Best Beaches Near Atlanta, GA: Where to Find Sand and Sun Within Driving Distance

Atlanta doesn’t sit on the coast, but you still have plenty of options when you’re craving sand, water, and a real beach day. Whether you want a quick afternoon escape, a lake “beach” with kids, or a full weekend on the ocean, there are several beaches near Atlanta, GA that locals rely on all summer long.

This guide walks through the closest lake beaches, family-friendly swim spots, and popular coastal getaways within a reasonable drive from Atlanta—plus what to expect, how far they are, and tips for planning your visit.

Quick Look: Beaches Near Atlanta, GA

Below is a simple overview of some of the most popular beach options Atlantans use.

Drive times are approximate and can vary depending on traffic, especially leaving Atlanta on Friday afternoons.

Closest “Beaches” to Atlanta: Lake & Reservoir Options

If you want water and sand without an overnight stay, your best choices are metro-Atlanta lake beaches.

Lake Lanier: Atlanta’s Most Popular Lake Beach

Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta, is one of the most visited lake destinations for local residents. It offers multiple swim beaches, marinas, and parks.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 45–60 minutes (longer in rush hour)

Key public areas include:

• Lanier Point Park
• Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (paid resort area with water attractions)
• Laurel Park
• Lake Lanier Olympic Park

Common features around Lake Lanier beaches:

• Sandy swimming areas with designated swim zones
• Picnic tables, grills, and pavilions in many parks
• Boat launches and nearby marinas
• Restrooms and basic concessions at busier spots

✅ Good for:

• Families looking for a beach-style afternoon
• Group picnics and birthday gatherings
• Boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing

⚠️ Things to know:

• Lake Lanier can get very crowded on weekends and holidays.
• Parking and entrance fees vary by park; some accept cash only.
• Water levels and swim area openings can change; checking official county or park websites before you go is helpful.

Lake Allatoona: Beaches with Hiking and Camping

Located to the northwest of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is slightly smaller and often feels less chaotic than Lanier, though it’s still popular.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 40–60 minutes

Popular beach and recreation areas include:

• Red Top Mountain State Park
  50 Lodge Rd SE
  Cartersville, GA 30121
  (State park parking fee typically applies.)

• Dallas Landing Park (near Acworth)

• Harbor Town / Acworth Beach
  4425 Beach St
  Acworth, GA 30101

Highlights at Lake Allatoona:

• Small sandy beaches with roped-off swim areas
• Hiking trails at Red Top Mountain
• Picnic shelters and grills
• Campgrounds and cabins in certain areas

✅ Good for:

• Combined hike + swim day trips
• Families who want smaller, easier-to-manage beach areas
• Camping weekends close to Atlanta

West Point Lake: Quieter Lake Beaches South of Atlanta

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, West Point Lake near LaGrange can feel more relaxed than the metro-lake scene.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 1.5–2 hours (southwest)

Common features:

• Multiple U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks with swim areas
• Boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic facilities
• Less urban development near the shoreline than Lanier or Allatoona

✅ Good for:

• Those seeking less crowded water access
• Fishing-focused trips with some swimming options
• Day trips from the south and west sides of metro Atlanta

Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort & Gardens

For a more structured, resort-style day at the beach, Robin Lake Beach in Pine Mountain offers one of the largest man‑made sand beaches in the region.

Address:
Callaway Resort & Gardens
17617 US Hwy 27
Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: About 1.5 hours (southwest)

What to expect:

• A wide sandy beach on Robin Lake with lifeguarded swimming areas in season
• Additional attractions within Callaway Gardens, including walking trails, gardens, and seasonal events
• On‑site accommodations and restaurants

There is usually an admission fee to enter Callaway Resort & Gardens and separate costs for certain activities. Many Atlanta families use this as a full day trip or weekend getaway.

✅ Good for:

• Families who want a controlled, resort-style environment
• Pairing a beach day with gardens, biking, and other attractions

Lake Oconee: Upscale Lake Getaways

Lake Oconee, about halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, offers fewer traditional public “beach parks” but does have lakefront areas, marinas, and some access through parks and lodging.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: ~1.5 hours (east)

Common reasons Atlantans choose Lake Oconee:

• Renting lake houses or staying at resort properties
• Boating, golfing, and relaxed lake weekends
• Limited but pleasant sandy or grassy lakefront entry points, depending on the property

✅ Good for:

• Couples or groups looking for a quieter, more upscale lake trip
• Longer day trips or weekends rather than a quick afternoon beach stop

Coastal Beaches Near Atlanta: Ocean Options for Weekend Trips

For true ocean beaches with waves, sea breeze, and coastal towns, you’ll need to plan for 4–6 hours of driving. Many Atlanta residents routinely make these trips for long weekends or holidays.

Tybee Island: Closest Georgia Ocean Beach to Atlanta

Tybee Island is one of the most accessible Georgia beaches from Atlanta and is often combined with a visit to Savannah.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 4–4.5 hours (southeast)

What Tybee offers:

• Wide sandy beaches with gentle waves
• A walkable beach town feel with shops and casual dining
• Public parking near beach access points (paid parking is common)
• Popular spots like South Beach, North Beach, and the Tybee Island Pier

✅ Good for:

• A quick coastal weekend from Atlanta
• Families, couples, or friend groups who want a laid-back atmosphere

Jekyll Island: Relaxed and Family-Friendly

Jekyll Island is part of Georgia’s Golden Isles and is known for being relatively calm and natural compared to many busy beach towns.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 5–5.5 hours (southeast)

Highlights:

• Long stretches of quiet beach, including Great Dunes Beach Park and Driftwood Beach
• Biking paths and nature areas
• Limited commercial development, giving it a more relaxed feel
• A modest island access fee for vehicles at the entrance

✅ Good for:

• Families wanting an easygoing, low‑key beach vacation
• Atlantans who prefer less crowded oceanfront experiences

St. Simons Island: Beach + Village Atmosphere

St. Simons Island, near Jekyll, offers a slightly more developed feel with more shops and restaurants.

Typical drive from downtown Atlanta: 5–5.5 hours (southeast)

Features:

• Beach access points like East Beach
• A central village area with dining and small retailers
• Piers, playgrounds, and scenic spots

✅ Good for:

• Travelers looking for a balance of beach and amenities
• Those who like to park once and walk or bike to many activities

Florida Gulf Coast: White Sand Within a Day’s Drive

Many Atlantans are willing to drive a bit farther to reach the Gulf Coast, known for white sand and generally clear water.

Two of the most common targets:

Panama City Beach, Florida

Drive from Atlanta: About 5–5.5 hours (southwest)

What to expect:

• Very wide, white-sand beaches
• A mix of condos, resorts, and attractions
• A busier, more energetic atmosphere in peak seasons

✅ Good for groups, spring-break style trips, and people who enjoy a lot of activity around them.

Destin and 30A, Florida

Drive from Atlanta: About 5.5–6 hours (southwest)

• Destin: Well‑known for clear water, large resorts, and harbor-based boat tours.
• 30A communities (such as Seaside, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach): More relaxed, design-forward beach towns with rental homes, boardwalks, and bike paths.

✅ Good for families, couples, and anyone wanting a “vacation town” feel with scenic architecture and walkable centers.

How to Choose the Best Beach Near Atlanta for Your Plans

When you’re deciding which beach near Atlanta, GA makes the most sense, it helps to think through a few questions:

1. How much time do you actually have?

• Same-day outing:

  • Lake Lanier
  • Lake Allatoona
  • West Point Lake
  • Robin Lake Beach at Callaway

• Weekend or long weekend:

  • Tybee Island or Savannah + Tybee
  • Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island
  • Florida Gulf Coast (Panama City, Destin, 30A)

2. Are you looking for lake or ocean?

• Lake “beaches” near Atlanta:

  • Quicker to reach
  • Generally calmer water with fewer waves
  • Good for quick swims, boating, and picnics

• Ocean beaches from Atlanta:

  • Require more driving or an overnight stay
  • Offer waves, sea breeze, and traditional coastal feel
  • Often better for longer vacations

3. Who’s going with you?

• Young kids:

  • Calm lake beaches with restrooms and picnic shelters
  • Robin Lake Beach at Callaway
  • Family-focused islands like Jekyll

• Friends’ trip:

  • Lake Lanier or Allatoona for boating and group outings
  • Tybee, Panama City Beach, or Destin for nightlife and activities

• Quiet couples’ getaway:

  • Lake Oconee properties
  • Jekyll Island or St. Simons
  • 30A beach towns

Practical Tips for Atlanta Beach Trips

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make your trip smoother:

Timing Your Drive

• Leaving Atlanta:

  • Friday afternoons and holiday weekends cause heavy southbound and eastbound traffic.
  • Leaving early morning or later in the evening can cut travel time significantly.

• Returning to Atlanta:

  • Sunday afternoons are often congested on major routes back into the city.

Packing Essentials

Even for a simple lake-day near Atlanta, it helps to bring:

• Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
• Beach towels or lightweight blankets
• Folding chairs or a small shade tent (check park rules)
• Water and snacks; some parks have limited concessions
• Cash or card for parking and entry fees
• Life jackets or floatation devices for younger kids, even in roped swim areas

Checking Local Rules and Conditions

Before you head out:

• Look up the specific park or island you’re visiting to see:
  • Parking and entrance fees
  • Pet policies on the beach
  • Alcohol restrictions
  • Whether grills, tents, or glass containers are allowed
• For lakes, check if any swim advisories or access closures are posted.
• For coastal trips, checking tide times and any posted rip current warnings can be helpful.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contacts for Park & Travel Info

These resources can help you plan a beach trip from Atlanta:

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources – State Parks & Historic Sites
  One Conservation Way
  Brunswick, GA 31520
  Main Parks Information: (770) 389-7286

• Georgia Tourism / Explore Georgia (statewide visitor info)
  Georgia Department of Economic Development
  75 Fifth Street NW, Suite 1200
  Atlanta, GA 30308
  Main: (404) 962-4000

These offices provide general information about state parks, beaches, and recreation areas across Georgia that Atlantans commonly visit.

Whether you want a spontaneous lake swim after work or a full week on white sand, you can reach plenty of beaches near Atlanta, GA by car. Start by deciding how far you’re willing to drive, then match your group’s style—lake vs. ocean, quiet vs. lively—to the destinations above, and you’ll have a solid short list to work from.