Beaches Near Atlanta, Georgia: Best Spots for Sand and Sun Within Easy Driving Distance

Atlanta doesn’t have an ocean coastline, but you can absolutely spend a day (or weekend) on a sandy beach without leaving Georgia. Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting and craving a swim, there are several lake beaches and man‑made shorelines within a reasonable drive of Atlanta.

This guide focuses on the best beach-style destinations Atlantans actually use, how far they are from the city, what each is like, and practical tips for planning your trip.

Is There a Beach in Atlanta, Georgia?

There are no natural ocean beaches in the City of Atlanta. What Atlanta does have is:

• Lake beaches with real sand, swim areas, and shoreline picnic spots
• Waterfront parks along large reservoirs north and south of the city
• Day-trip access to the Georgia coast for those willing to drive several hours

If you type “beaches in Atlanta” into a map app, you’ll mainly see lakes and park swim areas. These are the places locals go when they want a beach day without flying to Florida or driving to the coast.

Quick Comparison: Popular “Beach” Spots Near Atlanta

*Drive times depend heavily on traffic; weekend mornings usually run faster than weekday rush hours.

Lake Lanier Beaches (Northeast of Atlanta)

Best for: Classic “beach day” close to Atlanta, water sports, group outings

Located mainly in Hall, Forsyth, and Gwinnett Counties, Lake Lanier is one of the most popular getaways for Atlantans who want sand, swimming, and boating.

You won’t find “Atlanta Beach” here, but you will find multiple parks with sand shorelines and roped‑off swim areas.

Common Lake Lanier Beach Areas

Some of the better-known public spots include:

• Buford Dam Park – Sandy swim area, picnic tables, grills, scenic lake views
• Mary Alice Park (Cumming) – Smaller beach, family-friendly, often used by locals
• Laurel Park (Hall County) – Shoreline access, boat ramps, open lawns
• Other Corps of Engineers or county parks around the lake offer swim areas, picnic spots, and boat ramps.

These parks are managed by a mix of county recreation departments and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees much of the shoreline.

What to Expect at Lake Lanier Beaches

• Facilities: Many parks have restrooms, picnic shelters, grills, and playgrounds.
• Swimming: Designated swim areas with buoys; lifeguards are not guaranteed, so people typically swim at their own risk.
• Fees: Many parks charge a day-use parking fee or access fee (often per vehicle).
• Activities:
  • Swimming and sunbathing
  • Boat rentals at some marinas
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding
  • Fishing from the shore or by boat

👀 Tip: On hot summer weekends, Lanier parks can fill up by late morning. Locals often arrive early (9–10 a.m.) to secure parking and a shaded picnic spot.

Lake Allatoona Beaches (Northwest of Atlanta)

Best for: Short drive from northwest metro, mix of nature and beach

Lake Allatoona sits northwest of Atlanta near Cartersville, Acworth, and Woodstock. It’s smaller than Lanier but still offers a true beach-like experience.

Popular Allatoona Beach Options

1. Red Top Mountain State Park

   • Address: 50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102
   • About 45 minutes from downtown (traffic permitting)
   • Features a small sandy swimming cove, a roped-off swim area, and plenty of hiking trails and picnic spots.
   • Managed by Georgia State Parks, with a modest parking fee.

2. Dallas Landing Park (City of Acworth)

   • Address: 5120 Allatoona Dr, Acworth, GA 30101
   • Larger sandy shoreline on Lake Allatoona
   • Grills, pavilions, and seasonal activities
   • A popular choice for family gatherings.

3. Bartow Carver Park (Bartow County)

   • Located off Bartow Carver Rd SE near Acworth
   • Offers lake access, sandy areas, and day-use recreation.

What Makes Allatoona Appealing

• Closer to some northwest Atlanta suburbs than Lanier
• A more wooded, state-park feel at places like Red Top Mountain
• Good choice if you want a hike + swim combo in one trip

Acworth Beach at Cauble Park

Best for: In-town lake beach feel, families with kids

Cauble Park on Lake Acworth is one of the most “traditional” looking beaches near Atlanta, with a broad sandy area, grassy lawns, and a designated swim section.

• Location: 4425 Beach St NW, Acworth, GA 30101
• About 40 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta

Features

• Sandy Acworth Beach along Lake Acworth
• Roped-off swimming area for safety
• Playground and picnic pavilions
• Walking paths and lake views
• Often a lifeguard presence during peak season (check before you go)

Local families use this as a low-stress “beach day” without driving to the coast—or even as a quick evening outing after work.

West Point Lake Beaches (Southwest of Atlanta)

Best for: Quieter lakeside atmosphere, camping + swimming

West Point Lake lies near LaGrange, GA, about 1.5 to 2 hours southwest of Atlanta, managed largely by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Several day-use areas offer sandy or gently sloping shorelines designed for swimming and picnics:

• Designated swim beaches with sand or fine gravel
• Picnic tables, grills, and boat ramps
• More of a “get away from the metro” vibe than Lanier or Allatoona

West Point Lake works well for weekend camping trips where you want both a waterfront campsite and a daytime swim area.

Callaway Area Lake Beaches (Pine Mountain)

Best for: Resort-style lake experience, day trip or overnight

Near Pine Mountain, about 1.5 hours south-southwest of Atlanta, the Callaway area (often associated with Callaway Gardens) includes lakefront beaches with managed swim areas and additional activities.

Expect:

• A large sandy lake beach
• Paddleboats, kayaks, and other water rentals (seasonal)
• Nearby gardens, walking paths, and family attractions

This is more of a planned outing than a casual quick swim, but popular with Atlantans for long summer weekends or special occasions.

How Far Is the Ocean from Atlanta?

If you’re looking for true ocean beaches, you’ll need to treat it as a road trip:

• Tybee Island (near Savannah): About 4–4.5 hours southeast
• Jekyll Island / St. Simons Island / Brunswick area: About 4.5–5.5 hours
• Florida Panhandle (e.g., Panama City Beach): Roughly 5 hours southwest

Many Atlanta residents plan 3-day weekends or holidays for these trips rather than day visits, since the round‑trip drive is long for a single day.

Planning a Beach Day from Atlanta: Practical Tips

Even though these are lakes rather than the ocean, it still helps to plan ahead—especially in summer.

1. Pick the Right Distance for Your Plans

• Under 1 hour:
  • Lake Lanier (south and western shore parks)
  • Lake Allatoona (Red Top Mountain, Dallas Landing, Acworth Beach)
• 1–2 hours:
  • West Point Lake
  • Pine Mountain / Callaway area
• 4+ hours:
  • Georgia and Florida ocean beaches

For a same-day outing, most Atlantans stick to Lanier, Allatoona, or Acworth Beach.

2. Check Local Rules Before You Go

Rules can change seasonally. Common things to verify:

• Hours of operation (many parks close at sunset)
• Parking or day-use fees
• Whether pets are allowed on the beach area
• Grill and alcohol policies
• Lifeguard availability (many swim areas are “swim at your own risk”)

Most of this information is posted by:

• Georgia State Parks (for Red Top Mountain and others)
• County or city parks and recreation departments
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for reservoirs like Lanier and West Point)

3. Packing Checklist for Atlanta Lake Beaches

Because services vary from park to park, many locals bring:

• Shade: Pop-up canopy or beach umbrella
• Seating: Beach chairs or blankets
• Water and snacks: Many parks are not walking distance from shops
• Cash or card for parking fees
• Water shoes or sandals: Some beaches have small rocks or shells in the shallows
• Cooler with ice (where allowed)
• Trash bags: Not all sites have frequent trash pickup

Safety and Weather Considerations

Atlanta’s beach-style spots are generally relaxed, but it’s still smart to stay aware of conditions.

• Weather: Summer thunderstorms can appear quickly. Many parks require leaving the water during lightning.
• Water conditions:
  • Lake levels can fluctuate.
  • Some parks post advisories if conditions aren’t suitable for swimming.
• No ocean hazards: You won’t have to deal with tides or rip currents at Atlanta-area lakes, but normal water safety remains important—especially for children and weak swimmers.

👍 Local pattern: Many Atlantans go early in the day to avoid afternoon storms and heavier crowds.

Getting Local Information and Assistance

If you want specific, up‑to‑date details about a particular park’s beach or swim area, you can contact:

Georgia State Parks (for places like Red Top Mountain)

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources – State Parks & Historic Sites
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, Suite 1352 East Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main Parks Line: (404) 656‑2770

They can provide information about:

• Park hours and entry fees
• Swim area status
• Camping or cabin reservations at parks with beaches

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District (for Lake Lanier & West Point)

• Lake Lanier Project Management Office
  1050 Buford Dam Rd, Buford, GA 30518
  Phone: (770) 945‑9531

• West Point Lake Project Management Office
  500 Resource Management Dr, West Point, GA 31833
  Phone: (706) 645‑2937

These offices can answer questions about:

• Open/closed swim areas and day-use parks
• Parking fees and passes
• Boat ramp status and lake levels

Local City and County Parks Departments

For Acworth Beach at Cauble Park, Dallas Landing, and similar spots, contact:

• City of Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department
  4361 Cherokee St, Acworth, GA 30101
  Phone: (770) 917‑1234

Staff can help with:

• Beach hours and lifeguard schedules (when applicable)
• Events or facility rentals near the beach
• Local rules on pets, grills, and coolers

Choosing the Right “Beach” for You in the Atlanta Area

If you’re in or near Atlanta and want sand, water, and sun:

• For the closest, classic lake-beach feel:

  • Lake Lanier (multiple parks)
  • Lake Allatoona (Red Top Mountain, Dallas Landing)
  • Acworth Beach at Cauble Park

• For a quieter, more natural trip a bit farther away:

  • West Point Lake
  • Pine Mountain / Callaway area

• For a true ocean beach:

  • Plan a weekend to Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons, or the Florida Panhandle.

From inside Atlanta, your most realistic “beach day” options are the lake beaches within about an hour’s drive. With a little planning around traffic, park rules, and weather, you can enjoy a full beach-style experience without leaving the metro area.