Golden Isles

Nestled on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville lies two barrier islands, St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. The beauty, ideal weather, and natural radiance make these special places so indisputably golden. Genuine Southern hospitality and comfortable luxury set the Golden Isles apart from any other destination.

The Golden Isles of Georgia are brimming with activities. Take a historic tour through downtown Brunswick, go fishing in the deep sea, experience oceanside concerts, dine at fine restaurants, shop at boutique stores and galleries, or play 198 holes on the country’s most spectacular and widely acclaimed golf courses. Or simply get lost in the beauty of oak trees draped with Spanish moss and rejuvenate on miles of beaches. There are endless reasons to visit the Golden Isles!

Jekyll Island

This unspoiled barrier island is located between Savannah and Jacksonville on Georgia’s spectacular Atlantic Coast. Jekyll Island is a protected state park, ensuring its beautiful beaches and natural beauty are preserved.

With over 20 miles of picturesque paths and trails, you can pedal your way to most of the island’s best spots. Paths wind in and around sand dunes, beaches and historic sites, while the ancient oaks offer ample shade. Players on any of the island links will be immersed in the natural beauty and solace Jekyll offers, recognizing the casual yet impressive demeanour of the overall Jekyll golf experience.

There is no shortage of dining possibilities on Jekyll Island. Whether you want to savour a seafood feast while marvelling at the sunset over the historic pier or kick back with some Southern classics while overlooking miles of Georgia coastal beachscape, Jekyll Island’s dining experiences offer something for young and old, and everybody in between.

3 must-do activities on Jekyll Island

Georgia Sea Turtle Centre
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center—Georgia’s first sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility—provides state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles. Explore the lives of sea turtles and other native animals through daily education programs and gallery exhibits. Glimpse into the hospital where sea turtles are treated, see the turtle patients in the rehabilitation pavilion, and learn how our research is helping sea turtles in Georgia and throughout the world!

Jekyll Island Historic District
From the early Native Americans to guests from around the world, the story of this island has been captivating the imaginations of explorers for generations. In 1733, General James Oglethorpe named Jekyll Island in honour of Sir Joseph Jekyll, his friend, and financier from England. In the late 1800s, Jekyll Island became an exclusive hunting club for families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, and Baker. The once private retreat is now part of The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, one of the largest preservation projects in the southeast. In 1947, the Governor and the Georgia state legislature established Jekyll Island as a State Park.

Driftwood Beach
Located on the north end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood beach will amaze you with the beautiful driftwood and trees that resemble a tree graveyard. This is due to the north end of the island slowly eroding away and being deposited on the south end of the island. Driftwood Beach offers a wonderful location for photographs and is a very popular site for weddings. Driftwood Beach extends from the Clam Creek Picnic Area to the Villas by The Sea Resort. Multiple beach access points along North Beachview Drive also provide access.

St. Simons Island

The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. Moss-draped oaks line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect image and the island’s villages offer a charming and unique selection of shops.

Year-round warm weather in the Golden Isles allows visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, biking the St Simons Island Trail System, horseback riding, golf or relaxing with your toes in the sand on East Beach. You can tour the island’s historic sites in a variety of ways, including the island’s ever-popular trolley tours.

Looking for a day out with the whole family? Cool down and engage in a little outdoor recreation at Neptune Beach and its Fun Zone Water Park, which includes a public pool, miniature golf, and a fishing pier. Or take the whole family on a treasure hunt to search for the famous St Simons Island tree spirits!

Things to do on St. Simons Island

Shopping in Redfern Village

Located on the midpoint of the Island near the traffic circle, St. Simons’ Redfern Village district offers an array of shops and restaurants, eclectic storefronts tucked away in a shady village setting. You’ll find plenty to eat or stores to visit, including antiques and artwork, gifts and jewelry, clothing and home accessories.

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

Located near the village and pier. The Lighthouse and Keeper’s Dwelling were built in 1872 to replace the original lighthouse built in 1810 by James Gould of MA, the first lighthouse keeper. The original lighthouse was destroyed by Confederate forces in 1861 to prevent the beacon’s use by Federal troops during the Civil War. The Lighthouse is one of only five surviving light towers in GA. The Lighthouse still serves as an active aid to navigation for ships entering St. Simons Sound, casting its beam as far as 23 miles to sea. Visitors may climb the 129 steps to the top to experience spectacular, panoramic views of the coast including Jekyll Island, the mainland (Brunswick), and the south end of St. Simons Island.

Other Islands to Visit

Tybee Island – On Georgia’s northern coast, serving as Savannah’s beach (around 20 minutes from the city centre), Tybee has been a popular holiday destination since the late 1800s. Fun fact – It is home to Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse.

Little St. Simons – A private 11,000-acre barrier island along the Atlantic coast with 7 miles of beaches that’s great for birding! Biking, Hiking and Kayaking tours are also available.

Cumberland Island – Only accessible by ferry. It offers 18 miles of nearly-isolated beachfront. See 300-year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths, and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world.

Ossabaw Island – Great for wildlife lovers. Visit in early to mid-summer to see endangered loggerhead sea turtles nesting; in late summer, the nests appear to boil as hundreds of hatchlings race for the sea.

St Catherine’s Island – Relax among the driftwood on the beach of this untouched island in Midway, Liberty County. The private hideaway in the middle of Georgia’s pristine salt marshes can be reached only by boat.

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Golden Isles

Jekyll Island

3 must-do activities on Jekyll Island

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Things to do on St. Simons Island

Other Islands to Visit

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The Westin, Jekyll Island

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Jekyll Island Dolphin Tour

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3 must-do activities on Jekyll Island

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