Georgia’s coastline isn’t one destination — it’s a collection of very different towns, each offering a completely different experience. Some are polished beach resorts, others are historic river towns, and a few are best if you want quiet nature and empty beaches.

The best Georgia coastal town depends on how you want to travel — whether that’s with kids, for a romantic escape, or to unplug entirely. These are the Georgia coastal towns not to miss, and who each one is best for.

Town	Best For	Beach Access	Crowds	Vibe
St. Marys	Nature + history	Ferry access	Low	Quiet, charming
Tybee Island	Easy beach trip	Excellent	High	Lively, casual
Savannah	Culture & food	Nearby	High	Historic, walkable
Sea Island	Luxury travelers	Private	Low	Upscale, exclusive
Brunswick	Local culture	Nearby islands	Low	Working waterfront
Jekyll Island	Families	Excellent	Moderate	Relaxed, educational
Darien	Quiet escape	Nearby islands	Very low	Old-school coastal
St. Simons Island	Classic beach town	Excellent	Moderate	Polished, scenic
Skidaway Island	Nature lovers	State park	Low	Wild, peaceful

Georgia Coastal Towns To Check Out

Let’s get started on the coastal towns in Georgia you should be adding to your bucket list.

1. St. Marys

St. Marys is a quiet, historic river town located at Georgia’s southernmost point. Established in 1787, it feels slower and more old-fashioned than many coastal destinations, making it ideal for travelers who want charm without crowds.

The town’s waterfront park offers peaceful river views and is a lovely place to stroll. Downtown, you’ll find small shops, local restaurants, and museums that highlight the area’s long history.

One of St. Marys’ biggest draws is its ferry access to Cumberland Island National Seashore. From here, visitors can explore wild beaches, see the famous wild horses, and visit the haunting Dungeness Ruins. It’s one of the most unique day trips on the Georgia coast.

St. Marys is best for travelers who value nature, history, and a quieter coastal experience.

For a charming place to stay on your trip to St. Marys you will want to consider staying at Sure Stay Plus Hotel. It is a great family hotel that has lots of room and amenities for kids.

2. Tybee Island

Tybee Island is Georgia’s most accessible beach town, located just 30 minutes from Savannah. It offers wide sandy beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Visitors can spend their days swimming, biking, kayaking, or walking the beach. Tybee is also a great destination for wildlife lovers, especially birders, thanks to the North Beach Birding Trail and seasonal migrations.

The Tybee Island Lighthouse is the island’s most recognizable landmark and well worth the climb for sweeping coastal views. Nearby shops and casual eateries give the town a fun, relaxed beach vibe.

The Tybee Island lighthouse is a must-see when visiting the island. This iconic structure is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia and has become one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Explore the grounds near the lighthouse to see the keepers’ cottages and climb up to its observation deck for breathtaking views of the coast. And when you are done there, swing by the Sugar Shack for a tasty treat.

 

Tybee Island has a number of great places to stay (you can stay in Savannah and just go for a day trip.) But if you want to be close to the beach I recommend Hotel Tybee. The beach is literally outside the hotel and you can play until the sun goes down.

3. Savannah

This one might be cheating just a bit. But this city is incredible and is close enough to the coast that it is worth mentioning here.

There are plenty of things to do in Savannah to keep you entertained during a visit, as the city is steeped in history.

• Wander down its cobblestone streets by the river or take in the picturesque green squares for which the city is renowned.
• Take a riverboat cruise
•  Go on a Historic District trolley tour
• Get your scares with an after-dark ghost tour. 
• Wander the Historic District
• Spend time at Bonaventure Cemetery.
• You can stroll through Forsyth Park
• Tour one of the historic homes like the Mercer-Williams house
• Take in the views from River Street, which has tons of shops, restaurants, and bars, along with a stunning view of the Savannah River.

Bonaventure Cemetery is a historic cemetery located just outside of Savannah. The cemetery spans over 150 acres and features spectacular monuments, statues, and sculptures among the graves. Amble through the winding paths taking in the cemetery’s beauty. Think delicate statues and mossy trees.Close to sunset is the perfect time to visit, but don’t get locked in, as the cemetery does close at night!

Plus Savannah is quite close to Charleston, South Carolina and if you plan right you can visit both.

 

If you want to be able to walk to River Street or through any of the cities beautiful parks, you can just walk out the door of the Andaz Savannah. You are paying for location here and it is well worth it!

4. Sea Island

If you want an upscale island experience, this one is for you.

Sea Island is a privately owned island off the coast of Georgia. It is home to the luxurious Sea Island Resort, which offers guests an exceptional experience with unparalleled hospitality and amenities.

The 5-star resort is known for its exquisite spa, which features a variety of treatments such as massages, facials, and body masks. And guests enjoy delicious cuisine from one of the resort’s many incredible fine dining options.

If you want to get out and enjoy some outdoor activities, the resort offers boating, fishing, sea turtle patrol (when in season), dolphin tours, and more.It is also home to the acclaimed Seaside Golf Course, which offers guests a world-class golf experience.

And the best part about the resort? It is a pet-friendly hotel!

That means you can bring your furry friend with you, and they even get their own pet menu of amenities to partake in.

Please note that since the island is private and gated, you must be a guest or member of the resort to access the island.

5. Brunswick

Brunswick is a vibrant fishing city located in Glynn County, Georgia.

The city has dubbed itself the “Shrimp Capital of the World” due to its booming shrimping industry, which has been around since the late 19th century. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in the city is to take an excursion aboard a retired shrimp trawler and learn about the species you pull from the water during the trip.

Aside from its thriving seafood industry, Brunswick also offers visitors an array of cultural attractions and activities.

The city is home to numerous historic buildings to see, including the Old City Hall, the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and the Ritz Theatre. You can explore museums and galleries, attend festivals and concerts, or stroll around the city’s charming streets. Like Savannah, there are plenty of squares and green spaces to relax in.

One thing you can’t miss on a visit is a stop at Lover’s Oak. The 900-year-old oak, located downtown, is where hundreds of years ago, lovers would meet.

Stop by with your significant other to keep the tradition going!

6. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a barrier island known for its incredible beaches and environmental education programs.

At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, you can learn how the facility rehabilitates injured sea turtles and how humans affect them in the wild. And during the summer months, you can head to the marshlands for the Gatorology experience to learn about alligators, their habitat, and conservation.

But if just having fun is more your style, Jekyll Island also offers plenty of activities, like golfing, biking, kayaking, and fishing. And if you have kids, the summer waves water park will surely be a hit.

One of the most popular attractions on Jekyll Island is Driftwood Beach. Located on the island’s northeast point, this beach has become a major tourist destination due to its unique driftwood formations that wash ashore.

Jekyll Ocean Club is a gorgeous hotel and resort that will make you feel pampered while you enjoy the outdoor scenery. Heated pools, jacuzzis and lots of places to sit to enjoy the view await you.

7. Darien

Darien is a historic and delightful coastal town not to miss.

Visitors to Darien can explore its many attractions, such as the Waterfront Park.  Heading to the waterfront offers stunning views of the river and is a great place to relax and watch the boats.

Fort King George Historic Site is a former British fort built in the early 1700s and is the oldest existing fort left in Georgia. You can explore the original barracks, officer’s quarters, and a guardhouse. During your visit, you can also learn about daily life at the fort through interpretive displays.

If you want to take a little boat trip, one of the best things to do from Darien is head to Sapelo Island or Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge. Both destinations allow you to observe incredible wildlife up close and explore stunning landscapes.

Don’t miss out on seeing the Sapelo Island lighthouse during your island day trip, as it is the second oldest brick lighthouse in the US.

 

Stay at Oaks on The River to enjoy the beautiful river view while you enjoy a delicious meal. Large rooms and great service are guaranteed at the hotel.

8. St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is one of Georgia’s most beautiful barrier islands. It is home to stunning beaches along one coast and miles of salt marshes on the other.

On the island, you can enjoy a multitude of activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. The island also hosts stunning resorts and golf courses.

Nature lovers can explore miles of pristine beaches, enjoy spectacular sunsets or spot wildlife from the nearby marshes.

And if you are a photographer, you can’t miss the “avenue of the oaks” at the entrance to Sea Island Golf Course. Once part of a plantation, hundreds of oaks stretch as far as the eye can see.

There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s history, with sites like Christ Church or St. Simons Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the US.

If you want to bring home a few gifts for friends or family, make sure you head to Pier Village. You can’t go wrong wandering through boutique shops, filling up on sweet treats, finding handmade crafts, and more.

9. Skidaway Island

Skidaway Island is our final Georgia coastal town, but that doesn’t mean it is the worst on the list by any means. On the contrary, if you want to immerse yourself in nature, this one is for you.

The island is home to Skidaway Island State Park, where you can explore miles of nature trails, visit salt marshes, observe wildlife like deer, and take in the gorgeous views from an observation tower.

Birders will be impressed at the variety of species on the island, as it is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Some specialty birds you might find include the pileated woodpecker and the bald eagle.

And if that doesn’t provide you with your nature fix, catch a boat over to Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is one of the cleanest on the whole of the Eastern coast.

Hike the refuge’s numerous trails, photograph wildlife, or spend the day searching the sand for treasure and playing in the water.

Which Georgia Coastal Town Is Right for You?

• Go to Savannah if you want history, food, and walkable neighborhoods
• Go to Tybee Island if you want an easy beach trip near a city
• Go to Jekyll Island if you’re traveling with kids
• Go to Sea Island if luxury and privacy matter most
• Go to Darien or Skidaway Island if you want quiet nature and no crowds

Conclusion – 9 Best Georgia Coastal Towns Not To Miss

From Savannah’s Historic District to Skidaway Island, Georgia’s coastline is full of incredible tourist destinations.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or educational opportunities, there’s something for everyone in these coastal towns.

And with so many attractions and activities, it’s easy to see why so many people love visiting Georgia’s coast. So grab your beach blanket and your beach essentials and head to a great beach.

So, don’t wait any longer and explore the best coastal towns that Georgia has to offer! 

 

Guest Post: Jenny from Traveling In Focus