7 Best Beaches Near Savannah

Tybee Island

Tybee Island beach is the main beach that serves the city of Savannah and it's also one of the most popular beach locations in all of Georgia. Located just a short drive away from Savannah, this little island sits at the mouth of the Savannah River and has a lot of history behind it, best demonstrated by the 18th century lighthouse and Civil War fort, both of which can be explored. This beach has been beloved by locals for decades now and it's easy to see why.

With long, open sandy spaces and gentle blue-green waters, as well as a long pier and a lot of wildlife in the local area, Tybee Island has a lot to offer.

History buffs will love the fort and lighthouse, while casual beach-goers will be happy to play games and sunbathe on the warm sands. It's a particularly popular spot with wildlife spotters too, as many different birds and even turtles can be spotted nearby, and the local area features a lot of good amenities including stores, accommodation, and eateries. Tybee Island Map

Little Tybee Island Beach

Despite the name, Little Tybee Island is actually bigger than Tybee Island. It's twice as big, in fact, but doesn't attract the same big crowds as its neighbor. This means that Little Tybee Island Beach is one of the best Savannah beaches for folks who want to get away from the noise and attractions and see something more natural and rawer. A lot of Little Tybee Island Beach is completely untouched by the tourism industry and there's a real romantic vibe to this beach, making it a nice place to stroll hand-in-hand with a special someone as the sun starts to set.

The local scenery is a joy to behold and plenty of wildlife can be spotted on this Georgia beach as well, with many groups of dolphins often being spotted splashing around just off the shores. Other fun activities to enjoy on this beach include fishing and shelling, and there are basic facilities for camping too if you want to spend the night beneath the stars and watch the sun rise over the sands in the early hours of the morning. Little Tybee Island Beach Map

St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is actually the smallest of all the Golden Isles of Georgia, but the beaches on this beautiful little spot of land prove that size really doesn't matter when it comes to fun in the sun. It's a 1.5-hour drive out of Savannah, but if you're looking for something different to the classic Tybee Island days, it's a great place to go and many tourists don't tend to stop off here, so there's a very peaceful, relaxing sort of atmosphere here that is ideal for folks who want to sit on the beach and relax or reflect.

St. Simons Island a great spot to sit with a good book for a few hours or bring a picnic to share with friends. It's also a super location to visit if you're a keen wildlife spotter, with deer, alligators, rabbits, and many kinds of birds being spotted all around the island, while manatees and dolphins can be seen out in the waters. Other fun activities to enjoy here including hiking, cycling, and sailing, and there are several great golf courses in the local area too. St. Simons Island Map

Butter Bean Beach

Just a short drive from downtown Savannah is Butter Bean Beach, a hidden gem of the Isle of Hope and a great beach to visit with family and friends. Despite being mere minutes away from the busy historic downtown area of Savannah, a trip to Butter Bean Beach will make any visitor feel like they’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city behind. It’s quiet, relaxing, and a great, recreational way to spend an afternoon. Take a kayak out onto the clear blue waters, rent a boat for a relaxing sail down the quiet river, hang out on the floating dock, or try your hand at fishing. Whatever you choose to do at Butter Bean Beach, you’re in for an enjoyable and serene treat.

Butter Bean Beach, 45 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Georgia 31411

Hunting Island State Park

With millions of visitors making the trip down annually, it goes without saying that Hunting Island State Park is the hands-down most popular state park in South Carolina. Just a short drive from Savannah, Hunting Island State Park features 5,000 acres of secluded semitropical land, five glorious miles of gorgeous beaches, a salt water lagoon, and even an ocean inlet.

Not only is the park great for recreational activities, but it’s also got some great historical sites to visit as well like the 1875 Hunting Island Lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse can be booked ahead of time while recreational visitors can also make camping reservations thanks to the 100 water and electrical-equipped campsites.

Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort County, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island

Of the many beaches near Savannah, one of the most popular is Hilton Head Island. Home to several beaches, Hilton Head Island is a great option for travelers and families who want a great summer beach getaway without having to go too far away from home. There are a ton of activities to enjoy at Hilton Head Island. Apart from enjoying the white sandy beaches, visitors can also take eco-tours to see the best that mother nature has to offer on the island. Hilton Head Island is also home to an adventure park with go-karts and zip lines, exciting aerial adventure courses, and also has awesome eateries like the legendary Salty Dog Café.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Folly Beach

Just south of Charleston is Folly Beach, a city on Folly Island that is beloved for its incredible beaches and exciting year-round beach-side activities. Folly Beach is best known for having a laid-back culture and vibe that draws in surfers and fishermen from near and far.

Whether you’re at Folly Beach to enjoy the spectacular surfing or to explore the history of the island, there’s something for every guest to experience. Drop by the iconic Folly Beach Pier, which is known for stretching over a thousand feet into the ocean, learn the history behind the 1876 Morris Island Lighthouse, or drop by Center Street to explore the local sights and sounds of Folly Beach.

Folly Beach, South Carolina