Coastal ..walking the beach, gators, skeeters (Reynolds: hotel, gated, camping)

[cindy854]

How is the Georgia Coast for walking and exploring? Are there beaches along the coast for walking. I read that most of the Georgia Coast in not accessible to the public. Jekyl Island and Saint Simons Island are the only places where the public can access the ocean /beach ...is this true?

I also read that coastal Georgia has a lot of gators and skeeters (what is a skeeter....some sort of bug I am guessing) .... is this true?

Thank you.

[gentlearts]

Georgia has 100 miles of shoreline. A fact you could have easily googled. I hear that people walk there. Georgia has alligators in some ponds and rivers, so you need to be watchful. A skeeter is short for mosquito.

[Iconographer]

Gators are generally pretty indifferent towards us humans, and more often than not they'll skulk away at your approach. Just don't try to pet or feed one.
The freely accessible beaches in Georgia are on Tybee, St Simons and Jekyll Islands. Jekyll has an entry fee.
Sea Island is gated and requires a pass to get on. This requires either a stay at the hotel, membership at one of the clubs, residency or an 'in' with someone.

Cumberland Island: "If you intend to camp on the island, or simply be a daytripper, you should contact the National Park Service for access. For information including ferry schedules and camping reservations visit the National Park Service’s Cumberland Island website".

Home » Cumberland Island

Here's a thread I posted a couple of months ago that might give you some insight into the back and forth over the state's limitations regarding the coast.

//www.city-data.com/forum/georg...rotection.html

Sapelo Island: Accessible by ferry, but you're going to need to arrange transportation prior to getting there.

Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island | Georgia State Parks

St. Catherines Island: Forget it. "Because of our small staff and the sensitive nature of the ongoing scientific work on the island, St. Catherines Island is closed to the general public. Please respect this privacy, and allow the many scientists and educators dedicated to their research to continue their valuable work undisturbed."

The Island | St. Catherines Island

Ossabaw Island:"Daytime beach access by boat is encouraged and requires no permission." "To bring your group to Ossabaw for a day trip or an educational, cultural, or scientific project, project organizers must submit a proposal form outlining the program’s intended use and activities while on the island. (see form button above). The Ossabaw Island Foundation and/or The Department of Natural Resources review all applications to assure compliance with the Heritage Preserve designation."

Welcome to Ossabaw Island

Wassaw Island: "Wassaw is open for day use only, camping is not allowed. Permitted activities include biking on the trails, picnicking and swimming. Surf and saltwater fishing are allowed, but freshwater fishing in the several ponds is not."

Wassaw Island, GA - 2017 Visitor Info And Activities

So there. Most of the islands are OK with beachcombers, but you'll need a boat to get there.