Georgia, SE Spots Make Travel + Leisure’s “Best Beaches” List

Travel + Leisure Magazine has released their list of the 25 Best Beaches in the U.S. — and a Georgia beach and several southeastern spots have made the cut.

If you’re looking to find an ideal beach location that’s not too far from Atlanta…we’ve got good news! Travel + Leisure Magazine has just released their 25 Best Beaches in the USA list, and some local spots are on it.

North Beach, Tybee Island

According to Travel + Leisure, one of the best beaches in the nation is none other than North Beach on Tybee Island. Located just half an hour from Savannah, North Beach is a family-friendly location with plenty of fun activities.

Climb to the top of the Tybee Lighthouse, visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, try your hand at surfing, or just enjoy time on the beach. One of our favorite things to do on North Beach is keeping an eye out for dolphins — there are so many here!

Travel + Leisure also mentioned North Beach Bar & Grill as a great place to stop for food, and we couldn’t agree more.

Tybee Island is about 4 hours from Atlanta. Here are 10 Tybee Island Hotels Perfect for Your Next Beach Vacation!

Southeastern Beaches

North Beach is the only Georgia locale to make the Top 25 Best Beaches list…but there are some other great, easily-drive-able southeastern spots on the list too.

• Clearwater Beach in Florida made the list thanks to its gorgeous shoreline, Pier 60 entertainment district, great fishing opportunities, and family-friendly fun. Distance from Atlanta: 7 hours

• Wrightsville Beach, NC, is a great beach town that offers so many water sports opportunities — from fishing to surfing, kayaking and kiteboarding. Distance from Atlanta: 6 hours, 20 minutes

• Gulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama has that beautiful white sand and crystal clear water that everyone loves! This beach is located near plenty of shops and restaurants, and is home to some great beach activities. Why not try a dolphin cruise? We’ve got 17+ Amazing Tours in Gulf Shores You’ll Love. Distance from Atlanta: 5.5 hours

• Coligny Beach in Hilton Head, SC, is a southern favorite! This beach park is easily accessible, offers free WiFi and showers, and is just absolutely beautiful. Sunrise is a must! Distance from Atlanta: 4.5 hours

Other Beaches on the List

Wondering what other beaches made Travel + Leisure’s Top 25 List? We’ve got them!

• Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
• Ocean City, Maryland
• Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
• Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, California
• Harris Beach, Oregon
• Glass Beach, Port Townsend, Washington
• Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
• Carlsmith Beach, Hilo, Hawaii
• Grand Haven State Park, Michigan
• Santa Monica Beach, California
• Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
• Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Massachusetts
• Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
• Crystal Lake State Park, Barton, Vermont
• Park Point Beach, Duluth, Minnesota
• Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey
• Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
• Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington
• Ocean Beach Park, New London, Connecticut
• Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn, New York

Find Travel + Leisure’s complete list of their 25 Best Beaches in the USA here.