These islands are a must visit
You’ll find the Golden Isles right off Georgia’s coast. These barrier islands – St. Simons, Jekyll, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons – draw folks who want both beaches and Southern charm. When you visit, you’ll see why Travel + Leisure keeps ranking them as the best islands in the U.S. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to discover what makes these islands special.
Award-Winning Destination
The Golden Isles keep raking in awards. Travel + Leisure named them #1 World’s Best Islands in the U.S. and #13 worldwide. They’ve earned these titles for 10 years straight, thanks to their beaches, history, and Southern charm. When you step onto these islands, you’ll see the perfect mix of natural beauty and fancy amenities that keep people coming back.
Pristine Beaches
You won’t find beaches quite like these anywhere else. East Beach gives you wide, flat shores perfect for anything from volleyball to biking at low tide. Over at Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach looks like nature’s art gallery. Need space? Seven-mile Beach stretches as far as you can see. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or play in the waves, you’ll find your perfect spot on the soft, golden sand.
Rich History and Culture
Walk in the footsteps of history here. Native Americans lived on these islands 3,500 years ago. You’ll spot traces of colonial times and the old South everywhere you look. Jekyll Island used to be where America’s richest families came to play. Make sure to check out St. Simons Lighthouse, Fort Frederica, and Jekyll’s 240-acre historic district.
Unique Natural Wonders
Nature shows off here. You’ll find vast salt marshes full of wildlife and maritime forests where centuries-old live oaks wear Spanish moss like scarves. Look for the Tree Spirits on St. Simons Island – faces carved right into the oak trees. Stick around for sunset when the sky turns golden. Don’t miss the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can watch them heal injured sea turtles.
Outdoor Recreation Paradise
You’ll never run out of things to do outside. Bike paths and nature trails crisscross the islands. Golf courses welcome players of all skill levels. Want to get on the water? Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the winding waterways. You can even ride horses on the beach or cast a line in the coastal waters.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Bring your camera and binoculars. You’re on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, where birds of all kinds stop by. Watch dolphins play in the waves and sea turtles swim near shore. Take a guided nature tour to learn about the ecosystem. Head to Blythe Island Regional Park to spot local wildlife, or visit Little St. Simons Island to see nature untouched by development.
Luxurious Accommodations
Take your pick of places to stay. The Cloister at Sea Island offers five-star treatment. Jekyll Island Club Resort lets you sleep where millionaires once did. The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort puts you right on St. Simons’ sand. Want something extra special? Book a stay at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. You’ll also find plenty of boutique hotels and vacation rentals.
Culinary Delights
Your taste buds are in for a treat. Local fishermen bring in fresh seafood daily. Farm-to-table restaurants serve up Southern cooking with coastal flair. Eat dinner under the Avenue of the Oaks for a memorable meal. Grab a craft beer at Silver Bluff Brewing Company or tour Richland Rum distillery to see how they make spirits here.
Year-Round Pleasant Climate
Weather won’t mess up your plans here. The temperature stays around 68°F year-round. Summers bring perfect beach weather, winters stay mild enough for golf, and spring and fall hit the sweet spot for outdoor activities. You’ll see plenty of sunshine no matter when you visit.
Fascinating Museums and Cultural Sites
History comes alive at the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum. Learn about World War II at the Home Front Museum on St. Simons Island. Visit the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum for religious history. Catch a show at the historic Ritz Theatre in Brunswick. Step back in time at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Skip the chain stores. Browse quaint boutiques in the village areas for one-of-a-kind finds. Local artists show their work in galleries across the islands. Hunt for treasures in antique stores. Pick up handmade goods at outdoor markets. Find everything you need for beach adventures at local outfitters and surf shops.
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