Columbus, Georgia offers a lot of fun recreation and activities throughout the year. And if you would like to visit the beach for a day trip or weekend vacation, there are plenty of nearby beach destinations!
Although Columbus, GA does not have an ocean beach, there are 12 popular beaches that average a 242-mile or 4-hour and 22-minute drive.Because of Columbus’ central location, you can access beaches on both the Gulf Coast (Florida & Alabama) and Eastern Atlantic Coast (Georgia & South Carolina).
All 12 of these beaches near Columbus, GA offer something unique and are worth a day trip or weekend getaway!
Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
- Florida Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
- Alabama Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
- Georgia Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
- South Carolina Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
- Hotels
- Vacation Rentals
- Experiences
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Florida Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
The closest beaches to Columbus, GA are in the state of Florida. There are 6 Florida beaches that average a 3-hour and 58-minute drive from Columbus, GA.
1. Panama City Beach, FL
Panama City Beach is the closest ocean beach to Columbus, GA at 189 miles away, which is a 3-hour and 40-minute drive.
About Panama City Beach, FL:
Panama City Beach is one of the most popular beach resorts in the United States. Every year, almost 4.5 million people visit the white, sandy beaches of Panama City Beach.
- Beach Access: PCB has some of the best public beach access in the area. There are 27 miles of sandy beaches with over 100 public access points!
- You can find a map of the beach access points here.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, you’ll find plenty of fun activities like:
- A Dog Beach
- Jet ski rentals
- Paddleboarding
- Nearby state parks
- Luxury Spas
Before you hit the beaches, don’t forget to bring plenty ofsunscreenand asturdy beach umbrella like this one that’s wind-resistant up to 34 miles per hour.
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 189 miles
Visitors’Website for Panama City Beach
Vacation Rentalsat Panama City Beach, FL
2. Rosemary Beach, FL
Rosemary Beach is 192 miles from Columbus, GA, which takes 3 hours and 45-minutes to drive.
Rosemary Beach is a planned community of 4,000+ residents. It was designed on the principles of traditional community development and new urbanism. As such, it is not a highly developed tourist spot.
Main Draw of Rosemary Beach, FL: Thus, it’s a perfect spot if you’d like a quiet vacation at the beach away from the noise and large crowds. You’ll be able to walk the pristine beaches while listening to ocean sounds and seagulls.
Activities to Consider at Rosemary Beach, FL:
- Visit the Spa at the Pearl Hotel
- Rent a bike and explore the local shops
- Kayak or paddleboard at Coastal Dunes Lakes
If you want to bring a kayak, here are some top picks from Amazon worth checking out too.
- Top inflatable kayak for 1-person:IntexExcursion Pro Kayak Series
- Top inflatable 2-person kayak:IntexExplorer K2 Kayak
- Best Budget & Sit-on-Top Kayak:PelicanSentinel Sit-on-Top Kayak
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 192 miles
Visitors’Website for Rosemary Beach
Vacation Rentalsat Rosemary Beach
3. Miramar Beach, FL
Miramar Beach is 204 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 4-hour drive. Miramar Beach is another great choice if you’re looking for some white, sandy beaches and pristine ocean views.
About Miramar Beach, FL: Many consider Miramar Beach part of Destin, though it is in a different county (Walton) and has a separate zip code. With lots of condos and townhomes available for rent, it’s a great spot to bring the entire family
Beach Access: You’ll find the access point to Miramar Beach at 2375 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
However, Miramar borders 7 nearby regional beach access points that are in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
- Dune Allen
- Fort Panic
- Ed Walline
- Gulfview Heights
- Blue Mountain
- Van Ness Butler Jr.
- Santa Clara Regional
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours
Distance from Columbus, GA: 204 miles
Visitors’Website for Miramar Beach
Vacation Rentalsat Miramar Beach
Top 50 Waterfront Rentals at Miramar Beach (VRBO)
4. Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach, FL is 216 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 4-hour drive. If you’re looking for a spot with a small-town feel, Fort Walton Beach is worth checking out!
About Fort Walton Beach, FL: Fort Walton Beach is the primary city in the metro area that includes Destin, Crestview, and Fort Walton.
The city has a rich history that goes back 14,000 years and prides itself on supporting locally owned and operated businesses.
When you’re not at the beach, try exploring some of these fun activities in Fort Walton Beach:
- Emerald Coast Science Center
- Downtown Arts and Entertainment
- Shopping in Uptown
- Extreme Sports Center: Emerald Coast Dirt & Vert, which includes a BMX racing track, dirt jumps, and 9,000 square-foot skatepark
- Miniature Golf at Goofy Golf
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours
Distance from Columbus, GA: 216 miles
Visitors’Website for Fort Walton Beach
Vacation Rentalsat Fort Walton Beach, FL
5. Destin, FL
Destin is 211 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 4-hour drive.
About Destin, FL: Destin started off in 1845 as a small fishing town and is named after the fisherman Leonard Destin. As such, it is nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
As one of the most popular beach towns in Florida, you’ll find plenty of fun for everyone. Some of the highlights include:
- Emerald waters and white sandy beaches
- Amazing seafood restaurants like Boshamps Oyster House, Harbor Docks, or Camille’s
- Chartered deep-sea fishing
- Parasailing
- Paddleboard adventures
- Dolphin cruises
- and much, much more!
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours
Distance from Columbus, GA: 211 miles
Visitors’Website for Destin, Florida
Vacation Rentalsat Destin, FL
6. Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola is 254 miles from Columbus, GA, which is just under a 4.5-hour drive. The city is the westernmost spot in the Florida panhandle and is well worth visiting.
About Pensacola Beach, FL: Pensacola’s beaches are nicknamed the “World’s Whitest Beaches.” Pensacola Beach is located on the barrier island of Santa Rosa, which stretches for 40 miles. Santa Rose Island also contains Okaloosa Island and Navarre Beach.
Pensacola Beach is perfect for those who love history and museums as well! Fort Pickens National Park and the National Aviation Museum are located in Pensacola and are worth checking out.
Public Beach Access Points: You’ll find 10 access points in the Pensacola Beach area. A map of these points can be found here.
- Pensacola Beach Access #1
- Pensacola Beach Access #2
- Pensacola Beach Access (Park East)
- Pensacola Beach Dog Parks — Lot B
- Langdon Beach (located in Fort Pickens National Park)
- Park West Sound Side
- Park West Gulf Side
- Quietwater Beach
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: Opal Beach
- Casino Beach
In addition to soaking up the sun at the beach, there are hosts of other activities to enjoy like:
- the National Aviation Museum
- Fort Pickens National Park
- Blue Angels Air Shows
- Dolphin boat tours
- parasailing
- exploring local lakes in a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe
- golfing at championship 18-hole courses
- booking a charter to go deepsea fishing
- exploring historic Pensacola Village
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 254 miles
Visitors’Website for Pensacola
Vacation Rentalsat Pensacola Beach, FL
Alabama Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
There are three beaches in Alabama that average a 4-hour and 38-minute drive from Columbus, GA: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island.
7. Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, AL is 270 miles from Columbus, GA, which takes 4 hours and 45 minutes to drive.
About Gulf Shores: Stretching 32 miles, Alabama’s coastline is much smaller than neighboring Florida’s. However, there is a lot packed into this area, primarily in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL.
Why Visit: Gulf Shores is the most popular Alabama beach and resort town. In addition to the warm, emerald waters and white, sandy beaches, you’ll find lots of recreation for those who love both the outdoors and cooler indoor settings.
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, check out:
- fly over the coast in a gyroplane at BeachFlight, LLC
- Gulf Shores Fishing Pier
- Deep Sea Fishing Charters
- Gulf State Park & Campgrounds
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- Cruise around on a sailboat or pontoon boat
- the huge waterpark – Waterville USA
- Pirate Island’s Adventure Golf
For those who want to enjoy the indoors, check out:
- making pottery at Sea Oat Studio
- Gulf Coast Arts Alliance
- Gulf Shores Museum
- the XIT Escape Room
- Gulf Shores Public Library
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 270 miles
Visitors’Website for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Vacation Rentalsat Gulf Shores, AL
8. Orange Beach, AL
Orange Beach, AL is 276 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 4-hour and 45-minute drive.
About: If you visit Gulf Shores, you will likely visit Orange Beach as well because they are 7.1 miles in distance, which is about a 12-minute drive.
Like Gulf Shores, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Both the warm, blue-green waters and abundant recreation. Some highlights of Orange Beach include:
- Ride: the Ferris Wheel at the Orange Beach Wharf
- Arts: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach (pottery making)
- Hiking: High S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Theme Park: Adventure Island
- Unique Way to Take Photos: Cool Shots Selfie Museum
- Escape Room: Breakout Games
- And many more, which you can find more about here
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 276 miles
Visitors’Website for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Vacation Rentalsat
9. Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is 284 miles from Columbus, GA, which is roughly a 4.5-hour drive.
About: Dauphin Island is a barrier island that is 37 miles south of Mobile, AL. It is connected to the mainland by the Gordon Persons Bridge.
In addition to the beaches and fishing, Dauphin Island offers some unique spots like:
- Fort Gaines
- Bellingrath Gardens and Home: a 65-acre historic estate with a home museum and year-round flowers in bloom
- Dauphin Island Sealab / Alabama Aquarium
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours and 25 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 284 miles
Visitors’Website for Dauphin Island
Vacation Rentalsat Dauphin Island
Georgia Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
The closest Georgia beaches to Columbus are Tybee Island and St. Simons Island, which are on the eastern side of the state and average just under a 5-hour drive.
10. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is the closest Georgia beach to Columbus, GA at 263 miles, which is a 4-hour and 45-minute drive.
About Tybee Island, GA: Tybee Island is known as “Savannah’s Beach” because it is only a 20-minute drive from historic Savannah’s downtown. This is a big draw for visiting Tybee Island, as you can explore great restaurants or the arts in a historic downtown after spending the day at the beach.
There’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family in downtown Savannah, including things like:
- Amazing restaurants
- 9 rooftop bars
- Breakfast and Brunch Spots
- 20 golf championship golf courses in and around the area for the golf enthusiast
Beach Areas: Tybee Island has five main beach areas:
- North Beach
- Mid Beach
- South Beach
- Back River Beach
- Little Tybee Beach
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Distance from Columbus, GA: 263 miles
Visitors’Website for Tybee Island
Vacation Rentals at Tybee Island
11. St. Simons Island & The Golden Isles
St. Simons Island is 269 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 5-hour drive. St. Simons Island is the largest of the Golden Isles, which are comprised of:
- St. Simons Island
- Sea Island
- Little St. Simons Island
- Jekyll Island
With lots of natural beauty, a charming downtown, and pristine beaches, St. Simons is well worth the trip. If you want to learn more, here’s my more detailed guide on the 4 most popular beaches at St. Simons Island.
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 5 hours
Distance from Columbus, GA: 269 miles
Visitors’Website for St. Simons & The Golden Isles
Vacation Rentals at St. Simons Island
South Carolina Beaches Closest to Columbus, GA
The closest South Carolina beach to Columbus, GA is Hilton Head Island at 278 miles, which is a 5-hour drive.
12. Hilton Head Island
Hilton HeadIsland is 251 miles from Columbus, GA, which is a 5-hour drive.
Beach Access: From the more secluded Alder Lane to Coligny Beach Park’s shops and restaurants, Hilton Head offers a lot of variety and plenty of ocean access for the public.
You’ll find 8 points of access to public beach property at Hilton Head.
Hilton Head is known for its great shopping and golf courses, but you could also try taking a camper to one of Hilton Head’s best RV parks.
Drive Time from Columbus, GA: 5 hours
Distance from Columbus, GA: 278 miles
Visitors’Website for Hilton Head
Vacation Rentals at Hilton Head Island
Conclusion
Columbus is centrally located in the westernmost part of Georgia. Because of this, Columbus is within a 3.75 to 5-hour drive from over 12 of the United States’ most popular beach destinations. The closest beaches are directly south on Florida’s Gulf Coast and average a 4-hour drive from Columbus.
If you want to drive 1 more hour, you can reach the beaches of Alabama, South Carolina, or Georgia instead. These average a 5-hour drive from Columbus.
Either way, there are plenty of options to explore for both a day trip or weekend getaway!
Here are some other beach lists worth exploring as well:
- Beaches Near Greenville, SC
- Best Beaches Near Macon, GA
- Beaches Closest to Columbia, SC
- 6 Closest Beaches to Augusta, Georgia
- 30 Beaches Nearest Atlanta, GA
My Favorite Tools for Planning a Trip
Hotels
Booking.com. They have great deals and free cancellation usually.
Vacation Rentals
VRBO. I have been both a guest and renter for VRBO. 20+ experiences over the years. All great.
Experiences
Viator. I’m newer to this, but it’s a great spot to get ideas or discounted tickets.
