With around 100 miles of coastline, Georgia is no stranger to seafood, beaches, or big family travel. We’ve scoured the Peach state up and down for the best coastal locations for big family fun and compiled the info below on where we found to be the best locales to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a buzzing beach town with lots of action or a quiet stretch of sand where your kids can run free, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also made sure to include both hotel options and vacation rentals near each beach, because we know every family has different needs when it comes to accommodations.
In this guide, we’ll take you through four great Georgia beach destinations that are perfect for big families:
- Tybee Island: The classic beach town just minutes from Savannah
- Jekyll Island: A natural paradise with miles of bike trails
- St. Simons Island: Where local charm meets beach fun
- Cabretta Beach: The hidden gem for families seeking adventure
For each spot, we’ll share where to stay, what to do, and tips to make your trip smoother.
Tybee Island
Just 18 miles from Savannah, Tybee Island is one of Georgia’s best beach spots for big families. With over 3 miles of beach to spread out on, you’ll have no trouble finding your own piece of sand to call home for the day. This little barrier island packs a lot in – from beautiful beaches to tons of history, making it great for families who want more than just beach time.
You’ll find everything you need for a day at the beach here – bathrooms, showers to rinse off, and plenty of parking. During summer, lifeguards watch over the main swimming areas, which gives parents some extra peace of mind. The pier is a great spot to take a walk or just enjoy the ocean views.
Nearby family activities
- The Tybee Lighthouse is the oldest and tallest in Georgia. Note that it’s 178 steps to the top! The view is worth every step, and the lighthouse museum tells some pretty cool stories about the island’s history.
- Fort Pulaski is a must-visit if your kids are into history (or just like exploring cool old buildings). It’s a real Civil War fort complete with cannons and a moat. The park rangers do a great job making history fun for kids, and there’s plenty of space for them to run around.
- The Marine Science Center is perfect for curious kids who want to get up close with sea creatures. They can touch local marine life in the touch tanks and join beach walks where they learn about what they’re finding in the sand.
Tybee Island Big Family Accommodations
Finding a place that fits everyone isn’t hard here. You can either stay at one of the big family-friendly hotels in nearby Savannah, or grab a vacation rental right on Tybee Island. We usually go for the rentals since they give us more space to spread out and a kitchen to save money on meals.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Check the tide charts before you go! Low tide is the best time to visit – the beach gets way bigger, and it’s perfect for finding shells and watching tiny sea creatures in the tide pools. And don’t forget water shoes – the sand gets super hot in summer.
Jekyll Island
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach experience, Jekyll Island is a go-to spot. It’s the smallest of Georgia’s sea islands, but don’t let that fool you; there’s so much to do here. What makes it special is how they’ve managed to keep 65% of the island natural and undeveloped, so you get that real coastal feeling without the overdone tourist vibe.
The best part about Jekyll is how easy it is to get around. There are 22 miles of paved bike paths (you can rent bikes right on the island), and they wind through some of the prettiest spots you’ll ever see, like massive oak trees draped with Spanish moss and paths that pop out to surprise ocean views.
Nearby family activities
- Summer Waves Water Park has everything you need: big slides, a lazy river, and plenty of spots for parents to relax while the kids splash around. They even have cabanas you can rent if you want some shade.
- Driftwood Beach is unlike any beach you’ve probably seen before. It looks like something out of a movie with all these weathered trees scattered across the sand.
- The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a working hospital for sea turtles. You can watch the staff treat injured turtles, and there are lots of hands-on exhibits that teach kids about marine life.
Jekyll Island Big Family Accommodation
You can either book one of the Jekyll Island hotels, but options for big families are limited on Jekyll Island. Or book a vacation rental if you want to get closer to the water. Since the island is small, you really can’t go wrong with location – everything is pretty easy to get to.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Bring or rent bikes! The paths are flat and well-maintained, making them perfect even for wobbly riders. It’s the best way to explore the island, and you can easily bike to the beach, restaurants, and most attractions. Also, pack a light jacket – even in summer, the evening bike rides can get breezy.
Extra Money-Saving Tip: You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to get onto Jekyll Island (it’s like a state park), but if you’re staying for several days, the weekly pass is worth it. And if you’re going to do multiple activities, look into their package deals – they can save you quite a bit.
St. Simons Island
One of Georgia’s smallest islands, St. Simons packs a ton of family fun between Savannah and Jacksonville. Locals call it “The East Beach,” and it’s this cool mix of laid-back beach town and residential island that gives it an authentic feel. You won’t find the typical tourist traps here, which is exactly why you’ll love it.
The beach itself is perfect for families – wide, flat, and with plenty of room to spread out. What makes it special is all the wildlife you might spot. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves to baby sea turtles (during nesting season), and yes, even alligators in the marshy areas (don’t worry – they stick to their own spots away from the beach).
Nearby family activities
- Neptune Park and Pier is a great place to spend evenings. The kids can play on the playground or splash in the water park while you watch the fishing action on the pier. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a sunset.
- Fort Frederica National Monument lets kids step back in time to the 1700s. The ruins of this old British fort are fun to explore, and the rangers do a great job of making history interesting.
St. Simons Big Family Accommodations
You’ve got two main options here: either book one of the family-friendly hotels over in Savannah and make the drive, or grab a vacation rental right on St. Simons. The rentals give you more space, usually better beach access, and the chance to save money by cooking some meals at home.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
The tide changes here can be pretty dramatic, so check the tide charts before planning your beach day. Low tide is amazing for finding shells and watching tiny crabs scuttle around in the tide pools. Also, bring bikes or plan to rent them – the island has great bike paths, and it’s the best way to get around and spot those massive old oak trees the island is famous for.
Cabretta Beach
If you’re looking to completely unplug and show your kids what a real, undeveloped beach looks like, Cabretta Beach on Sapelo Island is your spot. Fair warning – this isn’t your typical beach trip. Getting here takes a bit of planning since you can only reach the island by ferry from Meridian (schedule varies by season and day, costs $5 per person round trip). The ferry ride itself is about 40 minutes, but our kids loved spotting dolphins and birds along the way.
What makes Cabretta Beach special is what you won’t find here – no crowds, no gift shops, no beachfront hotels. Instead, you get pristine shoreline, untouched maritime forests, and the kind of peace that’s hard to find at more popular beaches. The beach stretches along the east side of Sapelo Island, and you’ll often feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
Nearby family activities
- Kayaking through the salt marshes is a must-do. You can see herons, egrets, and even some oyster beds. Several local guides offer tours that are perfect for families.
- The R.J. Reynolds Mansion tours give kids a glimpse into the island’s history. The mansion itself looks like something out of a movie, and the stories about the families who lived here are fascinating.
- Hiking the maritime forests lets you see a side of Georgia most people miss.
Sapelo Island Big Family Accommodations
Let’s be honest – accommodations are limited here. You can either stay at one of the big family hotels near Meridian and make a day trip, or book one of the few vacation rentals on the island. If you do stay on the island, stock up on supplies before you come – there’s no grocery store here.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Pack everything you need for the day – and I mean everything. There are no convenience stores or restaurants on the beach. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and maybe even lunch. Also, consider bringing a mesh bag for shell collecting; the shelling here is incredible, and your kids will want to take home treasures.
Planning Note: This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment beach trip. You’ll need to plan around the ferry schedule and book well in advance if you want to stay on the island. But if you’re looking to show your kids what beaches were like before development took over, or just want a truly peaceful day by the ocean, Cabretta Beach is worth the extra effort.
