Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

In Georgia, water and fun go hand-in-hand at our beaches, lakes, rivers, water parks, and recreation facilities. Make a splash swimming, tubing, whitewater rafting, boating, kayaking, fishing, and more.

Explore the relaxed beaches on Georgia’s barrier islands along 100 miles of coastline, from Tybee Island just outside Savannah to Cumberland Island, one of 10 protected national seashores in the country. Stay at luxurious beach resorts like Sea Island, take dramatic sunrise pictures on Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach, and overlook the coast from the top of lighthouses like on St. Simons Island.

If you prefer the lake life, head to lakes tucked into the North Georgia mountains like Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee and Carters Lake near Ellijay, or the area known as Georgia’s Lake Country. Rent boats, go swimming and fishing, and watch the sunset over dinner at a waterside restaurant. Clarks Hill Lake and West Point Lake are renowned destinations for fishing, and Lake Lanier is a popular recreation and vacation destination near Atlanta.

Georgia’s rivers wind through the state from the mountains to the coast and are prime spots for fishing, paddling, tubing, and rafting. Take a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, or float on the same river farther north when you go tubing in Helen. Discover the mysterious Altamaha River that twists and turns through south Georgia, and don’t miss the excellent fly fishing on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge.

Browse the trip ideas and listings below to plan your next trip to Georgia’s beaches, lakes, and rivers.

Note, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close several campgrounds and beaches ahead of the 2025 recreation season. Refer to this list of parks affected by the closure, and check the operational status of recreation areas for any restrictions or safety alerts before your trip.