Drivable Beach Escapes From Atlanta, Georgia
This time of year demands a long weekend beach getaway, and thankfully Atlanta offers a plethora of easily drivable and desirable beach getaways. Whether you’re looking to sit in a lounge chair with a book and dig your toes in soft white sand, or if you’re looking for surfing, fishing, and activities galore, there’s a beach offering just that only a few hours away. So start packing your cooler and sunscreen while deciding which of the following beaches sounds most like you. Then hit the road!
30A, Florida Panhandle
Drive time from Atlanta: 5.5 - 6 hours
I can’t put together this list without calling out my personal favorite beach destination first. This family-friendly destination offers laid-back vibes, great food, and gorgeous beaches. The sugar white sand is soft (though hot) and the water is often crystal clear. 30A is a long stretch of highway made up of several different towns including Rosemary, Seaside, and Grayton Beach. Each town is known to have its own personality, so I’d recommend trying to visit several of them while you’re there. There are a good number of extra-large homes that can accommodate multiple generations, so this can be a great destination choice for when trying to coordinate with very large groups. There’s also a fair bit to see and do, so this destination is a great option when looking to entertain a crowd with different interests.
Highlights:
Beautiful beaches with Caribbean-like blue waters
Many activities to enjoy
Great restaurants
2. St. Simons Island, Georgia
Drive time from Atlanta: 5 hours
A favorite of our own, James Lewis, St. Simons is what I picture when I envision southern beaches. Beautiful Spanish moss is draped throughout the oak trees, and the quaint and quiet downtown offers sleepy shops and a historic lighthouse. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Club is always worth a visit while in town, whether for the golf, to grab a cocktail from the bar, or to enjoy a meal at the restaurant overlooking the ocean. While it’d be easy to just stay on St. Simons, Georgia’s beautiful and wild Jekyll Island is just a short drive away. Step back into nature by visiting these untamed beaches.
Highlights:
Quaint Town
Golfing & Fishing
Georgia-Florida’s Premier Pre-Game Destination
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Drive time from Atlanta: 4.5 - 5 hours
The pick of both Andrea Rizk and Lauren Noble, Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous island where families have flocked for generations. It’s also home to Southern Character, Gregg Russell, where he’s made a career of singing under an old oak tree for visiting children and their parents. This island has stringent rules on both design aesthetics as well as light pollution and motorized sports. This has allowed the island to remain an oasis for families looking to unwind and relax together while enjoying a mix of sun, sand, fishing, and fun.
Highlights:
Riding bikes on the beach
Listening to Gregg Russell at Harbour Town
Many multigenerational homes available to rent
Bonus: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Drive time from Atlanta: 5.5 hours
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a charming fishing village known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Its famous MarshWalk boardwalk is lined with restaurants and live music. A quieter and more subdued retreat for families, Murrells Inlet offers a plethora of saltwater activities such as fishing, crabbing, kayaking, boating, and more. A short drive to the beach and the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach, this destination offers a different pace for families looking to slow down.
Highlights:
Wide variety of saltwater activities
Gorgeous marsh views
Natural attractions like Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens
No matter which direction you head, each of these beach towns offers something unique—whether it’s a quiet marsh view at sunrise, the rhythm of bike tires rolling along packed sand, or a seafood dinner you’ll still be thinking about next week. These destinations are close enough to make the drive easy, but far enough to truly feel like an escape. So pack that cooler, load up your playlist, and don’t forget the SPF. Your perfect beach weekend is just a few hours away.