Georgia’s coastline is chock full of sandy beaches and blue waters. And where there are beaches and blue waters, there are dreamy waterfront towns. From Jekyll Island to Brunswick, the Peach State is home to a variety of charming beach communities that are wonderfully welcoming to visitors all year round.
Here are the top four waterfront towns in Georgia worthy of being your next vacation destination.
St. Marys
St. Marys is a waterfront town with a lot to offer. From the submarine museum to the waterfront park to Cumberland Island, St. Marys is a laid-back beachside community full of fun things to do.
“You’ll enjoy water sports and cycling, plus shopping and dining at locally owned spots,” Explore Georgia reported. “Annual events include an Independence Day Festival, St. Marys Seafood Festival, and free concerts in the park. The Cumberland Island National Seashore and Crooked River State Park are visitor favorites and popular for biking, birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, camping, and more.”
St. Simons
St. Simons Island is full of waterfront villages with charming offerings, most famously their challenging golf courses. For those looking for a variety of waterfront offerings, St. Simons Island is a great choice. The area is home to quaint towns and luxurious resorts alike, as well as calming natural wonders and exciting nightlife opportunities.
“The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier,” Golden Isles reported. “Moss-draped oaks line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect image worthy of a Faulkner tale.”
Jekyll Island
From Summer Waves Water Park to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island is the perfect waterfront town destination for your next family vacation. The town’s history tours and unforgettable Gatorology tour are perfect for curious visitors, while the 22 miles of bike trails, mini golf, tennis and golf opportunities will keep even the most physically active travelers entertained.
“Get away to new adventures and wide-open beaches,” Jekyll Island’s website said. “Whether here for a week or a night, you’ll find Jekyll Island’s abounding peace and serenity. It’s the perfect time to discover why this coastal haven is an escape unlike any other.”
Brunswick
Home to the only single-estate rum distiller in America, Brunswick is a port city with a layout reminiscent of Savannah. From the beautiful countryside to the shining waters, Brunswick can be a great place to kick back and relax away the days.
“Explore the historic area, which is enjoying a renaissance and features shops, restaurants and beautiful homes reflecting a variety of styles dating from 1819,” Explore Georgia reported. “Docked at the wharf, the array of shrimp boats are ready to trawl the local waters -- evidence of the area’s rich seafood industry. Try your hand at shrimping aboard the Lady Jane, the only shrimp vessel on the East Coast that has been certified to carry passengers offshore. Sample the catch of the day at one of the fine restaurants.
“Mary Ross Waterfront Park and the adjacent Brunswick Landing Marina play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the annual events include the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee, the Rhythm on the River concert series, and the Mayfair, previously known as Blessing of the Fleet.”
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