A little more than six hours from Atlanta, Ormond Beach resides on Florida’s east coast just north of Daytona Beach. This beach is perfect for those looking for fewer crowds and more elbow room. Once the summer playground for the rich and famous, such as John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler, today the beach remains a favorite summer spot for those wanting to skip the busy oceanfront property farther south. 

Located at the southern tip of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Hatteras is a 10-hour haul from Atlanta, but it’s totally worth it. Thanks to its location, the crowds are lighter than those found farther north on the Outer Banks. Rent one of the oceanfront vacation homes that line the beach, and you’ll be just steps away from the sand and surf. 

Within this 1,600-acre state park on the Florida Panhandle, there are 3.2 miles of pristine beaches without the crowds of Panama City Beach or Destin. Plus, in addition to the beach, you also can fish, go kayaking, hike, bike, and more. There are even onsite accommodations with camping and cabins. And it’s just five hours from Atlanta. 

Approximately six hours from Atlanta, Vilano Beach, northeast of St. Augustine, is well-known for its coquina sands and near-shore break that’s popular with surfers. It’s close enough to see the historic sites of St. Augustine, but offers a small-town feel to visitors wanting a more intimate beach vacation. 

For those who usually visit Myrtle Beach, consider heading a short ride south to Pawley’s Island instead. Approximately six hours from Atlanta, this South Carolina destination harkens to a time gone by when families rented beach homes, cooked out every day, and napped in a shaded hammock. There’s no hustle and bustle here, which is what makes it so perfect for a beach getaway. 

Another Georgia beach that must be included lest we incite the masses, St. Simons Island continues to attract beachgoers year after year. Just four and a half hours from Atlanta, St. Simons Island combines the beauty of unspoiled beaches with the historic allure of live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Plus, you’ll find a range of accommodations to suit most every visitor’s need and budget. 

On the opposite coast of Florida, south of Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach welcomes visitors to experience the peach and cinnamon coquina sands of this wonderfully uncrowded beach. A great place to find ancient sharks’ teeth, Mickler’s Landing is a popular access point for visitors. Plus, it’s only about five and a half hours from Atlanta. 

A quick four-hour drive from Atlanta, Tybee Island still ranks high with Atlantans who love to visit the beach—in a true laidback, beach-town setting. Of course, its 20-minute proximity to Savannah probably plays a significant role in choosing this option. Although it can get busy during summer months, Tybee Island remains less crowded than many other beaches within a day’s drive of Atlanta. 

Located on Florida’s central east coast, south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a hidden gem with an eclectic mix of old and new, of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as “real” as Florida gets. Here, visitors will find a laidback, family-friendly surf culture along 17 miles of white-sand beaches. And this little beach town is just six and a half hours from Atlanta.

Approximately six hours from Atlanta, south of St. Augustine, Crescent Beach welcomes visitors with miles of broad, white sand along a crescent shape shoreline with an irresistible appeal for anyone seeking the picture-perfect beach vacation. From relaxing in the sun to improving your surfing and boogie board skills, there’s as much to do at this beach as you want. 

Farther south on Florida’s east coast, just north of West Palm Beach, Jensen Beach offers an escape not quite as crowded as the more popular destinations to its south. Located on Hutchinson Island, beachgoers can enjoy fun in the sun, play some beach volleyball at the onsite courts, and have a picnic in one of the many pavilions. It’s eight hours from Atlanta, and this beach is worth the drive.