In addition to its famous Victorian-era District and the Historical Port, Brunswick offers a wide selection of magnificent beaches for fun family times.
Most are in the Jekyll Island State Park with all its modern amenities, campgrounds, and miles of Atlantic coastline. Also, there are Amelia Island in Florida and Cumberland Island Preserve to explore.
Whether you plan to take a dive into the clear waters, snorkel, kayak, or just relax and unwind, there’s going to be an option for you.
Check out what Brunswick has to offer!
Beaches near Brunswick:
- East Beach
- Driftwood Beach
- Massengale Park
- St Andrew Beach
- Oceanview Beach Park
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Main Beach Park
- Great Dunes Beach
1. East Beach
- Distance from Brunswick: 9 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, crab hunting
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concession stand, pier, lifeguard
Truthfully, East Beach may not be Georgia’s finest beach, but there are a couple of reasons it earns a spot on this list. First off, this is a pet-friendly sandy shore that allows visitors to bring along their canine friends.
Secondly, on most occasions, it’s not as crowded as the main St Simmons Beach, making it a quiet mecca. So it goes without saying its tranquil atmosphere suits those times when you just want to be off the grid for a while.
The waters here (not as blue as many others) are perfect for swimming and watersports. East Beach is close to the World War II Home Front Museum, where you can pop in and learn WWII history.
2. Driftwood Beach
- Distance from Brunswick: 15 miles (25 min)
- Activities: sunbathing, hiking, sunset watching, photography, camping
- Amenities: beach parking
Even if you are not particularly outdoorsy, you will appreciate having taken the trip to Driftwood Beach. This place is practically littered with driftwood, tree stumps, rocks, and vast sands.
Its beauty is unique. Almost otherworldly-like. Some parts can look desert-like with views resembling scenes from George Miller’s post-apocalyptic film, Mad Max: Fury Road. Other parts are lush and green, and to add to it, there are sandy shorelines and muddy spots.
Courtesy of being part of Jekyll Island State Park, there is a lot to see besides enjoying a soothing time at the coastlines. The park’s campground with full hookups and a dozen primitive sites is just half-mile from the beach.
3. Massengale Park
- Distance from Brunswick: 9 miles (15 min)
- Activities: swimming, picnicking, lounging
- Amenities: playground, showers, grills, restrooms, picnic tables, ample parking
If you happen to step foot on Simon Island and you need a nice beachfront to just get off the grid for a while, you could explore Massengale Park. It’s a good-looking public facility for those on a tight budget.
Despite being a public asset, the park has a decent number of amenities. For instance, there are shaded areas full of chairs, tables, and a grill for those moments when you need to be out of the sun.
Massengale Park could also be a thrilling option if you don’t want to be so far away from the convenience of town facilities like golf courts, inns, restaurants, bars, and other shopping centers.
4. St Andrew Beach
- Distance from Brunswick: 13 miles (25 min)
- Activities: hiking, camping, site seeing
- Amenities: camping grounds, paved trails, observation tower
South of Driftwood lies St Andrew Beach – a lovely gem for hiking lovers. The pathways on this beach are magnificently paved and cut through thick, lush green trees and other coastal vegetation.
Most of the trails either lead to the shores or observation towers. While on the towers, you can indulge in grand scenic views of the majestic ocean as well as the expansive Jekyll Island State Park.
And like Driftwood Beach, St Andrew Beach too hosts a few planks of dead woods, multiple crabs, and birds. There’s Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island nearby for accommodation, meals, and drinks.
5. Oceanview Beach Park
- Distance from Brunswick: 12 miles (20 min)
- Activities: riding, camping, biking
- Amenities: parking lot, restrooms, bathrooms, showers, camping ground, bike trails
If you are planning a trip to Brunswick, Jekyll Island State Park, in particular, Oceanview Beach Park, might be one of the best beaches to check out. Sure, the island has a lot to offer, but this particular gem sits near the park’s hub.
For instance, a few miles from it are a massage parlor, hotels, shopping points, and charging points for electric cars. Some of these places have tall buildings that offer arresting panoramic views of the extensive Atlantic Ocean.
Despite its central location, Oceanview Beach Park isn’t crowded. There are miles of shoreline to explore and expansive ocean views to soak in.
6. Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Distance from Brunswick: 21 miles (40 min)
- Activities: camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming
- Amenities: shaded sitting areas, boat ramp, campgrounds, trails, visitors center
The natural beauty of Cumberland Island National Seashore might shame some of the beaches you’ve ever been to. It’s part of a nature preserve with mystical-looking historic ruins and acres of untouched seaside habitat.
This place has endless walking trails, each graced with thick strands of oak hammocks on both sides. Such a tropical scene makes for some of the most unforgettable adventures.
While on Cumberland Island National Seashore, you have a chance to bump into wild horses, deer, and a plethora of birds. Bring a camera!
Managed by NPS, this island offers dozens of fun outdoor activities. You can swim, boat, hike, kayak, explore the beach, or just relax and unwind.
There are plenty of campgrounds for multi-day stays and options for boat-in camping.
Don’t even think twice about visiting this island. It’s a marvel waiting to be explored-widely. It can be accessed by a private boat or the Cumberland Island Ferry that runs from St Mary’s.
7. Fort Clinch State Park
- Distance from Brunswick: 61 miles (1hr 5min)
- Activities: camping, hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing
- Amenities: picnic tables, outdoor benches, campgrounds, museum, showers
Lodged on Amelia Island in Florida, Fort Clinch State Park is also one of Mother Nature’s greatest hits with staggering landscapes. Within this park is a fort museum, still boasting powerful cannons that were used to defend the island during civil wars.
Besides learning the bold history of this spot, there’s also a park with nature trails that cut through oak hammocks all the way to the beach. While at the beach, you can lounge in the sun or throw a line in the water to catch some fish.
The massive trees and vegetation on this coastline provide a stunning backdrop for immersive camping sessions. There are also nicely maintained bike trails. If you plan on visiting this shoreline, it’s a good idea to carry packed meals.
8. Main Beach Park
- Distance from Brunswick: 62 miles (1hr 5 min)
- Activities: swimming, picnicking, playing volleyball, lounging, shelling
- Amenities: picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, play structures, restrooms, lifeguard, boardwalk, outdoor showers
Main Beach Park is located south of Fort Clinch. It’s an excellent alternative to the state park and a taste of Florida’s famous beaches.
It also presents itself as family-friendly, thanks to the multiple favorable amenities like children’s playground and picnic facilities, as well as a wide selection of modern amenities such as restaurants, inns, and shops.
While at this beach, you can swim, play volleyball or collect fossilized shark teeth and shells. The water doesn’t look as blue as most of Florida’s beaches, but it’s still refreshing on hot days.
9. Great Dunes Beach
- Distance from Brunswick: 11 miles (20 min)
- Activities: picnicking, sunset watching, lounging
- Amenities: picnic tables, pavilion, restroom, parking spot, grills
Great Dunes Beach is another offering from the extensive Jekyll Island State Park. Having toured other spots like Driftwood beach and Oceanview Beach Park, you could pass by this one to relax and recharge your batteries.
Like most Jekyll Island beaches, the water here is brown and cold, which most people wouldn’t swim in. But for beachcombing and sand castle building, this is a great spot.
It’s a popular fishing area with anglers reporting shark and drum catches.
Also, there are shades and pavilions that let you soak in soothing views of the dunes, ocean, moonrises, and sunsets.
Lakes in Georgia: