Coastal Georgia

By Julie Drury

The coast of Georgia is arguably one of the best-kept secrets in the state.  From the old riverfront of Savannah to Cumberland Island, and Driftwood Beach, Georgia’s coastline boasts a variety of tourist destinations.

Savannah is one of my favorite cities.  It is full of history, yet remains vibrant and modern, with great food, music and culture.  The combination of old buildings, historic cemeteries, and city squares draped in the shade of oak trees and Spanish moss gives Savannah its unmistakable and undeniable charm.

Further south you can arrange to take a ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore.  As part of the Golden Isles and National Parks system, Cumberland Island is federally protected land and home to a number of different animals, including wild horses.  Visitors to the Island must arrive by private boat or ferry and are limited to a certain number per day.  There are ruins of an old fort on the Island and tourists may rent bicycles to traverse the paths that cut through the varied ecosystems.

Driftwood Beach has to be one of the most iconic of the Georgia beaches.  Located on the North end of Jekyll Island, another of the Golden Isles, Driftwood Beach is the result of continued erosion.  The beach has begun to move further and further inland, leaving behind what looks like a cemetery of trees.  It is a photographer’s dream to be sure!

From cities overflowing with character to beautiful, sandy beaches, the Georgia coast can’t be beat!  While we live about a two-hour drive away, our family makes a point of heading that way whenever we get time off.  I know the beaches in Hong Kong are pretty amazing too!  What a trip it would be to compare the two!