The temperature in Atlanta is dropping, but it’s always summer at the beach. Lucky for you, there are plenty of sandy strands within driving distance of Atlanta.
» 5 romantic overnight getaways near Atlanta
Here are five you can reach by car and still have time to catch the sunset if you leave by lunchtime. Driving times listed are from downtown Atlanta.
Best something-for-everyone beach: Sandestin, Fla. (5 hrs. 20 mins.)
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
A few miles west of South Walton’s famed highway 30A and all of its master-planned communities lies Sandestin. This 2,400-acre resort straddles U.S. 98, making it large enough to contain a perk none of the 30A communities have: bayfront and beachfront property. All this space allows for a wider array of land and water activities, nightlife, and accommodations in one spot. It’s possible to spend your entire vacation at Sandestin without getting back in the car thanks to the abundant walking/biking/golf cart paths (there’s even a place to park golf carts at the local Publix) and a tram service that carts guests between beach and bay locales.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa has played host to generations of families and romantics visiting Sandestin. Flip-flops and swimsuits are appropriate attire in the common areas of this Hilton on the beach. One place where beachwear isn’t allowed, though, is at Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood off the lobby; it’s the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in the area.
Stay
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. 4000 Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. 850-267-9500; www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com.
Eat
Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood. Address same as Hilton. 850-622-1500; www.seagars.com.
Best uncrowded and dog-friendly beach: Cape San Blas, Fla. (5 hrs. 30 mins.)
If you’re not one for big resorts, Cape San Blas will suit you well, especially if you want to bring a dog or two along. Dog-friendly beaches are hard to find in the Southeast, but this 20-mile Panhandle peninsula welcomes pets along a 10-mile stretch (the other 10 miles are part of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park; Florida law forbids pets on state park beaches, but welcomes them in other areas). Crowded sands are rare here, even in the high season. The coast is dotted with beach homes and low-rise condos. The nearby town of Port St. Joe on the bay contains the only grocery store in the area and plenty of dining and bayside sightseeing options. (Climb the lighthouse for a good view).
Stay
Sunset Reflections by Natural Retreats. This company has beach homes of all sizes available, many pet-friendly. 1147 Cape San Blas Road, Port St Joe. 850-312-7606; www.sunsetreflections.com.
Eat
Indian Pass Raw Bar. Legendary roadside hangout serving oysters and shrimp from local waters. Platters start at $11. 8391 County Road 30A, Port St Joe. 850-227-1670; www.indianpassrawbar.com.
Best surfing beaches: Jacksonville, Fla. (5 hrs. 30 mins.)
There’s a real surfing culture along the 22 miles of coastline that make up Jacksonville’s three beach towns: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The hang-10 set comes for easy access and big breaking waves. Rent your gear through Jacksonville Surf and Paddle in Neptune Beach; the staff can also clue you in on where the best breaks are and give lessons to newbies.
An epicenter of activity for both beach life and nightlife is where Neptune and Atlantic beaches meet. Check out the Lemon Bar at the old-school Seahorse Oceanfront Inn for the quintessential open-air beach bar. Next door, enjoy exquisite high-end dining at Azurea inside the One Ocean Resort.
Stay
Seahorse Oceanfront Inn. 120 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach. 904-246-2175; www.jacksonvilleoceanfronthotel.com.
Eat
Azurea at One Ocean Resort. 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 904-249-7402; www.oneoceanresort.com/dining.
Credit: Belinda Hall
Credit: Belinda Hall
Best historic beach town: Tybee Island (4 hrs.)
The closest beach to Atlanta is on Tybee Island. It’s been a vacation destination since after the Civil War when Savannah residents began spending weekends there. These days, Tybee draws all walks of life from around the country to its low-key lifestyle.
Part of Tybee’s charm is that it retains its old street grid and a distinct form of architecture, the Tybee raised cottage. Many of these historic cottages still exist on the island, structures built shortly after the automobile came into fashion, with an open carport and changing rooms below and living quarters above.
At the less-crowded north end of the island, you’ll find Fort Screven, which stood guard at the mouth of the Savannah River during three wars. Across the street, the Tybee Light Station still stands as the highest point on the island, worthy of a climb to take in panoramic coastal views.
Stay
Mermaid Cottages. This company has homes for rent all over the island, including Tybee raised cottages. 912-313-0784; mermaidcottages.com.
Eat
North Beach Bar and Grill. Longtime casual beachside restaurant serving above-average beach bar fare. 33 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island. 912-786-4442; www.northbeachbarandgrill.net.
Best beach for events: Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Ala. (5 hrs. 25 mins.)
During a typical summer, the twin cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along the Alabama Gulf Coast are home to numerous festivals staged on or near the sand. Major festivals include like the Hangout Music Festival and the National Shrimp Festival. While some of those gatherings have been moved to next year or look different amid the coronavirus, the beaches are still a nearby option for a beach trip.
Stay
Phoenix All Suites. Located on the beach within walking distance to some festival sites. 201 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores. 800-594-9685; www.phoenixallsuites.com.
Eat
The Hangout. It’s a party spot after dark, family-friendly by day with plenty of amusements for the kids. 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores. 251-948-3030; thehangout.com.
