Looking for the best family beaches in Georgia?? Here’s the list with all the travel information you need to plan a family tour.
Georgia or the Empire State of the South is blessed with many family beaches. Featuring scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, these beaches offer tons of fun outdoor activities to do with kids.
Georgia has them all, whether you are looking for secluded beaches, white sandy beaches, kid-friendly, romantic beaches, beach resorts, or swimmable beaches.
Georgia’s most popular family beaches are Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach, Lanier Islands Beach, Nanny Goat Beach, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and Tybee Island Beach.
So, let’s discover the complete list of the best and most fun beaches in Georgia, United States. Just check the list and add them to your bucket list.
Family Beaches in Georgia
1. Family Beaches in Georgia: Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach
If you love fishing with your family, here’s the best place to visit, Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach.
The pier is open all year round and provides overhead shade from the sun. And it is excellent for families and is famous for catching fish and seeing dolphins.
There are many spots on the pier to cast a line, but be sure to supervise children, especially during the changing tides because there are no lifeguards.
Jekyll Island Fishing Pier is located at Clam Creek Picnic Area on Jekyll Island. It has ample open space for fishing for everyone.
Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice, you can easily find fish here. You can also catch sharks, barracuda, cobia, and many other fish species.
Located next to the Jekyll Island Fishing Center, which sells fishing supplies, this beach area also offers restrooms, grills, and picnic tables.
So, Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach is a popular spot for family picnics.
And also, offers beautiful ocean views and wildlife viewing. However, it is recommended to bring your sunscreen to go to the pier.
On the other hand, there are hundreds of acres of marsh and tidal creeks along Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach. Also, inshore artificial reefs are nearby.
Therefore, Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach is a beautiful place to enjoy a day of fishing and soaking up some sun.
Address: Fishing Pier, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, United States
Family Beaches in Georgia
2. Family Beaches in Georgia: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Beach, Buford
A trip to the tropics isn’t complete without stopping at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier.
The Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Island Beach is a perfect summer destination in Buford, Georgia. If you’re interested in experiencing the tropical lifestyle in Georgia, you’ve come to the right place.
This water park and the beach feature many thrilling rides for kids, families, and grownups. As well as it also offers live music and entertainment every weekend, including Jimmy Buffett tunes.
Lake Lanier is the second-largest lake in Georgia and covers more than 38,000 acres.
The lake’s shoreline is 650 miles long, with beautiful beaches and several ponds.
Lake Lanier Island Beach in Buford, Georgia, is a year-round destination. In the winter, you can experience a winter wonderland at this waterpark called Snow Tube Park. It features a huge snow machine, fun rides for kids and adults, and millions of twinkling holiday lights.
And its resort features a new Land Shark Bar and Grill that serve fish tacos, wings, beer, and a variety of cocktails. Another attraction is a pizza restaurant called Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, named after the famous 1982 Jimmy Buffett song.
Come along with your kids to have a fun day.
Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518, United States Phone: (470) 323-3440
Looking for the best things to do in Georgia?? Here’s the list to add to your bucket list.
Family Beaches in Georgia
3. Family Beaches in Georgia: Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is home to numerous tourist attractions, including the ruins of the chocolate plantation, the Raccoon Bluff lighthouse (Sapelo Lighthouse), and scenic beaches, including Nanny Goat Beach.
If you’re traveling with kids, you should bring them to Sapelo Island to explore its ecological zones.
Located just 16 miles north of Savannah, Nanny Goat Beach features a relaxing atmosphere, a unique experience, and a lot of history.
So, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a stroll along the beach.
The Nanny Goat Beach in Savannah, Georgia, offers a fantastic setting for a family vacation. This two-mile stretch of beach is perfect for strolling, building sandcastles, beachcombing, spotting sand dollars, birdwatching, and catching spectacular sunsets.
Especially, this beach is home to coastal gems like ospreys, blue herons, bald eagles, and egrets.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System will help you learn about Sapelo’s coastal ecosystem and history.
Remember to pre-register for your trip and book a public tour via National Estuarine Research Reserve System to visit Sapelo Island.
Further, you can plan a camping weekend at Carbetta Campground with your family. Surely, pack your camera.
Address: 1766 Landing Road SE, Sapelo Island, GA 31327, United States Phone: (912) 437-3224
Family Beaches in Georgia
4. Cumberland Island National Seashore Beach, St. Marys
The Cumberland Island National Seashore preserves the vast majority of Cumberland Island in St. Marys, Georgia.
It is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and is home to a multitude of attractions, including beautiful beaches, dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes.
There are also many historical sites to visit, and the National Park Service offers interpretive tours that can be customized to your interests.
Cumberland Island is accessible via ferry from St. Marys, Georgia. The ferry leaves every day at 9:00 and 11:00 am and is an easy 45-minute drive from the mainland.
Tickets are available online or at the port. Once you’re on the island, you’ll want to make sure you plan your trip accordingly.
Cumberland Island National Seashore beach is popular with families and friend groups. Featuring sugary white sands and crystal clear waters, this beach is perfect for biking, hiking, picnicking, splashing water, and playing beach games with kids.
But do not expect to have any vendor or food shop on Cumberland Island National Seashore.
The best time to visit Cumberland Island is in the summer when the weather is warm. June to September can bring showers, with a higher chance of cloud cover and rain.
However, if you’re interested in seeing wildlife, you can plan your trip for winter camping. Although it’s too cold for beach days, it’s still worth visiting. Regardless of the season, you’ll have a memorable vacation.
Address: 101 Wheeler Street, St. Marys, GA 31558, United States Phone: (912) 882-4336
Family Beaches in Georgia
5. Family Beaches in Georgia: Little Tybee Island Beach, Tybee Island
You can spend the day on pristine white sand beaches and enjoy watersports with your family at the Little Tybee Island Beach in Georgia.
Visitors should take a ferry ride to reach Little Tybee Island. Then, just rent a kayak or a boat to explore the island on your own.
Little Tybee Island Beach offers multiple sensory experiences that you won’t forget. For example, you can go camping, beachcombing, building sandcastles, and birdwatching. You may frequently spot ibis, herons, bald eagles, and dowitchers.
The local watersports companies are waiting to offer lessons for beginners. So, anyone can learn kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, boogie-boarding, kitesurfing, swimming, and snorkeling on this beach. Ex: Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours
Since the tides on Little Tybee change every six hours, surely check for the tide chart before visiting.
Do not expect to have shops or concessions. So, bring all your family requirements from home.
Address: Little Tybee Island, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States Phone: (912) 786-5444
Family Beaches in Georgia
6. Back River Beach, Tybee Island
For an ideal beach vacation, a trip to Back River Beach on Tybee Island is a must.
This southern extension of South Inlet boasts a fishing pier and some of the best sunset views on the island.
Back River Beach is ideal for families with kids, as it offers long flat stretches of sand and gentle waves.
There are few amenities at Back River Beach, including toilets near the fishing pier. But, there are no changing rooms or showers.
It’s also an excellent place for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, beachcombing, shelling, building sandcastles, picnicking, and spotting bottlenose dolphins in the water. So, kids will love Back River Beach.
The Fisherman’s Walk Pier is another popular spot where you can enjoy fishing, fresh seafood, and the best sunset views in the South. You’ll also find one of Tybee’s best seafood restaurants, AJ’s Dockside, near this beach.
Bring your kids and youngsters to have an unforgettable beach day.
Address: Fishermans Walk, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States Phone: (912) 786-5444
Family Beaches in Georgia
7. St. Andrews Beach Park, Jekyll Island
St. Andrews Beach Park is an excellent location for a family vacation on the Georgia coast.
Located at the southern tip of Jekyll Island, St. Andrews Beach Park is perfect for catching breathtaking sunset views,
It is free and has several amenities, including a fishing pier, restrooms, picnic areas, grills, and a two-story wildlife viewing platform.
St. Andrews Beach Park offers many opportunities for spotting dolphins, picnicking, shelling, building sandcastles, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
This beach park is dog-friendly and ADA accessible. So, visitors can bring their dogs on a leash no longer than 16 feet.
Guests can take a guided tour of the ruins of the renowned Horton House, which is now just a shell of its former glory.
Nearby, the Wanderer Memorial commemorates the last slave ship to land on Jekyll Island, and the Jekyll County Museum provides a deeper insight into the history of this coastal town.
Plan a beach tour to grab all these experiences.
Address: Beach View Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, United States Phone: (912) 635-3636
Family Beaches in Georgia
8. Family Beaches in Georgia: Glory Beach, Jekyll Island
The beautiful sand dunes and wide beach of Glory Beach on Jekyll Island were used in the popular film “Glory.”
To access Glory Beach, follow the paved boardwalk and climb the steps. Although it is a short hike, the views are worth the effort.
In the summer, you can walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the spectacular sunrise. Also, several natural habitats are found throughout the park.
Its unique sand dunes, shallow waters, and soft white sand make it one of Georgia’s most popular family beaches. Especially since it has toddler-friendly features, you can bring your little one too.
Despite its small size, the area is well worth exploring. Unfortunately, you can’t bring your dog or cat to the boardwalk.
The park is also ideal for family reunions, picnics, romantic dates, and group gatherings.
While on the beach, you can experience sunbathing, building sandcastles, flying kites, biking, and playing beach games with your kids.
However, make sure to check the tide chart before going to the beach; you should come during low tide.
Address: 700 S. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527, United States Phone: (912) 635-3636
Family Beaches in Georgia
9. Great Dunes Beach Park, Jekyll Island
If you are looking for the most picturesque beach in Georgia, Great Dunes Beach Park on Jekyll Island is a must-visit.
Great Dunes Beach Park is ideal for families, with easy access and offers amenities like playgrounds, volleyball courts, a bocce ball court, picnic pavilions, bike racks, parking areas, and a mini-golf course. There are restrooms, bikes, and Segways rentals on this beach park.
Families flock to this popular spot during the warm season to do plenty of fun outdoor activities and experience breathtaking ocean views.
This beach is located in the heart of Jekyll Island, so it is easily accessible. Since it is open year-round, you visit there with your whole family at any time.
Great Dunes Beach is pet-friendly, as long as the dog is kept on a leash.
And it is close to most Jekyll Island hotels too. So, plan your family tour now.
Address: Ocean View Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, United States
Family Beaches in Georgia
10. Family Beaches in Georgia: East Beach, St. Simons Island
Located off the coast of Georgia, St. Simons Island offers several beautiful beach vacation spots. For example, East Beach is one of the most popular destinations for families with kids.
A short drive from the island’s downtown area, this secluded stretch of sand is the premier beach on the island.
It’s ideal for families because it offers a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, including paddle boarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, surfing, birdwatching, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax on the shoreline while watching the waves.
East Beach is also famous for sea turtle and rabbit sightings too. And you can go beachcombing and bike riding with your kids during low tide.
When it comes to food, there are several nearby restaurants. Crabdaddy’s Seafood Bar & Grill and The Crab Trap are two perfect options, both of which offer outdoor seating and a nice view of the East Beach.
For a more casual bite, you can try the locally-owned Beachcomber BBQ & Grill, a counter-serve eatery with picnic tables and takeout.
Address: 4202 1st Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, United States Phone: (912) 554-7111
Family Beaches in Georgia
11. Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons Island
The northern point of St. Simons Island is known as Gould’s Inlet, and it is a prime location for bird watching and fishing. (on the north side of East Beach)
You can also catch a glimpse of the sunrise from here. Or rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to take on the waters.
Featuring a laid-back atmosphere, Gould’s Inlet is also perfect for swimming with kids.
And the best time to visit this pet-friendly beach is during high tide.
There are several places to go birding on St. Simons Island. Ex: East Beach and Gould’s Inlet
So, look for painted buntings and laughing gulls in the upland areas. Royal terns, northern gannets, and warblers can be spotted in the ocean.
Address: 2300 Bruce Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, United States Phone: (912) 554-7111
Family Beaches in Georgia
12. Acworth Beach, Acworth
Acworth Beach is one of the best family beaches in Georgia.
Located within Cauble Park, it features a powdery soft sand beach with cerulean waters perfect for playing with kids and toddlers.
And also, it offers a variety of recreation opportunities like swimming, water skis, train rides, and water slides. Yeah, since there are gentle and safe waves, you can swim with kids.
The facilities on Acworth Beach include well-maintained, clean on-site restrooms, changing stations, showers, two playgrounds, plenty of parking spaces,
You can rent a gazebo near the beach to spend quality family time, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings. They feature amenities like grills, lights, and electric outlets.
Address: 4425 Beach St NW, Acworth, GA 30101, United States Phone: (770) 917-1234
Family Beaches in Georgia
13. Family Beaches in Georgia: Lake Rabun Beach, Lakemont
The eight-hundred acre stocked Lake Rabun offers great fishing opportunities for Bass, Bream, Perch, Trout, and Catfish.
Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Lake Rabun Beach is a fantastic escapade from the busy world.
You can visit there with your family to experience its calm and clear waters. Its lovely sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, boating, camping, water skiing, and fishing.
If you are looking for a place to teach your kids how to fish, Lake Rabun Beach is suitable for that.
On the other hand, it is perfect for night camping. The campground near Lake Rabun Beach features all the amenities, including grills for cooking, picnic tables, hot showers, and clean drinking water.
So, plan your camping tour now.
Address: 4726 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA 30552, United States Phone: (706) 782-6798
Family Beaches in Georgia
14. Family Beaches: Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach, Pine Mountain
The 2,500-acre park Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach includes many themed attractions and activities.
Being the world’s largest manmade white sand beach, Robin Lake is at the center of summertime fun at the Callaway Gardens. The Summer Adventure program takes place here and is the heart of activity for families. Also, the park also hosts the annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.
From paddleboats to bumper boats, water slides, and even a floating playground called Aqua Island is there for you. The property also features golf and other sports for guests to enjoy.
And, of course, you can always bring your dog with you if you choose.
There is a giant chess and checker set for kids that will keep them occupied.
Being one of the safest beaches in the state, Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach is perfect for swimming, tubing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and biking with your kids.
On the other hand, there’re on-site restaurants, an ice cream truck, and a beach bar to fill your stomachs. Aside from that, the beach features facilities like cabanas, a beach pavilion with free Wifi, well-maintained public restrooms, picnic areas, and every other thing you need.
You’ll never feel bored with this family-friendly destination.
Address: U.S. Hwy 27, Pine Mountain GA 31822, United States Phone: (706) 663-2281
Family Beaches in Georgia
15. Family Beaches in Georgia: John Tanner State Park, Carrollton
John Tanner State Park was named for local businessman John “Tanner” and operated from 1954 until 1971.
Visitors to the park can swim, kayak, boat, and play on playground equipment. It’s an ideal destination for families and children. And it is home to the state’s largest swimming beach, as well as many recreational activities.
John Tanner State Park has several lakes that offer space for fishing, boating, camping, and playing miniature golf and tennis. It has two tennis courts and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Walking and nature trails make it a popular destination for people of all ages. When it comes to family fun, this park does not disappoint.
A large parking lot is available for vehicles and is close to the park entrance.
Address: 354 Tanner Beach Road, Carrollton, GA 30117, United States Phone: (770) 830-2222
Recommended beach souvenirs: Above, we introduced some fun family beaches in Georgia, USA. If you want to go on a family or friends vacation, these places should be top of your list.
Nowadays, many people will make photos into stickers, pins, commemorative coins, and other commodities after the trip. Anyone can sell bulk offset printed pins, stickers, and other small gifts to tourists as part of their marketing strategy. Just check here, if you are interested.
Family Beaches in Georgia
- Jekyll Island Fishing Pier Beach
- Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Beach, Buford
- Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Beach, St. Marys
- Little Tybee Island Beach, Tybee Island
- Back River Beach, Tybee Island
- St. Andrews Beach Park, Jekyll Island
- Glory Beach, Jekyll Island
- Great Dunes Beach Park, Jekyll Island
- East Beach, St. Simons Island
- Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons Island
- Acworth Beach, Acworth
- Lake Rabun Beach, Lakemont
- Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach, Pine Mountain
- John Tanner State Park, Carrollton
Family Beaches in Georgia