AJC Travel: A dozen beaches within driving distance of Atlanta

Travel

A dozen beaches within driving distance of Atlanta

Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches are an easy drive from Atlanta. Here are 12 popular beaches near Atlanta from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. DRIVE TIME: About 5 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: Do you like pristine, undisturbed beachfront? Moderate development makes St. Simons a treasure. In town, you'll find historical attractions, many of them said to be haunted, like the 1872 lighthouse.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. DRIVE TIME: About 5 1/2 to 6 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: This resort area northeast of Jacksonville is a barrier island that offers beautiful beaches like Fernandina Beach, marshland vistas and memories of old Florida.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Florida. DRIVE TIME: About 6 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: Nonstop fun with plenty to do for all ages. When you're tired of the sand, Pier Park entertainment complex has shopping and dining.

TYBEE ISLAND, Georgia. DRIVE TIME: About 4 1/2 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: Off the coast of Savannah, this small and friendly barrier island combines history with beach fun.

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina. DRIVE TIME: About 6 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: More than 60 miles of beach, super golf courses, and entertainment including theaters and theme parks.

ARE YOU ready to hit the beach? Whether you're planning spring break or a family getaway, here are beaches that you can drive to from Atlanta. CAPE SAN BLAS, Florida. DRIVE TIME: About 7 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: The longer drive time is worth it, as Cape San Blas is on a rustic and quiet peninsula. Gorgeous white sand beaches stretch into a state park. Nearby Port St. Joe offers more beaches, restaurants, shops and lodging.

KURE BEACH, North Carolina. DRIVE TIME: About 7 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: North Carolina's "small wonder" has the oldest Atlantic fishing pier, a fort and an aquarium. Fishing and sunbathing are popular here, and car aficionados will enjoy the annual Back to the Beach Car Show.

LOVE THE idea of driving to a beach that's not so far away? Look no further: Here are ideas for beaches within a short drive. EDISTO ISLAND, S.C. DRIVE TIME: About 5 1/2 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: A beach in a truly romantic setting -- the shore gives way to marshlands, moss-draped oak canopies, and of course friendly palmetto groves.

HILTON HEAD, S.C. DRIVE TIME: About 4 1/2 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: Besides 14 miles of family-friendly beaches, access to charter cruises and water sports, and the charming little Harbour Town (pictured), there's also plenty of good golfing around.

DESTIN, Fla. DRIVE TIME: About 6 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: It's called the Emerald Coast for a reason. With 24 miles of white sand and green water, you're guaranteed fun in the sun. And Destin is full of shops and restaurants for exploring ... tailor your trip to your family's needs.

ST. GEORGE ISLAND, Fla. DRIVE TIME: About 6 1/2 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: A lot of down-time on gorgeous beaches. St. George has just enough restaurants and shops, so if you like a low-key vacation, this island is for you.

GRAYTON BEACH, Fla. DRIVE TIME: About 6 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: More than a century old, Grayton is now part of the Beaches of South Walton. Besides its award-winning beaches, Grayton offers a serious nature experience, especially in its state recreation area.

Even though there is no ocean in middle Georgia, Callaway Gardens offers a summer beach for those times when the coast is not an option, or even when it might be. The beach is included at no additional cost for admission to the Gardens. Swimming, a children's playground, miniature golf and shuffleboard are among the activites offered at or near the beach. (Our apologies to Stone Mountain Park, Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, which also offer sand near a large swimming hole.)

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ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. DRIVE TIME: About 5 hours. WHAT YOU'LL GET: Do you like pristine, undisturbed beachfront? Moderate development makes St. Simons a treasure. In town, you'll find historical attractions, many of them said to be haunted, like the 1872 lighthouse.

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