A Tropical Georgia Gem

The southeastern corner of the United States is renowned for its beaches, particularly its islands. From the Outer Banks in North Carolina to Florida’s Key West, there’s no shortage of places to bask in the sun.

One that may top them all, however, is Georgia’s Golden Isles. When you visit this coastal paradise—consisting of Little St. Simons, St. Simons, Sea, and Jekyll Islands along with the port city of Brunswick—you’re sure to find the perfect combination of serenity and adventure. From lounging on a private beach to losing yourself in history to taking nature treks, you’ll always discover something to indulge in.

An overview

The Golden Isles is a collection of five places nestled off the Georgia coast, conveniently located approximately ninety minutes south of Savannah and seventy-five minutes north of Jacksonville. As is the case with many Southern destinations, temperatures here can get quite hot in summer months despite ocean breezes blowing through the area’s one hundred miles of coastline. However, if you travel during spring or fall, you can likely expect beautifully moderate weather, with highs settling into the seventies or low eighties.

So what actually makes these isles “golden”? The moniker is largely earned by their natural phenomena, namely the hue their vast marshes and beaches turn in the sun. But some people also give credit to an eighteenth-century Scotsman who used the term when writing to entice wealthy Londoners, hoping to garner their support for an established colony. The islands are still known for their beauty today as well as their historic landmarks, upscale resorts, and ample shopping, eating, and golfing opportunities. Travel + Leisure even named the Golden Isles the best islands in the continental United States in 2024, an award it has won multiple times, confirming what millions of travelers already know: there’s no place in the country quite like this.

The destinations

Despite being so closely condensed, the islands and their common port all offer remarkably distinct experiences—allowing you the option of settling into one of them or taking in the uniqueness of each.

Little St. Simons Island
The northernmost of the Golden Isles, Little St. Simons Island is a privately owned, limited-access, nature-focused retreat with minimal development and maximum opportunities for wildlife observation. Within its seven miles of beaches and 3,000 acres of forests and upland, you can spot everything from birds to alligators to turtles, especially if you explore via a guided tour. Keep in mind, though, that you must book a day trip to or an overnight stay at Little St. Simons in advance to visit the island, which is only accessible by boat.

St. Simons Island
The largest and most residential of these islands, St. Simons offers seemingly endless leisurely activities to enjoy. You can shop at Pier Village, while away an afternoon at the fishing pier, traverse twenty miles of bike trails, or savor exquisite food at one of the nearly one hundred restaurants. Don’t overlook the historic landmarks, either—two must-sees are the eighteenth-century Christ Church and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Built in 1872, the latter houses a fascinating museum and 129 stairs that carry you to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. And speaking of the ocean, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and even right whales!

Sea Island
Sitting to the east of St. Simons Island is the area’s land of luxury. An exclusive private resort, Sea Island is an impressive combination of history (founded nearly one hundred years ago) and Forbes Five-Star amenities, among which you’ll find fourteen high-end restaurants and to-die-for spa treatments. Plus, with three championship courses, it’s a golfer’s dream escape. You can even partake in a falconry program to get up close and personal with one of these majestic birds. But perhaps the best example of Sea Island’s high-end hospitality is the Cloister, its original 250-room property, where presidents and grande dames alike have laid their heads to rest.

Jekyll Island
Finally, there’s the southernmost island, Jekyll Island, an eclectic one-and-a-half-mile wide stretch of land teeming with natural beauty, historic wonder, and family-focused fun. Concerning the former, you can enjoy freshwater bodies of water as well as ten miles of Atlantic Ocean coast, including Driftwood Beach and its iconic wooden namesakes. However, if man-made water thrills are what you seek, head over to Summer Waves Water Park, which is open from mid-May through Labor Day.

Similarly, history buffs can wander through—or take a lovely trolley tour of—Jekyll Island’s National Historic Landmark District to get a glimpse of a bygone era, such as opulent mansions once owned by aristocrats like the Rockefellers. In contrast, the island’s history museum, Mosaic, welcomes you to learn about the past in an interactive indoor setting. Want to enjoy the very latest offerings instead? Wander through the District Shops at Historic Pier Road, which were opened just last year. And be sure to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn more about how these creatures are preserved—with their nesting season starting in May, you may even get a glimpse of them gathering on the beach if you visit during summer.

Brunswick
The hub of this entire area is the historic port city of Brunswick, known as the Gateway to the Golden Isles. But it’s so much more than a mere travel-through point. For example, its Old Town Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is clad in Victorian splendor while offering a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Among the possibilities here are seeing a movie at the nineteenth-century Ritz Theatre, rock climbing at Brunswick Rocks, and gaming at Pinball Palace. The majestic Sidney Lanier Bridge, which brings you to the Golden Isles from I-95, is particularly awe-inspiring, offering breathtaking views of the Brunswick River when you arrive and depart.

It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and Georgia’s Golden Isles is a prime example of it. From unspoiled beaches to upscale accommodations, this Southern piece of paradise offers something for everyone, making it a golden travel opportunity indeed.

For more info, visit goldenisles.com