Dotting Georgia’s shoreline, 4 barrier islands and their historic port metropolis have impressed vacationers, writers, and poets for hundreds of years. Inside a lush, unspoiled panorama rife with charming historic cities, alluring waterways, and miles of sandy seashores, the Golden Isles is your gateway to paradise.
Every of the isles boasts its personal distinct character, from the pristine ecological great thing about Little St. Simons Island to the unique Sea Island with unmatched golf programs and five-star lodging. Discover your private gateway to the Golden Isles—St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island, plus the historic port metropolis of Brunswick—with these suggestions for actions and locations to eat and keep. Whether or not you’re in search of a weekend getaway, a week-long trip, or extra, there’s a lot to replenish your days or take at your personal tempo.
Hike or bike on miles of trails and sandy seashores
You’ll discover a few of Georgia’s greatest locations for climbing, working, and biking within the Golden Isles. From nature preserves to coastal pathways, there’s a possibility to see mom nature at its greatest. Every of the 2 major path methods within the Golden Isles, on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, gives greater than 20 paved miles that wind by means of the island’s seashores, forests, and historic websites.
For a leisurely stroll or hike, discover the Earth Day Nature Path. Positioned in Brunswick, it’s throughout the Earth Day Nature Protect—a 72-acre pure space the place you possibly can see an abundance of wildlife as you weave by means of salt marshes and tidal ponds.
Of the greater than 20 miles of seashores ready to be explored within the Golden Isles, put the distinctive Driftwood Seashore on Jekyll Island first in your record. Weathered driftwood sculptures dot the shoreline of the peaceable, otherworldly seaside.
East Seashore on St. Simons Island is well-suited for a wide range of actions, together with shelling, biking, and kiteboarding. For personal seashores, friends of Little St. Simons Island and Sea Island get pleasure from entry to a few of the most pristine seashores within the nation.
Eat native dishes with a view
It’s no marvel with such lovely landscapes, outside eating within the Golden Isles is as pleasant because the outside actions themselves. Among the many many alfresco choices, most are focused on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick.
With its St. Simons Island location, Barbara Jean’s is a longtime favourite identified for his or her crab muffins and she-crab soup. Indigo Coastal Shanty positioned in Downtown Brunswick is one other Golden Isles seafood go-to with outside seating, an off-the-cuff environment, American fare with Caribbean and Mexican touches, and recent seafood dishes that embody every day catches. Or, for farm-to-table freshness and a aptitude for southern coastal delicacies, cease in at ECHO on the King and Prince Seashore & Golf Resort, the island’s solely oceanfront restaurant.
Take pleasure in handcrafted margaritas, Mexican meals, and gorgeous views at Tortuga Jack’s on Jekyll Island. As the only real restaurant on the island that appears out onto the ocean, it’s the perfect place to bask within the coastal magnificence whereas having fun with Baja-inspired eats. (Professional tip: They’ve one other location in Brunswick.)
Attempt some recent seafood
With its location alongside the Atlantic Coast and abundance of marshes, estuaries, and tidal creeks, the Golden Isles’ centuries-old fishing and shrimp business has introduced shrimp boats dotting the shoreline and bringing within the catch of the day. That legacy additionally means it’s a chief vacation spot for having fun with recent seafood.
Head to St. Simons Island for Georgia Sea Grill, a restaurant that’s earned a popularity for scrumptious seafood since opening in 1997. Halyards, additionally positioned on St. Simons Island, serves up a few of the space’s freshest fish, caught and served every day. Discovered on Jekyll Island, The Wharf is one other seafood favourite with a deal with southern dishes similar to fried shrimp and flounder.
Discover its charming small cities
The seaside attract of the Golden Isles expands effectively past its beautiful landscapes and seashores. It’s additionally residence to charming villages and historic downtowns—pleasant for purchasing, eating, and taking within the space’s historical past. Pier Village on St. Simons Island gives retailers and eating places, plus loads of postcard-perfect moments to share with household and buddies.
See the Golden Isles come to life with a go to to Downtown Brunswick. Positioned on the mainland, the historic port metropolis is bustling with its shrimp boats and ocean vessels — all proof of the world’s wealthy seafood business and coastal character. Take a historic tour, fish off the pier or on native charters, and attend one of many festivals to get a real style of the city.
To journey even deeper within the area, ebook a keep at The Kress Brunswick, positioned within the former Samuel H. Kress & Co. constructing, a “5 and dime” division retailer courting again to 1909. This boutique lodge within the coronary heart of downtown is the epitome of latest Southern hospitality. Along with 12 luxurious suites, full concierge providers, and a bouldering health club, the brand new property boasts 1509, a sublime rooftop restaurant and bar. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and savor southern dishes like molasses-brined pork chops and shrimp curry as you take in the view over Downtown Brunswick.
Golf the Golden Isles
This Golden Isles holds 189 holes of golf, a few of the most coveted within the nation. Golf within the Golden Isles is a practice that dates again greater than 100 years and performs an vital position within the space’s historical past. Beginning within the 1800s, the nation’s wealthiest would journey to the world for its gentle local weather with their golf golf equipment. The opening of the Jekyll Island Membership’s golf course in 1898 quickly made the Golden Isles a haven for golfers.
Uncover the unique hyperlinks on the Sea Island Golf Membership, the place you can even attend the favored RSM Traditional, an official PGA TOUR occasion, in November. Held on the Membership’s Seaside and Plantation programs, this sporting occasion is a favourite island custom that makes for a particular expertise. You too can swing with the perfect of them on the Jekyll Island Golf Membership, and preserve rating on the 18-hole Sea Palms Golf Course.
Able to plan your personal dream journey to the Golden Isles? Get began by requesting an official Customer Information with the most recent details about lodging, actions, occasions, eating, purchasing, and far more.