Visitors have been flocking to the Golden Isles since General James Oglethorpe brought the first settlers to St. Simons Island in 1736. For years, people have been mesmerized by the sweeping oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that form majestic tunnels with their sprawling branches. The combination of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and the playful call of seagulls is spellbinding. The fresh seafood, friendly locals and mild weather keeps visitors coming back year after year.

For many years, the Golden Isles has been one of the South’s best kept secrets. The Golden Isles has been awarded many prestigious accolades recently and we’re excited to toot our own horn.

Sea Island

Known for its impeccable accommodations, world-renowned dining and high attention to detail, Sea Island is a favorite of many visitors. The Cloister and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club have both received four Forbes Five-Star awards for the past fifteen years, making Sea Island the only resort in the world to receive such honors.

What’s more, both The Cloister and The Lodge ranked #1 and #3 respectively on U.S. News & World Report Travel’s Best Hotels in Georgia, receiving high marks for unmatched service, unbeatable views and seemingly endless activities and amenities.

The luxurious atmosphere of Sea Island Resort continues to receive praise from all who visit.

St. Simons Island

The largest of the Golden Isles is also enjoying her day in the sun. St. Simons Island was recently recognized by some of the most popular travel publications in the nation. The island’s charm and seclusion secured the island’s ranking by Southern Living as one of the South's Best Beach Towns. It was also named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of The Best U.S. Islands

Here you won’t find beaches lined with high rise hotels or amusement parks - instead, the island boasts unique, local hideaways for all to enjoy. St. Simons Island’s triple threat of southern charm, serenity and affordability resulted in being named one of the Best Places to Live on the Coast by Coastal Living.

Come as visitors, leave as friends. Here you’re not treated as a tourist; you’re a newfound friend we met in the local coffee shop or out strolling on the St. Simons Pier. And thanks to our year-round mild temperatures, Huffington Post named St. Simons Island as one of 11 Fun Atlantic Coastal Escapes for Winter.

Jekyll Island

Once a winter retreat for some of America’s most elite families, Jekyll Island has always been a popular destination for those seeking solace and looking to reconnect with nature.

The awe and wonder of nature’s beauty can be felt at Jekyll’s famed Driftwood Beach, which was recognized by MSN as one of The Best Beaches in the US and TripAdvisor as one of 25 Best Beaches in America. It’s a haven for photographers and is home to some of the most majestic sunrises you’ll ever see. Playful families enjoy climbing the massive weathered trunks and branches in this “tree graveyard.”

With award-winning beaches, a 240-acre National Historic Landmark District and the beloved Georgia Sea Turtle Center, it's no wonder Jekyll Island was dubbed the #2 Best Beach for Families and Kids by the TODAY Show. Load up your family, beach gear and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the southernmost island in the Golden Isles. 

Little St. Simons Island

Those who visit Little St. Simons Island immediately fall in love with the 11,000 acre private island. Seven miles of untouched beaches coupled with quaint guest cottages makes for a truly memorable experience.

It’s no wonder the charm of Little St. Simons Island struck a chord with Condé Nast Traveler’s readers. The island has made the list of Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hotels in the South for more than five consecutive years. As well as making it on their list as one of the Best U.S. Islands

Little St. Simons Island is an ideal getaway for families, small or large. The Lodge can accommodate up to 32 guests and provides endless ways to play. Southern Living recognized Little St. Simons as a must-visit location. Spend the day hiking, fishing, biking, birding, boating or swimming. The island is your oyster!

Brunswick

Spend an afternoon strolling through Historic Downtown Brunswick and you’ll think you’ve traveled in a time machine. Many of the streets still bear their original colonial names and the architecture follows suit. Several homes and commercial buildings have stood the test of time and are centuries old.

The feel of a bygone era and the beautiful, scenic views at Mary Ross Waterfront Park helped secure Brunswick’s spot Fodor's list of America's 15 Best Small Town Fourth of July Celebrations. The festive celebration features sack races, horseshoe tosses, free watermelon, and of course fireworks. 

Adding to the historic allure of Brunswick is Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, an old rice plantation that is now owned and operated by the State of Georgia. Rice was grown at Hofwyl-Broadfield from the 1800s until 1913, when it became a dairy farm. The sweeping marsh views and idyllic Southern architecture found throughout this mainland coastal town helped land Brunswick on Southern Living's list of Prettiest Small Towns in Georgia.

It’s no secret that the Golden Isles is something special. Highly coveted awards from some of the most prestigious travel publications make us proud of our stretch of the Georgia coast. But don’t just take our word for it, come see for yourself. Start planning your trip today.