Georgia Beach Named Among The Best In U.S.

ATLANTA, GA — As the temperature continues to climb in February — yep, this is still February — our minds can't help but think of endless sand dunes and piña coladas amid an ocean breeze. The closest legitimate beaches may not be within eyesight of the concrete jungle that is Atlanta, but that doesn't mean we can't take a road trip to enjoy a quick getaway — and we've got a winner on our shores.

One of Georgia's pristine spots for sun and fun has received top honors as one of the world’s top 20 beaches, according to TripAdvisor.

Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach came in at No. 18 in the website's 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards rankings for the best beaches in the United States.

Driftwood is a favorite among locals and was used last year on location for scenes in "The Walking Dead."

TripAdvisor's winners were selected “based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor from travelers around the world,” the company explained in an email to Patch. “The Travelers’ Choice Beaches award-winners were determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period following last year’s awards.”

Georgia's beaches are famously undeveloped, a refreshing respite to Florida's college-friendly waters, which can overwhelm international tourists.

One TripAdvisor commenter said, "It is so surreal, all the driftwood trees in a petrified state, white and skeletal in the sand. As an art photographer they were great subjects."

To check out the full rankings, visit TripAdvisor online.

Image via Pixabay