The perfect place to revive you from your winter hibernation is the Golden Isles of Georgia. This group of barrier islands and mainland halfway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL is the ideal beach vacation destination for a weekend getaway or a two-week family retreat. The islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island, and their historic port city Brunswick, each have something unique to offer.
Imagine yourself wading in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean or sprawled on a lounge chair with the sand between your toes - winter will feel like a distant memory. In the Golden Isles, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from all your worries - like you’ve entered a world filled with relaxation, beautiful views, and unlimited fun.
Beautiful Beaches Abound
There’s a beach for every kind of traveler in the Golden Isles, whether you want to settle down in the sand with a good book or experience local wildlife. But where to start? Here’s what to expect when you visit the most popular Golden Isles beaches.
East Beach
St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles, has every beachside activity you can dream of. Try shelling, swimming, kiteboarding, and even biking. Rent a bike and ride along on the beach thanks to the hard-packed sand from the tides. If you love nature, head on over to Gould’s Inlet, the perfect place for spotting native shorebirds, especially at sunrise. If you’ve got little ones, the shaded playgrounds at Massengale Park will keep them entertained for hours. This beachfront park also has picnic tables, public restrooms, and outdoor showers.
Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island, GA
There's no shortage of fun stuff to do on Jekyll Island, with 10 miles of beautiful beaches, 22 miles of bike trails, 63-holes of golf, plus endless dining and shopping options! However, there's one particular attraction that brings people from all over the world: Driftwood Beach.
With more than 4 million annual visitors, this picturesque beach lives up to its name. Walk along the sand among the gnarled, weathered remains of an eroded maritime forest to see the eerily beautiful and endlessly photographable wooden forms that make the beach famous. Find the perfect spot as you explore Driftwood Beach, but consult a local tide table first, as many parts of the beach are submerged during high tide. Less than four miles from the beach is Georgia's only sea turtle education and rehabilitation hospital, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The Center is the only spot in all the Golden Isles to participate in expert-led interactive programming with sea turtles!
Little St. Simons Island
If you want a more rustic, secluded experience, try Little St. Simons Island, a privately owned resort that can host a maximum of 32 guests. You’ll need reservations to get to the island, which is only accessible by boat. Then enjoy seven miles of pristine secluded beaches — just you and the sound of the waves lapping gently at your feet. Experience peace, quiet, and breathtaking views of undeveloped shorelines.
A Taste of Georgia
The best part about any vacation is eating local cuisine. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Palmer's Village Cafe on St. Simons Island. The menu features Southern essentials like grits and an unbelievable Chix Pot Pie Omelet. Pancake lovers, take note; Travel + Leisure named Chef JB Belechak’s pancakes the 4th best pancakes in America. Try their special Banana Pudding Pancakes.
For lunch or dinner, dine dockside at The Wharf on the grounds of the legendary Jekyll Island Club Resort.
You’ll be able to sample low-country favorites like shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes. The open-air setting makes everything taste authentically Southern.
Along with classic dishes that have been served in this region for generations, you’ll enjoy the beauty, seclusion, and privacy that made Jekyll Island such an alluring destination to the likes of the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and J.P. Morgan. After Jekyll Island was purchased from colonial owners for what today would seem a paltry sum, the club officially opened at the start of 1888, “quickly becoming a retreat for families that represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth.”
LEARN MORE: Read more about the illustrious story of the former Jekyll Island Club’s unique and exclusive history here.
Back to the food..nothing screams “beach vacation” like ice cream. The friendly team at St. Simons Island’s Moo Cow Ice Cream say that many travelers make their shop their “first stop when they first get here, and it’s their last stop before leaving.”
Follow their lead and treat yourself to a scoop of house-churned artisan ice cream of Honeymoon Sweet, a unique flavor handcrafted by their team.
Fishing and Wildlife Adventures
A visit to the state-of-the-art Georgia Sea Turtle Center will make you a turtle enthusiast. You’ll learn more about the work of conservationists who help this charismatic species survive. The dedicated staff rescue, rehabilitate, and research injured and sick sea turtles. Take a morning or evening turtle walk where licensed patrol teams take you onto the beach to help you learn about this species and their nesting behaviors.
Southeast Adventure Outfitters can help you get out onto the water to relax, interact with wildlife, or catch your dinner. For more adventurous types there’s kayaking. Kayakers often see dolphins and manatees or catch glimpses of osprey, roseate spoonbills, or even elusive bald eagles.
Sportsmen can charter a fishing boat and compete with friends to see who can reel in the biggest fish. If you want to sit back and relax, how about a tour? An experienced guide will take you on a leisurely trip throughout the marshes between St. Simons, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons.
Fall Asleep to the Sounds of the Sea
After experiencing all there is to see and do in the Golden Isles, you need a place to sleep. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals with beach access. If you’re staying on St. Simons Island, stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. It’s the only resort on the island with beachfront access. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, the dual-branded Courtyard Marriott & Residence Inn with the largest pool on the island is calling for you. Enjoy splash pads, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and stunning views with beach access out to the Atlantic Ocean. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals can help you live like a local and find a private residence or condo to rent during your stay. With over 325 fully furnished properties you’re sure to find the perfect waterfront rental to make your dream beach vacation a reality. Find more places to stay and take advantage of available lodging specials, too.
What Are You Waiting For?
The best beach vacation of your life awaits. Experience all summer has to offer in the Golden Isles. Learn the true meaning of Southern hospitality and make some memories with your friends and family. Plan your trip now!