A Budget-Friendly Family Vacation

Plan your next timeless adventure for the whole family, without breaking the bank! In the Golden Isles, we know that it’s always good to save money where you can, especially with a growing family. Here’s one of our favorite ways to enjoy a family vacation in Georgia on a budget!

Driftwood Beach

Day 1: A Tour of Jekyll Island

The Golden Isles’ southernmost barrier island, Jekyll Island, is an ideal place to begin a kid-friendly Georgia vacation. Beaches, historic sights, and unforgettable activities are around every corner. So where should you start?

Morning: Explore the Beaches

Upon arrival in the Golden Isles, the first thing your family should plan to do is explore quintessential Georgia beaches. And on Jekyll Island, there are plenty to choose from.

Start the morning on the southern side of the island on the pristine Glory Beach. Take a walk on the beautiful, long boardwalk that creates an easy pathway between sand dunes and freshwater pools; go shelling along the shore; take a dip in the sea; build a sandcastle. The options are endless!

Early Afternoon: Enjoy an Oceanside Picnic

When you’re done playing in the sand on Glory Beach, head to the north side of the island to find a pristine picnic area near another very different beach. Whether you decide to pack your own lunch or pick something up from one of our local eateries along the way, a picnic on Jekyll Island is the way to go.

Head to Driftwood Beach, adjacent to the Clam Creek Picnic Area to enjoy your lunch in the shade of pristine oaks and overlooking the ocean. When you’ve finished lunch, explore the haunting driftwood “trees” along the shore—and don’t forget to take some memorable photographs!

Late Afternoon: Explore Historic Sights

After a day in the sun, it might do some good to get inside for a bit. Head toward the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum near the Jekyll Island Club Resort to learn more about the island’s rich past.

At 3:00 p.m., meet outside the museum to hitch a ride on the Jekyll Island Tram Tour to be guided through the National Historic Landmark District, and step inside two historic cottages (and back in time!). Tours are also offered at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. if you would like to schedule this at another time.

Day 1 Pricing

Vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a valid parking pass, which can be purchased at the Pay-In-Lane System or the Guest Information Center. These passes are $10/day. Learn more about island access here.

The Jekyll Island Tram Tour is $20/adult and $10/child 4-12 years old. Children under 4 are free. Tickets also include admission to Mosaic, making this a wonderful budget-friendly option! Learn more.

Bike paths on Jekyll Island wind across bridges and beaches as you pedal your way along this Georgia island.

Day 2: Bike the Jekyll Island Trail System

With about 25 miles of paved biking trails throughout the area, Jekyll Island offers immense opportunities for easy island exploration. Find a local bike rental shop, or bring your own gear. Jekyll Island Trail System maps are available for free at the Jekyll Island Welcome Center or the bike barn on Shell Road, or you can download a map here.

Morning: Catch a Glimpse of Coastal Wildlife

Follow the coastal trails to catch a glimpse of the unique Jekyll Island coastal wildlife. With varying habitats including marshlands, intertidal mudflats, creeks, beaches, maritime forests, and sand dunes, the Golden Isles offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Learn more about the diverse nature and wildlife in the Golden Isles.

Early Afternoon: Have an Oceanfront Meal

Everything is better at the beach, including food! The Wharf is one of Jekyll Island's waterfront restaurants. Enjoy relaxing river views while munching on locally caught seafood or sipping on your favorite cold beverage. Bonus: Check our Live Music Schedule to see when you can find live music at The Wharf.

Hop back on your bikes to continue exploring the miles of paths, and head toward the Historic District for the afternoon.

Late Afternoon: Make a New Friend

Spend the late afternoon in the National Historic District again. However, this time, explore on a unique horse and carriage tour. On this 35-minute-long tour, a guide will narrate the history while you ride in a magical carriage through the historic buildings and paths you were acquainted with on Day 1. Tours are available between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., so plan accordingly!

After your horse and carriage tour, stop into the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility. Explore the gallery exhibits, glimpse into the room where sea turtles are treated and cared for, and even attend a presentation where you are introduced to some of the patients. Most days, the Sea Turtle Center is open until 5:00 p.m. 

Day 2 Pricing

As mentioned with Day 1, vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a valid parking pass: $8/day. Learn more about island access here.

A daytime narrated horse and carriage tour of the Historic Landmark District is $20/adult, $12/child 3 and under, and infants are free. Learn more.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is $8.56/senior, $9.63/adult, $7.49/child, children under 3 are free. Learn more.

Day 3: A St. Simons Island Treasure Hunt

After exploring Jekyll Island for two days, it’s time to head over to the largest of the Golden Isles: St. Simons Island. Our favorite way to begin exploring the area? Treasure hunting. Complete the St. Simons Tree Spirit Hunt to win a prize!

Morning: St. Simons Island Tree Spirits

If you look closely at some of the majestic oak trees around St. Simons Island, you might just see a weathered face staring back at you. These intricate carvings are said to hold the spirits of beloved local sailors and native (and magical!) wildlife. With seven of the twenty carvings located on public land, the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits will keep you busy all morning.

View a map of them here to discover them on your own, or view our full-day treasure hunting itinerary to make a day of it.

Afternoon: Disc Golf in the Park

If you search for the tree spirits in the order on the map, you will have completed your search at Gascoigne Bluff, a gorgeous park complete with the Historic Hamilton Plantation Cabins and Grounds, a fishing pier, and plenty of live oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. Take the afternoon to explore the park, and best of all, participate in a friendly, but competitive game of disc golf.

Gascoigne Bluff offers a shaded, 6-hole disc golf course that uses the natural oaks as obstacles. Bring your own discs, and print a scorecard for an enjoyable (and free) family activity.

Day 3 Pricing

All activities mentioned in Day 3 of this itinerary are free of charge. If you choose to tour the Historic Hamilton Plantation Cabins and Grounds, donations are appreciated, but admission is free. Please call 912-638-1908 or 912-638-9808 to schedule a tour.

Day 4: A Tour of St. Simons Island

Treasure Hunting on St. Simons Island is always fun, but did you know that the area is full of rich history and pristine beaches, too? Today is the day to explore it all.

Morning: Pier Village

Find a breakfast nook near St. Simons Island’s Pier Village to start the day off right. Decide whether you would prefer to rent bicycles at a local shoptake a stroll around the island or even drive around town for the day’s activities.

After breakfast, head over to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum. Discover the museum and gift shop; learn about this historic lighthouse; climb the 129 steps to the top to take in the views of Jekyll Island, Brunswick, and St. Simons Island.

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum isn’t open until 10 a.m., so plan accordingly. If your family rises early, explore the shops in Pier Village or spend some time at Neptune Park, which offers an oceanfront walking path, two playgrounds, rocking chairs, and more.

Early Afternoon: Enjoy the Beaches

Head toward East Beach on St. Simons Island and explore the different access points: Gould’s Inlet offers great bird watching, fishing, or calm ocean views; the U.S. Coastguard Station, or “First Street Beach Access” offers traditional beach activities, a boardwalk, and access to the World War II Home Front Museum, which is full of interactive exhibits and galleries for any family looking to learn something new; Massengale Park offers a quieter experience, complete with a shaded picnic area, a playground, and traditional beach activities.

Late Afternoon: A Tour of St. Simons Island

When you’re finished at the beach for the day, head slightly north to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Avenue of the Oaks at the entrance to the Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. Walk through the towering oaks to get up close to these 160-year-old live oak trees.

Head back south toward Pier Village to participate in a trolley tour of the area with one of our local, knowledgeable companies to learn more about the island’s rich historical sites and stories. Departure times vary between companies, so check with the one you select to find the best fit for your schedule.

Day 4 Pricing

The St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum is $12/adult, $6/child 6-12, and children 6 and under are free. Combined tickets to visit both the Lighthouse and World War II Home Front Museum are $20/adults and $10/kids 6-12, making it a wonderful and economic way to visit both museums! Learn more.

Trolley Tours vary based on the tour operator and length of the tour. Find tickets as low as $20/adult and $10/child, and children under 4 free. Learn more.

Day 5: A Nature-Filled Day

While our favorite option for a nature-filled day is typically spent on Little St. Simons Island, this private and protected island can be more costly. If you had one splurge on the trip, we would highly recommend using it on a day trip on Little St. Simons Island.

Perfect for families with children over the age of 8, a day trip to Little St. Simons Island includes round-trip private boat transportation from Hampton River Marina, a guided island tour led by an experienced naturalist, a hearty lunch, and an afternoon on the island’s 7-mile-long private beach.

If Little St. Simons Island is out of your price range, here are several other incredible ways to enjoy nature in the Golden Isles:

Scenic walking and hiking trails wind through an untouched maritime forest on St. Simons Island, GA

Morning: Cannon’s Point Preserve

Perfect for a morning stop on a day filled with nature and exploration, Cannon’s Point Preserve is a 600-acre tract of greenspace at the north end of St. Simons Island that is open for public exploration. Take a hike to explore the area’s nature and wildlife, and enjoy the island’s primitive wilderness experience.

You will need to bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks to this nature preserve. The park is open Saturday - Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Have your own kayak or paddleboard? The non-motorized boat launch is open from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon: A Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking through the marshlands and along the coastline in the Golden Isles is one of the most unique ways to experience Golden Isles nature. Bring your own boat, and head out at a public boat launch, or take a guided tour for more information about our unique coastal ecosystem.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of hiking and walking trails throughout the Golden Isles, and it remains a popular activity to get around between beaches and other attractions. You can even try to see how many birds you can spot along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail if you want to head back over to Jekyll Island for the afternoon!

Day 5 Pricing

A Day Trip on Little St. Simons Island is $200/person and includes transportation, lunch, and activities. Learn more.

Kayaking tours range in price depending on the outfitter you choose. Learn more. If you bring your own kayak, public boat launches are free to use.

Day 6: Explore the Islands

On a week-long family vacation, it’s always good to plan a day that acts as a “break” for the kids and the parents. In the Golden Isles, there are plenty of fun activities for kids that don’t have to be done on a schedule. Here are some of our favorites:

Playground Hop

Spend some time on St. Simons Island to enjoy the playground at Massengale Park near East Beach, Demere Park on the south end of St. Simons Island, or Mallery Park near Pier Village. The kids will find plenty of things to do, while the parents can relax in the shade of the giant oak trees with a book.

If you want to start your tour of Brunswick early, there are also incredible playgrounds in and around the port city to explore. Visit the 153-acre North Glynn Recreation Complex on Harry Driggers Boulevard, Blythe Island Regional Park just five minutes from Exit 29 from I-95 or, the largest of the three, Howard Coffin Park on Gloucester Street.

Demere Park and the North Glynn Recreation Complex each offer skate parks if your young ones are interested in building their skills on rails, ramps, ledges, half pipes, and more.

Hiking and Walking

Not only are hiking and walking great ways to explore the towns and beaches of the Golden Isles, but they’re also 100% free! Walk along a beach boardwalk, on a trail through a maritime forest, or even over marshlands. View our extensive trails here.

This public pool on St. Simons Island offers oceanfront views and is adjacent to the lighthouse

Make a Splash

While beach-going is abundant in the Golden Isles, our waterparks offer an inexpensive alternative to saltwater and sand for a day.

Located on Jekyll Island, Summer Waves Waterpark offers daily admissions for families looking to experience six waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a splash zone, and more.

Located on St. Simons Island, Neptune Park Fun Zone offers two pools in addition to miniature golfing, a waterslide, and a playground with no admission fee.

Insider tip: Check hours of operation for both waterparks, as they can change from season to season.

Day 6 Pricing

Playgrounds, skate parks, and hiking and walking trails are all free.

Summer Waves Water Park offers the following daily admission pricing: $20 for general admission and children ages 3 and under are free. Learn more.

Neptune Park Fun Zone offers the following pricing: $8/person/day for daily admission to the pool, $8/person/round for miniature golfing, and free access to the playground. Learn more.

Day 7: A Tour of Historic Brunswick

A trip to the Golden Isles wouldn’t be complete without putting aside a day to explore the historic port city of Brunswick. Here are our favorite things to do with the family in Brunswick:

Morning: Explore a Historical Rice Plantation

Head outside of the historic port city for a different type of Southern history: a tour of a rice plantation from the early 1800s. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is a can’t-miss activity for families who like to learn something new.

Take a guided tour to view a brief film on the plantation’s history, discover original family artifacts and explore the antebellum home, left exactly as the family kept it in the 18th and 19th centuries, complete with family heirlooms and original furniture.

Afternoon: Spend Time in the Signature Squares

Some of the more unique things about our historic downtown area are the Signature Squares of Brunswick. These squares are maintained by a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005, also called the Signature Squares of Brunswick. They maintain 14 squares throughout the Old Town Historic District in Brunswick. Go on a self-guided walking tour of Brunswick to find them all and choose your favorite!

Along your way, keep your eyes open and maybe even explore Old City Hall and the Historic Brunswick Courthouse.

If you’re interested in a more formal introduction to Historic Downtown Brunswick, look into booking a 90-minute, biking tour of the city. Tours leave at 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. and should be booked in advance.

Evening: Catch a Show

Built in 1899, the Historic Ritz Theatre is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Old Town Brunswick. Shows and other events are hosted regularly at the Historic Ritz Theatre, so check the Golden Isles Arts & Humanities website for up-to-date show and event listings.

Day 7 Pricing

A tour of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, including admission, ranges between $5 and $8/person. Learn more.

A biking tour through Old Town Brunswick is $30/person, including admission into a historical building. Learn more.

Shows at the Ritz Theatre will range in price depending on the event or show selected.

Before planning your trip, be sure to explore our lodging and dining options and specials and packages to create the ideal family vacation in Georgia on a budget.

St. Simons Tree Spirit Hunt

Embark on an interactive mobile hunt to find the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island!

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