Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Georgia (GA)
  4. Hinesville

Closest Beach

I will be visiting next week. My brother is in Hinesville. What is the closest public beach area? I am familiar with Tybee Island but didn’t want to drive that far.

Hinesville sits inland in coastal Georgia, so while it’s fairly close to the marshes and river areas, you do need to drive a bit to reach a true oceanfront beach. The good news is you have a couple of options that are closer than Tybee Island, which is about 1 hour 45 minutes away.

If your goal is simply to get your feet in the sand and enjoy some ocean breeze without a long day trip, the islands south of Savannah generally provide the closest public-access beaches.

Here are the closest and easiest beach options from Hinesville:

  • Saint Simons Island Beach (approx. 1 hour 10–20 minutes) – This is typically the closest true beach experience. East Beach on St. Simons has wide sand, gentle waves, and plenty of public access points. Parking is reasonably easy outside peak holidays, and the island itself has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
  • Jekyll Island Beach (approx. 1 hour 20–30 minutes) – Another excellent and slightly quieter option. Jekyll Island offers multiple beach areas, including Great Dunes Beach Park (most popular), Glory Beach (scenic boardwalk), and Driftwood Beach (stunning photo spot, but less ideal for swimming). There’s a small vehicle entry fee to the island, but it’s worth it for the serenity and well-kept facilities.
  • Hilton Head Island, SC (approx. 1 hour 20–30 minutes) – If you don’t mind heading north into South Carolina, Hilton Head has long stretches of public-access beaches, especially Coligny Beach, which is one of the most developed and easiest to visit. Expect more people but excellent amenities.

While Tybee Island is the best-known beach near Savannah, these alternatives are significantly closer and easier drives from Hinesville—perfect for a half-day or full-day beach visit.

If you prefer quieter, less commercial beach environments, Jekyll is usually the top pick. If you want lively areas with shops and places to eat, St. Simons or Hilton Head may suit you better. All provide straightforward access and plenty of space to enjoy the ocean.

More Hinesville Travel Questions

    The attractions mentioned in this question

    Beach Park
    new
    beach
    Georgia

    Popular Destinations

    Dali Cultural Park
    Civita di Bagnoregio
    Huilong Ancient Trail
    Yunnan Nationalities Grand View Garden

    Popular Travel Questions