Britain to Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

BY  Sibashree Apr 22, 2025

With Tennessee tourism recording a visitor spending of $30.6 billion in 2023, the state is anticipating robust growth in the tourism sector.  However, what Tennessee lacks is a beautiful ocean beach. Being a landlocked state, the state misses out on the perks of beach tourism.  So, during our stay in Chattanooga, we did not know where to go for an outdoor swim and all the beach fun.  We all loved the Chattanooga Choo Choo rides, Lookout Mountain, and Ruby Falls. But we were craving a beach visit really badly.  Thanks to our hotel owner, we got to know about Chester Frost Park, the closest beach to Chattanooga. It took us less than half an hour to reach Chester Frost Park from Chattanooga.  However, Chester Frost Park, with Chickamauga Lake, has a lake beach. If you want to see an ocean beach, you need to at least travel to Tybee Island or Panama City Beach. In this Tour and Travel blog, I will primarily focus on my experience at Chester Frost Park. However, I have also talked about the best time to plan a trip and shared brief accounts of Panama City Beach and Tybee Island.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Closest Beach To Chattanooga? Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Chattanooga and the nearby beaches.  The months of March, April, and May are the spring season in Chattanooga. The temperature in these months ranges between 7 to 26 degrees Celsius.  Again, September to November or the fall season in Chattanooga is beautiful with the foliage changing its color and a nip in the air.  Also, during the fall season, it rains only 5 days a month, and the temperature hovers around 8 to 28 degrees Celsius. What Is The Closest Beach To Chattanooga? Inside The Chester Frost Park Location: 7872 Causeway Road, Hixson, TN 37343 Contact Number: 423-209-6894 Entry and Beach Activities: Free (Charges applicable for camping and pavilion, and shelter rentals) Beach Area Hours: Daylight to Dark With Chickamauga Lake, Chester Frost Park is your happy space if you are looking for the closest beach to Chattanooga.  This place is also historically significant as it has the Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the oldest in Hamilton County, and Dallas Hill, which has been the original county seat since 1822.  We enjoyed our swimming sessions in the Chickamauga Lake. The waves were calm, and the soft sand on the shores made a delightful sight.  Once we were done after the first round of swimming, we had great fun catching bass and crappie.  Also, we were lucky enough to spot herons, river otters, and egrets in Chester Frost Park.  Other beach activities in Chester Frost Park are: 1. Camping Along with tents and camping options, Chester Frost Park also has 188 RV sites. These sites have electrical hookups.  2. Hiking Chester Frost Park has some easy trails. Also, the park allows leashed pets, except in the beach areas.  So, you can enjoy a family walk along these trails and spend some time in nature.  3. Boating And Other Water Sports You will love paddling, kayaking, or a ride in the powerboats during your time at the Chester Frost Park. 4. Picnic Chester Frost Park has many picnic shelters. You can enjoy a laid-back time, having your favorite snack and drink while enjoying the best views of the lake. What Is The Closest Beach To Chattanooga By The Ocean? Tybee Island is the closest beach to Chattanooga by car if you want to hit a beach by the ocean. The distance from Chattanooga to Tybee Island is 383 miles.  You need to travel around 6 hours from Chattanooga to reach Tybee Island.  Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island in Georgia is also the closest ocean beach to Chattanooga.  A proud member of the Best Islands in the United States club in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Tybee Island has beautiful, pristine beaches, and its historic landmarks, such as the Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski National Monument, make it a popular tourist attraction.  The pristine beaches here are North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, and Back River Beach. Also, you must not miss a visit to Little Tybee Island, the twin of Tybee Island.  Moreover, Savannah, the historical epicenter of Georgia and the entire USA is less than 30 minutes away from Tybee Island.  Recently, Tybee Island has been the center of attraction with the just concluded Orange Crush fun on 19th April 2025. Is Panama City Beach Close To Chattanooga? No, Panama City Beach is not located near Chattanooga. The distance from Panama City Beach to Chattanooga is around 630 km.  The most affordable and convenient way to travel from Chattanooga to Panama City Beach is by car. However, if budget is not a constraint for you, you can take a flight from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Orlando.  Also, flights to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) are available from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Delta and American Airlines run these flights.  Why Will I Visit Panama City Beach From Chattanooga? A part of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is a crown jewel in the growing beach tourism or ocean-based tourism industry in Florida.  It has white sandy beaches, and the water with the shades of blue and green creates the most picturesque frame.  Also, ideal for a fun break in the Sun, Panama City Beach is also famous as “The Spring Break Capital of the World.” Having said that, the beautiful Panama City Beach is now affected by the obvious impacts of overtourism. So, the Florida Authorities want to restrict tourism activities to this beautiful beach.  In fact, the city authority is now planning to transform Panama Beach into a family destination to avoid violence, shootings, and unpleasant activities. "Since the wild days of 2015, when spring break chaos pushed us to rethink our path, we've made tremendous strides and have seen some setbacks. That year's violence, shootings, a beach assault, and rampant disorder spurred tough ordinances, like our March alcohol ban, and a unified effort to shift Panama City Beach from an unsafe spring break haven to a welcoming family destination.”Post Shared On Meta on 13th April 2025 by Tommy Ford, Bay County Sheriff What Is The Closest Beach To Tennessee? The closest beach to Tennessee will depend on the part of the state you are in. For example, Dauphin Island in Alabama and Pensacola in Florida are some of the closest beaches to Nashville.  You need to make a journey of around 7 hours to reach any of these beaches.  However, Sullivan’s Island and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are the closest beaches to Knoxville.  Again, as I have already mentioned in the blog, the closest ocean beaches near Chattanooga are Panama City Beach or Tybee Island.  Tennessee, anyway, is a landlocked state. Yes, there are lakes such as Norris Lake, Center Hill Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Cherokee Reservoir.  However, if you need an ocean beach experience, you need to travel at least to Panama City Beach, Tybee Island, or states like South Carolina and Florida.

BY  Sibashree Jun 13, 2025

With Jekyll Island being named the best travel destination in Georgia by Travel+Leisure, the beach tourism industry in the state is once again grabbing all the attention. Furthermore, Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, has been in the news recently. Macey Rewis, an artist focused on marine life, is raising funds for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center’s conservation and educational programs. She has been working with Low Country Grit to offer support to the museum. “I shared with her what we were doing, and she said I already give a portion of my proceeds back to foster conservation and clean water on the coast. She was in. Tybee Marine Science Center was in. It was like a perfect partnership, and I found out her turtle was the original Ike that they had first rescued.” - Alexa Frame, Founder, Low Country Grit Additionally, Tybee Island is elevating its food scene a few notches with The Window. This grab-and-go window for breakfast and lunch opened by Ryan and Randy during the Memorial Day Weekend has become an instant hit. The Window is serving the best Chicken Biscuits, Bacon, Egg and Cheese, sausage egg, ham, and more. So, now you have more reasons to visit Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta. However, Atlanta has many other nearby beaches, such as South Walton in Florida and Edisto Island in South Carolina. In this Tour and Travel Guide, let’s explore the best beaches near Atlanta. However, before that, let’s know what the perfect time is to plan a beach trip near Atlanta. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island, the closest Gulf beach to Atlanta, is a popular summer destination for many. However, high temperatures and surging crowds are the main challenges for a summer visit to Tybee Island. So, plan a trip during spring (April to May) or the fall season (September to November) to enjoy the island’s beauty and outdoor activities to the fullest. Do you want to visit the island in any other month? Here are the temperature and rainfall details of Tybee Island by month. MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of RainfallJanuary1565February1696March20117April22155May25214June29259July31259August302510September27247October25204November18145December16106 What Is The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Know The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Planning The Perfect Coastal Getaway The nearby beaches are a major reason to visit Atlanta. So, let’s start with Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, and then explore other beach attractions. 1. Tybee Island, Georgia: The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 265 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours What is the easiest beach to get to from Atlanta? It’s Tybee Island. Located on the easternmost part of Georgia, Tybee Island has shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife vibe. Furthermore, this barrier island is known for its laid-back vibe. It also has a historic lighthouse, and when at Tybee Island, you must spend some time at the Marine Science Center. 2. South Walton, Florida: A Beach With A Unique Dune Lake Ecosystem Distance from Atlanta: 302 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours South Walton is the closest beach to Atlanta in Florida by car. Visit Rosemary Beach in South Walton to indulge in the quintessential French Quarter feel. Grayton Beach, on the other hand, has an inimitable hippie vibe. However, the most happening feature is the dune lake ecosystem. 3. Jacksonville, Florida: The Closest Beach To Atlanta With An Intracoastal Eco Tour Distance from Atlanta: 346 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Jacksonville is one of the best Florida beaches close to Georgia. With Neptune and Atlantic Beaches, Jacksonville also offers a white sand stretch of 22 miles. Don’t miss the Intracoastal Eco-Tour here if you love spending time in nature. Further, explore the Shipwreck Island Waterpark for the ultimate family fun. Jacksonville also has a happening nightlife. 4. Jekyll Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Mini Golf Matches Distance from Atlanta: 422 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes Jekyll Island is a top attraction in Georgia if you think summer is the best time to visit Savannah beaches. Jekyll Island is peaceful and ideal for a family vacation. Furthermore, you will enjoy the mini golf matches and dolphin tours here. 5. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Explore 32 Miles Of White Sand Stretches Distance from Atlanta: 354 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours Gulf Shores, combined with Orange Beach, features 32 miles of white sand stretches. The quartz from the Appalachian Mountains is used to create this sand. The beaches near the town center are busier, and you will find the quieter ones to the west. 6. Daytona Beach, Florida: The Original American Beach Distance from Atlanta: 433 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes Daytona Beach will be one of your top choices if you are looking for family-friendly beaches in Florida. It also has the nickname of the “Original American Beach.” You will find the tallest lighthouse in Florida here. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art and the Boardwalk & Pier are other popular attractions here. Moreover, the best outdoor activities here are playing golf and zip-lining. 7. Edisto Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Spotting Turtles Distance from Atlanta: 287 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours If you love interacting with wildlife, Edisto Island will be your favorite beach closest to Atlanta. You will spot turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife on the island. Moreover, you can take a bike ride or a boat ride here for adventure. 8. New Smyrna Beach, Florida: Closest Beach To Atlanta With Traffic-Free Family Zones Distance from Atlanta: 450 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes With a stretch of 13 miles, New Smyrna Beach is a favorite of surfers. Further, it has traffic-free zones for families. River cruising, kayaking, and boating are other popular attractions on the beach. 9. Panama City Beach, Florida: The Spring Break Capital Of The World Panama City Beach, or the Spring Break Capital of the World, has close to 28 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. It is also one of the closest beaches to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Furthermore, the beach, where you can collect the most beautiful shells and spend the whole day swimming, becomes the most vibrant at night. Also, it has exciting theme parks, and the city authority is planning to establish it as the most family-friendly destination in Florida. 10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Dolphin Spotting Distance from Atlanta: 282 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes There are a lot of things to do in Hilton Head. It is especially a delightful location to explore marine life with kids. The dolphin-watching excursion or a zip-line ride over the waterways and forests are the best adventure activities here. Moreover, you will love kayaking, biking, and cruising here. 11. Ossabaw Island, Georgia: The Most Pristine And Closest Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 247 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Ossabaw Island is the third-largest barrier island in Georgia. Further, around 13 miles of its seashore are underdeveloped. So, if you want to enjoy a pristine charm, Ossabaw Island will instantly become your favorite. The distance between Atlanta and Savannah is around 250 miles. You can take a boat ride for just 20 minutes to reach Ossabaw Island from Savannah. Also, if you have enough time, you must explore the unique things to do in Savannah to learn about the culture and history of Georgia and the USA.   12. Perdido Key, Florida: The Best Beach With Golf Areas Distance from Atlanta: 335 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours Perdido Key is one of the most family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. You will love the stretches of white sand here. Also, it has golf areas, recreation zones, and the Perdido Key State Park. 13. Wilmington, North Carolina: Home To 3 Beautiful Beaches Distance from Atlanta: 416 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach call Wilmington their home. Carolina Beach is the most happening among them, thanks to festivals and a beautiful boardwalk. Further, Wrightsville Beach is famous for watersports. Also, you will love the relaxed vibe of Kure Beach with the aquarium. What Are The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Families? Are you planning a family trip to Atlanta? Visit the following family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. Tybee Island - Gentle waves, relaxed vibe, exploring wildlife at the Marine Science Center. Jekyll Island: Calm waters, dolphin tours, mini golf matches. Neptune Park on St. Simons Island: Mini golf course on the beachfront, hunting hidden tree spirits. Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Hilton Head Island: Scenic beauty, The Sandbox Children's Museum. What Are The Best Pet-Friendly Beaches Near Atlanta? Morningside Nature Preserve is the best pet-friendly beach near Atlanta. It remains open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day. Your pawsome friends will love cooling off at the shallow creek zones. Also, this 33-acre place has a suspension bridge. Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park are other pet-friendly beaches near Atlanta. It is safe for pets in the gentle waves. The Closest Beach To Atlanta: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the closest beach to Atlanta. 1. What Cities Are 2 Hours From Atlanta? Chattanooga, Suches, and Blue Ridge are the cities located at a 2-hour distance from Atlanta. 2. What Beach Is 4 Hours Drive From Atlanta? Tybee Island is a 4-hour drive from Atlanta. It is also close to Savannah. 3. What Beach Is 1 Hour From Atlanta? There is no beach at a distance of 1 hour from Atlanta. Tybee Island is the closest beach to Atlanta, and it is located at a distance of 4 hours. 4. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island is the closest ocean beach to Atlanta. The distance between these two places is 265 miles.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 3, 2024

Who isn’t fond of traveling? Most of us love to scrape out different parts of the world. But apart from selecting a dream destination, selecting a good hotel is another big headache.  When it comes to places like Manila, you need to enhance the overall travel experience. This is exactly why we recommend choosing a 5-star hotel in this vibrant city.  A hotel in Manila that offers you close proximity to major tourist destinations is always better. Check out this comprehensive guide till the end that carries all the necessary requirements for choosing a hotel.  So, let’s get started without further ado… Three Essential Considerations While Choosing A Manila Hotel Who likes to travel without any proper plans? And when it comes to hotels, there are a handful of things to consider. For example, some people prioritize the location, while others are much more thoughtful about the price. Here are the 3 major things everyone must address:  1. Choose An Appropriate Location For Your Hotel First things first, the location of your chosen 5-star hotel rooms! The location matters a lot when it comes to shaping your experience in any city. And Manila, particularly, is something else! Moreover, opting for a hotel in a prime location allows you to explore the city’s numerous attractions and landmarks conveniently.  The city is also quite popular for its rich history and cultural diversity, which shouldn’t go unnoticed. It has proximity to key destinations such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the vibrant Makati district.  Furthermore, a strategically located hotel can provide you with numerous benefits. From saving time on transportation to gaining easy access to both business and leisure activities- there’s so much more! 2. Range Of Amenities Secondly, the range of amenities that are offered by a 5-star hotel in Manila contributes to the overall comfort and satisfaction of your stay. Beyond the luxurious setting, it will also provide you with a diverse array of amenities for all your needs.  As a result, you must look for a hotel that boasts state-of-the-art fitness facilities, spa services, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that your stay is not only comfortable but also indulgent.  Regardless of whether you will be traveling to the city of Manila for business or leisure, a well-equipped hotel can enhance your overall experience. Get a seamless blend of relaxation and convenience within the confines of the accommodation. 3. Quality Of Customer Service Lastly, the quality of customer service is the final fundamental factor that distinguishes a good hotel from an exceptional one.  Similarly, a 5-star hotel in Manila will be able to go far beyond meeting your basic needs and expectations. It provides a personalized and attentive service.  From the moment you arrive until your departure, the hotel’s commitment to ensuring your satisfaction should be evident at all times.  Likewise, attentive concierges, along with prompt room service and a courteous reception team, also matter for a memorable experience. Sites and Attractions In Manila To Visit Now that we know the essential considerations of settling in for a great hotel in Manila, next comes the list of attractions. After all, it’s all about traveling and discovering new places. So, here it goes: Rizal Park Rizal Park is the biggest public park in the city, which owes tribute to national hero, Jose Rizal. The park is 140 acres in length and is ornamented with mesmerizing gardens.  It is also widely regarded as Luneta Park, and more than 5,000 tourists visit it every day.  Location: Manila, Malate, Roxas Blvd, 1000 Metro Manila Entry Charges: INR 26 (2024) Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM. Fort Santiago At Metro Manila, Fort Santiago is a must-visit. It is nestled in Intramuros’ ancient walled city, the construction of which ended in 1593. The fort will certainly give you a rich, historical vibe. If you are looking forward to a unique experience with your friends or family, make sure you visit it at least once.   Address: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila Entry Charges: INR 100 Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM Manila Ocean Park Are you much of a marine lover? Hit the Manila Ocean Park if you wish to see the rich biodiversity underlying Manila’s water bodies. The Oceanarium creates all the hype since it boasts over 14,000 animals and 270+ marine species.  Get ready to see some exciting animal shows where Penguins, Birds, and Seal Lions perform various activities.  Address: 666 Behind Quirino Grandstand, Manila Entry Charges: Starting from INR 530 Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM.  San Agustin Church This Church, for a long time, has remained the center of attraction for all the good reasons. Not only is San Agustin the most primitive church in the Philippines, but it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  Tourists come here to taste the authentic Filipino culture. And if you are lucky enough, you might get to see the traditional wedding process from your hotel in Manila.  Address: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila  Entry Charges: INR 132 When to visit: 8 AM to 6 PM. Casa Manila Casa Manila is a very old and popular museum in Intramuros. Imelda Marcos constructed the castle, keeping in mind the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture.  It, more or less, replicated San Nicolas House, offering a detailed insight into the Filipino lifestyle.  Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila Entry Charges: Free When to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  The Bottom Line With that, we slowly proceed towards the end of this itinerary. But make sure you carry the important tips with you while heading to Manila.  This fun-filled destination has a lot in store for you. All it takes to make the journey smoother is a set of rightful ideas. From location to hotels, there’s not much to worry about if you have read this through. When traveling to a strange land, do not forget to consider your safety. After all, no traveler should ever compromise that! Having said that, I wrap up my words. If there’s something you would like to share about your hotel experiences in Manila, do comment below and let us know! Thank you for reading. 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