Beaches near Atlanta: Head to these Cobb County beaches

Acworth Beach and South Shore Beach are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Credit: Nelson Hicks

Credit: Nelson Hicks

Acworth Beach and South Shore Beach are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

When you think Atlanta, beaches may not come to mind.

But that means you’re not thinking about northwest Cobb County with Acworth Beach and South Shore Beach.

The parks will be open through the beginning of September from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., according to the city park's department.

Acworth Beach at Cauble Park, 4425 Beach St., hosts favorite city events like the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival and the Fourth of July fireworks show.

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But even when it was cold Lake Acworth got some attention. Special Olympics Georgia held a Polar Plunge event in February attended by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal where they raised more than $115,000 for the athletes.

Parking at Cauble is free on the weekdays and $10 cash per car Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m if you aren’t a city resident. That $10 charge lasts until Labor Day weekend.

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Remember that there’s no beach lifeguard on duty and the swimming area is only open as long as the sun is up.

Pets aren’t allowed on the beach and must be on a leash in the park.

South Shore Park, 4555 Ragsdale Road, is a little lesser known and that's OK. It's probably just a coincidence but it's located on the south side of Lake Acworth. The 30 acre park has a beach and fishing areas. The beach here is a good bit smaller than the beach at Cauble Park, but if everyone else is at Cauble, there will be plenty of room for you. No lifeguard, y'all.

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