Guide to the Golden Isles: A Coastal Haven in Georgia
A blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural gems await in the Golden Isles, named the No. 1 Best U.S. Islands by Travel + Leisure. Stroll along beaches, discover the Altamaha River, taste seafood, and tour museums and wildlife sites.
St. Simons Island
Start the ultimate stay on St. Simons Island by sightseeing from above. Hop into a plane for aerial views of coastal waterways, piers, and sandy shores with High Tide Aviation Air Tours, or trek up 129 steps at the St. Simons Lighthouse for sweeping vistas of the St. Simons Sound. Climb down and learn more about the lighthouse’s history at its museum.
Outdoor activities are plentiful thanks to the island’s marshes, beaches, inlets, and some very unique live oaks. Rent gear from SouthEast Adventure Outfitters and cast a line for redfish, paddle on gentle waters in a kayak, or unwind on a boat tour or fishing charter. Search for the beloved Tree Spirits, carvings of unmistakable weathered faces scattered throughout the island, and claim fun prizes for those you find on an interactive Tree Spirit Hunt.
The island’s eateries are sure to please, from casual spots serving island favorites to higher-end dining featuring seafood straight from the coast. Stop by Certified Burgers and Beverage for crispy tater tots and a chicken sandwich, or tuck into flavorful tripletail and flounder caught fresh from a local charter at Halyards.
Sea Island
Wide-open sea scenery allows visitors to explore the area through biking, sailing, kayaking, and horseback tours. Paddle through serene marshes on the island’s edge or gaze out at the rolling waves as you ride a horse along a beach or coastline trail. Practice your club or racket swing at tennis courts or one of three championship golf courses while marveling at your striking surroundings.
Want to learn more about wildlife? Tag along with the Sea Island Nature Team on Dawn Patrols and Night Walks, on which you’ll scan the sand for endangered sea-turtle tracks, nests, eggs, and maybe even hatchlings, depending on the time of year.
Check into the Sea Island Resort and round out your day with gumbo loaded in shrimp, crawfish, and crab while peering out at unbeatable ocean views at Southern Tide, one of 12 on-site restaurants, exclusive to resort guests.
Jekyll Island
Recharge among nature and history on this island that’s also a state park. Bike Jekyll Island on 22 miles of paths for a casual jaunt among trees covered in Spanish moss. Serenity awaits on a venture with Jekyll Island Boat Tours — keep an eye (and your camera) out for friendly dolphins. If you’re searching for other Insta-worthy pics, snap a few of the sunrise at the iconic Driftwood Beach. Learn more about sea life at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the state’s only rehabilitation facility for these beloved animals.
Step back in time at the National Historic Landmark District, which spans 240 acres and features 33 structures. Immerse yourself in the 19th century by admiring clothes, artifacts, and automobiles reflecting the island’s storied past at the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum, or see eclectic cottages from the late 1800s on a historic tram tour.
From breakfast to dessert, quality meals and treats abound on the island. Nosh on a blue-crab Benedict under a sun-soaked umbrella at Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, or delight in something sweet topped with sprinkles, candy, or nuts from Fuse Frozen Yogurt.
Little St. Simons Island
Boasting 11,000 acres of wooded landscapes and maritime forests, Little St. Simons Island is brimming with opportunities to get into nature. Book a guided day trip with an experienced naturalist to explore the wetland ecosystems, or spot dozens of local and migrating birds in their natural habitats. Ample access to water and trails means endless fun kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking.
Treat yourself to an overnight getaway at The Lodge, the award-winning exclusive resort with enough private cabins for only 32 guests at a time. Overnight guests have access to bikes, kayaks, fishing equipment, and plenty of guided excursions through the island's diverse landscapes.
After spending the day adventuring, enjoy a unique culinary experience and lowcountry dining at The Lodge, where the on-site restaurant prides itself on Southern hospitality and delectable fare. Delight in dishes prepared by in-house expert chefs using fresh produce sourced from local farmers and grown in the island’s garden.
Brunswick
Parks, breweries, Victorian architecture, and local boutiques line the streets of Historic Downtown Brunswick. Shop for antiques, see a show at the Historic Ritz Theatre, or watch the setting sun paint the sky orange at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Admire local art at First Friday, dance to live bands performing on patios at Brunswick Porchfest, or check out a car show at the Brunswick’s Rockin’ Stewbilee.
For thrills, climb the indoor wall at Brunswick Rocks and let loose at Flipzone Trampoline & Fun Park. Rent a pontoon boat or make a splash on a Jet Ski from Uncharted Adventures.
Dine at Fish Tales Pub & Grill, where you can sprinkle a grilled-shrimp basket with lemon juice after singing your heart out at karaoke. Craving suds? Sip a Golden Isles IPA at Silver Bluff Brewery, a locally loved brewhouse, beer garden, and taproom with rotating food trucks most evenings.
Learn more about the Golden Isles in Georgia
Sponsored Content
