Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Islands in Georgia are perfect for a peaceful and scenic escape. These top 10 islands offer a mix of Southern charm, natural beauty, and local culture. From the quiet paths of Sapelo to the lively beaches of Tybee, each place has something special. Enjoy unspoilt beaches, small villages, and historic sites. These islands are ideal for slow travel, wildlife spotting, and relaxing days. Every island has its own story to tell, making your trip both calm and memorable.
10 Islands In Georgia Worth Visiting
Experience a blend of beauty and serenity with our detailed list of the 10 best islands in Georgia worth a visit:
1. Tybee Island
Photo: Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia Commons
A quaint seaside getaway, Tybee Island is well-known for its sandy beaches, old lighthouse, and thriving arts community. It is one of the most popular islands in Georgia to visit, and is a haven for beachgoers and history enthusiasts alike. The island boasts four distinct beaches, each offering unique experiences – from the bustling South Beach with its iconic pier to the serene Back River Beach, ideal for sunset views. Visitors can explore the Tybee Island Light Station, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, providing panoramic views after climbing its 178 steps.
Nearest Seaport: Port of Savannah
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by car via U.S. Highway 80 from Savannah
2. Jekyll Island
Photo: Jo Jakeman / Wikimedia Commons
Jekyll Island boasts a rich history, from its days as an exclusive retreat for America’s elite to its current status as a family-friendly destination with pristine beaches and nature trails. Driftwood Beach, adorned with weathered trees, offers a surreal landscape perfect for photography. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides insights into sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Families can enjoy the Summer Waves Water Park, featuring slides and a lazy river.
Nearest Seaport: Brunswick Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by car via the Jekyll Island Causeway
3. St. Simons Island
Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie) / Wikimedia Commons
St. Simons Island is a blend of Southern charm and coastal beauty, featuring moss-draped oaks, historic sites, and a vibrant village area. The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum allows visitors to climb 129 steps for panoramic views and explore exhibits detailing maritime history. Cannon’s Point Preserve offers 600 acres of maritime forest and salt marshes, ideal for hiking and birdwatching. The World War II Home Front Museum provides interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s role during the war.
Nearest Seaport: Brunswick Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by car via the F.J. Torras Causeway
4. Cumberland Island
Photo: Tim Kiser / Wikimedia Commons
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island, known for its unspoiled beaches, wild horses, and historic ruins. The island’s diverse ecosystems include maritime forests, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, offering ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore the ruins of Dungeness Mansion, once a grand estate, and the Plum Orchard Mansion, showcasing early 20th-century architecture. The island is also home to the First African Baptist Church, a historic site where John F. Kennedy Jr. was married.
Nearest Seaport: St. Marys Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by ferry from St. Marys
5. Sapelo Island
Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie) / Wikimedia Commons
Sapelo Island is rich in Gullah-Geechee culture and offers a glimpse into a unique heritage amidst its natural landscapes. The Hog Hammock community, inhabited by descendants of enslaved Africans, preserves this cultural legacy through festivals and storytelling. Visitors can explore the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, which provides educational programs on coastal ecosystems. The island’s Reynolds Mansion offers guided tours, showcasing its historical significance.
Nearest Seaport: Darien Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by ferry from Meridian Dock
6. Little St. Simons Island
Photo: Trish Hartmann / Wikimedia Commons
This private island offers an exclusive experience with untouched beaches and abundant wildlife, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 11,000 acres, it provides guided naturalist-led excursions, including birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking through diverse habitats. The island is a haven for bird species, including roseate spoonbills and wood storks. Its commitment to conservation ensures minimal human impact, preserving its pristine condition.
Nearest Seaport: Brunswick Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by boat from the Hampton River Marina
7. Sea Island
Photo: John Margolies / Wikimedia Commons
Sea Island is a luxurious destination known for its upscale resorts, fine dining, and pristine beaches. The Cloister, a Forbes Five-Star resort, offers world-class amenities, including a spa, golf courses, and equestrian facilities. The island’s Beach Club provides family-friendly activities, such as swimming pools and beachfront access. Nature enthusiasts can explore the island’s salt marshes through guided kayaking tours. Sea Island’s commitment to environmental stewardship includes initiatives like sea turtle conservation programs.
Nearest Seaport: Brunswick Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by car via Sea Island Road from St. Simons Island
8. Skidaway Island
Photo: Britt Reints / Wikimedia Commons
Skidaway Island is home to scenic parks and trails, offering a peaceful retreat close to Savannah. Skidaway Island State Park features miles of trails winding through maritime forests and salt marshes, ideal for hiking and birdwatching. The University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium provides interactive exhibits on local marine life. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at Butterbean Beach or launch kayaks to explore the Skidaway Narrows.
Nearest Seaport: Savannah Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible by car via Diamond Causeway
9. Wassaw Island
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / Wikimedia Commons
Wassaw Island is a protected wilderness area, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. As part of the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, it offers seven miles of undeveloped beaches and extensive salt marshes. Accessible only by boat, the island provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Its diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and loggerhead sea turtles.
Nearest Seaport: Savannah Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible only by boat; private charters are available
10. Blackbeard Island
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / Wikimedia Commons
Blackbeard Island is a national wildlife refuge, offering pristine beaches and diverse ecosystems. Named after the infamous pirate, the island is steeped in history and natural beauty. Its habitats include maritime forests, salt marshes, and freshwater ponds, supporting a wide range of wildlife. The island is a critical nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles and a haven for migratory birds.
Nearest Seaport: Darien Port
Mode Of Transport: Accessible only by boat; private charters can be arranged
From sunny beaches to peaceful wild areas, Georgia’s islands are ideal for all kinds of travellers. You can walk through lovely seaside towns, visit old ruins, or relax by the sea. Each island has its own charm and calm feel. They’re full of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you want to relax or enjoy Southern hospitality, Georgia’s islands are perfect. Start your island adventure now with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Lexaxis7 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
