Summary

• Explore the closest beaches to Atlanta within driving distance for underrated and scenic destinations.
• Amelia Island, Jacksonville, Orange Beach, and more are perfect for sun and sand experiences and offer some of the beaches closest to Atlanta, Georgia.
• Relax by the water at beautiful beaches in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida while enjoying various on-land activities in their respective beach towns and cities.

Many highlights in Atlanta, including Atlanta's state-of-the-art Illuminarium, make for a classic American vacation experience. However, what happens when locals and vacationers want to listen to the crashing waves of the ocean and feel sand between their toes? The answer is short day trips from Atlanta to beaches nearby!

Although Atlanta doesn't have beaches, it doesn't mean visitors can't go to the beach while visiting this region. There are plenty of amazing beaches near Atlanta, some of which are nearby, while others are less than a six-hour drive from the city, ranging from beaches in Georgia and South Carolina to sandy shores on Alabama's Gulf Coast and beautiful beaches on Florida's East Coast.

Get ready to watch the gentle waves roll in and soak up the sun at the closest beaches to Atlanta within driving distance, many of which are some of the most underrated yet scenic beaches in the US.

UPDATE: 2024/04/07 14:53 EST BY ERICA BLAIR

Read Up On Even More Beaches Not Far From Atlanta

Discover even more of the nearest beaches to Atlanta within driving distance, from Amelia Island to Tybee Island!

13 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Soak up the sun in this party destination not far from Atlanta

Myrtle Beach is another East Coast beach that's a decent drive away from Atlanta, taking around 5 hours and 46 minutes (361.8 mi) via I-20 E. Myrtle Beach is well-known for its exciting attractions and is a great destination year-round. It's also a great budget beach destination, and there are many free things to do in Myrtle Beach for those with fewer funds to spend.

Explore the stunning Myrtle Beach pier, try out parasailing or deep sea fishing, or try your hand at some of Myrtle Beach's most famous golf courses.

12 Amelia Island, Florida

One of Florida's most charming islands with miles of beaches

Just a bit south of the Georgia state border, taking about 5 hours and 15 mins (355.9 mi) via I-16 E and I-95 S, Amelia Island is full of fantastic beaches like Main Park Beach, and tons of great places to play golf like The Amelia River Club and the Fernandina Beach Golf Club.

One of the key draws is Fernandina Beach, which is a fantastic and charming spot with a lovely boardwalk and plenty of places to sprawl out in the sand.

11 Orange Beach, Alabama

A great place for catching some rays and enjoying watersports in Alabama

Situated along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico (an area often compared to the Caribbean), Orange Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Alabama and is a beautiful seaside place with plenty of in-water and on-land activities. Swimming and kayaking are usual activities, but adventurers craving high-speed action can try jet skiing. If that doesn't sound like enough adrenaline rush, consider soaring over the blue water via parasailing.

On-land activities include walking along Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, where travelers can spot countless bird species and white-tailed deer. Simply put, there's so much to take it all in, so guests will have to frequent this gorgeous spot. It takes around 5 hours and 28 minutes (354.2 mi) via I-85 S and I-65 S to reach Orange Beach in Alabama from Atlanta, Georgia.

10 Cumberland Island, Georgia

A protected park space and pristine beaches close to Atlanta

A beach for people in Atlanta is Cumberland Island, located in Camden County, Georgia. Here, guests can enjoy protected park space and pristine beaches, so it's certainly worth the 340+ mile drive.

What's more, Cumberland Island is a haven for wildlife watching and diverse habitats; visitors can spot sea turtles, wild horses, wild turkeys, shore birds, and armadillos in ecological areas such as dune fields, maritime forests, and salt marshes.

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9 Pensacola Beach, Florida

With bright blue waters and an amazing pier, Pensacola is an excellent destination

Sugar-white sand and emerald waters beckon people to Pensacola Beach, which takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes (332.1 mi) via I-85 S and I-65 S to reach from Atlanta. It's a slice of paradise where travelers can sunbathe, collect unique shells, walk along the shoreline, or swim, plus there are plenty of things to see and do in Pensacola away from the shore.

Adventurers can experience more than a walk on the Pensacola Beach pier. It's a spot where they can take in the marvelous views of the coastline, observe fishers do their magic, and breathe the salty air.

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8 Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

An idyllic beach full of driftwood formations

Driftwood Beach is very unique because it's home to trees over 500 years old; it amazes with its otherworldly gnarly driftwoods that have been left behind even after a hundred years of erosion. It is perfect for morning picnics, sunny afternoon walks, and late-night stargazing.

Accessing the beach is free, but anyone planning a wedding can pay local event rental companies to create a dream-come-true wedding setup. However, visitors should check the latest tide charts before visiting since the beach is not easily accessible or spacious at high tide. It takes about 4 hours and 43 minutes (322.0 mi) via I-16 E to reach Jekyll Island from Atlanta.

7 St. Simon’s Island, Georgia

A natural retreat with a beautiful beach close to Atlanta

Another one of the beach destinations near Atlanta is St. Simon's Island, which is a scenic alternative to Tybee Island and takes around 4 hours and 38 minutes (311.3 mi) via I-75 S and I-16 E to reach. The mossy oak trees that line St. Simon’s Island's winding roads allow tourists to reconnect with nature as they enjoy the beach vibe. The beach is pet-friendly and is great for shelling, biking, kiteboarding, and fishing at low tide.

Tourists can also explore the island's rich history, including southern cultural elements such as food, stories, and architecture, which define the area. One of the most notable historical places to visit is St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, where guests climb 129 steps to the top and admire the magnificent view of the island.

6 Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida

Enjoy a natural and pristine beach near Destin

This protected beach has a majestic shoreline covered by snow-white dunes that anchor plants such as sea oats and beach grass. Henderson Beach State Park isn't for relaxing only, as visitors with a fishing license can try catching species like whiting, redfish, and pompano.

Apart from fishing, tourists can enjoy camping in one of the 60 boardwalk-connected campsites around the beach. Henderson Beach Park also hosts events such as weddings and family reunions. It takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes (311.9 mi) via I-85 S to get to Henderson Beach State Park from Atlanta.

5 Panama City Beach, Florida

Florida's famous white sand beach is relatively close to Atlanta

Florida's famous white sand and blue waters invite Atlanta residents to Panama City Beach, which is around 5 hours and 13 minutes (296.4 mi) via US-431 S and US-231 S from Atlanta and is where beach bums can sunbathe, swim, go shell hunting, and more.

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is known as “The Spring Break Capital of the World” and boasts not only stunning beaches but also fantastic nightlife. Visitors can also enjoy theme parks and arcades, making it great for families with kids.

There are plenty of things to do in Panama City Beach; it's a spot where people can take in the marvelous views of the coastline, observe fishers do their magic, and breathe the salty air in addition to enjoying the lively nightlife, amusement parks and arcades, and parties. Those with more time can explore Downtown Panama City, an entertainment scene with a fascinating history.

4 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Luxe and lovely Hilton Head is a great day trip from Atlanta

There are many reasons to visit Hilton Head Island, perhaps the most appealing of which is its 12-mile stretch of pristine and warm beaches, perfect for beach bums. Visitors can even spot bottlenose dolphins that frequent the shorelines during summer. Oceanfront resorts such as Palmetto Dunes are excellent places to relax and watch the dolphins.

Additionally, the island has several companies that arrange excursion trips for an up-close look at marine life. Families can also participate in an educational program that shows how the endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest along the beaches. At 4 hr 14 minutes (280.6 mi) from Atlanta via I-75 S and I-16 E, this destination would make for a great weekend trip from the big city.

3 Tybee Island, Georgia

One of the best places to spot sunsets in Georgia

With movie scenes from the renowned Sponge Out of Water being shot on Tybee Island, it is no secret why this destination is a favorite. It takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes (265.4 mi) via I-75 S and I-16 E to reach the island from Atlanta, making it a great option for a weekend trip.

Tybee Island is often compared to Jekyll Island, home to Driftwood Beach mentioned above, but both are worth the adventure for anyone looking for nice beaches near Atlanta. From the gorgeous natural scenery to the historic landmarks, tourists will fall in love with this laid-back island.

History buffs and nature lovers will have a blast at the rebuilt Fort Pulaski. Rooms in the Fort have furnishings such as quilts, lanterns, and frying pans that give a feeling of being presently inhabited. The Fort has dreamy nature trails that lead to picnic spots and beaches.

2 Athens, Georgia

A charming town with a bit of beach nearby

There are tons of things to do in charming Athens, Georgia, but one of the favorites is to check out the beautiful beaches nearby. Sandy Creek Park Beach is a lovely place to get a cool dip.

Although you might not get those Atlantic vibes in Athens, you'll still enjoy a bit of beach just a hop, skip, and jump away from Atlanta, taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes (72.0 mi) via I-85 N to reach.

1 Fort Yargo State Park Beach, Winder, Georgia

A fishing and swimming paradise close to Atlanta

The 260-acre lake in Fort Yargo State Park acts as a beach where tourists can swim and fish. Many people from Atlanta love Fort Yargo State Park Beach for its diversity since it has something for sunbathers and thrill seekers.

It's a destination where mountain bikers can test their stamina on the trails that range from easy to moderate. Most routes have fun yet thrilling twists, climbs, and steep descents. At only 58 minutes (49.7 mi) from Atlanta via I-85 N and US-29/University Pkwy, it offers one of the closest beaches to Atlanta.