If you're living in Knoxville, Tennessee, and craving a beach getaway, you don't have to travel too far to find some amazing coastal spots. Here are the 5 closest beaches to Knoxville, TN, along with some tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - 470 miles, 7 hours 30 minutes
Myrtle Beach is a popular beach destination on the East Coast, known for its white sandy beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's about a 7.5-hour drive from Knoxville, but the scenic route along the I-40 and I-95 highways makes it a worthwhile trip.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach:
- Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile oceanfront promenade perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the views.
- Go shopping at the Tanger Outlets or the Market Common, two popular outdoor shopping centers.
- Take a surfing lesson or rent a paddleboard to explore the coastline.
2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - 495 miles, 8 hours
Hilton Head Island is an upscale beach destination known for its pristine beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts. It's about an 8-hour drive from Knoxville, but the scenic route along the I-40 and I-95 highways makes it a worthwhile trip.
Things to do in Hilton Head Island:
- Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with stunning views of the surrounding waters.
- Take a bike ride along the 12-mile beachfront path or rent a kayak to explore the marshes.
- Go shopping at the Tanger Outlets or the Coligny Plaza, two popular outdoor shopping centers.
3. Tybee Island, Georgia - 505 miles, 8 hours 15 minutes
Tybee Island is a charming beach town near Savannah, Georgia, known for its laid-back atmosphere, historic lighthouse, and beautiful beaches. It's about an 8.5-hour drive from Knoxville, but the scenic route along the I-40 and I-16 highways makes it a worthwhile trip.
Things to do in Tybee Island:
- Visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with stunning views of the surrounding waters.
- Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade or rent a kayak to explore the marshes.
- Go shopping at the Tybee Island Shops or the Savannah Historic District, two popular shopping areas.
4. Jekyll Island, Georgia - 520 miles, 8 hours 30 minutes
Jekyll Island is a barrier island near Brunswick, Georgia, known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational activities. It's about an 8.5-hour drive from Knoxville, but the scenic route along the I-40 and I-95 highways makes it a worthwhile trip.
Things to do in Jekyll Island:
- Visit the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark, a historic resort with stunning views of the surrounding waters.
- Take a bike ride along the 10-mile beachfront path or rent a kayak to explore the marshes.
- Go shopping at the Jekyll Island Shops or the Historic District, two popular shopping areas.
5. Amelia Island, Florida - 545 miles, 9 hours
Amelia Island is a beautiful beach destination near Jacksonville, Florida, known for its pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational activities. It's about a 9-hour drive from Knoxville, but the scenic route along the I-40 and I-95 highways makes it a worthwhile trip.
Things to do in Amelia Island:
- Visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with stunning views of the surrounding waters.
- Take a bike ride along the 13-mile beachfront path or rent a kayak to explore the marshes.
- Go shopping at the Amelia Island Shops or the Historic District, two popular shopping areas.
Gallery of Beaches near Knoxville, TN:
What are the closest beaches to Knoxville, TN?
+The closest beaches to Knoxville, TN are Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and Amelia Island.
How far are the beaches from Knoxville, TN?
+The beaches are approximately 470-545 miles from Knoxville, TN, depending on the specific location.
What are some things to do at the beaches near Knoxville, TN?
+Some popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and shopping.
We hope this article has helped you plan your next beach trip from Knoxville, TN. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a change of scenery, these beaches have something for everyone.