These 11 Georgia Beach Towns Are So Beautiful You’ll Want To Plan 2026 Around Them

Planning your 2026 vacation just got a lot more exciting, especially if the coast is calling your name. Georgia’s coastline stretches across more than 100 miles of beautiful barrier islands, quiet beaches, and scenic marshlands that feel both relaxing and full of character. Each coastal town offers its own personality, blending Southern charm with natural beauty in a way that feels welcoming and unhurried.

You can wander through historic squares shaded by live oaks, watch dolphins play just offshore, or explore wildlife rich estuaries where nature steals the show. Some destinations are perfect for laid back beach days, while others invite adventure, history, and local culture. Whether you are traveling with family, planning a romantic getaway, or looking for a solo escape, Georgia’s beach towns deliver variety without the crowds found in other coastal states.

These destinations promise memorable moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

1. Tybee Island

Sun-soaked days and laid-back vibes define this barrier island retreat. Located at 802 1st Street, Tybee Island, GA 31328, this beach town sits just 18 miles east of Savannah and offers five miles of public beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

You’ll find the iconic Tybee Island Light Station standing tall since 1736, making it one of America’s oldest lighthouses. The pier extends into the Atlantic, providing excellent fishing opportunities and dolphin-watching spots.

Local seafood restaurants line the streets, serving fresh catches daily. Marine Science Center at 1510 Strand Avenue educates visitors about coastal ecosystems through interactive exhibits and touch tanks.

Kayaking through the salt marshes reveals herons, egrets, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The town maintains a relaxed atmosphere where flip-flops are standard attire year-round, and beach bonfires create magical evening memories under starlit skies.

2. St. Simons Island

Ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss create natural tunnels along the roads here. You’ll discover this Golden Isles gem at 530B Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, where history and coastal beauty merge seamlessly.

The 1872 lighthouse still guides ships today while welcoming visitors to climb its 129 steps for panoramic views. Neptune Park offers playgrounds, mini-golf, and a swimming pool right near the beach.

Bike paths wind through 12 miles of scenic routes connecting beaches, shops, and restaurants. The Village area buzzes with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries serving Lowcountry cuisine.

Massengale Park provides beach access with picnic areas and volleyball courts. Christ Church, built in 1820, showcases stunning Gothic Revival architecture surrounded by moss-covered oaks. Fishing from the pier brings catches of flounder, whiting, and sea trout throughout the year.

3. Jekyll Island

Nature preserved and protected awaits your exploration on this state-owned paradise. Find this treasure at 100 James Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, where 65% of the island remains undeveloped and wild.

Driftwood Beach showcases hauntingly beautiful bleached tree skeletons creating natural sculptures along the shore. Ten miles of beaches offer plenty of space for solitude and shell collecting.

The historic district preserves millionaire cottages from the late 1800s when America’s wealthiest families vacationed here. Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 214 Stable Road rehabilitates injured sea turtles and educates visitors about conservation efforts.

Twenty miles of paved trails connect beaches, marshes, and forests perfect for biking and walking. Summer Waves water park at 210 South Riverview Drive provides family fun with slides and wave pools. Dolphin tours depart daily, offering close encounters with these playful marine mammals in their natural environment.

4. Sea Island

Luxury and exclusivity define this private island resort community. Located at 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561, this destination caters to travelers seeking upscale accommodations and world-class amenities.

The Cloister resort has welcomed guests since 1928 with impeccable service and Southern hospitality. Five miles of private beaches provide serene settings for relaxation away from crowds.

Championship golf courses designed by legends attract players from around the world. The Forbes Five-Star Spa offers treatments incorporating local ingredients and coastal-inspired therapies.

Shooting School at 100 Retreat Avenue teaches clay target sports with expert instruction. Horseback riding along the beach creates unforgettable experiences during sunrise or sunset hours.

Fine dining restaurants serve cuisine crafted by award-winning chefs using locally sourced ingredients. Tennis facilities include courts for all skill levels with professional coaching available. Family programs keep children entertained with beach activities, nature exploration, and creative workshops throughout their stay.

5. Cumberland Island

Wild horses roam freely across this undeveloped barrier island accessible only by ferry. Your adventure begins at the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center at 113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558, where you’ll catch the boat to this pristine wilderness.

Eighteen miles of undeveloped beaches stretch along the Atlantic with not a single building in sight. Maritime forests shelter over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

Dungeness Ruins showcase the remains of a Carnegie family mansion, now a hauntingly beautiful historic site. Camping opportunities allow overnight stays under star-filled skies with only nature sounds as your soundtrack.

Hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems including marshes, dunes, and forests teeming with wildlife. The island limits daily visitors to 300, ensuring peaceful experiences and environmental protection. Shelling along the shores reveals treasures washed up by Atlantic currents and tides.

6. Little St. Simons Island

Privacy and natural beauty combine on this 10,000-acre private island resort. Access this exclusive retreat through The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island at 1000 Hampton River Club Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, where guest numbers never exceed 32.

Seven miles of shell-strewn beaches remain virtually untouched by development or crowds. Naturalist-guided excursions explore maritime forests, salt marshes, and diverse bird habitats home to over 280 species.

Kayaking through tidal creeks brings encounters with dolphins, manatees, and abundant marine life. The island maintains a commitment to conservation while providing comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals.

Fishing opportunities abound in surrounding waters rich with redfish, trout, and flounder. Horseback riding along the beach offers a unique perspective of the island’s coastal landscapes.

Evening programs include stargazing sessions and discussions about coastal ecology. The intimate setting creates connections with nature impossible to find in more developed destinations. Your stay includes all meals, activities, and boat transportation to this protected paradise.

7. St. Marys

Gateway to Cumberland Island, this charming waterfront town offers small-town appeal with big coastal access. You’ll find the heart of the community at 406 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA 31558, where historic buildings line oak-shaded streets.

The Riverwalk provides scenic views of the St. Marys River with benches perfect for watching boats pass by. Orange Hall, built in 1830, serves as a house museum showcasing antebellum architecture and local history.

Crooked River State Park at 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway offers camping, kayaking, and nature trails through coastal habitats. Downtown shops sell local art, antiques, and handmade crafts from regional artisans.

Restaurants serve fresh seafood caught daily from nearby waters. The submarine museum at 102 St. Marys Street W honors the Navy’s submarine history with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Annual events include seafood festivals and historical reenactments bringing the community together throughout the year for celebrations of coastal culture and heritage.

8. Brunswick

Shrimp boats bob at the docks in this working waterfront city known as the Gateway to the Golden Isles. Located at 1505 Richmond Street, Brunswick, GA 31520, this community blends industry with historic charm and coastal access.

Mary Ross Waterfront Park offers views of the marshes immortalized in Sidney Lanier’s poem “Marshes of Glynn.” Historic downtown features Victorian architecture housing boutiques, galleries, and restaurants serving authentic Southern cuisine.

The Ritz Theatre at 1530 Newcastle Street hosts performances and cultural events year-round. Lover’s Oak, estimated at over 900 years old, spreads massive limbs across an entire city block.

Blythe Island Regional Park at 6616 Blythe Island Highway provides beach access, camping, and water sports facilities. Fresh seafood markets sell shrimp, crabs, and fish straight from local boats.

The city serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby barrier islands while offering its own attractions. Annual blessing of the fleet ceremonies honor the fishing industry’s importance to the local economy and culture.

9. Darien

Georgia’s second oldest city preserves centuries of history along the Altamaha River delta. You’ll discover this gem at 1 Fort King George Drive, Darien, GA 31305, where Scottish Highlanders established a settlement in 1736.

Fort King George State Historic Site features a reconstructed fort and museum detailing the area’s military and colonial past. The waterfront showcases working shrimp boats and seafood processing facilities continuing traditions spanning generations.

Vernon Square, the town’s central green space, hosts festivals and community gatherings throughout the year. Historic churches include St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, both architectural treasures.

The Altamaha River, one of America’s last great wild rivers, offers exceptional kayaking and fishing opportunities. Local restaurants specialize in Lowcountry cuisine featuring fresh-caught shrimp prepared traditional ways.

Nearby Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge protects critical habitat for endangered wood storks and other species. The town maintains an authentic character often lost in more touristy coastal destinations, welcoming visitors seeking genuine experiences.

10. Kingsland

Friendly community spirit welcomes visitors to this growing coastal town near the Florida border. You’ll find the center at 201 East Boone Avenue, Kingsland, GA 31548, where modern amenities blend with Southern hospitality.

The town serves as home to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, bringing diverse culture and economic vitality. Crooked River State Park at 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway offers camping, fishing, and nature trails through coastal forests and wetlands.

Downtown shops and restaurants cater to both locals and visitors seeking authentic experiences. The area provides affordable lodging options for travelers exploring nearby Cumberland Island and St. Marys.

Laura S. Walker State Park at 5653 Laura Walker Road features a golf course, lake swimming, and hiking trails. Local events include holiday celebrations and community gatherings fostering small-town connections.

The town’s growth has brought new businesses while maintaining its welcoming character. Proximity to Interstate 95 makes it easily accessible for travelers heading to Florida or exploring Georgia’s coast. Fresh seafood restaurants serve catches from nearby waters prepared with regional recipes passed through generations.

11. Shellman Bluff

Working fishing village character thrives in this waterfront community along the Julianton River. Located near 1210 River Road, Shellman Bluff, GA 31331, this spot offers authentic coastal Georgia experiences without commercial tourist development.

Shrimp boats and fishing vessels dock at local marinas where captains sell fresh catches daily. Waterfront restaurants serve seafood so fresh it was swimming hours earlier, prepared with traditional Lowcountry recipes.

The community’s laid-back atmosphere attracts anglers, kayakers, and nature lovers seeking genuine experiences. Boat ramps provide access to excellent fishing grounds in the sounds and rivers surrounding the area.

Local guides offer fishing charters targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in productive coastal waters. The scenic drive to Shellman Bluff winds through marshlands offering stunning views and wildlife sightings.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge sits nearby, protecting important bird habitat and offering hiking trails. The village maintains traditions of commercial fishing and shrimping spanning multiple generations. Sunset views over the marsh create memorable moments, and the absence of crowds ensures peaceful experiences along Georgia’s beautiful coast.