Part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, this barrier island features diverse habitats including pristine beaches. Accessible only by boat, offering primitive camping, hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities. Important nesting area for loggerhead turtles.
Beach Directory
Ossabaw Island Beach
Protected barrier island accessible only with permission for research, education, or cultural purposes. Features pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and historic sites. Managed by the Ossabaw Island Foundation with very limited public access.
Back River Beach (Tybee Island)
Facing the Savannah River on Tybee Island’s southern end, this calm beach offers spectacular sunset views and dolphin watching opportunities. Features gentler currents ideal for families with small children. Popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Little Beach (Little Cumberland Island)
Private island north of Cumberland Island with extremely limited public access. Features pristine beaches, conservation areas for sea turtles, and a historic lighthouse. Primarily accessible only to property owners and their guests.
Seaside Beach (St. Simons)
Popular beach access point on St. Simons Island near the Coast Guard Station and public pier. Features convenient parking, restrooms, and proximity to the village area with shops and restaurants. Good spot for surfing with typically higher waves.
Nannygoat Beach (Jekyll Island)
Located on Jekyll Island’s south end, this quiet beach features access via a scenic nature trail through maritime forest. Offers excellent photography opportunities and bird watching. Less crowded than other Jekyll beaches with limited facilities.
Raccoon Island Beach
Part of the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, this remote beach is accessible only by private boat. Features pristine shoreline, excellent bird watching, and opportunities to see loggerhead sea turtles during nesting season. No facilities available.
Mid Beach (Tybee Island)
Central beach area on Tybee Island stretching from around 5th Street to 14th Street. Features numerous beach access points, nearby restaurants and shops, and a mix of vacation rentals and small hotels. Popular for swimming and beach volleyball.
Coast Guard Beach (Cumberland Island)
Located near the Sea Camp ranger station and campground on Cumberland Island. Accessible via ferry and a short walk. Features wide, flat beaches with opportunities to see wild horses and other wildlife. Limited facilities available at the Sea Camp area.
Plum Orchard Beach (Cumberland Island)
Located near the historic Plum Orchard Mansion on undeveloped Cumberland Island. Accessible by ferry and then hiking or biking several miles. Features pristine, untouched shoreline with excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife including wild horses.