Located along Georgia’s coastline, the Golden Isles is a place of serene and captivating beauty. It is comprised of four barrier islands, St. Simons Island, Little St. Simmons, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island, and a place of natural wonders. It is a great staycation destination for Georgia locals and a perfect beach getaway for all. Here are the top reasons why you absolutely have to visit Georgia’s Golden Isles!

1. Rich History and Culture

The Golden Isles of Georgia is rich in history and culture, and a visit is incomplete without visiting the many historic sites. Native Americans occupied the area long before the Spanish, French, and British passed through this stretch of land, and it is this intermingling of different cultures and people groups that make this area’s history so rich. Explore the rich history and culture. Walk the footsteps of those that came before you by visiting the many historic sites in the Golden Isles.

Historical Places of Interest:

• Fort Frederica (St. Simons Island): Established in 1736 by James Olglepthorpe for protection against the Spanish, Fort Frederica is a national monument protected by the National Park Service today. There is no entrance fee, and you can attend ranger-led tours and participate in colonial life programs.
• Christ Church (St. Simons Island): John and Charles Wesley once preached on these grounds before returning to England to help found the Methodist Church! Surrounded by live oaks and framed with magnificent stained glass windows, this beautiful church is well worth the visit! Visitors can walk the grounds for free and even attend service.
• St. Simon’s Lighthouse Museum (St. Simons Island): Visit the St. Simon’s Lighthouse Museum for a panoramic view of the coastline and learn about the history of St. Simons Island and the life of a lighthouse keeper.
• Horton House (Jekyll Island): These tabby ruins are the remnants of the home of a top aide of Oglethorpe’s, Major William Horton. Built in 1743, it is one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Jekyll Island Club (Jekyll Island): The Jekyll Island Club was actually founded in the late 1800s by the elites of America’s Gilded Age such as JP Morgan and Joseph Pulitzer, and members included the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Munsey’s Magazine called it “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world”! It is said its membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. Today, you can stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in beautiful Victorian buildings, surrounded by gardens and fountains.

2. Diverse Ecosystem and Wildlife

The diverse ecosystem makes the Golden Isles one of the most captivating and beautiful destinations in the U.S. You’ll find sandy white beaches that stretch for miles and miles, golden marshes that glow as the sun casts its rays upon them, and legendary live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Georgia’s Golden Isles is such a picturesque area – be sure to bring your camera and snap away.

There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife! You’ll spot a variety of animals from seagulls to crabs just from a walk on the beach. Plus, sea turtles are known to nest on the shores of the barrier islands in the summer months of June and July. There are plenty of options for wildlife tours such as dolphin expeditions, horseback riding tours, and sea turtle walks.

Places of Interest:

• Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island): One experience you cannot miss is watching sunrise from Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island – one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed!
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center (Jekyll Island): Get up close with these majestic creatures at Georgia’s first sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility! This facility provides care to sick and injured sea turtles, and there are also a variety of educational programs.
• 4-H Nature Center (Jekyll Island): There are a variety of activities and programs at the Nature Center! You can meet a variety of marine life such as turtles, alligators, and fish, take a guided kayak tour of the Jekyll River and tidal marsh, rent a canoe or pedal boat for a relaxing paddle. or go on a guided nature walk.
• Horton Pond (Jekyll Island): This secluded spot is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing! You can find wildlife such as turtles, fish, alligators, and birds in this area. There is also a 0.7 mile trail called “Tupelo Trail” which provides great views of the pond and its surrounding area.

3. World Class Amenities and Endless Activities

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There is something for everyone in a visit to Georgia’s Golden Isles. The experience is something you own! The options are endless. You can choose to stay at a quaint bed-and-breakfast, spend time at the many five-star resorts, or stay close to nature and go beach camping. If you do choose to stay at a resort, the resorts offer a variety of amenities including pool, gym, spa, bike rentals, and tennis courts!

Go on a trolley tour on Jekyll Island and learn about the history of the island. Tour the historical landmarks and visit the many art galleries. Stroll through Pier Village on St. Simon’s Island and shop to your heart’s desire. Play a round of golf at the many world-class courses which also offer sweeping views of the ocean. Other popular activities in this area include fishing, hiking, sailing, kayaking, biking, and birding.

4. Delicious dining options

Cornbread! Fried chicken! Sweet tea! Peach cobbler! Need I say more? If this doesn’t convince you to visit Georgia’s Golden Isles, then I don’t know what will! There are so many great dining options.

Here are some favorites:

• Iguana’s Seafood (Casual; Seafood): Stop by this local favorite for Wild Georgia shrimp and a wide variety of seafood! You can get the shrimp fried, broiled, or blackened.
• Barbara Jean’s (Casual; Southern): A visit to south Georgia isn’t complete without enjoying Southern comfort food and Barbara Jean’s has some of the best I’ve had!
• Jekyll Island Club Resort Grand Dining Room (Fine Dining; American; Brunch): Enjoy fine dining in a beautiful Victorian setting – this award winning restaurant is sure to not disappoint!
• The Wharf (Casual; Seafood): Enjoy your meal with stunning views of the marsh – especially at sunset!
• Tortuga Jack’s (Casual, Mexican): Enjoy live music and margaritas at their beachfront tiki bar!

5. Gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is such a gem! This island is protected by the National Parks Service, and it is largely undeveloped. There is only one lodging option on the entire island, and you have to take a ferry from St. Mary’s to visit this remote place. When I first stepped foot off the ferry, I felt like I was transported to an entirely different part of the world. The Golden Isles are the gateway to this amazingly wild destination with horses roaming freely and fantastic old ruins. Take a 45 minute drive from the Golden Isles to St. Mary’s and board the ferry to visit this national park.

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