The Best Beaches Near Savannah, Georgia
The coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, is beloved for its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and fantastic food scene. But the city is also an ideal starting point for an unforgettable beach day—whether it’s a short 30-minute drive to Tybee Island or a ferry ride to one of the secluded barrier islands with nearly private access.
So pack your swimsuit, catch some waves, walk along sandy beaches dotted with driftwood, and enjoy either historic attractions or the (relatively) warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean at these nearby destinations.
Best Beach for Day Trippers – Tybee Island
Just 30 minutes from downtown Savannah lies Tybee Island, a local favorite among beachgoers. There are plenty of places to set up your umbrella. Back River Beach is away from traffic and restaurants and is often quieter. You can paddle out to Little Tybee Island by kayak and find beautiful shells in the soft sand.
Tybee Island Pavilion and Pier is the perfect place to watch surfers, try your hand at fishing, or enjoy the view. Also visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse from 1866 for a panoramic view of the coastline.
For an authentic Tybee experience, dine at one of the island’s seafood restaurants. Crab Trap is a classic with patio seating among oak trees, while Sea Wolf offers a unique menu with hot dogs, oysters, and handcrafted cocktails.
Best for Multigenerational Groups – Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is just a 45-minute drive from Savannah and offers both public beaches such as Fish Haul Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park as well as private beaches at resorts like Sea Pines.
Families can enjoy miles of bike paths, mini golf, museums, and world-class golf courses. Visit the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park to learn about the area’s original inhabitants. End the day with seafood and sunset views at Skull Creek Boathouse, known for its enormous crab legs.
Best for Gilded Age History – Jekyll Island
About 90 minutes from Savannah lies Jekyll Island, known for the historic Jekyll Island Club, a former exclusive resort for America’s wealthiest families. Today, anyone can visit the beautiful rooms and cottages.
The island’s beaches include Driftwood Beach with its dramatic driftwood formations and St Andrews Beach, which features a memorial to the enslaved people who were illegally brought to the island nearly 200 years ago. You’ll also find a platform for wildlife observation here.
Best for Beach Camping – Hunting Island State Park
Between Fripp and Harbor Islands lies Hunting Island State Park, which attracts more than 1 million visitors each year. The island has 8 km of beaches, including Little Hunting Island Boneyard Beach with its skeleton-like driftwood trees.
Explore the nature trails, visit the historic lighthouse from 1859—the only one in South Carolina open to the public—and stay overnight at one of the 100 tent sites or in a cozy cabin.
Best for Gullah-Geechee History – Sapelo Island
One hour from Savannah is the fishing town of Darien, from where you can take a 30-minute ferry to Sapelo Island. Here you can visit Reynolds Mansion, the former home of automotive magnate Howard Coffin and tobacco baron RJ Reynolds Jr.
Best for Wildlife – Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is reached by ferry from St Marys, about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Savannah. Take a history tour to sites such as First African Baptist Church and the ruins of Dungeness, and experience the island’s wild horses and unique natural landscape.
