Coastal Escapes: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches Near Savannah, Georgia

When most travelers picture Savannah, Georgia, their minds drift to horse-drawn carriages, wrought-iron balconies, and the haunting beauty of Spanish moss hanging from ancient live oaks. Yet, just beyond the historic downtown district lies a stunning coastline waiting to be explored. Whether you are crafting a Tested Itinerary Plan for a quick weekend or diving deep into our Comprehensive Guide to the Lowcountry, adding a beach day to your itinerary is an absolute must.

Tybee Island: Savannah's Classic Beach Town

Located a mere 20 minutes east of downtown via the scenic Islands Expressway, Tybee Island is Savannah's literal backyard beach. Spanning three miles of wide, hard-packed sand, Tybee offers a quintessential retro beach town vibe mixed with rich coastal ecology.

North Beach vs. South Beach

• North Beach: Known for being quieter, this area puts you right next to the historic Tybee Island Light Station and the gorgeous Station 12 birding trail. It is a favorite among locals looking for shelling and relaxed ocean gazing.
• South Beach: The bustling hub of Tybee. Centered around the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, this stretch features vibrant beach bars, seafood shacks, and prime people-watching.

Cultural Pro-Tip: Skip the crowded metered parking lots near the pier. Look for designated street parking spots and use the ParkTYB app to seamlessly pay by phone without feeding quarters into a physical machine.

Little Tybee Island: The Untouched Wilderness

If manicured boardwalks and snack bars are not your style, charter a boat or kayak to Little Tybee Island. Uninhabited and accessible only by water, this pristine nature preserve is a haven for kayakers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

As you navigate the salt marshes, keep your binoculars ready to spot bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and soaring ospreys. For more wilderness adventures across the region, browse our curated Adventure Trails collection.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Luxury and Championship Golf

Just a 45-minute drive north across the state line brings you to Hilton Head Island. While technically in South Carolina, it is fundamentally tied to the Savannah coastal ecosystem. Hilton Head boasts over 12 miles of wide, Atlantic-facing beaches backed by world-class golf courses, upscale resorts, and pristine bike paths.

Coligny Beach Park

The crown jewel of Hilton Head for public access, Coligny features extensive parking, modern bathhouses, swings overlooking the ocean, and splash pads for children. It is exceptionally well-maintained and provides direct access to a vibrant beach town shopping plaza.

Daufuskie Island: A Step Back in Time

For a truly unique coastal excursion, take a passenger ferry from Hilton Head or Savannah to Daufuskie Island. There are no paved bridges connecting Daufuskie to the mainland; cars are rare, and locals get around by golf cart.

Explore centuries-old Gullah culture, deserted white-sand beaches, and maritime forests untouched by mass commercial development. It is an extraordinary spot for travelers interested in authentic local heritage.

St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island: The Golden Isles Road Trip

Head roughly 80 minutes south of Savannah to explore Georgia’s famed Golden Isles.

• St. Simons Island: Offers dramatic driftwood-littered shores at East Beach and a charming historic village.
• Jekyll Island: Famous for Driftwood Beach, where skeletal remains of ancient live oaks bleached by the sun create an otherworldly, highly photogenic landscape.

For help organizing your transportation and lodging across these stunning coastal spots, try out the interactive Voyage Roams Trip Planner.

Budget Breakdown for a Savannah Beach Trip

Visiting the Lowcountry coast doesn't have to break the bank. Here is a realistic daily budget breakdown for a coastal day trip or overnight stay:

1. 1Transportation: $15–$30 (Rental car gas or rideshare to Tybee Island)
2. 2Parking: $5–$15 per day (Varies by beach access point)
3. 3Dining: $25–$60 per person (Casual seafood baskets to sit-down Lowcountry boils)
4. 4Activities: $0–$40 (Free beach access vs. guided kayak eco-tours)

Practical Traveler's FAQ

Q: When is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Savannah?

A: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to November) offer warm, comfortable weather with fewer crowds. Summer brings peak heat and humidity, along with glorious warm ocean waters.

Q: Can you see dolphins from the beach?

A: Absolutely. Bottlenose dolphins frequently swim close to the shoreline, particularly around inlets, early in the morning and late afternoon.

Q: Are the beaches dog-friendly?

A: Tybee Island does not allow dogs on the beach to protect local wildlife. However, certain areas of Hilton Head Island and Jekyll Island permit leashed dogs during specific morning and evening hours.