Looking for a great place to get away from it all? We have plenty of amazing natural getaways in the Peach State, from our sleepy small towns in central and southern Georgia to our gorgeous mountain refuges in the north. Don’t forget about our little beach front areas, though! Georgia’s barrier islands can get quite crowded. Tybee Island is one of the most popular vacation places in the state, and St. Simons Island draws visitors from all over the region, too. But little Sapelo Island is a hidden gem that doesn’t get nearly the number of tourists. It is a perfect quiet getaway if you’re looking for a barely-known area that is full of natural beauty.
Sapelo Island is the fourth-largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, which are bordered on either side by the Savannah River and St. Mary’s River. Sapelo Island spans 16,500 acres.
Damon Himes/Google Local
Almost all of the island is owned by the state, and visitors can only arrive by plane or ferry. You can access the ferry via the Sapelo Island Visitors Center in Darien.
Rome C/Google Local It’s about a 20-minute ride each way. It’s actually illegal to visit if you’re not part of an organized tour.
The beach has no development at all and is a completely unspoiled natural wonder.
Adams Motorsports of Stateboro/Google Local
Tours are offered by a local historian who’s an expert on the island. You can opt for half-day or full-day tours, and vehicle rental is included in the cost.
Camera Manning/Google Local
There’s a lot to see on the island. The historic lighthouse was built in 1820.
Wesley Smith/Google Local The Hog Hammock Gullah community lives on Sapelo - it’s the last remaining Gullah community in the area. The island is also home to the Reynolds Mansion, once owned by the heir to the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Industry empire.
This is one of the most gorgeous paradises in Georgia and so few people get to experience it.
William Haun/Google Local
For more information about Sapelo Island, check out the Sapelo Island Tours website.
Damon Himes/Google Local
Rome C/Google Local
It’s about a 20-minute ride each way. It’s actually illegal to visit if you’re not part of an organized tour.
Adams Motorsports of Stateboro/Google Local
Camera Manning/Google Local
Wesley Smith/Google Local
The Hog Hammock Gullah community lives on Sapelo - it’s the last remaining Gullah community in the area. The island is also home to the Reynolds Mansion, once owned by the heir to the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Industry empire.
William Haun/Google Local
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA
