A Weekend On Georgia’s Beautiful Golden Isles

Last Updated on February 5, 2025

Beautiful islands, unknown to many travelers…

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

By Jim Ferri and Marjorie Kean

Georgia’s Golden Isles are a great getaway, especially because they’re not crowded since they’re not well-known among many travelers. In fact, many drivers on Interstate 95 en route to Florida don’t even realize they’ve passed them by.

Those drivers, perhaps first making a stop in Savannah, then set their sights on the Florida State Line, just a bit over 100 miles further south. What they miss, however, is a group of beautiful, easily accessible, small Atlantic Coast barrier islands.

The islands – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island – cling to the marshland of Georgia’s Lowcountry. Midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, they’re only about a five-hour drive from Atlanta.

In addition, major media coverage has now added to their allure. Travel + Leisure has named Georgia’s Golden Isles the “World’s Best U.S. Islands” in both 2023 and 2024. Southern Living has crowned them a “Best Vacation Spot” in the southern USA. More accolades will certainly continue.

In fact, many people taking the drive down I-95 to Florida don’t realize what they’ve passed by. They cross into Georgia, perhaps making a stop in Savannah, and then set their sights on the Florida State Line. It’s only a bit over 100 miles to the south.

What they miss along the way, however, are a group of beautiful small Atlantic-coast islands. Clinging to the marshland of the Lowcountry, they are Georgia’s Golden Isles.

Only about a 15-mile drive off the Interstate, you can reach them easily on a drive across pristine stretches of marshland. Along the was you’ll cut across small islands known as hammocks, which create a beautiful landscape. It also creates the appearance of a continuous stretch of land reaching out to the barrier islands.

A Beautiful Landscape and Seascape

After one leaves the traffic of I 95, it’s only about Only about a 15-mile drive to Georgia’s Golden Isles, much of it across pristine stretches of marshland. Along the way you cut across small islands known as hammocks, which create the appearance of a continuous stretch of land reaching out to the barrier islands.

The islands’ first tourists, arriving some 400 years ago, were Spanish explorers seeking gold. Today’s explorers, on the other hand, come seeking a peaceful vacation experience. The islands’ unique landscape, mild weather, a wealth of hotels, and good restaurants certainly help them find it.

A Quartet of Islands on the Georgian Coast

There are four islands in this snippet of Georgia’s Atlantic coastline – St. Simons, Little St. Simons, Sea, and Jekyll. And they are all very interesting from both a tourist and historic perspective. Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit Little St. Simons during our visit. It’s accessible only by boat, and the Sea Island resort wouldn’t let us in since we weren’t guests. One can’t blame them since such allowances are often followed by hordes of non-guests tramping all over a hotel’s property. And let’s not forget its guests are paying a premium for privacy.          

Nevertheless, if you don’t want to pay that premium you’ll find a wide choice of hotels in the area in many price ranges, They range from budget motels in the town of Brunswick near the Interstate, to spacious suites in coastal resorts. With prices to match, of course.

We visited on a whim and arrived knowing little about the area. For that reason we chose a medium-priced motel outside the nearby historic port city of Brunswick. It turned out to be an easy drive from there to St. Simons and Jekyll, the two most popular islands. And although we didn’t take advantage of seeing Brunswick, it does have ample opportunities for those seeking unique adventures. It boasts a historic downtown, Victorian architecture, parks and breweries, antiques and boutiques, and plenty of restaurants.

Start of the Perfect Weekend: St. Simons

The morning we arrived at St. Simons, the largest of the Golden Isles, we found we had picked a perfect weekend. In just minutes, we stumbled upon an outdoor antique show under the huge, sprawling oaks near the public library. It was one of the free monthly weekend antique shows held from March through December on St. Simons.

The shows are held in Postell Park, on Beachview Drive off Mallory Street. It was an interesting show to walk about, and we spent an hour or two at it. We spent another hour afterward on Mallory Street, wandering in and out of its shops.

On St. Simons, you’ll find many charming shops and popular restaurants, along with several golf courses and luxe resorts. Interestingly, for a unique perspective, you can also see the islands from above. One way, if you’re so inclined, is via a sightseeing flight with High Tide Aviation Air Tours. Prices range from $80-140 per person for an aerial view of historical insights and natural landscapes.

A more down-to-earth option is to climb the 129 steps of the St. Simons Lighthouse for a view of St. Simons Sound. When you come down – or better, before you walk up – be sure to visit the Lighthouse’s Museum. Then, you’ll have a better idea of just what you’re looking at. Among other island activities, you can also play golf, rent a kayak, or join a fishing charter. Come evening, you’ll also find numerous restaurants ranging from budget to high-end dining. The seafood, as you might expect, comes mainly from the coast you viewed from the lighthouse or with High Tide.

Historic Fort Frederica

While the main attraction of St. Simon’s is primarily its beaches, shops and restaurants, the island also has historic sites. One of the best we found is Fort Frederica National Monument on the west side of the island. It’s only a 20-minute or so drive from the shops on Mallory.

Fort Frederica was built in 1736 to protect the British expansion in the Americas from the Spanish Empire. This is also where General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the British colony of Georgia, and his men repulsed the Spanish in 1742.

Once a small town, following the outbreak of peace, Frederica slowly descended into oblivion. Today, you can walk about the old military town that, at its peak, had more than 70 houses. You can see their foundations as you stroll along the former Broad Street, now all grass. They were made with tabby, a mixture of limestone, sand, and oyster, as well as parts of the old battery along the river. It’s a place well worth visiting whether you’re a history buff or not.

Jekyll Island

The following morning, we set out across the Lowcountry marshland for Jekyll Island, another of the Golden Isles, only about 15 minutes away. The marsh is punctuated every now and then by hammocks and crisscrossed by little rivulets catching the flow and ebb of the tide.

While we found St. Simons to be a fairly spread-out and laid-back beach community, our experience was that Jekyll Island is the opposite in size and temperament. Although the east side of the island, like St. Simons, draws a beach crowd. But the main appeal for many is its upscale Jekyll Island Club. On the west side of the island, the Club is part of Jekyll’s National Historic Landmark District. The beautiful 240-acre district has a total of 33 buildings. (You can learn more about the island’s unique past at the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum.)

When we approached the Club’s beautiful 19th-century building, complete with a turret and a broad front porch, the first thing we saw was a couple playing croquet on the manicured lawn. They were wearing all white, appropriately giving a Gatsby-like look to the whole place. We soon found Gatsby both inside and out, with the whole place retaining a bit of Gilded Age panache.

5,500-acre Jekyll Island is the southernmost of the Golden Isles and one of the most popular islands for those who visit coastal Georgia. Although many find its 10 miles of shoreline appealing, it also boasts 22 miles of paths, many with stately trees crowned with Spanish moss. The paths are great for bicycling, with bike rentals available at Bike Jekyll Island. On Jekyll, you can also learn more about sea life at the unique Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It’s the only such rehabilitation facility in the state.

Cottages for the Ultra-Wealthy on the Golden Isles

Jekyll Island was originally purchased by wealthy families as a private retreat before becoming the home of the Jekyll Island Club. Its membership – which included notables such as Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, Gould, Carnegie, Rockefeller, and others who built “cottages” in the Jekyll colony – reads like a social register.

Scattered about are plaques describing the Club in its heyday. One down by the dock notes that the world’s most luxurious pleasure craft docked there between 1886 and 1942 and relates how John Pierpont Morgan’s yacht, the 304-foot Corsair II, was too large to dock at the pier. “Morgan,” it says, “was escorted ashore by a flotilla of small craft after a canon had sounded off his arrival in these waters.”

It’s interesting wandering through some of the beautiful rooms in the Club, past the old-style restaurant (who’s summer menu included “braised green lip muscles,” “island crab cakes in a lemon-peach marmalade” and “roasted chicken strudel”) and out along the porch with its row of rockers.

A few hundred yards beyond the Club are some smaller buildings, likely a service area for the original Club and “cottages,” which now contain some shops. We wandered about some of them before heading back over to the river and out onto the historic dock.

About Those Sunsets

The Golden Isles are renowned for their sunsets, which can be spectacular. Jekyll Island’s St. Andrews Beach, however, is the only west-facing beach and provides the most spectacular evening view. On the other hand, all the other islands provide spectacular sunrise views.

For many, the best way to enjoy a Golden Isles sunset is on a sunset boat cruise. The only company providing sunset boat cruises on St. Simon and Jekyll islands is Lighthouse Trolleys, which also offers (surprise!) trolley tours as well.

A 1-1½ hour sunset cruise takes you on the calm inland and marshland waters of the Golden Isles. You may see dolphins and other wildlife and birds on the cruise, as well as shrimp boats and ships. This cruise is also BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage/Booze). You can bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol, but no glass is allowed. Tours depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays 90 minutes before sunset from Morningstar Marina on St. Simons Island (102 Marina Drive, St. Simons).

If You Go:

Lighthouse Trolleys Land and Sea Tours
Inland Waterway Dolphin Boat Tours
102 Marina Drive, St. Simons
$10-40 per person
Tel: (912) 638-3333
https://www.lighthousetrolleys.com/sunset-cruise 

Little St. Simons Island

Little St. Simons Island is one of the most unique resorts you’ll find anywhere. It encompasses 11,000 acres of untamed wilderness with only 32 guests permitted at any time. Obviously, the focus here is on nature.

Unfortunately, we were unable to enter Little St. Simons Island since we were not guests on the island. However, the following descriptions of Little St. Simon Island were published by Trip Advisor. Rates were determined by Never Stop Traveling.

According to TripAdvisor, “Little St. Simons Island is one of the crown jewels of Georgia’s famed Golden Isles. It offers 7 miles of pristine beaches and 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness for exploration and relaxation. Privately owned and accessible only by boat, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island has retained the charm and unhurried pace of coastal living. Moss-draped live oaks and golden marshes surround comfortable accommodations for no more than 32 overnight guests.”

Room rates range from $700–$1,000+ per room per night, not including taxes and additional fees.

Sea Island

Sea Island is another truly unique Golden Island resort. It’s home to five upscale resorts including The Cloister, The Lodge, the Cottages, The Inn by Sea Island and the Broadfield Sporting Club and Lodge.

Unfortunately, we were unable to enter the resort since we were not guests. Although the following descriptions of Sea Island were published by Trip Advisor, room rates were determined by Never Stop Traveling.

According to Trip Advisor, “this Forbes Five-Star resort offers five miles of private beach, fishing, three golf courses, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, a Forbes Five-Star spa, tennis, and more.

Sea Island Resort is the only resort in the world to receive four Forbes Five-Star Awards for fifteen consecutive years. Their well-appointed accommodations and amenities are designed to fit every need. Golfers enjoy the benefits of staying at The Lodge or The Inn at Sea Island, both of which provide access to Sea Island’s three championship golf courses. Its recent expansion and addition of a new pool, putting green and charming cottages make it an excellent place to stay for couples, groups and families alike.

The Inn at Sea Island offers its guests a convenient location on St. Simons Island, but the ease and accessibility of Sea Island’s award-winning amenities. And even on rainy days, guests of The Inn at Sea Island can enjoy playing a round or two of virtual golf with the TopGolf Swing Suite. 

The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club is a premier hideaway for those seeking privacy and classic luxury. It is also, most assuredly, a golfer’s paradise. The Lodge is distinctive. In both its architectural style and its setting, the Lodge is reminiscent of an English country manor. Set majestically on St. Simons Island, The Lodge and its 43 guest rooms are secluded, inviting, and grand.

Published rates at The Cloister at Sea Island range from $356 – $3,690 per room per night, not including taxes and additional fees.

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If You Go:

Golden Isles Georgia
1505 Richmond Street, 2^nd Floor
Brunswick, GA 31520
Tel: (800) 933-2627
https://www.goldenisles.com/

Jekyll Island Club
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Tel: (855) 535-9547
http://www.jekyllclub.com

Fort Frederica National Monument
6515 Frederica Rd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Tel: (912) 638-3639
http://www.nps.gov/fofr/index.htm