Surfing in Georgia might not be the stuff of magazine covers and features, but it’s okay. We particularly like it if you’re craving a trip to see the best of The South and just want some surf on the side. Tybee Island is the destination that reigns supreme.
An introduction to surfing in Georgia
Surfing in Georgia might not be as renowned as some of the world’s top surf spots, but it certainly has its own unique appeal. The most well-known area for surfing in Georgia is Tybee Island, located near Savannah. That’s home to South Beach (very much not the Miami namesake!), a spot with consistent swells that attract surfers of various skill levels, especially during the summer months when they peel in from the SW.
Season-wise, the best time to hit the water is late summer and fall when the hurricanes down south stir things up a bit. Winter can have some decent swells, but it’s colder, requiring at least a couple of mils of rubber (though still not a patch on New England’s Maine and New Hampshire).
Most US-based surfers will scoff if you tell them you’re doing a surf trip in the Peach State. It’s what flyovers are to city slickers in the surf world – AKA, there are MUCH better options up and down the Eastern Seaboard. But, if you want a taste of Southern culture and food with surf on the side, this one’s your Huckleberry!
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in USA
Surfing in Georgia at a glance
The good…
The bad…
What’s in this guide to surfing in Georgia?
Where is Georgia?
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It’s bordered by Florida to the south, the Atlantic Ocean and South Carolina to the east, Alabama to the west, and Tennessee and North Carolina to the north. The capital and largest city is Atlanta, which is situated in the north-central part of the state.
Look at the satellite map and you’ll see how the continental shelf really widens around Georgia. That works two ways for the surf, helping temper big hurricane swells to make for decent summer surfing, but also reducing many low-pressure systems to nothing but a dribble on the barrier islands.
Sometimes it works a charm, other times it doesn’t.
How to get to Georgia?
- By air – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for travel. Many international and domestic flights connect to this airport.
- By car – Georgia is accessible by interstate highways such as I-75, I-85, and I-95. Driving directions will depend on your starting location. We use RentalCars.com to hire vehicles in the US, mainly because they offer late cancellation policies.
- By train – Amtrak operates passenger train services that connect various U.S. cities with Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.
Do I need to hire a car to surf in Georgia?
It’s not a bad idea to get yourself a car. Some of the outer, more southerly Georgian islands on this list aren’t that easy to get to if you don’t. Even Tybee is easier to reach from key towns like Savannah and Atlanta if you have wheels, though there is public transport so it’s not necessary. The real joy is that you’ll have a ride to explore the Peach State to the fullest – there are bayous, mountains, and charming wine towns to get through in these parts. Check rentals below…
Georgia surf spots
Truth be told, there’s not all that much surf in Georgia. The chances are you’ll be headed straight for Tybee and won’t leave. We won’t try to discourage you from that plan. It seems like the right way to go, since Tybee has the best pier waves and beach breaks in the state, plus the only surf infrastructure in the state. It’s also a great place to be based – fun, good seafood.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, Georgia, is a low-lying barrier island known for natural beauty rather than surf spots. The modest swells predominantly come from the east/northeast due to the Atlantic Ocean. Prime surf conditions occur during hurricane season (June to November) when storms can generate higher waves that manage to push right over the sandbanks and keep enough power to offer something close to the shore. However, the surfing is typically mediocre due to the island’s gently sloping sandy bottom and wide shelve.
Sea Island
Sea Island is more of a luxury resort destination than a surf spot. Its sandy beaches primarily see east/southeast swells, and surfing conditions are usually mild due to the flat, shallow seabed that tempers anything with power into small ankle slappers. Best surf is typically during hurricane season (June to November) when large storm systems create bigger sets, though 10 foot forecasts are often reduced to 5-foot peelers on the inside banks. Ideal conditions are under offshore winds, predominantly from the west or northwest.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island in Georgia offers the most consistent surf in the state. It’s mainly all about the pier here. It’s recently been rebuilt but still has the same prime location on the southeast edge of the island. When SE hurricane pushes come through in the summer and early fall, it can offer up lover rippable shoulders on both sides. They’re not the gnarly wedges that you get on the West Coast, because that wide continental shelf will still temper the water down a touch. On top of all that, the vibe is easy-going and laid back, and you’ll get to eat some of the best seafood in the US between sessions.
Check our complete guide to Tybee Island surf right here
Where to stay when surfing in Georgia?
All of our hotel choices for surfers in Georgia are in Tybee Island. That’s the very best surf spot in the state and probably the only one worth actually traveling for. It’s also got some cracking ocean-view stays…
- Tenth Street Retreat – A true Georgian beach house, set just behind the dunes of the main beach in Tybee. It’s spacious. It’s stunning. Can host up to 12 people and promises to be a brill surf-sun trip.
- #3 B 18th Place – A smaller pad that’s right on the edge of the main pier. Great for surfers but also mixed groups of up to 8 people.
- Silver Shores – If you’re not into self-catering then you can’t beat the Silver Shores Inn. The rooms have air con and balconies, and the front desk can organize day trips all around the Peach State.
Step-by-step guide to planning your [yoast_kw] trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the [yoast_kw]…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step four: Enjoy!
When to surf in Georgia?
Georgia’s surf season varies, but late summer through fall is generally considered the prime time for bigger swells. During hurricane season, the waves become more consistent and powerful, drawing in more experienced surfers. Winter can offer some solid swells, but it’s notably chillier, so make sure to pack a good wetsuit. Spring is more mellow, providing an opportunity for beginners to practice in more forgiving conditions.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
