Georgia's Laid-Back Barrier Island Offers Pristine Beaches & Family-Friendly Exploration

Georgia's barrier islands are unspoiled natural getaways. On Sapelo Island, you will find untouched beaches and family-friendly activities. The low-key spot is a true escape from the crowds.

Sapelo Island is the fourth-largest barrier island in the Peach State. The 16,500-acre island sits halfway down Georgia's coastline. In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, it's bordered by the Sapelo and Duplin Rivers, as well as Doboy Sound. The State of Georgia owns most of the island. It manages the Richard J. Reynolds State Wildlife Refuge, the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Sapelo Island Natural Area. Hog Hammock, a privately-owned African-American property and one of the last-remaining Gullah-Geechee communities on the East Coast, is also there. Since no roads connect the mainland to the remote island, boats are the only way to reach it. You must pre-register to visit, as well. No wonder this is such an under-the-radar destination.

To reach Sapelo Island, you can fly into Savannah, one of the top-ranked couples vacation spots in America. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is one hour north of the Sapelo Island Visitors Center on the mainland in Darien. Jacksonville, Florida, one of the 15 cities to move to before they get too popular, is another option. It is only one hour and 20 minutes from its larger Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Sapelo Island is then just a 20- to 30-minute ferry ride away. No cars are allowed, but you can rent a golf cart or a bike upon arrival.

Sapelo Island is the perfect spot for real beach lovers. You will not find bright turquoise water and big beach parties, though. The island has a much different scene. The beaches on Sapelo Island are long, peaceful, and pristine. They are bordered by nature preserves and windswept sand dunes. Crowds are unheard of. Most of the time, you will have them completely to yourself.

Nanny Goat Beach is the easiest beach to access on Sapelo Island. The beach has a maritime forest in the background and natural sand dunes along its edge. These dunes, the most extensive along the coast of Georgia, are filled with wild sea oats. A wooden pavilion with picnic tables overlooks it all. While its white sand, littered with sand dollars, feels endless.

Cabretta Island Beach is north of Nanny Goat Beach. Despite its name, the beach is not on a separate island; it is just extremely isolated during high tide. The beach overlooks the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. The 5,618-acre wildlife refuge protects migrating birds and nesting sea turtles. It is also a popular spot for sea kayaking. So you might see a lot of bird species and some paddlers. You can also expect to find driftwood in interesting shapes. It looks like an art collection has been scattered atop the sand. Photographers will love this spot as much as beach lovers.

Though Sapelo Island's beaches are stunning, you might need to explore more of the island to keep the whole family entertained. Luckily, there are also a handful of historic spots that everyone should find intriguing. The Sapelo Island Lighthouse stands near the southern tip of the island. The red-and-white-striped lighthouse was built in 1820 and is now the second-oldest brick lighthouse in the United States. Seventy-seven steps lead up to its tower, which has a great view of Doboy Sound. 

The Reynolds Mansion is another place to discover. The estate, originally called the Spalding Plantation Manor, was built by Thomas Spalding, a politician, in 1810. The tabby building — a mixture of lime, shells, and water — was damaged during the Civil War. Richard J. Reynolds, Jr., a tobacco heir, eventually purchased and rebuilt the property and then gave the University of Georgia access to it for research purposes. The university still uses it today. Visitors can step inside to see the ornately decorated rooms and the large library. Massive oak trees and marble sculptures are on the grounds. Groups can even spend the night.

After exploring Sapelo Island, it's also easy to visit the other barrier islands. Little St. Simons Island is the next island heading south. It is another serene nature getaway where you won't need a car. Then St. Simons Island is a popular vacation destination with plenty of hotels and restaurants. There is something for everyone along the coast of Georgia.