Your Ultimate Guide to the Golden Isles: Beaches, Tours & Outdoor Fun
From miles of pristine Georgia beaches to family-friendly excursions and historic landmarks, here's how to make the most of your Golden Isles getaway. Image: Golden Isles CVB
Made up of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick, Georgia’s Golden Isles is known for their natural beauty, historic landmarks, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or full-blown vacation, this guide will help you make the most of your coastal Georgia escape.
Get Out on the Water
Perhaps its biggest draw, the Golden Isles waterways are a significant part of its identity. Whether you want to spend the day on a boat or relax on a local beach, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
A great place to start is booking an excursion with SouthEast Adventure Outfitters. Its guides host kayaking, boating, and fishing tours that offer close-up glimpses of dolphins, sea turtles, spoonbills, and herons.
Another popular dolphin-watching experience is via Jekyll Island Boat Tours, which hosts guided 90-minute sightseeing cruises departing from the Jekyll Wharf. The waters around the island are home to one of the world’s largest populations of bottlenose dolphins, but you may also spot sea turtles, manatees, and a variety of coastal birds. Private charters are also available for those looking for a more personalized experience.
To immerse yourself in even more nature, plan a day trip to Little Saint Simons Island, a 2025 Travel & Leisure Global Vision Award Winner for sustainable and eco-friendly travel. Accessible only by boat, this privately owned barrier island offers trips with an experienced naturalist who guides you through maritime forests, salt marshes, and undeveloped beaches. Then, after your adventure, you’re invited to enjoy a delicious farm-to-table picnic lunch.
To turn your day trip into an overnight escape, book a room at the award-winning, all-inclusive Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. Your stay includes boat transfers, daily chef-prepared meals, and access to activities like birding, biking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Tour the Islands by Land
While water may be the main attraction in the Golden Isles, there are plenty of ways to explore on solid ground, too. For example, a ride with St. Simons Trolley Tours offers a quick but thorough introduction to St. Simons Island. The 90-minute tour highlights local history, Civil War landmarks, and a few hidden gems you’ll want to visit on your own after the tour.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, cycling is another excellent way to explore the Golden Isles. Both St. Simons and Jekyll Island feature expansive trail systems that wind through oak tree-lined paths, scenic beaches, and charming downtown areas. Not to mention, plenty of local outfitters offer classic bikes and electric options to rent.
For an engaging, family-friendly outing, embark on a scavenger hunt for the 11 public Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. As you explore the area, keep an eye out for mysterious faces carved into local trees. Legend has it that these faces memorialize the countless sailors who once set sail from St. Simons Island.
Make It a Family Affair
For even more all-ages fun, both St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island offer expansive stretches of shoreline ideal for an afternoon of fun. Whether you’re building sandcastles, searching for seashells, or simply lounging with a beach read, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. You can see a complete list of local beaches HERE.
SB Tip: When you book a room at the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, the Lodge at Sea Island, or The Cloister, you also receive exclusive private beach access.
For a family outing that is equal parts engaging and educational, visit the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Built in 1872 to replace the original destroyed by Confederate forces in 1861, it is one of only five remaining light towers in Georgia.
Visitors can climb the 129 steps to enjoy sweeping views of Jekyll Island, Brunswick, and a portion of St. Simons Island. The museum itself sits inside the Keeper’s Dwelling, a nearby two-story home that once housed lighthouse keepers.
If your visit falls at the beginning of the month, don’t miss the First Friday in Historic Downtown Brunswick series. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., this monthly event features live music, special discounts from local vendors and merchants, and a car show.
Start Planning Your Visit
With so many activities and attractions to do and see, planning your trip to the Golden Isles might feel a little overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! The Golden Isles Visitor Guide is a great place to start planning. The free guide can be shipped to your home and includes insider tips, maps, lodging information, and sample itineraries to help you build a trip that best suits your interests and travel style.
Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventure, rich storytelling, or simply a few days of unplugged family time, the Golden Isles delivers.
This article is sponsored by the Golden Isles CVB.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.