Finding a Beach Near Atlanta, Georgia: Best Options for Sand and Surf

Atlanta may be landlocked, but people regularly search for “Georgia Atlanta beach” hoping to find sand, water, and a coastal vibe without a massive travel headache. While there’s no ocean beach in the city itself, Atlanta is well-positioned for day trips to lakeside beaches and weekend getaways to the Georgia coast and nearby states.

This guide walks you through the closest beaches to Atlanta, how far they are, what to expect, and how to choose the right spot based on time, budget, and activities.

Is There a Beach in Atlanta, Georgia?

No, Atlanta does not have an ocean or Gulf beach.
However, Atlantans have three main ways to get a “beach day”:

1. Local lake beaches – Closest option; sandy shores along large reservoirs and lakes.
2. Georgia coastal beaches – Real ocean waves and saltwater, usually a weekend trip.
3. Beaches in neighboring states – Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina beaches within a half-day drive.

If you’re in Atlanta and just want sun, sand, and swimming, lake beaches north and west of the city are the most practical for a single day. For a true ocean experience, plan for 4–6+ hours of driving.

Quick Comparison: Beach Options from Atlanta

*Drive times are approximate from central Atlanta and can change with traffic and exact starting point.

Closest “Beach” Experiences to Atlanta: Lake Beaches

If you type “Georgia Atlanta beach” hoping for something within an hour or two, you’re likely looking for lakefront beaches. These spots give you sand, swimming areas, and often picnic facilities, without the long coastal drive.

1. Lake Lanier Beaches (Northeast of Atlanta)

Where: North of Atlanta, primarily around Buford, Gainesville, and Cumming
Distance: About 45–75 minutes from much of metro Atlanta, depending on traffic and which park you choose.

Lake Lanier is one of the most popular “beach day” destinations for Atlanta residents. Many parks and recreation areas have designated swimming beaches with sand and roped-off swim zones.

Commonly used areas include:

• Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (formerly LanierWorld) – Has a sandy beach, water attractions, and resort-style amenities.
• Laurel Park, Old Federal Park, and other Corps of Engineers parks – Offer more low-key beach areas with picnic tables and boat ramps.

Typical features you might find at Lake Lanier beaches:

• Sandy shoreline and gradual lake entry
• Marked swimming areas
• Restrooms and picnic tables
• Nearby boat launches or marinas
• Parking fees or park entry fees in many locations

Good for:
Families, groups, and anyone in Atlanta wanting a quick “beach feel” without staying overnight.

Tip: Summer weekends can be very busy. Arriving earlier in the day from Atlanta usually makes parking and set-up easier.

2. Lake Allatoona Beaches (Northwest of Atlanta)

Where: Near Acworth, Cartersville, and Woodstock
Distance: About 35–70 minutes from different parts of Atlanta.

Lake Allatoona is another very popular lake beach option for Atlanta-area residents, especially those on the northwest side of the metro.

Key spots include:

• Red Top Mountain State Park

  • Address: 50 Lodge Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121
  • Features: Sandy swimming beach on Lake Allatoona, hiking trails, picnic areas, campground, and cottages.

• Dallas Landing Park & Cauble Park (Acworth Beach area)

  • Both offer sandy lakefront areas where you can swim or relax by the water, with views of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona.

Lake Allatoona beach areas often include:

• Sandy swim beach
• Grassy and shaded picnic areas
• Playgrounds in some parks
• Restrooms and pavilions
• Parking or park entry fees in certain locations

Good for:
Quick day trips from Atlanta, combining beach time with hiking or picnicking in a more natural setting.

3. Other Nearby Lake Beaches

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, there are additional lakes with beach-style areas that Atlanta residents often use:

• West Point Lake – Southwest of Atlanta, near LaGrange; several parks have swimming areas.
• Lake Oconee – East of Atlanta; lakeside communities and some parks offer small beach-like areas.
• Lake Hartwell – Farther northeast; multiple recreation areas with beaches used for day trips or longer getaways.

Who these are best for:
People in the Atlanta metro who don’t mind 1.5–2 hours of driving and want quieter or less-crowded spots than the main Atlanta-area lakes on peak weekends.

Ocean Beaches Nearest to Atlanta (Georgia Coast)

For true ocean waves and salt air, Atlantans generally head to the Georgia coast. These are realistic for a weekend or long weekend, but usually too far for a comfortable same-day round trip.

1. Tybee Island

Where: Near Savannah, Georgia
Drive from Atlanta: Usually about 4–4.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Tybee Island is one of the most common beach destinations for people starting in Atlanta. It offers:

• Long sandy Atlantic beaches
• Public beach access points
• A pier and pavilion area
• Casual restaurants and shops in a walkable area
• Nearby historic and cultural attractions in Savannah

Tybee is often chosen when Atlantans want to combine beach time with exploring Savannah, especially for weekend trips.

2. Jekyll Island

Where: Off the coast near Brunswick, Georgia
Drive from Atlanta: Around 5–5.5 hours from most parts of the city.

Jekyll Island is known for:

• Wide beaches with a quieter feel
• Bike paths and maritime forest
• Beach areas like Driftwood Beach, Great Dunes Beach Park, and others
• A historic district with old cottages and hotels

There is generally a vehicle entry fee to access Jekyll Island, which is something Atlantans should factor into their planning.

3. St. Simons Island and Nearby Beaches

Where: Also near Brunswick, Georgia
Drive from Atlanta: Roughly similar to Jekyll Island, about 5–5.5 hours.

St. Simons Island offers:

• Sandy beaches, often with shallow areas ideal for wading
• A charming village area with restaurants and shops
• A pier and lighthouse
• Nearby destinations like Sea Island (more private and resort-focused) and Brunswick on the mainland

This area is often chosen by Atlanta residents who want a blend of beach, dining, and small-town coastal atmosphere.

Popular Gulf and Atlantic Beaches Outside Georgia

Many Atlanta residents also look beyond Georgia for beach vacations, especially to the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama and parts of South Carolina. These are not specific to Atlanta, but the driving distance from the city makes them common choices.

Florida Panhandle Beaches

Approximate drive times from Atlanta typically range 4.5–6.5 hours, depending on the exact destination.

Common targets for Atlantans include:

• Panama City Beach, Florida – Known for its long, white sandy beaches and family attractions.
• Destin and the 30A corridor, Florida – Famed for clear, emerald Gulf waters, upscale and laid-back communities, and bike-friendly neighborhoods.
• Pensacola Beach, Florida – Another Panhandle option with broad beaches and a mix of relaxed and lively areas.

These beaches are generally not day trips from Atlanta, but they are realistic for long weekends or week-long stays.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

Drive from Atlanta: Often about 5.5–6.5 hours.

This stretch of coast is popular among Atlanta-area families and groups looking for:

• White sand Gulf beaches
• Condos and rental homes
• A range of casual dining and entertainment options

Again, this is a vacation-level trip rather than a quick visit from Atlanta.

South Carolina Beaches

Some Atlantans also drive to:

• Hilton Head Island, SC – Roughly 4.5–5 hours from Atlanta, known for its bike paths and resort communities.
• Myrtle Beach, SC – Farther away, usually 5.5–6.5 hours, with a heavily developed, entertainment-focused beach area.

These destinations are often chosen based on personal preference, lodging availability, or family traditions, rather than proximity alone.

Planning a Beach Trip from Atlanta: Key Considerations

When you search for “Georgia Atlanta beach,” it helps to clarify what kind of experience you want and how long you’re willing to be on the road.

1. Day Trip vs. Overnight

• Day trip from Atlanta:

  • Most realistic to Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, or other nearby lakes.
  • Plan for around 1–2 hours of driving each way.

• Weekend trip from Atlanta:

  • Opens up Georgia’s coastal beaches like Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons.
  • Also makes Florida Panhandle and Alabama Gulf beaches feasible.

2. Lake vs. Ocean

Lake beaches near Atlanta typically offer:

• Calmer water
• Designated swim areas
• Easier access from metro neighborhoods
• Fewer waves and no saltwater

Ocean beaches provide:

• Surf, tides, and sea breeze
• Larger expanses of sand and shoreline
• The possibility of marine life viewing
• A different overall atmosphere than lake beaches

Consider whether you’re mainly after convenience and a quick swim (lake) or a full coastal experience (ocean).

3. Transportation and Traffic

• Weekends and holidays often mean heavy traffic leaving Atlanta, especially Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
• When heading north to Lanier or Allatoona, leaving early can significantly reduce drive time and parking stress.
• Beach routes toward Savannah, Brunswick, and the Florida Panhandle can also back up on peak travel days, so many Atlantans try to travel early morning or later in the evening.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Heading to a Beach

Here are some practical, Atlanta-specific considerations to make your beach day or weekend smoother:

• Check park or beach rules ahead of time
  Many lake beaches have regulations about glass containers, pets, grills, and flotation devices. Georgia state parks and Corps of Engineers sites often post rules at entrances.

• Bring cash or card for fees

  • Lake parks may charge a daily parking fee or park admission.
  • Some coastal islands have toll or access fees per vehicle.

• Plan for Georgia’s summer heat and storms
  Temperatures around Atlanta and its lakes often get hot and humid. Sudden afternoon storms are common, especially in summer. Packing shade, water, and rain protection is wise.

• Use Atlanta as a planning base
  If you’re visiting the city, remember that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves as a good hub if you plan to fly to a beach destination (for example, to Florida) instead of driving.

Who to Contact for Official Park and Beach Information

For updated details on beaches, hours, fees, and rules, Atlanta residents and visitors often rely on:

• Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

  • Oversees parks like Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona.
  • General Information (main office): Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Parks and Historic Sites Division, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1352 East Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334.
  • Phone information is typically available through state directories.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District / Savannah District

  • Manages many recreation areas and beach-like parks on Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona.
  • Local project offices (for example, Lake Lanier and Allatoona Lake project offices) can provide details on open swim areas and park conditions.

• City or county parks departments

  • For lakefront parks closer to metro Atlanta (such as Acworth or other municipalities), local parks and recreation departments publish operating hours and rules.

Checking directly with these agencies before leaving Atlanta helps you avoid closed swim areas, seasonal changes, or special event closures.

In summary, while Atlanta, Georgia doesn’t have its own ocean beach, it offers easy access to sandy lake shores for day trips and a reasonable drive to multiple ocean and Gulf beaches for longer getaways. Your best option depends on how far you want to drive, how long you plan to stay, and whether you prefer lake calm or ocean waves.