This Georgia Beach With Fairytale Trees Is One Of The Best In The US & It's Never Crowded
Eroded trees > Turquoise water.
A woman in a bathing suit at Driftwood Beach. Right: A woman in a green dress at Driftwood Beach.
Georgia usually doesn't come to mind when you think of destinations with the most beautiful beaches in the country. However, the state's rugged coastline is home to some of America's best hidden gems.
Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice listed the 25 best beaches throughout the United States to visit in 2023.
This year's list featured Georgia's Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach at spot No. 3, three spots higher than last year, putting it ahead of several Florida and Hawaiian beach destinations.
The Georgia location ranked higher than beaches in Pensacola, Destin, Hanalei, Saint Augustine, a couple of Maui spots, Panama City, St. Pete, and Clearwater, FL.
Walking down Driftwood Beach, you'll notice the coast lined with the remnants of eroded trees. Time has weathered the bark, so it's smooth to the touch, and the sprawling branches make for ideal climbing conditions.
It's a popular destination for families, where kids can play and explore the ancient trees. Its location off the beaten path means that year-round, it's never too crowded.
Driftwood Beach has served as a backdrop for hit shows like The Walking Dead as well as movies like The In Between, starring Joey King.
Tripadvisor users share a fondness for this hidden gem.
"Driftwood Beach was stunningly beautiful. The large live oaks are weathered and polished by the wind, sea, and rain. Everywhere you look, there is a unique sculpture perfected by Mother Nature. This is a must-see stop if you are visiting Jekyll, St Simons, and Brunswick," one user shared in a review titled "Natural beauty on the ocean."
Though Florida, California, and Hawaii all have an abundance of white sand beaches with pristine waters, there is something breathtaking about Georgia's unique and undisturbed coastline.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on July 06, 2022.
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