, which graced the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and modern works.
Bonaventure Cemetery is where the most famous residents are buried, including Conrad Aiken and Johnny Mercer. The city’s historic homes are open for tours, including the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and Davenport House Museum.
The Pin Point Heritage Museum discusses the Gullah and Geechee culture of the Sea Islands. The American Prohibition Museum covers America’s failed experiment with exhibits on Savannah’s boozy past and even its own speakeasy.
Savannah Historic and Secret East Side Food Tour is a great way to enjoy the city’s under-the-radar eateries from fried chicken to seafood and everything in between. Fans of “The Book” and its subsequent film can visit locations from both on the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour of Savannah.
Where to Eat
The Pirates House is a historic watering hole and former boarding house known for its fried chicken. Set in a restored Greyhound bus station, The Grey is one of the nation’s top restaurants, offering lunch and dinner as well as cocktails in the mid-century setting.
The photogenic breakfast and brunch The Collins Quarter takes its inspiration from Australian cafe culture with Toby’s Estate coffee and avocado toast. The Olde Pink House and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room are famous for their Southern fare but be prepared to wait at both.
Where to Stay
The stylish Perry Lane Hotel has over 100 rooms and 12 suites along with three restaurants, a rooftop bar, an impressive art collection, and a curated boutique.
Named for one of the founders of the historic preservation organization, The Alida Hotel has trendy rooms overlooking River Street as well as a restaurant and three bars.
Mansion on Forsyth Park is an icon within Savannah known for its restaurant and lounges, art collection, and an award-winning spa. The pet-friendly The Kimpton Brice Hotel has an Italian restaurant, bike rentals, and an outdoor pool. The Thunderbird Inn is kitschy and budget-friendly with retro toiletries and daily Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is a barrier island accessible only by ferry from Meridian, close to Darien, or private plane. The majority of the island is owned by the state of Georgia, but there are also some privately owned properties.
The island was first inhabited by the Spanish, but in the 19th century, it was developed into a cotton plantation. Over 400 slaves were brought to harvest Sea Island Cotton. After the owner’s death, the slaves were freed and many continued to live on Sapelo for generations. The island can be seen by foot or on an organized tour.
What to Do
Hog Hammock is one of the remaining Gullah communities in Georgia inhabited by the descendants of the slaves originally brought to the island. It includes two churches, homes, a general store, a bar, and a library.
The ruins of the Chocolate Plantation are nearby. Geechee Tours offers tours of the community as well as accommodations. The Reynolds Mansion is the historic home owned previously by tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds. There are sculptures around the property and a Circus-themed room. There’s also a nearby lighthouse from 1820.
Where to Eat
There are no facilities on Sapelo Island, so any food or drink must be brought on and cooked. Trash must be taken with you back to the mainland.
Where to Stay
Camping is the main way to stay on Sapelo Island. Cabretta Island Campground and Reynolds Mansion Campground are for groups of 15-25 only.
There are also privately owned vacation rentals in Hog Hammock like the Sapelo Island Birdhouses. Blue Heron Inn Bed and Breakfast is back on the mainland but is a place to stay near the ferry dock.
Darien
Darien was first settled in 1736 by Scottish Highlanders. A British fort was located nearby and the area was affected by Spanish and Indian attacks. Much of the town was burned during the Civil War. Today, it has less than 2,000 residents and the main industry is seafood.
What to Do
Fort King George State Historic Site is a fort reconstructed to the time of colonial settlement on the Georgia coast. There are barracks and a moat as well as a museum.
The Old Jail Art Center and Museum is in an 1888 building with six galleries and classrooms. The Ashantilly Center, also known as “Old Tabby,” was the former home of Thomas Spalding, the plantation owner on Sapelo Island. They offer classes and events. Butler Island Plantation is a former rice plantation owned by a couple that divorced over their opinions of slavery.
Where to Eat
Skipper’s Fish Camp is set on the river and is known for its fresh local seafood and barbecue. It’s on a public boat ramp so diners can arrive by water.
Shrimp and crab legs are popular menu items at B&J’s Steaks and Seafood, which also has nightly buffet specials. Chef Jerome’s Old School Diner has fried shrimp, chicken, and barbecue. Waterfront Wine and Gourmet sells craft beer, wine, and specialty meats and cheeses.
Where to Stay
Dockside Inn is located across the parking lot from Skipper’s with balconies overlooking the river. Open Gates Bed and Breakfast was built in 1876 and has five themed rooms.
Darien Waterfront Inn‘s five coastal decor rooms overlook the Darien River bluff. Eagle Island is a private island open to visitors. They also have a cottage in Darien.
Little St. Simon’s Island
Located between St. Simon’s Island and Sea Island, Little St. Simon’s Island was originally 11,000 acres of private hunting land owned by a pencil magnate. It was passed down through the family before becoming a resort and is only accessible by boat from St. Simon’s Island.
What to Do
The main draw to Little St. Simon’s is relaxation and nature. During the warmer months, you can swim in the pool. But the rest of the year, activities include kayaking, bike rides, and naturalist-led hikes.
Where to Eat
All of the guests’ food and drink are included in their stay, apart from liquor. The culinary team crafts seasonal dishes to guests’ dietary requirements. Meals are enjoyed at the communal tables.
Where to Stay
The Lodge on Little St. Simon’s is the only place to stay on the island. Accommodation options include rooms within cabins, some that are shared with other guests and others that are private. There are also rooms within the main lodge, where the kitchen and communal spaces are.
Sea Island
Sea Island was originally used for farming but was purchased in 1926 by automotive magnate Howard Coffin, who also owned Sapelo Island. The Cloister Hotel opened a few years later and continued in operation after his death.
It became popular with politicians and celebrities including Calvin Coolidge, later hosting the G8 Conference. The island also has a residential community and the road is only accessible to residents and resort guests.
What to Do
Sea Island is known for its iconic Avenue of the Oaks, first planted by Anne Page King. The award-winning spa and fitness center are set on 65,000 square feet of treatment space.
There’s also a salon and boutique. The resort has three golf courses and putting green as well as a performance center. Guests also have access to a private beach, pools, bike rentals, boat rentals, kayaking, horseback riding, and sports shooting.
Where to Eat
Sea Island has a number of dining outlets. The Cloister has the award-winning Georgian Room, Tavola, and the River Bar. The Sea Island Beach Club has Southern Tide. The Lodge has Colt & Alison Steakhouse, Oak Room, and Men’s Locker Room at the golf club. There are also casual options near the golf courses.
Where to Stay
The Cloister is the original hotel within Sea Island, winning the Forbes Four Star for over a decade. It is made up of three properties within it featuring different types of decor.
Rooms and suites have soaker tubs, bathrobes, and Nespresso coffee makers. The Lodge at Sea Island was built in 2001 and has an oceanfront pool and personal butler services. The boutique property has 43 rooms and six cottages with WiFi and views of the ocean or golf course.
Broadfield is the resort’s hunting club with rustic decor. The lodge can accommodate up to 18 people. The property has access to hunting, shooting, fishing, and falconry as well as a private chef.
The Sea Island Cottages are the resort’s vacation rentals that vary in size. Guests of the homes have access to the entire resort facilities and their own kitchens. Some even have private pools.
St. Simon’s Island
St. Simon’s Island is the most populous of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Natives settled in the area in 2000 BCE, but it wasn’t long before the British left their mark on the new colony of Georgia.
The island was also used for Sea Island Cotton production. It became a tourist destination in the 1870s and continued for generations. The island is now home to over 13,000 full-time residents, with that number inflating during tourist season.
For more suggestions, see our Weekend Guide to St. Simon’s Island.
What to Do
St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse is one of five in the state with its restored Fresnel lens. It still operates in guiding ships and visitors can climb the over 100 steps to the top. There’s also a museum on the island’s history.
Christ Church Frederica was built on the grounds of a congregation formed by John Wesley. The current church was built in 1884 and the cemetery features the graves of well-known Georgians.
Fort Frederica National Monument was built in 1736 to prevent the area from Spanish invasion. Learn about the island’s importance during World War II at the World War II Home Front Museum.
Set in a 1920s schoolhouse, the Harrington School Museum preserves the island’s African American history. Don’t miss the tree spirits carved into the island’s trees. There are also activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, trolley tours, and bike rentals.
Where to Eat
Sandcastle Cafe is the best place to start a day with the a la carte items and sizable breakfast buffet. Southern Soul Barbeque has won awards for its pulled pork and rebuilt its former gas station location after a fire.
The Italian hoagie at Tramici Restaurant is piled high with sliced meats and the lasagna is enough for lunch and dinner. Coastal Kitchen is on Lanier Island and has favorites like shrimp and grits. Porch has dishes like Nashville hot chicken, catfish, and wild Georgia shrimp. Wash them down with craft beer and frose.
Where to Stay
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort has its own pool, multiple dining options, cottages, and parking. It opened in 1935 as a dance club to rival the famous Sea Island club. During World War II, the resort hosted naval training operations.
Village Inn & Pub is set in a 1930s building is surrounded by the iconic live oak trees in the village. There are cottages and individual rooms that include daily continental breakfast. Rooms have flat-screen televisions and WiFi.
Grey Owl Inn is a cozy bed and breakfast with five unique guest suites. Guests have access to daily breakfast, “high tea,” and a wine and cheese reception. There are also sprawling grounds to explore.
The Inn at Sea Island is managed by Sea Island, but is actually located on St. Simon’s. The more casual hotel has airy rooms with WiFi. Guests have access to the breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and shuttle to Sea Island. Rates vary based on access to resort facilities.
Brunswick
Brunswick was inhabited by Timucuan Indians and the Spanish but was officially founded in 1771 by Germans. The town’s population varied over the years with most citizens leaving during the Civil War.
A ferry service operated between Brunswick and St. Simon’s Island but ceased when the causeway was constructed, allowing people to easily pass between the two. During World War II, a sawmill helped with the war effort as German U-boats sat off the coast. Today it has a historic downtown.
What to Do
Book a spot on the Lady Jane Shrimpin tours, which go with a marine biologist who will tell you all about the creatures found along the coast while helping you to understand Georgia’s seafood industry.
Howfyl-Broadfield Plantation was a rice plantation now operated by Georgia State Parks. They offer guided tours and birdwatching. The historic Ritz Theatre has year-round performances.
Richland Rum has a tasting room of their award-winning rums in downtown Brunswick. Silver Bluff Brewing Co. is the area’s first craft brewery.
Where to Eat
Indigo Coastal Shanty is a taste of the Caribbean in the historic downtown. The menu features dishes like noodle bowls, fish sandwiches, and jerk chicken tostadas.
Opened in 1993, the riverfront Mudcat Charlie’s offers crab legs, fresh fish, and other local seafood dishes. A Moveable Feast is a casual cafe with a menu that changes daily like Lowcountry mac and cheese and Maryland crab soup.
Where to Stay
Embassy Suites Brunswick is one of many chain hotels in Brunswick but they have daily breakfast and a manager’s reception. Blythe Island Regional Park is a public campsite with full hookups, WiFi, and coin laundry services.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island was originally inhabited by Creek Indians before the arrival of the Europeans. The British colonized the area and it was here that the state’s first brewery was founded.
In the 1800s, the Jekyll Island Club was founded, which became a vacation spot for the rich and famous. It was here that the Federal Reserve System was planned. It’s now accessible via a toll road and contains miles of bike trails.
For more suggestions, see our Weekend Guide to Jekyll Island.
What to Do
Driftwood Beach is on the northernmost point of the island where years of sunbleached trees and driftwood have washed up. They look like a wooden playground covering the sand.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is the state’s foremost home for rehabilitated sea turtles. Here you’ll see exhibits on the species of turtles found in the area and a hospital where turtles stay until they are released back into the wild.
Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum, shares information on the island’s Gilded Age, including exhibits and historic houses. It’s located within former stables.
Jekyll Island Tour is a day trip to Savannah that visits the island’s highlights. Boat and trolley tours also run around the island, which provides background information to the area’s history.
Where to Eat
Driftwood Bistro is inspired by the namesake beach with highlights like fried okra, shrimp and grits, and squash casserole. The artisan food market Jekyll Market sells groceries and also has in-house eateries. There’s a deli, cafe, and barbecue restaurant. The Wharf, also at the Club, overlooks the water with live music and coastal fare.
Where to Stay
Jekyll Island Club Resort is made up of the original 1888 hotel property and historic villas on the grounds. There’s also the all-suite oceanfront Jekyll Ocean Club Resort. The resort also has six bars and restaurants.
Westin Jekyll Island is located next to the Convention Center with 180 guest rooms and 13 suites, some with oceanfront balconies. They have multiple restaurants, a rooftop bar, a pool, and a fitness center.
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is the budget-friendly option on the island but includes all the resort amenities. Popular with families, kids eat free at the onsite restaurant.
Little Raccoon Key is on a reef island off the coast of Jekyll with fishing charters and glamping. Jekyll Island Campground is down the street from the Driftwood Beach and offers tent and RV sites.
St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s was a part of Spanish Florida and the town itself was established in 1787. It has been an important port for hundreds of years. A number of historic buildings still stand in town today.
There is a submarine base in St. Mary’s. The town is mostly known for being the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore.
What to Do
Learn about the seashore before you board the ferry at the Cumberland Island Museum. It features artifacts from the island’s history. The St. Mary’s Submarine Museum is the largest museum of its kind with a real submarine periscope and other artifacts.
Crooked River State Park is set on 500 acres with kayaking, birdwatching, mill ruins, and nature trails. They also have campsites and cottages.
Where to Eat
St. Mary’s doesn’t have an abundance of dining options and the hours are limited based on the day you go. Lang’s Marina Restaurant is located on the water and has daily seafood specials.
Cedar Oak Cafe is open for breakfast and is great for to-go coffee and sandwiches before boarding the ferry. Riverside Cafe has been open since 2000 and serves Southern and Greek dishes.
Where to Stay
The Riverview Hotel is a historic property that is the closest to the ferry dock. Built in 1916, the 16 rooms have televisions and continental breakfast. Goodbread House Bed and Breakfast is a historic inn furnished with antiques, featuring six rooms, kitchenettes, and a veranda.
The Spencer House Inn dates back to 1872 and offers daily breakfast, electric vehicle charging, and rooms with clawfoot tubs. The St. Mary’s KOA has campsites, cabins, and teepees.
Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island was inhabited by Native Americans over 4,000 years ago before the establishment of Spanish missions. In the 1730s, the English General James Edward Oglethorpe established a fort on each side of the island and a hunting lodge on the site now known as Dungeness.
The site was later owned by Nathanael Greene before the arrival of the Carnegie family. The island is 18 miles long and between 0.5 and 3 miles wide, connected via unpaved roads and hiking trails. Visitors can only access the island by ferry or private boat.
For more suggestions, see our Cumberland Island guide.
What to Do
Cumberland Island has a number of landmarks. The ruins of Dungeness Mansion are the most well known, which are the remains of one of the Carnegie properties.
Plum Orchard is another mansion that still stands, open for tours daily. The First African Baptist Church is at the top of the island and is known as the place where JFK Jr. was married.
Where to Eat
There are no facilities on Cumberland Island unless you stay at Greyfield Inn, so any food or drink must be brought on and cooked. Trash must be taken with you back to the mainland.
Where to Stay
Most travelers to Cumberland Island will stay at one of five campgrounds. They range from backcountry sites with limited facilities to ones with bathrooms, electrical outlets, and food lockers. Greyfield Inn is a luxury resort located on the island.
Great guide! Good to see Tybee first on the list. It’s my favorite out of all the Georgia Islands I’ve been to. https://visittybee.com/ The island has a low-key vibe, lots of public beach access and plenty of great inexpensive restaurants tip: The crab shack serves some really good seafood!
Crooked River State Park is absolutely delightful. The sunsets, the long leaf pines… absolutely stunning.