Four days in the Golden Isles of Georgia
As spring temps set in, the traveler’s imagination dances with the potential of those blank spots on the calendar. Where to go, what to do, what to see? The Golden Isles of Georgia is an under-the-radar find that has all the answers to those questions—and to some you might not have thought to ask yet.
It’s a getaway that combines island intrigue, idyllic beaches and iconic American history. There’s pristine nature, eclectic coastal cuisine and sugar-sweet Southern hospitality. Set halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, it’s easy to reach by car, plane or even boat, if you’re a seafarer. And its geography—divided into four islands and one mainland anchor—lends itself easily to a trip where no two days are alike.
Here's just one way to spend an extra-long weekend in a place that will spoil you for choice.
Day 1, Jekyll Island: Biking, sea turtle spotting and iconic history
The Golden Isles consists of five main islands and towns: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island and their mainland anchor Brunswick. Truly, any one of these makes a great base for an island-hopping getaway. Jekyll Island offers a mix of unspoiled natural landscapes, scenic beaches and convenient amenities—a lovely blend for a relaxing stay. It's a protected state park, a status that ensures development is tightly managed. In other words, the serene and nature-rich place you'll find today will remain largely unchanged for your next visit, and the one after that.
Now, to the question of where to stay. There are about a dozen hotels on the island—and there's even a campground for those looking to maximize their time in nature. For a winning mix of easy beach access, well-appointed rooms (think plush bedding and coastal chic decor) and above-and-beyond Southern hospitality, though, Beachview Club Hotel is a great pick. The hotel is set on an expansive green space dotted with live oak trees, under which Adirondack chairs face out toward the ocean. There's also a sparkling pool tucked into a shaded courtyard, and a neighboring restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and shareable snacks. (Bonus: the hotel is pet-friendly, too.)
Once you've settled in, it's time to start exploring. Here are some ideas.
Morning: Get the lay of the land with a walk on the beach, set steps from the hotel. Better yet, if you're a sporty type, take a bike ride around the island's 20+ miles of paved paths, officially called the Jekyll Island Bike Trail, either with your own bike or a rental from local outfitters.
One necessary stop, whether you're biking or driving, is the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. The 240-acre site was the stomping grounds of some of America's wealthiest tycoons during the Gilded Age. Members of the Vanderbilt, Morgan and Rockefeller families were among the elite who retreated to the island, then a privately owned oasis. They gathered in the Jekyll Island Club House, the structure of which still remains today, though it's now been restored and reopened as the Jekyll Island Club Resort.
You can view this and over 30 additional structures with a Jekyll Island Historic District Tour. Travel by trolley, bike or antique motorcar as an expert guide narrates the island's storied past. Spoiler alert—here's one tale you're bound to hear: Jekyll Island was the site of a secret meeting that led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in the early 1900s.
Before or after your tour, take some time to explore the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum, which showcases the history of the island from Native Peoples to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
Lunchtime: Inside the Jekyll Island Club Resort (and in the heart of the Historic District), The Pantry is a quaint, deli-style eatery with a simple yet compelling lunch menu (it's also open for breakfast and dinner). Pick a spot in a wicker chair on the open-air verandah and chow down on a club, Reuben or chicken breast sandwich. Or, grab one of the eatery's curated and hand-packed picnic baskets (yes, the goodies are tucked into an actual basket) to take on the go. Our choice for a photogenic picnic spot: Driftwood Beach, which as its name implies is strewn with statuesque felled trees.
Afternoon: There's something else that's truly exceptional about Jekyll Island—it's a haven for sea turtles, on its beaches and beyond. Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the only facility of its kind in the state, which offers behind-the-scenes tours at 3 p.m. most days (subject to availability). Guests will learn about the sea turtle rehabilitation journey, from arrival to release, and have up-close encounters with wildlife patients. Note: The tour is for ages 10+, but general admission is open for all ages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those visiting in the summer months can also join a morning or evening beach patrol or turtle walk with the Center's naturalist guides. These experts monitor nest activity and hatchlings in an effort to support the survival of these charismatic yet fragile creatures.
Evening/Dinner: Grab a seat on the covered deck or open-air patio at Beach House Restaurant + Tap Room right next to the Beachview Club Hotel. You'll find everything from Lowcountry cuisine (the Beach House Boil, for example, a Cajun mashup of crab, shrimp, potato, corn and sausage) to steak sandwiches and kid-friendly pizzas on the menu.
Day 2, St. Simons Island: Broad-sand beaches, sightseeing & shopping
On your second day, take a day trip over to St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles barrier islands. This picture-perfect beach town is characterized by broad sands, wide-open skies (no high-rise buildings here) and quaint shops. It's also home to a marina, which opens up possibilities for all sorts of recreation on the water: boat rentals, fishing charters, wildlife tours and sunset cruises. Here's a sketch of what to do if you only have a day here:
Morning: Start the day with a cup of coffee that goes beyond the standard at The Cottage Custard + Coffee. Set in a quaint cottage on the site of the beachfront King and Prince Resort, the casual spot serves java that's roasted locally, plus house-made scones, muffins and more breakfast treats. (You may also want to stop by later to try their famously creamy frozen custard.)
Once sated, it only makes sense to lay out a blanket on the broad, golden sands of East Beach, just steps away. The area called Coast Guard Station is the most popular (it has bathroom facilities, an on-duty lifeguard and ample parking). A short walk north will bring you to quieter and more secluded sands. From there, you'll catch a glimpse of neighboring Sea Island, a private island accessible only to members and guests of its luxurious resorts.
East Beach's waters are generally calm and lovely for swimming, while the sands invite seashell-hunting, sandcastle-making and even biking (they're hard-packed thanks to tidal activity).
If you can peel yourself away from the idyllic environs, take a beach stroll, bike or car ride a mile south to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Its history dates back to the early 1800s, though the current structure was rebuilt on the site of the first, which was destroyed during the Civil War. You can learn more about its history in its adjoining museum.
Guests can also climb to the top of the historic structure for excellent views of the water and the island. (The lighthouse and museum are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for Sundays, when it opens at noon.) For more serene views of the St. Simons Sound—with the potential for dolphin sightings—wander down the nearby St. Simons Island Pier.
Lunchtime: There are myriad restaurants and shops to explore in Pier Village, a short walk from its namesake pier. Three Little Birds is a delicious, yet unfussy option where Southern staples like fried chicken biscuits and country fried steak are served alongside a variety of light and flavorful salads, plus much more. (Bonus: There's also a great kids menu.) Duly fortified, you'll want to take some time to browse the one-of-a-kind local shops, which offer everything from specialty bee products to local artisan crafts to keepsake souvenirs.
Afternoon: History buffs won't want to skip a visit to Fort Frederica National Monument, built at the behest of James Oglethorpe in 1736 to protect the southern boundary of just-founded Savannah from Spanish forces. By 1740, a thriving town had sprung up on the site. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the historic fort, set on a beautiful expanse on the banks of the Frederica River. There are informative placards to read, detailing what structures originally occupied the site, plus hiking trails to wander. There's also a visitors center with more archaeology-backed insight on the thousand villagers who once lived here.
Evening/dinner: As you make your way back toward Jekyll Island, stop to take your taste buds on an adventure with a meal at La Plancha. Set at the heart of St. Simons Island, the restaurant serves Latin comfort-food favorites like tortilla soup, burritos, fajitas and quesadillas—with plenty of vegetarian options and numerous choices for kids. The margarita menu also features a dozen inventive takes on the beloved frozen drink.
Day 3, Little St. Simons Island: Boating, birding and locavore cuisine on a private island
Serene, pastoral landscapes can be found across each of the Golden Isles, but nowhere more so than on Little St. Simons Island. This lush nature haven is largely unaltered and its only structures are those that comprise an eco-hotel called The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. It's an idyllic destination for nature- and wildlife-enthusiasts, providing habitat for a wide variety of migratory bird species, plus sea turtles, wild rabbits, deer and armadillo, among others.
The unspoiled island is accessible only by boat, and one must either book a stay at the onsite lodge or schedule a guided day trip to the island to visit. (Tip: Day trips are only available on specific dates and only accommodate up to eight guests; call the Lodge well in advance of your trip for the most up-to-date details.)
Morning: The ferry to Little St. Simons Island departs from the Hampton River Marina located on the north end of St. Simons Island. With an active day ahead, you may want to leave a little extra time for a breakfast stop before the 10:30 a.m. departure. The Market at Sea Island is on the way—and good thing, because its Market Classic breakfast sandwich (which includes ham, egg and tomato wedged into a Southern biscuit and drizzled with honey) will set a delicious tone for the day.
The ferry ride doubles as a scenic cruise; the boat weaves through the verdant coastal marshland that's so entwined with this photogenic region. Just 15 minutes later, you'll arrive on the shores of the island. There, you'll have the chance to explore the native flora and fauna—walking through fields of Marshmallow for example, or looking for dolphins and other marine life in the waters that surround. One of the island's naturalists will lend context as you go, detailing the island's natural and human history.
Afternoon/lunch: An organic, fresh-packed picnic lunch will be provided as part of the experience. The meal often includes produce grown or foraged right on the island.
Evening/dinner: The ferry will make the return trip to Little St. Simons Island by 4 p.m., allowing just enough time to make the drive back to Jekyll Island for a change of clothes and perhaps a beachside aperitif before dinner. When it comes to the main meal, ride just two miles up the coast to experience Jekyll Island's newest restaurant, cheekily named Jekyll & Tide.
The menu includes artful dishes like three-cheese sweet onion fondue and other small plates inspired by the cuisine of Spain, Korea and Italy; plus fresh seafood and top-quality steaks ranging in size from 10 to a whopping 48 oz. The restaurant's tavern-style bar has a great cocktail and wine list, too.
Day 4, Brunswick: Picturesque squares, portside parks and historic architecture
Brunswick is often referred to as "the gateway to the Golden Isles," and that's true, to a degree. But the historic port city is itself a place worth exploring. The shrimp docks here are ever busy with trawlers and other vessels, much as they have been for over a century.
Brunswick's downtown—with its quaint red-brick storefronts and striking architecture—is also the kind of place you'll want to take your time to see. So once you've packed up and checked out of your hotel, give yourself as much time as possible to enjoy this town before you make your way home.
Morning: Brunswick is chock full of good restaurants, so take every opportunity to eat here, starting with breakfast. Fish Tales Pub & Grill serves breakfast all day, and the restaurant's setting within an RV park adds a dash of unique character.
Once sufficiently fed and caffeinated, embark on a Brunswick Old Town Tour on foot or bike to drink in as much of the town's scenery and history as possible in just 90 minutes. An expert guide will impart the city's engaging story, starting with the Native Americans who inhabited the area for thousands of years, up to its rise as a thriving port city in the late 19th century and beyond. You may even get the inside scoop on a longstanding debate: namely, over the origins of Brunswick stew, a local menu staple that's still widely served today.
As part of the tour, you'll get to see some of the town's 14 picturesque squares. These historic community gathering spaces have been lovingly preserved by a local historical society, and often host free concerts in the summer.
Afternoon/lunch: Post-tour, designate at least an hour to browse the antique and boutique shops on Newcastle Street before lunch. When hunger does strike, head to a new craft barbecue spot that's already won raves with locals and visitors alike: Hootenany's at the Yard. Favorite dishes here include the BBQ Bowl, where you get to compile your favorite barbecue foods—brisket, smoked chicken, macaroni and cheese, Texas chili, street corn and smashed potato salad are just a few of the options—into a single, taste bud-tingling meal. Do leave room for dessert if at all possible. (We're looking at you, banana pudding.)
After savoring all that down-home goodness, a walk along the waterfront is in order. It's also a great way to stretch out before the drive or plane ride home. Mary Ross Waterfront Park is the ideal spot, offering views of ships along the docks, plus outlooks over the marsh (particularly stunning at sunset).
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the park hosts a bazaar and farmers market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you didn't catch it this time, it's okay. If you're like most people who get to experience the Golden Isles, you'll probably be planning your return trip soon, anyway.