Why Georgia Is Awesome, Part 1

Georgia is a seriously underrated state.  The west coast is obviously the popular spot for post undergrads to flock to, what with California and Washington's progressive cannabis legislation and trendy TV shows like Portlandia.  Trends aside, Georgia actually shares many compelling natural attractions with west coast states.  For instance, it too is a state famous for both its beaches and its mountains.  Georgia is charmingly unique and disarmingly diverse in terms of its natural environments.

Georgia's coast is home to the world's most productive ecosystem in terms of oxygen production.  That's right-- Georgia's coastal marshes produce more oxygen per square foot than rain forests.  Salt marshes are environments which are distinguished by the presence of Spartina alterniflora, commonly called smooth cordgrass.  Smooth cordgrass environments sequester pollution chemicals and produces oxygen more efficiently than any other habitat on Earth.

Georgia's coast is protected by a layer of barrier islands which separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean.  This is a major reason as to why Georgia has sandy beaches, unlike the west coast's rocky beaches.  The barrier islands also protect coastal cities like Savannah from hurricanes.  Unlike cities in Florida, Savannah is practically never damaged by hurricanes.  Furthermore, the water along Georgia's coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream ocean current.  The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Caribbean, near the Equator, all the way up the east coast.  The sandy beaches, safety from hurricanes, and warm water make Georgia's beaches prime for swimming.

Admittedly, every state in the USA is charmingly unique.  Georgia, however, is one of the most underrated states and is home to awesome swimming beaches.