Spring is the best season to enjoy Georgia’s coast. The weather stays around 65°F and can go up to 80°F, making it perfect for beach days and outdoor fun. It’s also the season when the lake warms up, which allows travelers to try kayaking, paddle boarding, and many other activities.
Everywhere you look, the flowers bloom, including azaleas, peach blossoms, magnolias, and more, while festivals fill the calendar. However, with so much happening, first-time travelers often get confused about when and where to start. And this is where the guide comes to help!
This guide will cover how to enjoy the Georgia coast in the spring without missing a thing. We’ll walk through everything a local would recommend for a fun and memorable trip!
1. Start Your Trip with the Best (& Peaceful) Beaches
If we had to pick one thing about the Georgia coast that’s a must-visit and makes every trip memorable, it’s the beaches. And luckily, there’s no shortage of them.
The Georgia coast extends over 100 miles, with 300 square miles of open Atlantic waters and nine major estuaries. But with so many options, choosing the best spot (peaceful and not packed with tourists) can become a headache. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top beach picks (locally recommended) so you can skip all the guesswork and enjoy your journey.
Beaches Locals Always Recommend
- Cumberland Island National Seashore: It’s one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Georgia coast, offering 17 miles of quiet, white sandy shores. You can enjoy camping, walking alone on the untouched coastline, or simply relaxing away from the crowd.
- Pet-friendly Gould’s Inlet on St. Simons Island: This beautiful beach is located at the northern tip of East Beach. It’s pet-friendly and offers amenities like a water hose, a community water bowl, a dog bag station, benches, and a fishing pier.
- Family-friendly Mid-Beach on Tybee Island: Next up is Mid-Beach on Tybee Island. It’s a perfect spot if you want a safe, family-friendly trip and a relaxed environment. The beach has lifeguards on duty and security, so you can enjoy your day worry-free.
2. Enjoy Fun Outdoor Adventures
When it comes to outdoor fun, Georgia Coast doesn’t fall short. Want to go camping? Altamaha Regional Park and many others are ready for you. Interested in kayaking? Head to the Frederica River. Prefer paddle boarding? Beaches have you covered. And these are just a few activities; you’ll find even more once you’re here.
Many travelers also come for the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, local spas, luxury stays, and scenic trails that make the spring trip even better.
3. Local Restaurants You Must Try
No trip to the Georgia coast feels complete without tasting the local seafood and classic dishes. That’s why we’ve lined up a few must-try spots for you:
- Georgia Sea Grill: Located on St. Simons Island, Georgia Sea Grill is a go-to spot for fresh local seafood and seasonal American favorites. It’s a popular choice among visitors and locals alike, so we recommend making a reservation to grab the best seat.
- Mr. Shuck’s Seafood: This restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers. Not only is their service top-notch, but the seafood dishes are always fresh and full of flavor. Plus, they don’t hold back on portion sizes–you definitely get your money’s worth.
- Sundae Cafe: Once an ice cream parlor, Sundae Cafe on Tybee Island has transformed into one of the area’s top dining spots. It’s known for fresh seafood and steaks, all paired perfectly with the wine bar.
4. Events and Festivals Happening This Spring
The best time to truly enjoy a place is when it comes alive with festivals. It’s when locals come out, travelers get to join the fun, and the culture is on full display. For Georgia, that time is spring, when the island and the coastal towns host some of the best musical and cultural events. Here’s a list of festivals you don’t want to miss:
- Cherry Blossom Festival – March 21 to March 30
- Savannah Music Festival – March 27 to April 12
- Atlanta Dogwood Festival – April 11 to April 13
- Georgia Renaissance Festival – April 13 to June 2
- Blessing of the Fleet – April 4 to April 6
Must-Know Spring Tricks for Visitors
Below, we’ll share three simple tricks that can save you money while traveling.
1. Book Cottage or Resort
Hotels are usually the first accommodation option travelers consider, but they can be pricey, especially if you stay for an extended period or with family. Instead, opt for a cottage or a resort. Not only do they offer better rates for a longer stay, but many also come with full kitchens. This means you can cook your meals and save money on dining out every day.
2. Always Pack for Surprise Weather
Georgia’s spring weather keeps you on your toes—one minute, it feels like fall; the next, it’s full-on summer, and rain can pop up anytime. Locals don’t leave without a light hoodie and a rain jacket in the car or bag. Therefore, pack for all kinds of weather, or you might end up spending extra on buying clothes.
3. Saving Tip on Beach Picnic
Beachside shops charge a premium price for food. Unless you’re treating yourself to local food, skip grabbing a full meal from those spots. Pack your own picnic essentials beforehand. It’s cheaper, and you’ll have more to spend on beach day activities.
Book Your Stay at Ocean Lodge Resort
That wraps up our guide on how to enjoy the Georgia coast in the spring! If you’re traveling with your friends or family and planning a longer stay, Ocean Lodge Resort can be your home. By home, we mean comfort, privacy, and convenience—all in one place.
You’ll have access to a full kitchen equipped with a fridge, dishwasher, microwave, blender, and convection/toaster oven. We’ve even stocked the place with all the essentials such as flatware, pots, plates, and cutlery, so you can cook, relax, and feel right at home. Plus, pets are welcome, too.
Contact us today and lock in your stay!