St. Simons Lighthouse

1. Light up your day at the St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Immerse yourself in history when you visit the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum. Interactive exhibits and era-themed rooms allow you to travel back to the early 20th century and experience what it might have been like to be a lighthouse keeper. Then climb 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse to get the best birds-eye-view in the Golden Isles. You’ll leave with a maritime state of mind.

2. Be in the presence of history at Bloody Marsh Battle Site

Gaze upon the beautiful marsh where foreign troops fought for our precious Coastal Georgia territory. At Bloody Marsh you can stand in the presence of where history was made. It is the very spot where the British defeated the Spanish and claimed this land in the name of England. And if the historical significance of the location isn’t enough, the scenic overlook is breathtaking.

3. Come face-to-face with our Tree Spirits

If you find yourself looking at our live oak trees on St. Simons Island you may find one looking back at you. Our Tree Spirits on St. Simons are beautifully carved faces found in our live oaks. With over 7 spaced all over the island, you are bound to find one of them. Especially, if you stop by our Welcome Center and pick up a map to help you embark on the most riveting scavenger hunt in the Golden Isles.

4. Golf Indoors at The Inn on Sea Island

Turn your golf came into a virtual reality! Head over to the Inn at Sea Island where their newest onsite amenity is a hole-in-one. The newly opened Top Golf Swing Suites is a way to have a classic golf experience with the comfort of being indoors. Play dozens of golf-centric games or choose a real-life course that even includes Sea Island’s own Seaside course. Not to mention there is beverage service from 5 to 10 p.m. everyday. Need we say more?

Cannon's Point Preserve Ruins

5. Experience nature at Cannon’s Point Preserve

Rich in culture and natural history, Cannon’s Point Preserve is a great place to spend your morning. With over 600 acres of wilderness, this land is some of the last intact maritime forest on St. Simons Island. Preserved by The St. Simons Island Land Trust, they protect over six miles of salt marsh and tidal creek that are habitat to many species of wildlife. Also onsite are shell middens dating back to 2500 BCE, as well as remains of a large plantation home and slave quarters. Hike the grounds and experience the history at Cannon’s Point Preserve.

6. Visit picturesque Historic Downtown Brunswick

Stroll Newcastle Street in Historic Downtown Brunswick and surround yourself with an old town feel but new city happenings. Recently opened local eateries will be sure to satisfy your southern comfort food cravings. And for the adults, stop by Richland Rum, a local rum distillery which Forbes named the best American Rum. Make sure to visit Brunswick during their First Friday festivities where live music fills the air as you peruse galleries and shops open late.

A rustic hunting cabin has been converted to the main lodge on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

7. Spend the Day on Little St. Simons Island

Become one with nature when you spend a day on Little St. Simons Island. Explore 11,000 acres of maritime forests filled with a vast array of wildlife. Just a quick boat ride away, your entire day will be guided by an experienced naturalist who will teach you about the island’s diverse ecosystems as well as a brief history of the island itself. Roam the forests, walk the beaches and take in the natural beauty of the Golden Isles.

8. Visit the patients at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Get ready to be up close and personal with our favorite ocean wildlife, the sea turtle. Explore and learn all about these amazing creatures. Watch a sea turtle feeding as you learn about their dietary behaviors. Observe the rehabilitating sea turtles and hear the story of their journey to recovery. Or even go behind the scenes where you can get a closer look at sea turtle patients! At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

9. Drift Away at Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach, once a maritime forest on Jekyll Island, is now the iconic home of windswept pieces of tree that give character to this beautiful stretch of shoreline. This beach is perfect for a sunny afternoon or starry night. When you truly want to be blown away, a sunrise visit will leave you breathless.

Jekyll Island Historic District

10. Live Like a Millionaire in Jekyll Island’s National Historic District

Once home to names like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt, this 240-acre site is filled with “rich” history. The Jekyll Island Club was the winter playground for the wealthiest families in America from 19th and early 20th century. This once exclusive club is now a family resort surrounded by the original millionaire’s cottages. Take a tram tour of Jekyll Island’s National Historic District and see all 34 historic structures while learning about the history and heritage of each building and family that inhabited them.