The Longest Beach in Georgia Is 17 Miles of Pure Beauty

Georgia’s coastline stretches approximately 100 miles, give or take the numerous bends and curves of tidal creeks and barrier islands. In addition to the coastline, Georgia has several beaches lining its lakes and rivers. This makes it a top destination for beach enthusiasts. These serene locations are not just popular for swimming and sunbathing but also serve as important habitats for a diverse range of plants and animals.

Among Georgia’s many beaches, one stands out for its length. Keep reading to discover which beach holds the title of the longest beach in the state. Plus, we explore all of the exciting flora, fauna, and activities available at this beautiful location!

Georgia’s Longest Beach

Cumberland Island Beach is the longest beach in Georgia. As the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Cumberland Island offers visitors 17 miles of secluded, undeveloped, and dune-backed beach to explore. The Golden Isles of Georgia is a collection of barrier islands and mainland port cities located off the coast of Georgia. The islands include St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island. The mainland port cities are Brunswick and Darien.

Cumberland Island is a barrier island with a secluded and unspoiled beach. The island is part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore, which the US National Park Service manages. It has several beach access points through the sand dunes. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the shoreline, swim in the ocean, or hike through the island’s lush forests.

The island has a rich history and was home to the Carnegie family, whose estate is still there. The island has several historic sites, including the ruins of an old mansion, a church, and a fort. Cumberland Island is a top destination for beach enthusiasts who are looking for a secluded and unspoiled beach experience. The island’s natural beauty and diverse range of plant and animal species make it a unique place to explore and enjoy.

What Is a Barrier Island?

Barrier islands are narrow stretches of land with sand and vegetation. They are located parallel to the coastlines of oceans and seas. These islands have been deposited over time by waves and tides. Tidal creeks, bays, and lagoons separate them from the mainland.

Barrier islands have beaches and sand dunes on the side facing the ocean. They may also have marshes, tidal flats, and maritime forests on the side facing the shore. These islands provide essential habitats for a variety of species including seabirds, fish, shellfish, and sea turtles. Barrier islands are along the Gulf and East Coast of the United States. This includes the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Georgia. Constantly changing due to weather patterns and local geographic features, barrier islands can even disappear entirely over time!

How Old Is Cumberland Island?

Cumberland Island has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It has a human and cultural history linked to the island’s complex natural habitat. The island is home to an undeveloped and nearly isolated 17-mile beachfront, 300-year-old live oak trees, and abundant wildlife, particularly sea turtles.

What Activities Can Be Done on the Longest Beach in Georgia?

Cumberland Island in Georgia offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the popular activities:

Hiking: The island has 50 miles of hiking trails that take visitors through the island’s forests, salt marshes, and historic areas.

Swimming and beachcombing: Visitors can relax and take a dip in the ocean or explore the shore for shells and other treasures.

Biking: Visitors can explore the island’s trails and roads by bike. Rentals are available.

Guided tours: Guided tours are available and cover topics such as history, ecology, and wildlife.

Wildlife viewing: The island is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and visitors can spot feral horses, sea turtles, birds, and more.

Camping: The island has several campsites available, and visitors can enjoy camping in a peaceful and secluded environment.

Photography and filming: The island’s natural beauty and historic sites make it a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers.

Boating and kayaking: Visitors can explore the island’s waterways by renting a kayak or bringing their own boat.

Hunting and fishing: Visitors can hunt and fish on the island in designated areas with permits.

What Types of Plants and Animals Live on Cumberland Island Beach?

Cumberland Island is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Some of the plants found on the island include live oak, palm, and cedar trees, while the animal inhabitants include wild horses, sea turtles, fiddler crabs, raccoons, and over 300 species of birds.

The island is home to feral horses, which have lived on the island for over 400 years. Park staff closely monitors them to ensure their safety and well-being. There are also various bird species that make the island their home and fiddler crabs and raccoons scuttle around the island.

How To Get There

Cumberland Island is accessible by boat only, and there is no bridge to the island from the mainland. The only way to get to Cumberland Island in Georgia is by passenger ferry or private boat.

Passenger ferry service is available from downtown St. Mary’s, Georgia. Visitors can make a reservation through the National Park Service website or the ferry operator’s website. The ferry takes visitors across the Cumberland Sound to the island and departs at scheduled times during the day. Private boats can also travel to the island, but visitors must anchor offshore and use a dinghy to access the island.

Once on the island, visitors can explore the island’s trails and beaches on foot, by bike, or on a guided tour. Visitors should bring their own food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other supplies as there are no shops or stores on the island.

*Visitors must obtain a permit to explore the island.

How Do You Get a Permit to Visit?

A permit is required to visit and explore Cumberland Island. This includes visiting the beaches, hiking trails, camping, and other activities on the island. A permit is also required to access the island by ferry. Visitors can obtain a permit through the National Park Service website or in person at the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center in St. Mary’s, Georgia. It’s important to have the permit in hand when you arrive on the island. You should also post it at your campsite.

Where is Cumberland Island Located on a Map?

Cumberland Island is located off the southeastern coast of Georgia, the island has pristine beaches and a lush maritime forest. Among its notable attractions, you’ll find the Dungeness Ruins, which are the remnants of a mansion once constructed by Thomas Carnegie.

In Conclusion

Cumberland Island, the longest beach in Georgia, is not just a sandy stretch of coastline. It is 17 miles of pure beauty! It’s a place full of rich history, unique wildlife, and beautiful landscapes that offer visitors a truly one-of-a-kind experience. With miles of unspoiled beaches, hiking trails through forests and marshlands, and a chance to see feral horses and other wildlife, Cumberland Island is a true haven for nature lovers and adventurers.

For those looking for a peaceful retreat or an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the island’s secluded and peaceful environment provides the perfect spot to relax and recharge amid the natural and historic beauty that surrounds it, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable beach experience in Georgia.