Georgia, Golden Isles Vacation

The Golden Isles of Georgia are a group of four barrier islands and the mainland port city of Brunswick on the 100-mile-long coast of the U.S. state of Georgia on the Atlantic Ocean. They include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Historic Brunswick.  The Golden Isles are just waiting to be discovered, with a historic landmark district, golf courses, lighthouse museum, and coastal Georgia charm.  Most tourists will make their way to these beautiful islands for the beautiful beaches, but there is more to discover. 

The first place to start when planning a Golden Isles vacation is choosing your resort and hotel accommodations.  Listed below are some of the most popular choices and range from luxury to budget-friendly. 

Brunswick, Georgia is further away from the beauty of the Golden Isles but is a good choice for travelers on a budget.  Hotels are not as easily found in this area and Airbnb would be the better option.  Brunswick is known throughout the Golden Isles for its historic squares, unique downtown consisting of shops and restaurants, and beautiful marina-front park. 

St. Simons Island, Georgia is by far the best choice in the Golden Isles for most tourists.  We love the abundance of locally owned restaurants, historic attractions, fantastic hotels, and things to keep tourists busy all day.  When it comes to accommodations, we have loved booking with the historic beachfront King & Prince, the upscale boutique Hotel Simone, The location of the downtown inns, and budget-friendly hotel chains, like Hampton Inn.   Included below are some popular options. 

• Best Hotel Overall and Beachfront: The King and The Prince.
• The top Choice For Adults and luxurious suites one block from the shore is Hotel Simone.
• Large Family and Group Travel should use VRBO or AIRBNB for wonderful cottages and retreats.
• Mid-Range Charm will love to be close to Pier Village and book with St. Simons Inns at the Lighthouse.
• Ocean Lodge is the perfect hotel for tourists who love an amazing rooftop bar and comfortable accomidations
• Travelers on a budget can book at the Hampton Inn, which is also the best dog-friendly hotel.

Good luck getting on Sea Island. Georgia.  Sea Island is a gated island retreat with a security guard present.  This island is reserved for residents only and the rich.  However, there is one way to get access to this ultra-exclusive destination.  Tourists will need to book with an upscale Cloister Resort.

The Cloister Luxury Resort is the only hotel located on Sea Island, Golden Isles, Georgia. 

Jekyll Island is the perfect choice for beach lovers and relaxing travel.  Jekyll offers gorgeous beaches and several hotels oceanfront.  There are unique features found here, such as Driftwood Beach, turtle exhibits, a historic resort, and places to chill.  Tourists won’t find as many dining or nightlife options on Jekyll compared to St. Simons, but will find peace and laid back vibes.

• The Budget Friendly Holiday Inn on Jekyll is not your typical Holiday Inn.  This is the best hotel I have stayed at with this chain.  The location is perfect, amenities are plentiful and the rooms are large.
• For the best place to stay there is one clear choice on Jekyll.  Book The Jekyll Island Club for a historic setting, plenty to do, and a top overall experience.   This property is not beachside, so if that is important check out the next entry.
• Westin Island Hotel is a four-star hotel that is directly on the beach, has stunning views, is close to shops, and dining, and offers luxury amenities.

If the beaches are what you crave most then visit St. Simon or Jekyll Island.  Both have wide golden sands and lovely ocean views. The sand is prettier on Jekyll, but the wideness and walkability are better on St. Simon.  Neither beach will disappoint. 

One aspect that makes vacationing in the Golden Isles of Georgia is the bike paths that circle the island.  Jekyll island is flat and riding paths make it the perfect family activity. Golf Carts are the way to go on St.Simons Island and Brunswick is nice for road trips and walking. 

When considering where to shop, skip the shopping malls, because there are none, except in Brunswick.  St. Simons has a variety of small locally owned shops.  Pier Village and Red Fern Village is the place to go for shopping in a centralized location.  One of my favorite things to do is check out the consignment shops on St. Simons for some amazing deals.  On Jekyll, you will find adorable turtle momentos and a gift shop before entering the main entrance.  Travel Tip: admission to Jekyll is $10 per car.

Visitors of St. Simon, Jekyll, Sea Island, and Brunswick will find plenty of tours available.  Most popular are dolphin-watching excursions.  Several walking and trolley tours are available and a must-do for learning about the history of the area.  There are so many hidden gems to discover like gardens, stories, and folk lures.  These experiences are best discovered through a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are fantastic and often very budget-friendly. 

The lighthouse of Saint Simon’s Island is true in Georgia’s history. Guests always rate visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse as one of the top things to do. Tourists can take daily tours and climb the 129 steps that lead to the main observation tower. Take the trip to the top of the spiral staircase to view one of the best views of the island. Visit the lighthouse website for additional information.

Both interesting and educational, families with children will love the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  The Georgia Sea Turtle Center helps loggerhead sea turtles by providing care and rehabilitation for sick turtles.  This center is also dedicated to educating the general public through interactive exhibits and special programs.

There is a ton of history to explore.  Top places to visit in the Golden Isles for historical points of interest include the Historical World War 2 Museum,  Historic Harrington Schoolhouse, Fort Frederica Grounds, and Old Fort of Glynn County, Georgia.  

Put Driftwood Beach on your must-see list, since this beach is like no other.  Here you can walk among tree relics that have been washed ashore for decades.  If you could only see one thing while you are vacationing here, this is the place!  It can be a little hard to find off the main road, but so worth the short walk. 

Steve and I have traveled extensively in the Southeastern USA.  I’m often asked where we have visited with the nicest people and my answer is always the same, “The Golden Isles and St. Simons.”  

This coastal region of Georgia, United States is a hidden gem.  There are so many ways to enjoy a vacation here and so many things to do.  Today’s post is touching on the most popular places to see, but it’s important to get out and explore.  Some will choose this vacation destination for the relaxation, beach vibes, history or the Southern hospitality.  Regardless for your reason to visit, you will surly have a great time.