Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Georgia

Cumberland Island, located off the coast of Saint Marys, Georgia, is a pristine barrier island known for its natural beauty and serene landscapes. Approximately 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, it features pristine white sand beaches, untouched dune systems, and a diverse range of wildlife like loggerhead turtles and alligators. The island is protected by the Cumberland Island National Seashore, ensuring its ecosystems remain intact for generations to come. Visitors can access the island via ferry, offering opportunities for camping, fishing, and exploring its unique habitats.

Cumberland Island's beaches are unspoiled, with no development nearby, providing an opportunity to enjoy nature without crowds. The island's interior is covered with a maritime forest, featuring freshwater ponds and saltwater coves. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a glimpse into an untouched natural world.

The island's rich history, including remnants of the Timucuan Indians and the Carnegie family, adds depth to its natural charm. Though basic amenities are limited, visitors can enjoy a truly immersive natural experience

West Bank Park Beach, located in Sugar Hill, Georgia, is a picturesque beach along Lake Sidney Lanier. The beach is approximately half a mile long and features soft white sand, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of the lake and access to various activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. The park also includes amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a boat ramp, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The beach is part of the larger West Bank Park, which offers additional facilities like a basketball court and a playground, catering to both families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park's proximity to Buford Dam and the scenic Lake Lanier shoreline adds to its natural beauty and appeal.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and engage in various water sports or simply bask in the sun on the soft sandy beach.

Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area is nestled in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains, offering a serene escape with its tranquil lake scenery. This developed recreation area provides a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, making it an ideal spot for family vacations and nature lovers. The area is open year-round, with the beach and boat launch accessible from sunrise to sundown. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore nearby attractions like Tallulah Gorge State Park and Minnehaha Falls.
The area is surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which offers additional opportunities for exploration and adventure. The nearby town of Clayton provides access to a range of services and supplies. The recreation area is managed by FIND Outdoors, ensuring well-maintained facilities for visitors.
With its natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, Lake Rabun Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway in nature.

Goulds Inlet, located at the northern tip of East Beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia, is a serene coastal spot renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife. Situated at the end of Bruce Drive, the inlet separates East Beach from Sea Island and serves as a dynamic estuary where sandbars shift continuously, creating a haven for migratory and resident bird species. Known for its secluded, uncrowded atmosphere, visitors often describe it as a peaceful retreat ideal for birdwatching, fishing, and quiet reflection. The beach’s clean sands and abundance of shells attract collectors, while minimal waves and strong currents make swimming less common but perfect for leisurely shoreline activities.

Part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, Goulds Inlet draws bird enthusiasts year-round with species like American oystercatchers, brown pelicans, and seasonal migrants such as whimbrels and red knots. Early mornings here are particularly magical, offering stunning sunrises and a tranquil vibe favored by locals. The beach’s ever-changing geography and absence of commercial development amplify its raw, unspoiled charm.

St. Catherines Island is a serene and secluded barrier island located midway on the Georgia coast. Approximately ten miles long and one to three miles wide, it features more than half of its acreage as tidal marsh, wetland meadows, and ponds, while the rest is densely forested with pine and live oak trees. The island is known for its rich human history, having been declared a National Historic Landmark in 1969. It is privately owned by the St. Catherines Island Foundation, which focuses on conservation and scientific research, making the island a unique refuge for endangered species. Visitors can access the beach below the high tide line, where they can enjoy eleven miles of pristine sandy shores perfect for shelling, hiking, and picnicking.
The island's diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild hogs, and various bird species. Despite being off-limits to the general public except for the beach areas, the island offers a peaceful retreat for those who venture there. Its historical significance extends from Spanish missions to colonial-era settlements, making it a fascinating site for archaeologists.
The island’s unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and scientific importance makes it a standout among Georgia’s barrier islands.

Buford Dam Park is located just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier, offering stunning views of the lake and access to a variety of recreational activities. The park features a beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It also includes amenities like a basketball court, soccer field, playground, picnic areas, and restrooms. The nearby Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail provides additional opportunities for outdoor exploration. Lake Lanier itself boasts 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline, making it a popular spot for boating and fishing.
The park's scenic location in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains adds to its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. The area is also known for its vibrant community events and attractions like boat ramps and other USACE parks.
With its picturesque setting and diverse recreational options, Buford Dam Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Great Dunes Beach Park is a vibrant and family-friendly destination located on Jekyll Island, Georgia. This 20-acre beachfront park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic pavilions, an activities deck, play areas, bocce ball and volleyball courts, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and outdoor activities. The beach itself is known for its fine, golden sand and is approximately 7 miles long, perfect for sunbathing and sandcastle building. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities, while also exploring the surrounding dunes and marshlands, which are home to diverse wildlife like sea turtles and shorebirds.

The park is easily accessible with ample parking available, stretching from the Convention Center to Tortuga Jack's. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. Pets are allowed on leashes, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. Great Dunes Beach Park is part of the Jekyll Island State Park system, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The area's unique tidal patterns, with two high and two low tides daily, create a dynamic beach environment. The beach is also protected by a breakwater of boulders placed along the shoreline to prevent erosion, ensuring a safe and expansive beach area during low tide.

Glory Beach, located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is a serene and tranquil stretch of sand known for its pristine dunes and clear waters. It is a hidden gem perfect for activities like sunbathing, birdwatching, strolling, and swimming. The beach is less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation. Its unique feature is being the filming location for the 1989 Civil War drama 'Glory', which is how it got its name. The boardwalk leading to the beach was specially built for the film. Glory Beach is situated behind the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex, with a small parking lot nearby. The beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for nature lovers and those looking to unwind.

One of the highlights of Glory Beach is its natural beauty, with graceful sea oats and wide expanses of sand. It is a sanctuary for resting and nesting birds, which adds to its serene ambiance. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the seaside, though there are no tables or facilities for food and drinks. The beach is flat and breezy, making it suitable for flying kites or riding bikes.

Glory Beach is about an hour and a half from Savannah and two and a half hours from Valdosta, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays. There are plenty of accommodation options nearby, including rentals and hotels, for those who wish to stay longer.

Lake Lanier Islands is a scenic destination located on the shores of Lake Lanier, the largest lake in Georgia, and offers a breathtaking combination of natural beauty and recreational activities. It is situated about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta and features a diverse range of amenities such as beaches, a water park, golf courses, and luxury accommodations. The resort complex includes the Legacy Lodge & Conference Center, offering stunning views and modern facilities for guests.
The area originally formed as a series of hills before the creation of Lake Lanier and has since developed into a thriving tourist spot, hosting events like the Magical Nights of Lights. Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, and exploring the surrounding parks, making it an ideal getaway.
With its serene landscapes and vibrant cultural events, Lake Lanier Islands provides a unique experience for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike.

Don Carter State Park, located in Gainesville, Georgia, is a vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated on the north end of Lake Lanier, this 1,316-acre park offers a beautiful beach with soft, white sand and a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating, making it a perfect spot for families and nature lovers alike. The park is named after Don Carter, a key figure in establishing Georgia's state park system, and it provides a serene escape from urban life with its hardwood forests and scenic lake views.

One of the park's main attractions is its large sand beach, which is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Additionally, the park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and multi-use trails for hiking and biking. For those interested in staying overnight, the park offers cottages and campsites, providing a range of accommodation options.

Don Carter State Park is also close to several local attractions, including the Elachee Nature Science Center and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Acworth Beach, located within Cauble Park on the north shore of Lake Acworth, offers a serene and inviting atmosphere. The beach features a white sand shoreline, a roped-off swimming area, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, providing a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park itself is a 25-acre haven with amenities like fishing points, public restrooms, a boating ramp for electric motor-driven boats, a boardwalk, and rental facilities including pavilions and a beach house. The beach is open from the last Saturday in April to Labor Day weekend, with the park accessible year-round.
Acworth Beach is also known for its historical significance, as the beach and beach house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Middle Ossabaw, located near Skidaway Island, Georgia, is not a specific beach but rather a reference point. However, the area around Skidaway Island offers beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Skidaway Island itself is known for its scenic nature trails and salt marshes, providing a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Ossabaw Island, accessible only by boat, is a wildlife sanctuary and Heritage Preserve, offering limited visitation for educational and research purposes. Its beaches are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, attracting nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The region's unique blend of maritime forests, salt marshes, and pristine beaches makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal experience. Visitors can enjoy activities like birdwatching, kayaking, or simply exploring the natural beauty of the area.
The proximity to Savannah, Georgia, also provides access to a rich cultural and historical scene, with numerous restaurants and accommodations available in the city.

Dungeness Dock is a key access point to Cumberland Island National Seashore, located off the coast of St. Marys, Georgia. The island is renowned for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and diverse wildlife. Visitors arrive via the Cumberland Island Ferry, which offers a scenic 45-minute ride from the mainland. The dock serves as a gateway to explore the island's natural beauty, including Dungeness Beach and the historic Dungeness Ruins. The area is rich in history, with remnants of the Carnegie family's estate and a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions.

Cumberland Island is a barrier island with a diverse range of habitats, including maritime forests, marshes, and dunes. It offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The island's remote and undeveloped nature makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

The ferry schedule varies seasonally, and reservations are recommended due to limited space. Visitors can enjoy the island's serene atmosphere and explore its many trails and beaches, making it a unique getaway from the mainland's bustling life.

Massengale Park is a vibrant public park located on St. Simons Island, Georgia, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Situated at 1350 Ocean Blvd., it serves as a key beach access point to East Beach, one of the island's most popular stretches of coastline. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, featuring amenities such as a children's playground, picnic areas with free grills, public restrooms, and outdoor showers. It is also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy the park and nearby beach with their dogs. The park's history dates back to 1955 when it was donated by the Sea Island Company to Glynn County, providing a public beach area for locals and visitors alike.

The park's proximity to the beach makes it an ideal spot for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which includes the St. Simons Island Pier and the Coast Guard Station. The park's open hours are from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, making it accessible for early morning strolls or late evening picnics.

Massengale Park is a central part of St. Simons Island's charm, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment for all. Its location near various restaurants and accommodations makes it a convenient base for exploring the island's culinary delights and natural attractions.

Blackbeard Island, located off the coast of Georgia, is a 5,618-acre barrier island named after the infamous pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. The island is part of the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1940 to protect migratory birds and other wildlife. It features diverse habitats including maritime forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. The island is accessible only by boat, offering activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Despite its pirate namesake, no treasure has been found, but the island remains a fascinating spot for nature lovers and those intrigued by its historical significance.
The island's unique landscape, shaped by glacial cycles and river sedimentation, is vulnerable to erosion from storms and rising sea levels. Its rich history includes periods as a federal timber reserve and a quarantine station during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Blackbeard Island provides a serene and untouched environment, ideal for those seeking a secluded natural experience.

Blackbeard Island, located off the coast of Georgia, is a 5,618-acre barrier island named after the infamous pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. The island is part of the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1940 to protect migratory birds and other wildlife. It features diverse habitats including maritime forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. The island is accessible only by boat, offering activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Despite its pirate namesake, no treasure has been found, but the island remains a fascinating spot for nature lovers and those intrigued by its historical significance.
The island's unique landscape, shaped by glacial cycles and river sedimentation, is vulnerable to erosion from storms and rising sea levels. Its rich history includes periods as a federal timber reserve and a quarantine station during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Blackbeard Island provides a serene and untouched environment, ideal for those seeking a secluded natural experience.

Nanny Goat Beach is a serene and pristine beach located on Sapelo Island, Georgia. It is known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for beachcombing, birdwatching, and enjoying sunrises and sunsets. The beach is often deserted, providing a tranquil atmosphere for those seeking solitude. It is also a popular spot for educational walks and classes due to its proximity to the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. The beach offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, and it is surrounded by a beautiful maritime forest.

Visitors can access the beach via a ferry from the mainland, which adds to its secluded charm. The beach is part of a larger ecosystem that includes diverse ecological zones, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers. With its natural beauty and peaceful environment, Nanny Goat Beach is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beach's proximity to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, a significant live-bottom reef, also makes it appealing for those interested in marine life and conservation.

Back River Beach, located at the southern end of Tybee Island, Georgia, is a tranquil and lesser-known beach that offers a serene atmosphere, gentle waves, and wide stretches of sand. It is often referred to as Tybee's 'secret beach.' The beach overlooks Little Tybee Island and Tybee Creek, providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with common catches including red drum, black drum, and sheepshead. The area is also renowned for its spectacular sunsets and dolphin sightings. For those seeking a more secluded experience away from the crowds, Back River Beach is an ideal destination.
The beach's calm waters make it perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts alike. The nearby restaurants offer fresh seafood and Southern comfort food, enhancing the beach experience with waterfront dining options.
Overall, Back River Beach combines natural beauty with a relaxed, laid-back vibe, making it a unique gem on Tybee Island.