Georgia's Best Waterfronts and Coastal Areas

Georgia has 100 miles of Atlantic coastline — modest compared to Florida, but characterized by some of the most ecologically rich and least developed barrier islands on the Eastern Seaboard.

Savannah Riverfront
The restored waterfront along Factor's Walk and River Street in Savannah is one of the most celebrated urban waterfronts in the South. 19th-century cotton warehouses have been converted to restaurants, galleries, and hotels. The Savannah River runs wide and tidal here; container ships pass regularly within feet of the historic buildings. The Savannah River Walk is most dramatic at night when the bluff-top historic district lights reflect off the water.

Tybee Island
Savannah's beach — 18 miles east via US-80 across the coastal marshes. Tybee is small (3 miles long, 0.5 miles wide), laid-back, and much less developed than most Georgia coastal towns. The 1736 lighthouse is the oldest and tallest in Georgia. Back River on the marsh side offers kayaking through tidal creeks.

Jekyll Island
A barrier island with 10 miles of uncrowded Atlantic beach, a historic district of "cottages" (actually enormous Victorian mansions) built by America's industrial barons, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center — a hospital and education center for injured sea turtles. Jekyll is one of the most unusual public parks in Georgia: the entire island is a state park with limited development to protect the natural and historic character.

Cumberland Island National Seashore
The largest undeveloped barrier island on the US East Coast, accessible only by ferry from St. Marys. Wild horses descended from colonial-era horses roam freely across the dunes and maritime forest. The ruins of Dungeness mansion (built by Thomas Carnegie) add a haunting historic element. The island's 17 miles of pristine beach are some of the most remote on the East Coast.

Golden Isles (St. Simons and Sea Island)
St. Simons Island is the most accessible and developed of the Golden Isles — a community of cottages, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and excellent fishing. Sea Island, accessible only to guests of the Cloister resort, is one of the most exclusive resort destinations in the American South.