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All Articles 7 easy-to-reach beaches around Savannah

7 easy-to-reach beaches around Savannah

Make it a beach day on Tybee Island, Hilton Head, and more.

Chelsea Bengier
By Chelsea BengierOct 18, 2024 5 minutes read
People riding bikes on the beach, plus a kite flying in the air
Beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Image: Everett Atlas/Getty Images

Savannah definitely brings the Southern charm, but to get a real feel for the Lowcountry, I recommend you head for the water. And as I've discovered, there are plenty of worthy, waterfront spots to check out around these parts, from beaches and marshes t0 coastal forests and wetlands—the list goes on.

Make Savannah your home base, and spend your days hopping between nearby barrier islands. On my trips through the area, I’ve uncovered something new every time—whether it’s a historic plantation, a marine wildlife center, a windswept beach, or a resort perfect for unwinding. (There are dozens of islands to explore, so take your pick).

For a family-friendly trip: Tybee Island

30 minutes from downtown Savannah by car

Mom and son in separate kayaks on the water
Kayaking on Tybee Island.
Image: VisitTybee/Tripadvisor

If you want a quick day out with the kids, Tybee Island is it. This barrier island east of Savannah is the go-to summer spot, with clean beaches and fresh seafood joints. But, due to its close proximity and popularity, it can get quite busy, especially around the pier. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of quieter areas. My favorite is North Beach, near Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum (climb nearly 200 steps to the top for a sweeping view of the shore). This wide beach has easy access for those with kids in tow, and there are hardly any crowds. Grab coffee at the funky Tybean Coffee Bar, an art-filled cottage that serves up breakfast burritos, smoothies, and scones. And if you forget to pack a picnic, have lunch at Sea Wolf—the gourmet hot dogs are always a hit.

Tip: For a secret, secluded spot, make a beeline to Back River Beach along Tybee Creek. This gem, hidden at the end of Highway 80, has calm water for kids to play in as well as frequent bottlenose dolphin sightings. To catch a stunning sunset, head to A-J’s Dockside Restaurant, overlooking the marsh (reservations required).

For outdoor activities: Hilton Head

1 hour from downtown Savannah by car

Lighthouse and adjacent boats docked in marina
Lighthouse on Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Image: Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Hilton Head is more postcard-perfect than you can imagine: oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, white beaches, and romantic resorts. It’s no wonder why so many people retire here or come for vacation. Plus, Hilton Head has a variety of outdoor activities—all within a golf cart drive away. Consider it an upscale playground, with manicured golf courses, kayaking routes (Mitchelville Beach is ideal), scenic bike trails, and nature walks (check out the 68-acre Coastal Discovery Museum). If you prefer to explore on two wheels, go to the beach at low tide when you can actually cycle on the packed sand. Driessen Beach Park is still under-the-radar, with a lovely boardwalk, picnic area, and park. Bring your four-legged friends too; dogs are allowed before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Tip: I suggest carrying your chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear in a wagon because it is a bit far to get to the water from the parking lot.

For a wellness escape: St. Simons Island

1.5 hours from downtown Savannah by car

Swimming pool with adjacent loungers overlooking water at sunset
Swimming pool at The Cloister at Sea Island, St. Simons Island.
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

There’s a reason St. Simon’s Island is one of Georgia’s so-called Golden Isles. Beyond the fact that the beaches are gorgeous, it’s filled with upscale seaside communities, luxurious resorts, and serene spas. When I’m in the mood to treat myself, I book a relaxing weekend at Sea Island. The resort is divided into The Cloister, The Lodge, and a host of private cottages. I prefer the glam Cloister, which is set on 50 acres of lowcountry land and salt marshes. The best part? It has five miles of private beach and an ultra-luxe beach club, with an adults-only pool, cabanas, and butlers who bring Yeti coolers stocked with drinks right to your daybed. There’s also a water sports center for any activities you can dream of. If I’m not lounging by the sea, you can find me blissing out at the palatial spa (the water reflexology path is heavenly).

Tip: No transport? No problem. Book a room at The Cloister, and you’ll get a complimentary BMW to cruise around the coastline.

Book a tour

For a slice of local life: Daufuskie Island

45 minutes from downtown Savannah by ferry

Moss covering tree in front of water
View from Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Image: Tavelman70/Tripadvisor

This laid-back island, only accessible by boat, has maintained an off-the-grid atmosphere with unpaved roads and wild beaches. Why, you ask? Daufuskie Island is protected under the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to its rich Gullah heritage, so no development is allowed. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of life here. You’ll find local artisans in the galleries as well as fishermen casting lines offshore. There are three miles of public beaches, where it’s common to see dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and osprey. When you need a break from the sun, follow the crowds to Old Daufuskie Crab Company to try an island staple, deviled crab, at one of the picnic tables. Prefer a pick-me-up? School Grounds Coffee is a hidden gem in a historic schoolhouse; the mom-and-pop shop serves a killer cup of joe and homemade baked goods, fresh out of the oven every morning.

Tip: The best way to get here is to take a boat from Bull River Marina, just outside Savannah’s main district.

For phenomenal photo ops: Jekyll Island

1.5 hours from downtown Savannah by car

Sunset over ocean and beach with tree
Sunset on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island.
Image: sestevens/Getty Images

A straight-shot south of Savannah, Jekyll Island is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever laid eyes on. If you’re into animals, swing by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where resident biologists can give you a tour or take you on a guided sunrise walk by the water. Then, continue on to Driftwood Beach, the highlight of the island. Formerly a maritime forest, this scenic stretch is covered in weathered trees that look like skeletons sticking up from the sand. Many photographers come here to capture the striking setting, especially around dusk.

Tip: This isn’t a beach for swimming, so you won’t find any facilities or bars nearby. But, it is a wonderful spot to walk, especially during low tide when the beach is widest.

For beachcombing and boardwalks: Hunting Island

1.5 hours from downtown Savannah by car

Wooden walkway amid marshy area
Boardwalk at Hunting Island State Park.
Image: Teresa Kopec/Getty Images

Hunting Island is arguably one of the most popular state parks in Georgia. Spanning 5,000 acres, it has a ton of different landscapes, from saltwater lagoons and windswept beaches to maritime forests and marshland. Sure, you could laze away the day, swimming and sunbathing, but if you’d rather mix it up, there are a host of hiking trails, boardwalks, and bike paths to explore.

Tip: Locals love Boneyard Beach, a 1.5-mile stretch that has coastal tree trunks and their branches scattered across the sand. It’s a fantastic place to hunt for shark teeth, seashells, and other treasures.

For an off-the-grid adventure: Sapelo Island

2 hours from downtown Savannah by car and ferry

Marshy area under cloudy sky
Marsh on Sapelo Island.
Image: LizMinkertJohnson/Getty Images

Want to get away from it all? Consider Sapelo Island, 60 miles south of Savannah. It might take some effort to get to, but, trust me, it’s worth it. First off, you must register your visit before you set foot ashore. (The island is protected and monitored due to migrating birds and other wildlife.) Once approved, head to the visitors center on the mainland and take a quick half-hour ferry across Doboy Sound to the 16,500-acre island. You’ll find pleasant stretches like Nanny Goat Beach (yes, that’s its real name) and Cabretta Island Beach, to the north. My favorite thing is you can stay the night at Cabretta Campground and set up tents under the live oak trees.

Tip: History buffs will be intrigued by Sapelo Island’s unique Civil War history. One main site is Reynolds Mansion, a plantation built in 1810. Descendents of the enslaved people now live at Hog Hammock, a 434-acre private community.