How could you possibly add even more beauty and stellar attractions to your Savannah trip? Add in a day trip or weekend getaway to the beach! There are miles of beautiful beaches near Savannah, so don’t miss out on the natural wonders of coastal Georgia’s barrier islands.
Closest to Savannah: Tybee Island
One name sums up your easiest beach option from Savannah: Tybee! With 5 sandy beaches, Tybee Island lets you turn your Savannah trip into a fabulous beach vacation too.
Swimming? Fishing? Sunbathing? Beach town strolling? Watersports? Surfing? Shell finding? Birdwatching? Tybee’s got you covered.
South Beach, Tybee Island
Home of the Tybee Pier & Pavilion, South Beach is the beach and recreation area located south of 14th Street. One of Georgia’s best beach towns, South Beach makes for a great day trip.
- The most popular Tybee beach option is great for families as it offers restrooms, picnic tables and plenty of food options. Note: Parking can be difficult to find, especially in high travel season.
- Want local restaurants, live music and shops? Check out bustling Tybrisa Street.
- Ready to surf? Check out the surf spot just past 19th street.
- Need a classic beach refreshment to cool down? Visit Wet Willie’s for an alcoholic slushy, with dozens of flavors to choose from.
- If you want to extend your stay at the beach there are plenty of beachfront hotel and rental options.
Mid Beach, Tybee Island
Less-crowded Mid Beach runs along the residential corridor of Tybee Island. Gentle beach, sandy dunes and great birdwatching make Mid Beach a relaxing alternative to South Beach.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Public restrooms located at Memorial Park.
North Beach, Tybee Island
North Beach is a treasure trove of natural wonders—birds, shells, dolphins and other marine life can be observed here. A day at North Beach is sure to be memorable. It’s definitely one of the best beaches in Georgia.
- Dolphin watching? Contact Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour for a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Georgia’s oldest and tallest maritime light station? It’s here! Check out the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
- Get a hands on tutorial in all things Atlantic Ocean at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center before heading to the beach. Be sure to learn about their Loggerhead Sea Turtle conservation efforts.
- For watersports rentals check out family-owned North Island Surf and Kayak.
- For surf lessons and surf camp visit Tybee Surf Lessons.
Back River Beach
The closest thing you’ll get to a locals’ or secret beach on Tybee is Back River Beach. Hidden away at the end of Highway 80 behind a quiet neighborhood, Back River offers a great way to experience the relaxed coastal vibe by kayak or boat.
- Hungry? Paddle or motor up to one of Back River’s legendary seafood joints, like The Crab Shack or Bubba Gumbo’s.
- Need water transport? Check out Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports for equipment rentals and tours.
Little Tybee Island
Looking for something secluded, with less people and more emphasis on wildlife? You’re in luck! Next door to Tybee Island is Little Tybee Island. The name is ironic — Little Tybee is actually twice as large as Tybee, which means there’s plenty of room to explore. The catch? You’ve got to be willing to paddle there or get there by boat!
- You’ve got lots of options for guides and equipment rentals if you’d like to explore the undeveloped and uninhabited beaches of Little Tybee. Call Tybee Island Charters or Sea Kayak Georgia to plan your Little Tybee adventure.
- Want to explore even more of the coastal interior near Savannah? Contact Savannah Coastal Ecotours for one-of-a-kind nature tours with experienced guides.
Best Beaches South of Savannah
The Golden Isles
In under two hours from downtown Savannah, you can be on an uncrowded, white sand beach in Georgia’s Golden Isles. The four islands—St. Simon’s, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simon’s Island offer unparalleled opportunities for pristine beach combing, wildlife viewing and restorative ocean vibes.
- St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island offer the most public beach access. For full information on each island—including private Sea Island and Little St. Simon’s Island—check out this helpful travel resource.
- Want to spy this classic Georgia seashell? Learn about beachcombing do’s and dont’s here.
St. Simons Island
The largest of the Golden Isles, St. Simons is a true wonderland of Georgian beauty. Moss-covered oaks, classic marshland and stunning beaches await you.
- See the island by bike! The St. Simons trail system makes it a great place for sightseeing by bicycle, even for the casual biker.
- Families will have a blast at Neptune Park, located at the southern end of the island in Pier Village. The park has shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, a walking path and much more. Kids of all ages will love the Neptune Park Fun Zone water park.
- Welcome to one of the best birdwatching destinations in the U.S.! Gould’s Inlet and East Beach are part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.
Jekyll Island
The southernmost of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is well worth going the extra distance. Jekyll lets you explore the multi-faceted water of coastal Georgia. Its marsh, tidal creeks, inlets and ocean create a wealth of beach and kayaking options.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make the drive easier by purchasing the required island access fee in advance.
SheBuysTravel Tip: One of our favorite things to do when taking a beach vacation is to hire a photographer for family photos. This is a special gift and souvenir that we cherish. We use Flytographer to book a local photographer located in the area that we’re traveling to. Use this link and you will get $25 off your photo session.
- A trip to Jekyll wouldn’t be complete without a stroll on famously stunning Driftwood Beach.
- Horse lover? Enjoy a horseback beach ride with Three Oaks Farm.
- Learn about the most celebrate member of Georgia’s coastal wildlife at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Cumberland Island
Get up close with the astounding history and ecology of an uninhabited barrier island. Whether for a day trip by ferry or a backcountry camping trip, the Cumberland Island National Wildlife Refuge is unforgettable.
- For island ferry information look here.
- Want a guided camping experience with a naturalist-led tour? Check out Snakeroot Ecotours and its celebrated guide Tal Galton.
- For a captivating beach read about Cumberland’s legendary Carol Ruckdeschel—alligator wrestler, roadkill connoisseur and wily ecologist—bring Untamed by Will Harlan on your trip.
- Explore the efforts of Wild Cumberland to preserve the natural wonders of this distinctive island habitat.
South Carolina Beaches North of Savannah
Hilton Head Island – Coligny Beach
Want a tried-and-true, popular beach option just north of Savannah? Then hop on over the border into South Carolina and head to Coligny Beach on
