10 Georgia Beach Towns Overrun By Tourists, According To Locals

Georgia’s coastline draws millions of visitors every year, and locals have noticed. The charming beach towns that once felt like hidden gems now buzz with crowds during peak season.

I’ve gathered insights from residents who’ve watched their quiet communities transform into tourist hotspots, and their stories reveal which spots get the most overwhelming attention.

1. Tybee Island

Locals call it “Savannah’s Beach,” but that nickname comes with a price. Every summer weekend brings bumper-to-bumper traffic across the bridge, turning a 20-minute drive into an hour-long crawl.

Parking becomes a competitive sport, with visitors circling blocks endlessly. Year-round residents say finding a quiet spot on the sand feels nearly impossible from May through September. The small-town charm still exists, but you’ll need to visit during off-season to experience it without battling crowds for every inch of beach space.

2. St. Simons Island

This Golden Isles destination has exploded in popularity over the past decade. What used to be a sleepy retirement community now hosts countless weddings, family reunions, and vacation rentals that keep neighborhoods bustling year-round.

The village area gets particularly packed, especially around the pier and lighthouse. Long-time residents mention that grocery stores and restaurants now require reservations or lengthy waits. While the island maintains its natural beauty, the peaceful atmosphere locals once cherished has definitely shifted toward constant activity and tourist-focused businesses.

3. Jekyll Island

State-owned and carefully managed, this island still struggles with overwhelming visitor numbers during summer months. Residents appreciate the conservation efforts but notice beaches filling up quickly on weekends.

The historic district attracts tour buses daily, creating congestion around popular sites. Bike paths get crowded with rental riders who aren’t always familiar with trail etiquette. Did you know Jekyll Island was once an exclusive millionaire’s club? Now it welcomes everyone, which locals love in principle but find exhausting when trying to enjoy their own backyard during peak tourism season.

4. Sea Island

Money talks loudly on this exclusive barrier island. While technically private, the resort brings thousands of wealthy visitors who occupy the beaches and amenities.

Workers who live nearby say traffic increases dramatically during golf tournaments and holiday weekends. The island caters to high-end tourism, which means locals without resort access feel pushed out of their own community spaces.

Luxury developments keep expanding, and longtime residents worry about losing the authentic coastal character. The price of exclusivity means even fewer public areas remain accessible to Georgia residents.

5. Cumberland Island

Getting here requires a ferry, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from coming. Park rangers limit daily visitors, yet locals say those quotas still feel too high during spring and fall.

The pristine beaches and wild horses attract nature lovers from everywhere, creating conga lines on popular trails. Residents connected to the island’s small community value its protected status but notice increasing pressure on fragile ecosystems.

Camping spots book months in advance, and day-trippers sometimes leave trash behind despite regulations, frustrating those who call this special place home.

6. St. Marys

Serving as the gateway to Cumberland Island, this charming town has seen tourism boom alongside ferry operations. The historic waterfront district gets packed with visitors waiting for boat departures.

Local restaurants and shops depend on tourist dollars, but residents mention the seasonal chaos disrupts daily life. Parking downtown becomes scarce when multiple ferry groups arrive simultaneously.

The small-town feel remains during winter months, but summer transforms St. Marys into a bustling tourist hub. Many locals avoid downtown entirely during peak hours, choosing to shop and dine elsewhere.

7. Sapelo Island

Home to one of the last intact Gullah Geechee communities, this island faces unique tourism pressures. Visitors arrive curious about culture and history, but the attention sometimes feels invasive to residents.

Tour groups walk through neighborhoods where people actually live, creating an uncomfortable fishbowl effect. The community welcomes respectful visitors but worries about preserving their heritage amid growing interest.

Ferry access limits numbers somewhat, yet locals still feel their private lives becoming public attractions. Balancing cultural preservation with tourism revenue remains an ongoing challenge for this special community.

8. Darien

Known as the “Shrimp Capital,” this working fishing village has become a popular stop for coastal travelers. The authentic maritime atmosphere attracts visitors seeking something beyond typical beach resorts.

Locals appreciate the economic boost but notice their working waterfront becoming more tourist-oriented. Restaurants stay packed during shrimp season festivals, and historic sites see constant foot traffic.

Long-time residents remember when Darien felt like a genuine fishing community rather than a tourist attraction. The balance between preserving working heritage and accommodating visitors grows more difficult each year as more people discover this spot.

9. Brunswick

As the mainland hub for Golden Isles destinations, this city handles massive tourist traffic heading to nearby islands. Highway congestion becomes unbearable during summer weekends and holidays.

The revitalized downtown attracts visitors exploring before or after island trips, filling restaurants and shops. Residents deal with increased noise, traffic, and parking challenges throughout tourist season. Brunswick offers authentic coastal Georgia culture, but locals say it’s getting harder to enjoy their own city amenities. The economic benefits help the community, yet many residents wish for better infrastructure to handle the overwhelming seasonal influx.

10. Little St. Simons Island

Privately owned and incredibly exclusive, this island limits guests to just 32 at a time. You’d think that would prevent overcrowding, but locals on nearby islands notice the ripple effects.

Wealthy visitors often explore surrounding areas, adding to regional tourist numbers. The lodge operates year-round, maintaining constant visitor presence in an otherwise remote location. Staff members commute from the mainland, contributing to traffic on connecting islands.

While the island itself stays uncrowded by design, its existence as a luxury destination impacts the broader community’s tourism landscape and local character significantly.