Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the United States. As its population grows, so does its LGBTQ population, and its profile as a destination for LGBTQ travelers. Naturally, these queer residents and visitors want to visit LGBT-friendly beaches in Georgia.
Nestled between the Carolinas and Florida, Georgia’s coastline is home to beautiful beaches. The politics in Georgia can be mixed, so LGBTQ people might not feel 100% comfortable everywhere in the state. The beaches on this list should feel welcoming and open to LGBTQ travelers in Georgia.
Savannah – Georgia’s Biggest Coastal City
Savannah is Georgia’s fifth largest city, and the biggest city along the state’s coastline. Nestled up against the Savannah River, Savannah doesn’t sit directly on the beach. However, it is a short drive to many of Georgia’s popular beach getaways, including dozens of the barrier islands that form the Georgia coastline.
Besides its proximity to the beach, Savannah is known for its rich history – including America’s sad and harsh history of slavery – and well-preserved architecture.
Savannah is also generally welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Every October, locals celebrate Savannah Pride Week and Festival. The festivities include a parade, drag performances, live music, and activities for kids.
Savannah Gay Bars
There are multiple LGBT and LGBT-friendly bars in Savannah as well. Club One is an LGBT nightclub famous for its drag performances. Ask any local about gay bars in the city and Club One will probably be their first recommendation. In addition to its famous drag shows, Club One is a great place to dance and party on three separate floors.
Totally Awesome Bar, while not specifically a gay bar, is also popular with Savannah’s LGBTQ crowd. Totally Awesome Bar is decorated with colorful 80s and 90s nostalgia and cartoon artwork. It features pool, skeeball, and other arcade games, as well as reasonably priced beverages.
Savannah, Georgia may not be a beachfront destination itself, but it offers LGBTQ travelers the perfect combination of a charming historic city, nearby beautiful beaches, and a lively gay nightlife scene.
Tybee Island – Popular LGBT Beach Hangout
Just outside of Savannah is Tybee Island, which is the name of a barrier island and a small beach-front town. Since Tybee is so near Savannah, a vacation to Savannah can easily be combined with a stay at Tybee Island. Likewise, if you decide to stay in the small town of Tybee Island, you will never be far from the comforts of the city.
Tybee Island boasts multiple popular beach access points. One of the popular beaches is Tybee’s North Beach, which features a boardwalk and a historical lighthouse. Historical Fort Pulaski is also nearby.
In the southern half of the island, you’ll find the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion. The area around the pier is great for visitors looking for shopping, food, or drinks. Fishing is also allowed on the pier. This is the most popular area of the island for tourists, and there are many hotels and beach rentals in this area.
Tybee Island Gay Bars
Many Tybee Island bars and restaurants are LGBT-friendly, including Fannies on the Beach and Bernie’s Tybee Island Oyster House. These two local favorites were founded by LGBTQ entrepreneurs. Both of these venues are a short walk from the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, and both serve food and alcoholic beverages.
Tybee has a reputation as laid back, open, and accepting of all people. It should be at the top of the list for LGBTQ travelers looking for a gay-friendly beach in Georgia.
St. Simons Island – Natural Beauty and Inclusive Attitudes
St. Simons Island in Southeast Georgia is famous for its beaches, scenic vistas, history, and natural beauty. This island, laying about 80 miles south of Savannah, is another popular LGBT-friendly Georgia vacation.
Beachfront hotels line the island’s southern and eastern coastline. Unique and interesting restaurants and bars are concentrated near the popular St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Also near the lighthouse are the pier and the popular water park, Neptune Park. Even more great restaurants and bars are located in the center of town, near the local airport.
In the northern half of the island, you’ll find lots of green spaces, including Cannon’s Point Preserve, multiple golf courses, and Frederica Park. Fort Frederica National Monument and the Hampton River are other popular attractions on St. Simons.
St. Simons and its neighbor, “Little St. Simons” attract birders from around the world. The islands are home to more than 300 species of bird. Local tour guides are available to show visitors the best locations to spot rare birds. In addition to natural beauty, St. Simons Island maintains a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ visitors.
St. Simons Island Gay Bars
The local gay bar in St. Simons is the Castaway Lounge. While Castaway Lounge is LGBT-friendly, all people are of course welcome. Castaway Lounge is a casual bar that offers pool tables, darts, and a jukebox. The bar also hosts live music performances. It is well-regarded and popular with the local community, gay and straight.
Honorable Mentions – Other Popular Georgia Beaches
For the prolific Georgia beach-goers who have already seen it all, or for whom none of the above locations are the right match, you might consider one of these additional Georgia beach destinations.
Sea Island
Sea Island is another barrier island along Georgia’s coast, which is home to a private resort. If you are looking for a more upscale experience, you might enjoy Sea Island’s private beaches, spa, high-end restaurants, and the highly regarded Ocean Forest Golf Club. Sea Island is just off the eastern coast of St. Simons Island. The islands are separated by Village Creek.
Jekyll Island
Like Sea Island, Jekyll Island also has a reputation for being slightly more upscale and luxurious. This island is also near St. Simon’s, just south of St. Simon’s Sound and the East River.
Jekyll Island is brimming with luxury hotels and resorts, beautiful beaches, and parks. It is also home to popular family-friendly tourist attractions including Summer Waves Water Park and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
LGBT-Friendly Beach Destinations Near Georgia
Florida and South Carolina beaches are both a short drive away depending on where you are located in Georgia.
Just south of the border past Jacksonville, you’ll find St. Augustine Beach. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., founded by the Spanish in the colonial era. Today, it is home to a vibrant gay community and is a super popular destination for LGBT beach-goers.
Just over Georgia’s northern border and only 30 miles from Savannah lies Hilton Head, South Carolina. Hilton Head Island is one of South Carolina’s most queer-friendly beach destinations. A little further up the coast, you’ll find lovely beaches in Charleston, another LGBT-friendly city in South Carolina.
Final Thoughts – Georgia LGBT Beaches
While there are no dedicated “gay beaches” like you might find in California or Europe, Georgia’s beach cities have a lot to offer the LGBTQ community. If you are new to Georgia’s coastline, start with LGBT-friendly Tybee Island and St. Simon’s Island, and have fun exploring the beach.
References
First City Pride Center – Savannah Pride
The Gay Voice – Tybee Island Has a Heart of LGBT Gold
GoldenIsles.com – Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Southwest Journal – Georgia Ranks 11 in Fastest Growing States
