Hit the road to destinations like Tybee Island, Hilton Head, and more.
Atlanta is many thing , but it ’s certainly not a beach town . And male child do those southerly temperatures getunbearablewhen summertime rolls around . Fortunately , there are numerous alluring beaches that are n’t too far forth . Frombeautiful destinationslike Hilton Head and Tybee Island to lesser - known beaches along the Alabama seashore , there are several beach near Atlanta that make a perfect weekend pickup . So next clock time you incur yourself sitting in traffic , elude to one of these coastal retreats for a fusillade of summertime fun .
Tybee Island
Distance from Atlanta : Four hoursWhen you need some facetime with the sea , this laidback barrier island — the easternmost point in Georgia — is the closest desirable option from Atlanta . Only around 20 minutes from always - pleasantSavannah , Tybee ’s mellowed beach generally get the busiest during summer calendar month . North Beach is base to a number of historic attractions — stop by theTybee Island Museum and Lighthouseto learn about 400 years of island history — while South Beach is the most commercial territorial dominion , known for resilient Tybrisa Street . Check out Back River Beach , also known as the island ’s secret beach , for dolphin sighting and gorgeous sunsets . Take a break from the beach by search local waterways , discovering all 13 stops of theTybee Island Black History Trail , or hike up the 1.5 - mile lead atFort Pulaskifor a squeamish horizon of theCockspur Lighthouse .
Dining highlight include : North Beach Bar and Grill , a nonchalant beachside option;Sea Wolf , known for its oysters , red-hot frankfurter , and vegan options ; andZunzibar , a South African - accent eating house that also has an Atlanta locating .
There are more than 500 hotel and motel rooms locate within a shortsighted stroll of the beach , plus luck of vacation renting pick . Popular mainstay includeBeachfront Colony Resort , DeSoto Beach Hotel , andBeachview Inn & Spa .
St. Simons Island|Photo courtesy of Sea Island
Hilton Head Island
space from Atlanta : Four hours and 30 minutesNestled between Charleston and Savannah , Hilton Head Island has been a favorite getaway for Atlantans going back decade . The island ’s Lowcountry backdrop — consummate with Spanish moss - cover oaks , swaying palmetto trees , and tranquil marshes — jockey for care alongside 12 miles of Atlantic coastline . Expansive and unclouded , Hilton Head ’s beach are heavy for leisurely stroll or bike rides . Coligny Beach is filled with shaded porch swings , and close to legion beachside parallel bars . While other top selection admit Folly Field Beach , Driessen Beach , and Burkes Beach . Explore the Dominicus - soaked gumption by pedaling around , as the island is exceptionally bike - favorable . It ’s also a mecca for golfers , with more than 30 class in the area .
Climb to the top of theHarbour Town Lighthousefor unparalleled views of the racing yacht basin and sound , or visit theCoastal Discovery Museum — deposit on the 68 - acre historic Honey Horn prop — to see about the local environment , polish , and artwork . Be sure to stop byMitchelville Freedom Park , the first ego - governed town of formerly enslave people in the United States , to research the rich history of the Gullah community of interests .
There are more than 250 eatery on the island ; the biggest crowds delight fresh seafood at mainstays likeHudson ’s Seafood House on the Docks , A Lowcountry Backyard , andSkull Creek Boathouse . Toast a successful visit with deglutition at the Beach House ’s famousTiki Hut , the only bar in Hilton Head located at once on the beach .
South Beach in Tybee Island|Photo by Brittany Howard; courtesy of Visit Savannah
The terminus is awash in well - appointed , all - use resort . wise to option for easy beachfront access include theWestin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa , theOmni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort , andBeach House Hilton Head Island . For a celeb - approved option , channelize inland to reach South Carolina ’s most photogenic recourse , Montage Palmetto Bluff , situation of numerous celebrated weddings including Justin and Hailey Bieber ’s .
St. Simons Island
Distance from Atlanta : Four hours and 45 minutesA four - sea mile causeway leads visitor from the city of Brunswick to St. Simons Island , which has won national laurels for its small-scale town appeal . It ’s systematically order among the best choice for a romantic getaway in the state — some visitors opt to spend their time on the piss , while others are contented to just saunter among the live Southern oak tree draped with Spanish moss . Much of the action centers aroundEast Beach , which offer up a kitchen stove of activeness , whileFort Frederica National Monument , a Georgia State Park historic internet site that was once a thriving community in colonial Georgia , offer a gracious rift from the breakers . Do n’t leave without snapping a few flick of St. Simons Lighthouse .
Enjoy local seafood handle with maintenance atGeorgia Sea GrillandThe Half Shell , or pander in comfort fare atSouthern Soul BarbecueandPalmer ’s Village Cafe .
Sea Palms ResortandThe King and Prince Beach & Golf Resortare two of the most popular hotel options , or splurge and reward yourself with a halt on neighboringSea Island , a secret island resort that ’s nearing 100 years in clientele . Explore the Sea Island ’s five miles of individual beach , and join fellow guests as you spot the local Big Five : dolphins , shorebirds , falcons , buck , and turtle .
Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
Jekyll Island
space from Atlanta : Five hoursOne of Georgia ’s famed Golden Isles , Jekyll Island boasts a large historic recourse , relaxing land park , and lashings of active by-line like biking and golfing . But it ’s the island ’s 10 miles of untasted beaches that keep bring visitors back clip and time again , especially Driftwood Beach , which has won national attention for its otherworldly setting . It ’s heavily not to rediscover your interior child while climbing around the ancient , weathered stiff of bouncy oak that give the beach its name . Other can’t - missy preferences include St. Andrews Beach Park , which is home to a walking trail that dives into the story of “ The Wanderer , ” one of the last recognize American striver ships to sail the Atlantic , as well as a two - level wildlife consider program from which you’re able to spot migratory birds and groups of dolphins . As one of the top nesting destinations for sea turtles on the East Coast , Jekyll Island is home to the commonwealth ’s only ocean turtle rehabilitation and education readiness , theGeorgia Sea Turtle Center .
For a small name and address , Jekyll Island offers a wide range of dining alternative , from Lowcountry eat and casual , sand - between - the - toes culinary art to elegant fine dining . Enjoy salty breezes while noshing on gang - pleasing transportation atTortuga Jacks , Driftwood Bistro , orThe Wharf .
Once frequented by gilded age barons like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller , theJekyll Island Club Resorthas been transformed into an elegant yet modern name and address with 15 acres of carefully landscaped outdoor public distance . Jekyll Ocean Club , the babe , all - suite addition to the resort , offers convenient oceanfront admittance , as do a variety of chain hotels . And for proximity to Driftwood Beach , Villas by the Seacan’t be beat .
Driftwood Beach|Photo courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
Pensacola Beach
Distance from Atlanta : Five hoursAs part of theGulf Islands National Seashore — the largest protect reach of seashore in the US — Pensacola features more than 18 miles of winding , pristine coastlines of emerald H2O and acres of preserved forestry . These beaches draw a varied mixing , from grizzled beach fanny and sportfishing enthusiasts to wildlife lovers and environmentalists . The sugar - lily-white sand and clear piss pop the question endless opportunities for purdah , particularly when enjoyed as part of a bike drive or kayak trip .
History buffs have plenty to explore , as Pensacola was established in 1559 , making it one of America ’s quondam settlement . The area ’s Creole influence can be find in architecture throughout the historic business district , which blow a thriving ethnical scene . After a lengthy closure , Naval Air Station Pensacolais once again receptive to the public , take into account access to popular destinations such as the National Naval Aviation Museum and Fort Barrancas .
The epicentre of the party scene can be found at historicCasino Beach , which is easy to find , just look for the gargantuan water tower paint to take care like a beach ball . There ’s lots of free parking , plenty of lively eating and crapulence spots ( Shaggy’s , Crabs on the Beach , Casino Beach Bar ) , and it ’s BYOB . ( Head to the alcohol - complimentary zone just slightly west for more of a down in the mouth - key , family - friendly vibe . ) For the full experience , set up a base pack at one of the beach ’s large - shell hotels , most notably thePensacola Beach Resort(formerly have it off as the Margaritaville Beach Hotel ) or the new $ 75 millionFairfield Inn & Suites , which sport the Gulf Coast ’s largest indolent river .
Photo by Bown Media/Shutterstock
Charleston
Distance from Atlanta : Five hours and 15 minutesWhile Charleston attracts visitors from far and all-inclusive for its incredible dining , computer architecture , and culture ( do n’t miss the newInternational African American Museum , honoring the untold stories of the African American journey ) , it also offers prosperous access to multiple beach and beachfront resorts . Family - friendly Folly Beach is a longtime favorite for its quality restaurants and breaker shops , and its fresh pier is host fishing tournaments and “ Moonlight Mixers ” where you may dance on the pier under the sensation . Sullivan ’s Island is popular for sunset beach strolls and shelling , specially during low tide when sand one dollar bill are well-to-do to distinguish . Though a bit quieter , Isle of Palms is house to the area ’s most pristine beaches , whileKiawah Island Golf Resortlures big - spending traveller with its private beaches and renowned golf game course . For the best of all world , coordinate a beachy escapism during one of The Holy City ’s standout yearly shindig such asCharleston Wine + Foodor the esteemedSpoletoperforming arts festival .
Living up to its condition as a universe - class eating city , it ’s truly hard to have a bad repast in the Charleston area . Check out buzzworthy destinations likeKulturaandChubby Fish , or opt for one of the loyalist such asHusk , Magnolias , slenderly North of Broad , Fig , orLewis Barbecue . For fine menu nigher to the beaches , seek outThe Obstinate DaughterorPoe ’s Tavernon Sullivan Island , andAcme Lowcountry KitchenorThe Refugeon Isle of Palms .
To stay near Charleston ’s beach , most visitors opt for holiday rental units or one of the hotels on Isle of Palms : Seaside Inn , The Palms , andWild Dunes Resort , a popular spot for kiteboarders .
Photo by Rob Wilson/Shutterstock
Jacksonville
space from Atlanta : Five hour and 15 minutesSporty , active Atlantans looking to hone their surfing chops can take on the 22 miles of coastline that make up Jacksonville ’s three beach towns : Atlantic Beach , Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach . Time your sojourn right and you ’ll bask easy approach and vainglorious breaking wafture . In general , body of water enthusiasts ca n’t go faulty with a sojourn to the “ Bold New City of the South”—with 1,100 miles of navigable waterways , Jacksonville has more shoreline than any other metropolis in the nation , extend endless opportunities for fishing , exploring , and other waterplay .
After a long twenty-four hours lolling in the backbone , combat the crowd for a board at theFlying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar , Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House , orNorth Beach Fish Camp . For fittingly beachy vibes , check out theSalt Life Food Shack , which attracts cogwheel - wearing devotees of the Salt Life brand .
Stay in the midsection of the action where Atlantic Beach meets Neptune Beach at theSeahorse Oceanfront InnorOne Ocean Resort . For the area ’s swankiest beachfront stays , head south to Ponte Vedra Beach for thePonte Vedra Inn & Club , or north to Amelia Island , which is home toThe Ritz - Carlton , Amelia IslandandOmni Amelia Island Resort .
Destin-Fort Walton Beach
length from Atlanta:5 hours and 30 minutesThose who trek all the agency to the Destin - FWB area are rewarded with more than 20 miles of white sand beach and emerald green waters filled with all kinds of marvel . For beach access in Destin , find out out access detail such as James Lee Park , Henderson Beach State Park , and Norriego Point , which has shallow lunar time period pool to explore . TheBoardwalk on Okaloosa Islandoffers populate entertainment , sport eateries , and beach admission .
The destination is home to more than 400 artificial reefs and is known for its boating , watersports , snorkel diving , and diving . Billed as the “ World ’s Luckiest Fishing Village , ” Destin boasts the large commercial charter sportfishing fleet in the country , guaranteeing memorable seaward experiences that go beyond but take in one of the 20 types of edible fish available from its waters . Among solid ground - ground drawing card , theGulfarium Marine Adventure Parkrecently unveil its new Dolphin Oasis plus , a multi - million dollar home ground for seven Atlantic Bottlenose dolphinfish .
savor the snatch of the day at place likeBrotula ’s Seafood House & Steamer , Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House , Dewey Destin ’s , andOvide , the first restaurant in Florida by James Beard Award - winning chef Hugh Acheson . If you find yourself bayside , block by one of the destination ’s sweetest entrant , Pink Coyote , for a well - earned treat after dinner .
file highlights include theBeal HouseandThe Island Resort(both in Fort Walton Beach ) , as well as theHilton Sandestin Beach , Henderson Beach Resort , andHotel Effie , an upscale hideaway nest between the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay .
