Best Beaches Near Atlanta GA, United States in 2023
Best Beaches Near Atlanta GA, United States in 2023 ,Atlanta, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture, sits amidst Georgia’s bustling urban charm, and serves as an accessible gateway to some of the region’s most mesmerizing beach destinations. Our esteemed travel website, BearTravel, harnesses Atlanta’s strategic location to provide an exhaustive guide to the finest beaches near Atlanta, all within a convenient drive. These spectacular destinations, nestled primarily on picturesque barrier islands and connected by causeways and bridges, lie along the gleaming Atlantic Coast and the tranquil Gulf of Mexico. They offer an enchanting fusion of coastal Georgia’s natural beauty and southern charm. BearTravel caters to all your beach travel aspirations, whether you favor coastal getaways along the Georgia Coast or serene sandy beaches near Atlanta.
At BearTravel, we proudly elucidate the accessibility and distinctive features of the top-rated beaches near Atlanta. These include mainland beaches you can easily reach, and pristine island beaches you can only access with an adventurous boat ride. Each beach offers unique experiences, ranging from family-friendly activities, romantic sunsets, and scenic landscapes to pet-friendly locales. BearTravel provides insights on secluded beaches near Atlanta for those who seek solitude, offering a serene haven that contrasts with the lively public beaches. The vast expanse of the white sandy beaches near Atlanta makes an ideal spot for both day trips and weekend getaways. Are you planning an extended stay? BearTravel provides a handpicked list of oceanfront properties, beachfront hotels, and beach condos near Atlanta, ensuring you find a perfect coastal dwelling. We recommend that you check the current operating hours of attractions and eateries before your visit. Whether you seek thrilling water activities, beach camping, or a tranquil spot to relax, BearTravel commits to delivering a comprehensive guide to the best beaches near Atlanta, GA, personalized to your preferences.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is famous for pristine beaches, appealing vacation rentals, and exciting deep-sea fishing. It offers watersports, scenic nature trails, and championship golf courses for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Visitors often spot dolphins in the turquoise waters, and amusement parks add to family fun. The area’s award-winning restaurants serve delicious cuisine.
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Address/Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
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Best for: Beach Activities, Dolphin Watching, Outdoor Sports
Ideal for: Families, Adventure Seekers, Food Lovers
Panama City Beach
Spanning twenty-seven miles, Panama City Beach’s stunning coastline offers unique experiences. Visitors can access Shell Island, nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay, by boat to collect shells or walk through nature. St. Andrews State Park offers biking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and snorkeling around a bustling jetty. Camp Helen State Park, another must-visit, displays Gulf Coast flora and fauna, pristine beaches, and a unique freshwater dune lake.
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Address/Location: Panama City Beach, Atlanta
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Best for: Beach Activities, Nature Walks, Camping, Snorkeling
Ideal for: Families, Nature Enthusiasts, Adventure Seekers
Destin
Destin, a gem on Florida’s Emerald Coast, lures visitors with top-tier fishing, golfing, and picturesque beaches. Its vibrant emerald waters teem with fish, marking it as a premier fishing spot. Accommodations in Destin range from vacation rentals to luxury resorts, and it boasts fantastic dining and shopping. The nearby Northwest Florida Regional Airport makes Destin easily accessible.
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Address/Location: Destin, Atlanta
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Best for: Fishing, Golfing, Beach Activities
Ideal for: Families, Fishermen, Golf Enthusiasts
Pensacola Beach
Globally recognized, Pensacola Beach unfolds a wealth of leisure and recreational pastimes with its emerald-green colored waters and sugar-white sandy beaches. Its charm stretches beyond traditional sunbathing and swimming. It tempts fishing enthusiasts with two separate piers for casting and thrill-seekers with options like parasailing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Aquatic explorers can plunge into snorkeling and diving escapades. Restaurants throughout the area offer the freshest seafood from the gulf, enhancing the vibrant beach life with extraordinary culinary delights. The day ends in tranquil settings where you can celebrate with a drink in hand, reflecting on the beach adventures of the day.
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Best for: Recreational Activities, Aquatic Adventures, Fresh Seafood Dining
Ideal for: Fishing Enthusiasts, Thrill-Seekers, Food Lovers, Beach Lovers
Jacksonville
Hosting diverse Florida beaches, Jacksonville flaunts around twenty-two miles of sandy expanses, enriched with fifty boat ramps and a serene forty-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway. This city takes pride in the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in the state. As the birthplace of Salt Life, Jacksonville shines as a beacon for watersports enthusiasts. Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Mayport Beach, and Neptune Beach, all public beaches, offer engaging activities from fishing to surfing. Pet-friendly shores welcome visitors with parks, delightful seafood restaurants, surf shops, and unique beach boutiques. Adventurous visitors can explore untouched barrier islands on Jacksonville’s Northside.
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Best for: Watersports, Beach Activities, Fresh Seafood Dining, Surf Shopping, Exploring Barrier Islands
Ideal for: Watersports Enthusiasts, Beach Lovers, Foodies, Shoppers, Adventurers
Folly Beach
Folly Beach, a coastal community in South Carolina, exudes a unique blend of history and charm and lies a stone’s throw from downtown Charleston. Affectionately known as the “Edge of America,” it allows visitors to marvel at a stunning sunrise and bask in a breathtaking sunset. An extraordinary view of the Morris Island Lighthouse compliments the daylong beauty from the island’s eastern end. Each year, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, extending more than a thousand feet into the Atlantic, hosts fishing tournaments, reinforcing its status as a top-rated last-minute couples’ destination.
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Address/Location: Folly Beach, South Carolina
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Best for: Last-minute couples’ trips, fishing tournaments
Ideal for: Sunrise and sunset views, lighthouse visits
St. George Island
Sprawling over twenty-two miles, the untouched barrier island of St. George Island graces the Florida Gulf Coast. This rare inhabited island boasts serene beaches, attracting visitors to its broad, quiet stretches of sand, ideal for sunbathing and shelling. The clear waters draw in both swimming and fishing enthusiasts, while the pristine marshes offer excellent wildlife viewing. The island, with its many pet-friendly vacation rentals, welcomes well-behaved pets. A notable landmark, the St. George Island State Park, adorns the island’s eastern end, and nearby attractions offer affordable entertainment.
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Address/Location: St. George Island, Florida Gulf Coast
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Best for: Sunbathing, Shelling, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
Ideal for: Beach Vacation, Pet-Friendly Vacation
Tybee Island
Tybee Island, a gem among Georgia beaches, sits within an 18-mile drive from Savannah’s historic center. It provides the nearest ocean beach to Atlanta, Georgia, and boasts a wealth of attractions. The inviting pavilion and pier characterize the island’s southern end, which also offers a vibrant beach, pulsating nightlife, a variety of restaurants, and diverse shops. On the other hand, the northern end guarantees tranquility for history enthusiasts, proudly displaying a fort and a well-regarded lighthouse.
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Address/Location: Tybee Island, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Best for: Beach lovers, history enthusiasts, nightlife seekers, food lovers, shoppers.
Ideal for: Family vacations, romantic getaways, weekend trips
Fripp Island
Situated off South Carolina’s coast, Fripp Island acts as a peaceful wildlife sanctuary famous for its tranquil atmosphere. The acclaimed Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resorts graces the island, offering exclusive island access, a championship golf course, over three miles of untouched sandy beach, kayaking opportunities, tennis courts, and accommodations with mesmerizing oceanfront views. A seaside water park provides family enjoyment with a children’s pool featuring a fun alligator slide. The island promotes eco-friendly transport with golf cart rentals, aiming to reduce car use. A diverse range of dining options, including a well-stocked food court and distinct restaurants, caters to all taste buds.
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Best for: Beach activities, Golfing, Kayaking, Tennis, Dining, Family fun
Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, Families, Vacationers seeking a tranquil environment, Sports enthusiasts
Jekyll Island
Nestled within Georgia’s Golden Isles chain, Jekyll Island offers a splendid blend of exploration and tranquility. Nearby lie Brunswick, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island. Every path on Jekyll Island reveals unique experiences, from meandering along the oceanfront promenade to exploring the ancient maritime forest. The island offers miles of sun-kissed beaches, guided kayak tours, forest explorations, an intriguing Historic District, award-winning golf courses, and Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center.
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Address/Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia’s Golden Isles chain
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Best for: Beach getaways, Outdoor activities, Wildlife conservation, Historical exploration
Ideal for: Nature lovers, History enthusiasts, Adventure seekers, Golf enthusiasts
Kiawah Island
Located along the Atlantic Coast in the scenic South Carolina, Kiawah Island, a beautiful barrier island, displays nearly ten miles of untouched sandy beaches, divided into the unique West Beach and East Beach. Beachwalker County Park, located at the westernmost tip of West Beach, offers visitors unmatched river and oceanfront vistas, standing as a noteworthy destination. Importantly, this park provides the only public beach access on Kiawah Island. During the warm summer season, lifeguards ensure safety at the designated beach swimming area. The luxury resorts on the island own most of the remaining beach accesses, which are private.
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Best for: Beach activities, Panoramic views, Swimming
Ideal for: Beach lovers, Families, Vacationers seeking a resort experience
Acworth Beach
Nestled within Cauble Park, Acworth Beach, also known as Lake Acworth, hosts a wealth of leisure activities. Visitors can swim in the fine sand beach and access amenities like the Beach House, gazebos, pavilions, and grilling stations. Modern playgrounds entertain younger visitors, and water enthusiasts can use the Boat Launch and Fishing Dock. Moreover, visitors can stroll around the serene Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point in Cauble Park, which provides a picturesque backdrop for family photography.
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Address/Location: 4425 Beach Street, Acworth, Georgia 30101
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Best for: Family activities, picnics, beach activities, boating, fishing
Ideal for: Family outings, group gatherings, photographers, and nature lovers
Amelia Island
Positioned just off northeastern Florida’s coast, Amelia Island captivates with its undeniable natural charm. This esteemed barrier island flaunts thirteen miles of radiant beaches, surrounded by clear waters and teeming with native wildlife. It secures its status as a beloved beach getaway for locals and tourists alike. Over forty public beach entries pepper the vast coastline, inviting everyone to revel in the untouched coastal wonder. The island offers guided kayaking tours that provide a unique perspective of its environment. Moreover, segway and stand-up paddleboarding adventures add variety to the available exciting outdoor pursuits.
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Best for: Beach activities, Wildlife viewing, Outdoor adventures
Ideal for: Local residents, Visitors, Nature lovers, Adventure enthusiasts
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, located off South Carolina’s coast and near the Georgia border, serves as a serene retreat just 280 miles from bustling Atlanta, establishing it as a favorite vacation spot. This South Carolina Island offers a perfect escape for those seeking relief from relentless city life, captivating visitors with its tranquil allure. Hilton Head Island, recognized as a resort destination, hosts numerous private gated communities and ensures inclusivity with accessible public beaches. These beaches, offering nine accessible entries, give visitors a taste of coastal tranquility. Considering the island’s expansive nature compared to its neighbors, visitors might need car transportation for thorough exploration.
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Best for: Relaxing, Coastal views, Accessible public beaches, Private resort accommodations
Ideal for: City dwellers seeking a quiet escape, Beach lovers, Families, Vacationers seeking a resort experience
St. Simons Island
Nestled within vibrant Georgia, St. Simons Island promises an enriching retreat, offering idyllic beaches, a diverse array of dining options, and outdoor pursuits such as charter fishing and golfing. As a jewel in the esteemed Golden Isles of Georgia, St. Simons captivates as a romantic destination, with a distinctive beach lifestyle and pristine beauty. Southern charm, conveyed through Southern Oaks adorned with Spanish moss, permeates its history and imparts a unique sense of place. Extensive bike paths weave across the island, offering an invitation to exploration.
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Address/Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia
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Best for: Beach getaways, Romantic retreats, Outdoor activities, Historical exploration
Ideal for: Couples, Nature lovers, History enthusiasts
Cumberland Island
Imbued with history and flourishing with nature’s grandeur, Cumberland Island, a stunning national seashore, nestles in Georgia’s captivating landscape. Holding the distinction as the state’s southernmost and largest barrier island, it sprawls over a vast 9,800-acre wilderness. Here, visitors can lose themselves in verdant maritime forests, sweeping marshes, and pristine beaches, gaining close encounters with abundant wildlife. Cumberland Island unfolds exciting adventures, including the insightful 30-mile Lands and Legacies Tour, scenic Ferry Rides around St. Mary’s, Georgia, exhilarating bike explorations, and family-friendly camping experiences.
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Best for: Nature Exploration, Historical Tours, Ferry Rides, Biking, Camping
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach, sitting at the southernmost edge of North Carolina’s Topsail Island, stands as the smallest beachfront community on this island. This locale offers a delightful array of aquatic treasures across its 26-mile stretch and gives you an opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins dancing in the waves, and unique birds. Topsail Beach also introduces a wide variety of seaside activities, from swimming and lounging on the sandy beach to surfing and fishing. Just a forty-five-minute drive from the vibrant city of Wilmington, Topsail Beach beckons, promising tranquil serenity.
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Best for: Spotting wildlife, Swimming, Relaxing on the beach, Surfing, Fishing
Ideal for: Nature lovers, Families, Adventure seekers, Beach lovers
The Swimming Beach at Red Top Mountain State Park
Plunge into the refreshing allure of the Swimming Beach at Red Top Mountain State Park, a jewel among Georgia State Parks, brimming with summer diversions. This Lake Beach, secluded in the park’s southeastern territory, offers sunbathers an ideal oasis with a broad swath of sandy shores. As a prime spot for Family Trips, its array of amenities has particularly amplified its allure for families with young children. Engage in an exciting round at the Putt-Putt Golf Course adjacent to the shoreline, explore a sizable Playground with breathtaking lake vistas, or gather around well-placed Picnic Tables and Barbeque Grills; every facet of Red Top Mountain State Park ensures memorable moments. For visitors considering extending their visit, options range from inviting cottages and a comfortable lodge to adventurous Camping Grounds for tent enthusiasts.
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Address/Location: 50 Lodge Road SE, Cartersville, Georgia 30121
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Best for: Family trips, outdoor activities, relaxation
Ideal for: Families with young children, nature enthusiasts, campers
Myrtle Beach
As one of the top East Coast vacation spots and among the most frequented beach destinations in the country, Myrtle Beach dazzles with diverse attractions, a variety of dining venues serving mouthwatering fare, and ample accommodations, including upscale hotels and charming vacation rentals. The Grand Strand, a stunning sixty-mile stretch of immaculate beaches, serves as Myrtle Beach’s highlight. Providing plenty of space and golden sand, it invites visitors to create unforgettable beach experiences. The lively beachfront boardwalk houses numerous dining venues, arcades, and stores. Adding to the excitement, the SkyWheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the U.S., delivers thrilling coastal views.
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Best for: Beach activities, Dining, Shopping, Thrill rides (SkyWheel)
Ideal for: Beach lovers, Foodies, Families, Thrill-seekers
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta, United States
Q: How do I get to Atlanta, United States?
A: The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary airport serving Atlanta with direct flight connections from major cities in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Atlanta?
A: The best time to visit Atlanta is between March to May or September to November when the temperature is mild, and there are fewer crowds.
Q: What are some interesting facts about Atlanta?
A: Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, and it played a significant role in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Atlanta is also home to the world’s largest aquarium and one of the busiest airports in the world.
Q: What is the weather like in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 89°F. Spring and fall are rainy seasons.
Q: What is the language spoken in Atlanta?
A: The official language in Atlanta and the state of Georgia is English.
Q: What is the currency used in Atlanta?
A: The currency used in Atlanta and the United States of America is the US Dollar (USD).
Q: What are some popular foods in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta is known for its Southern-style cuisine, which includes fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, cornbread, and collard greens. Other popular dishes include barbecue, peach cobbler, and sweet tea.
Q: What time zone is Atlanta in?
A: Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).
Q: What is the voltage of electricity in Atlanta?
A: The electricity voltage used in Atlanta and the United States is 120V/60Hz, and the plugs used are Types A and B.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Atlanta?
A: The United States requires visitors from many countries to obtain a visa before traveling. Please check with the US embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
