The Closest Beaches to Atlanta: Your Quick Guide to Sand and Surf

Living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, you quickly learn one thing: there’s no oceanfront beach inside the city limits. But you’re also only a few hours’ drive from several good options, including lake beaches near Atlanta and ocean beaches on the Georgia and Florida coasts.

This guide breaks down:

• The closest lake-style beaches to Atlanta
• The nearest true ocean beaches
• Typical drive times, what each spot is like, and who it’s best for
• Tips for planning a beach day or weekend from Atlanta

First Things First: How Close Is the Nearest Beach to Atlanta?

If you mean a “real ocean” beach, you’ll need to drive:

• About 4–5 hours to the Georgia or South Carolina coast
• About 5–6 hours to popular Florida beaches

If you just want sand, sun, and swimming, several lake beaches are within 1–2 hours of downtown Atlanta, and they can work very well for a quick day trip.

Quick Comparison: Closest Beaches to Atlanta

Drive times are approximate and assume leaving from downtown Atlanta in normal traffic.

Closest Lake Beaches to Atlanta (Great for Day Trips)

If you’re asking “What beach is close to Atlanta?” for a same-day outing, these lake beaches are usually the most practical.

Acworth Beach at Cauble Park

Location:
Cauble Park
4425 Beach Street, Acworth, GA 30101

Approx. drive from Atlanta: ~40–45 minutes northwest (via I‑75)

Why Atlantans like it:

• Sandy swimming beach on Lake Acworth
• Lifeguards are sometimes present in season (check current details before you go)
• Playground, picnic areas, and restrooms
• Feels like a classic small-town lakeside park

This is one of the closest true “beach-like” spots to Atlanta with sand, a designated swim area, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s especially popular with families from the metro area looking for a short, simple trip.

Lake Allatoona Beaches (Multiple Options)

General area: North of Atlanta near Acworth, Cartersville, and Woodstock
Drive time: Typically 45–60 minutes from downtown, depending on which park you choose.

Some popular beach spots on Lake Allatoona include:

Dallas Landing Park

• Location: 5120 Allatoona Drive, Acworth, GA 30101
• Features:
  • Sandy beach on Lake Allatoona
  • Designated swimming area
  • Picnic space and open fields
• Best for: A laid-back day of swimming, picnicking, and playing near the water.

Red Top Mountain State Park Beach

• Location: 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA 30102
• Managed by: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Why it’s a favorite:
  • A swimming beach on Lake Allatoona
  • Hiking trails, picnic shelters, and campgrounds
  • Good option if you want both woods and water in one trip

Red Top Mountain is one of the more popular choices for Atlantans who want a state park feel plus a beach area.

Lake Lanier Beaches (Including Lanier Islands)

General area: North of Atlanta near Buford, Gainesville, and Cumming
Drive time: About 1–1.25 hours from most intown Atlanta neighborhoods.

Lake Lanier has several public swim beaches, along with Lanier Islands, a resort area with a sandy beach, activities, and seasonal water attractions.

Lake Lanier Public Beaches (Corps of Engineers and County Parks)

Spread along the lake’s shoreline, you’ll find:

• Sandy or mixed sand/gravel swim beaches
• Designated swimming zones
• Picnic areas and restrooms in many parks

These are usually good for budget-friendly day trips if you don’t need extra attractions.

Lanier Islands Beach Area

General location: Near 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

• Offers a larger, more developed beach area
• Often includes seasonal water activities and amenities
• Better suited for those who want a “mini-vacation” feel close to Atlanta

For current details on public beaches, hours, and fees at Lake Lanier, many Atlantans check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Lanier pages or Gwinnett/Hall County parks information before visiting.

Closest Ocean Beach to Atlanta: Tybee Island, Georgia

If by “close” you mean ocean waves and saltwater, the nearest widely-recognized option is:

Tybee Island, GA

Approx. drive from Atlanta:

• 4–4.5 hours, typically via I‑75 → I‑16 through Savannah

Why Tybee is popular with Atlantans:

• Frequently considered the closest ocean beach to Atlanta
• Has wide sandy beaches with multiple access points
• Offers a casual, low-key beach town vibe rather than a high-rise resort feel
• Only about 20–30 minutes from downtown Savannah, so many people combine Tybee with a night in the city

Common beach areas on Tybee include:

• South Beach: Near the pier, more shops and activity
• Mid Beach: Quieter, more residential feel
• North Beach: Near the lighthouse, often a bit calmer

If you’re leaving from Atlanta early in the morning, a day trip is technically possible, but most people find it more comfortable as an overnight or weekend trip.

Other Ocean Beaches Within 5–6 Hours of Atlanta

If you’re open to driving a bit farther or want something slightly different from Tybee, you have several more coastal options.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Approx. drive from Atlanta: ~4.5–5 hours

Highlights:

• Long, wide beaches that are good for walking and biking
• Many bike paths and family-friendly neighborhoods
• Some areas feel more resort-oriented, but there are public beach access points as well

Hilton Head tends to appeal to Atlantans who want a polished, planned beach community with lots of organized activities.

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia

Approx. drive from Atlanta: ~4.5–5 hours (southeast toward Brunswick)

Jekyll Island

• Quieter than some other beach spots
• Known for marsh views, bike paths, and a more low-key, natural feel
• Multiple public beach access areas

St. Simons Island

• Has village shops and restaurants, along with beach access
• Good for people who want both beach time and a small-town coastal atmosphere

These islands are often chosen by Atlantans looking for a slower-paced coastal trip with a bit of history and nature mixed in.

Jacksonville Beach and Nearby Florida Beaches

Approx. drive from Atlanta: ~5–5.5 hours (I‑75 south, then I‑10 east)

While not the very closest, beaches around Jacksonville, Florida are still reachable for a long weekend from Atlanta and give you:

• Wide, Atlantic-side beaches
• More of a classic Florida coastal environment
• Access to both beach neighborhoods and a larger city area

How to Choose the Right Beach Near Atlanta

When you’re deciding which “closest beach to Atlanta” actually works best for you, consider:

1. Day Trip vs. Overnight

• Day trip:
  • Lake Acworth, Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier
  • Typically 1 hour or less one way
• Overnight / weekend:
  • Tybee Island, Hilton Head, Georgia barrier islands, Florida beaches
  • Usually 4–6 hours one way

2. Lake Beach vs. Ocean Beach

Lake beaches (near Atlanta):

• Much shorter drive
• Often calmer water, which some families prefer
• Freshwater, not saltwater
• Fewer waves, no true “surf”

Ocean beaches (farther from Atlanta):

• Real waves, sea breeze, ocean views
• Beach towns and coastal ecosystems
• More driving, usually more planning and lodging cost

3. Activities You Want

Ask yourself:

• Do you mainly want to swim and relax on the sand?
• Are you also interested in hiking or camping (Red Top Mountain, Allatoona)?
• Do you want a waterpark or resort-style amenities (Lanier Islands)?
• Are you looking for a full coastal vacation with restaurants, nightlife, and attractions (Tybee/Savannah, Hilton Head, St. Simons, Jacksonville)?

Your answers will narrow the options quickly.

Practical Tips for Beach Trips From Atlanta

Here are a few Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• Leave early:
  Atlanta traffic, especially on I‑75 and GA‑400, can add significant time if you leave after rush hour starts.
• Check park hours and fees:
  Many lake beaches near Atlanta have seasonal hours, parking fees, or day-use fees. It’s smart to confirm these with the managing agency (city parks departments, Georgia State Parks, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
• Watch weather and water conditions:
  For lake beaches, check if there are any advisories or closures; for the coast, some Atlantans look at tide charts and rip current advisories when planning ocean swimming.
• Pack for shade:
  Lake beaches around Atlanta can have limited shade directly on the sand. Many people bring pop-up canopies, umbrellas, or chairs.
• Consider shoulder seasons:
  Spring and fall can be pleasant for ocean beaches, especially if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared with midsummer.

Quick Answer: What Beach Is Closest to Atlanta?

• For a quick beach-style outing from Atlanta with sand and swimming, the closest and most practical options are lake beaches such as:

  • Acworth Beach at Cauble Park
  • Dallas Landing or Red Top Mountain on Lake Allatoona
  • Lake Lanier swim beaches and Lanier Islands

• For the closest true ocean beach to Atlanta, most people head to:

  • Tybee Island, Georgia – about 4–4.5 hours from the city, just east of Savannah.

From there, it’s simply a matter of how far you’re willing to drive, how long you want to stay, and whether you prefer freshwater lakes close to Atlanta or a saltwater shoreline a few hours away.