The thing about Georgia that most people don’t realize is that there are a ton of islands just waiting to be explored. Many of the obvious contenders become annual vacation destinations for most, however, there are quite a few more islands in Georgia that stay under the radar but are equally as beautiful. Check out the list of 11 islands in Georgia that are an absolute must visit this summer:

  1. Jekyll Island

Flickr Jillian Meridith This is one of the top destinations in Georgia for visitors and those who live in the state. Jekyll Island boasts miles upon miles or white sandy beaches, along with some of the freshest seafood around. There are so many different activities to participate in during your stay, such as golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking. Or you can simply kick back and enjoy a few stunning sunsets.

  1. Lake Lanier Islands

Flickr Storeyland Here’s a little bit of history for you: The Lake Lanier islands originally were just large hills by Gainesville. However, after the Buford Dam was created, part of the Chattahoochee River flooded, creating Lake Lanier. This is the perfect place, rain or shine, to take in a bit of natural beauty in the state of Georgia.

  1. Cumberland Island

Flickr David Hawkins Cumberland Island is an incredible place to visit for a variety of reasons. One, it’s Georgia’s largest and southernmost island. Two, there are miles of underdeveloped beaches. Three, there are wild horses that live and graze on the island. You can’t beat that trifecta.

  1. Sapelo Island

Flickr Ken Ratcliff This beautiful island in McIntosh County can only be accessed by airplane or boat, or the 20 -minute ferry ride. This allows for more wildlife and nature to grow freely, rather undisturbed by humans. You can book a tour through the Sapelo Island Visitors Center, or even find a resident willing to give a private tour.

  1. Ossabaw Island

Flickr Susan Dennis Just a mere 20 miles south from downtown Savannah, you can find Ossabaw Island. All 15 miles of beaches are open to the public and can be accessed by boat. Plan a weekend of it, and stay at one of their quaint, charming B&B’s.

  1. Wassaw Island

Flickr Bruce Tuten Considered one of the most unspoiled of Georgia’s natural areas, Wassaw Island is open daily and can be explored for free. You can hike more than 20 miles of trails and catch some of Georgia’s wildlife in action.

  1. Tybee Island

Flickr m01229 Geographically, Tybee island is a huge vacation spot for visitors and residents. There is a beautiful lighthouse and museum on the island, a few great restaurants, and plenty of activities from kayaking to paddle-boarding, or just some good old fashioned people watching.

  1. Cockspur Island

Flickr Dizzy Girl This island in Georgia has quite the rich history. Due to its location just inside the mouth of Savannah, it played a huge role since the founding of the Colonies. If you visit Cockspur Island, make sure you check out the Cockspur Lighthouse, along with Fort Pulaski. Historians, unite!

  1. Grover Island

Flickr planetlight Although it’s been deemed an island, it really may seem more of a marshland. However, it’s an extremely popular place in Georgia to launch a boat, grab a beer, and get in your fair share of fishing! The island features more than 400 acres of forest and nearly 1,600 acres of salt marsh and small waterways.

  1. Hutchinson Island

Flickr Ron Cogswell This river island lies just across from the Savannah River, and is mere minutes from downtown Savannah. You can take a free ferry or simply head across the Talmadge Bridge. You won’t find much beach life or nature trails, but having one of the most thriving cities just a stone’s throw away is worth the trek.

  1. St. Simons

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez If ever there were an island to visit in Georgia, St. Simons should be it. Not only was it voted America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town in 2014, it was also voted America’s #1 Favorite Beach Town by Travel + Leisure Magazine. These are a few accolades you need to see in order to believe.

Are any of these Georgia islands your favorite? We’d love to hear why! Share your thoughts and stories with us.

Flickr Jillian Meridith

This is one of the top destinations in Georgia for visitors and those who live in the state. Jekyll Island boasts miles upon miles or white sandy beaches, along with some of the freshest seafood around. There are so many different activities to participate in during your stay, such as golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking. Or you can simply kick back and enjoy a few stunning sunsets.

Flickr Storeyland

Here’s a little bit of history for you: The Lake Lanier islands originally were just large hills by Gainesville. However, after the Buford Dam was created, part of the Chattahoochee River flooded, creating Lake Lanier. This is the perfect place, rain or shine, to take in a bit of natural beauty in the state of Georgia.

Flickr David Hawkins

Cumberland Island is an incredible place to visit for a variety of reasons. One, it’s Georgia’s largest and southernmost island. Two, there are miles of underdeveloped beaches. Three, there are wild horses that live and graze on the island. You can’t beat that trifecta.

Flickr Ken Ratcliff

This beautiful island in McIntosh County can only be accessed by airplane or boat, or the 20 -minute ferry ride. This allows for more wildlife and nature to grow freely, rather undisturbed by humans. You can book a tour through the Sapelo Island Visitors Center, or even find a resident willing to give a private tour.

Flickr Susan Dennis

Just a mere 20 miles south from downtown Savannah, you can find Ossabaw Island. All 15 miles of beaches are open to the public and can be accessed by boat. Plan a weekend of it, and stay at one of their quaint, charming B&B’s.

Flickr Bruce Tuten

Considered one of the most unspoiled of Georgia’s natural areas, Wassaw Island is open daily and can be explored for free. You can hike more than 20 miles of trails and catch some of Georgia’s wildlife in action.

Flickr m01229

Geographically, Tybee island is a huge vacation spot for visitors and residents. There is a beautiful lighthouse and museum on the island, a few great restaurants, and plenty of activities from kayaking to paddle-boarding, or just some good old fashioned people watching.

Flickr Dizzy Girl

This island in Georgia has quite the rich history. Due to its location just inside the mouth of Savannah, it played a huge role since the founding of the Colonies. If you visit Cockspur Island, make sure you check out the Cockspur Lighthouse, along with Fort Pulaski. Historians, unite!

Flickr planetlight

Although it’s been deemed an island, it really may seem more of a marshland. However, it’s an extremely popular place in Georgia to launch a boat, grab a beer, and get in your fair share of fishing! The island features more than 400 acres of forest and nearly 1,600 acres of salt marsh and small waterways.

Flickr Ron Cogswell

This river island lies just across from the Savannah River, and is mere minutes from downtown Savannah. You can take a free ferry or simply head across the Talmadge Bridge. You won’t find much beach life or nature trails, but having one of the most thriving cities just a stone’s throw away is worth the trek.

Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez

If ever there were an island to visit in Georgia, St. Simons should be it. Not only was it voted America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town in 2014, it was also voted America’s #1 Favorite Beach Town by Travel + Leisure Magazine. These are a few accolades you need to see in order to believe.

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