The coast of Georgia is on the Atlantic Ocean and spans about a hundred miles, dotted with the barrier islands of Tybee, Sapelo, St. Simons, Jekyll, and Cumberland. Located on the coast behind these islands, you will find Savannah, Darien, Brunswick, and St. Mary’s. You might think that geography located this close together would be very similar. But each of these has its own flavor and caters to a different crowd. This article will focus on the highlights of some of these destinations.
Savannah
On the north end of the coast of Georgia, you will find Savannah at the mouth of the Savannah River. Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and has many examples of old southern architecture. Michael Jordan is one of the most famous homeowners in the Savannah area. History buffs will truly enjoy this magical city, packed with old homes, cemeteries, and forts. Besides the magnificent architecture, a walk along Riverfront and River Street, bordering the river, will place the tourist in the middle of some great seafood, music, and bars. This is genuinely party central in Savannah. And speaking of parties, Savannah is home to the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the country.
Tybee Island
Off the coast of Savannah lies Tybee Island, which at one time was called Savannah Beach. This is a funky little place with a lot of condos, but only a couple of hotels. it has been reported that John Mellencamp and Sandra Bulluck both own homes on the island, and Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth famously met while filming the movie version of Nicholas Sparks’ The Last Song here. It is reminiscent of Key West with its colorful characters and places to eat. If you want someplace quiet but with a charm, all its own, visit Tybee.
St. Simons Island
At the other end of the tourist spectrum and almost the other end of the coast is St. Simons Island. Ban Affleck owned property here for years, and quite a few sports legends and industry titans call the island home. St. Simons lies off the coast of Brunswick and has a more southern, down-home charm. You can drive among the Spanish moss-laden old southern oaks and enjoy the lush green scenery, which covers a lot of this destination.
There are only a few condos for rent along its beach with St. Simons Grand and The Beach Club at St. Simons being the preferred locations. In the evening, dinner and a stroll along the area next to the pier, called the village, are mandatory. For the grammarians, it’s worth noting that the St. is always abbreviated, and there is no apostrophe in Simons.
Cumberland Island
Finally, for anyone who truly wants to get away from it all, Cumberland Island is the place to be. This is where JFK Jr. famously married Carolyn Bessette. It is the southernmost barrier island and is off the coast of St. Marys. The island is three miles wide and eighteen miles long, but limits visitors to only three hundred per day. And those three hundred must arrive by boat. This is a true nature lover’s paradise with quiet solitude among the marshes and where herds of wild horses roam free.
Whether you want the parties and history of Savannah, the funky colors of Tybee, some southern charm on St. Simons, or the peace and quiet of Cumberland, the Georgia Coast has it all.
Safe Travels.
