10 Must-Visit Islands in Georgia

While some folks may initially think of Florida and California as the offshore island states of the USA, Georgia has some pretty awesome islands to visit. Yes, the state doesn’t have as much shoreline as North Carolina or Texas, but the 100 miles of coast lead to some incredible Georgia islands that anyone can visit.

Amelia Island

Along the Florida-Georgia border, you’ll find Amelia Island. The island community, established in 1562, offers some historical looks into the earliest settled parts of America. The 13 miles of beaches make the island worth visiting for a family vacation or beach weekend trip. Amazing golf courses, loads of shore excursions, art museums, waterfront restaurants, and even ghost tours in the historic district add to the appeal.

Best beach: Fernandina Beach, the perfect location for date nights and dazzling water.

Cumberland Island

Located off the southeast coast of Georgia, Cumberland Island earns its favor with its stunning coastline and incredible natural beauty. The island enjoys calm waters, car-free roads, and chill vibes. Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island where visitors love birdwatching, fishing, walking or running the network trails, and swimming. Amazingly, you’ll find wild horses and loggerhead turtles on Cumberland Island.

To get there, you’ll need to take St. Mary’s Ferry. And though you can’t drive your car there, you can enjoy camping, hotels, and lodges on the island for an extended stay.

Jekyll Island

Back in the day, Jekyll Island was home to Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, thanks to its gorgeous landscape and incredible amenities. The island rests near the Florida-Georgia border, where you can enjoy sunrise beauty, birdsong, and stunning views. Visit the dazzling Driftwood Beach, nosh on some tasty seafood, and enjoy some amazing outdoor activities.

Accommodations on Jekyll Island include contemporary cottages, lodges, and luxury hotels. The Sea Turtle Center draws nearly every visitor at some point, while beaches and marinas draw folks looking for kayak and canoe rentals, water sports, and more outdoor fun. You can also hit up the Summer Waves Water Park or Tidelands Nature Center for some great adventures.

Hutchinson Island

Located near historic Savannah, Hutchinson Island originally served as a cargo shipment port for ships coming through Savannah. Now, though, the island has received new life and caters to tourists and locals looking for a comfortable, relaxing destination. Spas, golfing, beautiful accommodations, and excellent dining all draw folks in. Get to the island via a free passenger ferry for your getaway.

When you look up directions for Hutchinson Island, be sure you plug in Georgia, since Florida has an island of the same name.

Tybee Island

Another town near Savannah, Tybee Island in Georgia has become one of the absolute most popular vacation spots in all of the state. The island has a long history, though, of catering to vacationers, with amazing amenities for guests in the 1800s.

The quiet island offers white sand beaches, amazing outdoor dining, and family-friendly experiences like parks and fishing. History buffs will enjoy their visit, as well, with a visit to the Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War-era defense structure on the harbor. Take nature hikes, hit the beach for swimming and sunbathing, enjoy a picnic, or dine out. And don’t forget to visit the incredible historic lighthouse built in the 1700s.

Ossabaw Island

Encompassing 26,000 acres of natural land filled with wildlife, Ossabaw Island is the third-largest barrier island in Georgia. The stunning island provides a home for endangered animals such as wood storks and loggerhead turtles while offering gorgeous beaches and landscapes for human visitors. The island may only be accessed by boat.

The protected island has 13 miles of public beach without the developed noise of the mainland beaches in much of the state. No pets or motorized vehicles are allowed, though, so bring along your bike or walking shoes and keep the pooch at the hotel.

If you arrive early on a less crowded day, you may be able to camp in one of three campsites. But, you’ve got to make arrangements ahead of time or you won’t be able to stay.

The best part is that the island is open year-round and the temperate weather is perfect for enjoyment at any time.

Sea Island

Considered one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Sea Island offers five miles of private beach, a yacht club, golf courses, tennis courts, and two luxurious hotels. The island also happens to host the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. The Cloister at Sea Island and Lodge at Sea Island, Spa at Sea Island, and Georgian Room are some of the most beloved accommodations and venues on the island.

Sea Island also happens to be one of the easiest islands in Georgia to access. You can drive or fly to Brunswick Golden Isle Airport, just 18 miles away. The resort island has been offering incredible accommodations since 1928 and still holds some beautiful historic buildings. You can visit the St. Simons lighthouse on a driving tour or a long hike if you’re game.

A favorite activity on Sea Island is searching for baby sea turtles. You can also enjoy bowling alleys, take bike tours, enjoy garden and history tours, charter fishing boats, and much more.

Blackbeard Island

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge on Blackbeard Island welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset nearly every day of the year. You can only reach the island by boat, so book a ticket early. The refuge provides a haven for many endangered animals, including turtles, seabirds, and others. You’ll just need to watch out for the alligators!

Enjoy hiking, sunbathing on the beach, biking, wildlife watching, photography, birding, and swimming. And, if you go in-season, white-tailed deer hunting is permitted.

Black Island

Located near historic Darien, Georgia, Black Island offers 17 acres of shoreline via a simple 10-minute boat ride. The island hosts many wild animals that folks enjoy observing, particularly birds in the form of eagles, hawks, and owls. On Black Island, a gated community has existed since the 1700s and still remains.

Duck hunting, fishing in-shore and off-shore, hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, crabbing, and much more may be experienced on the small island.

Sapelo Island

For quiet, pristine, uncrowded beaches, head to Sapelo Island. At Nanny Goat Beach, in particular, you’ll find gorgeous seclusion and natural dunes. The island may only be accessed by boat or seaplane, so most folks hop on the local ferry and spend a day.

Sapelo, the fourth largest barrier island of Georgia, offers hours of natural beauty and excitement for visitors. Spend the day on the beach swimming and sunbathing, go fishing, explore the lighthouse, or visit the marine sanctuary or 200-year-old Reynolds Mansion.

You may even run into students or professors from the University of Georgia’s Marine Institute or National Estuarine Research Reserve Center. Visit the sites and learn about the ecosystem of the stunning island or simply enjoy the natural beauty. Note: A community still in existence on Sapelo Island, known as Hog Hammock, is home to descendants of former slaves of the Sapelo Island plantation. Respect the private property of the residents, please.

Summary of 10 Must-Visit Islands in Georgia