Here, while “nightlife” might include quite a few happy hours and late-night bites, it’s well rounded to include live music, ocean breezes, and even unique events – not quite what you’d expect from a quiet island town. But you do have to know where to find it! Explore our local tips on where to enjoy your evenings on into the night in the Golden Isles:

 

Happy Hours, Craft Brews & Cocktails

When it comes to nightlife, sometimes it’s best to stick to the tried and true – cocktails and craft brews (not to mention late-night dining!). Here are some of our favorite places for classic happy hours, craft brews and cocktails:

 

Brogen’s North

In a nutshell: If you’re looking for a classic Southern bar, Brogen’s North is your place! With a quieter location amidst the oaks up north on St. Simons and a slightly livelier location down south near Pier Village, you can’t go wrong with this classic.

Why it’s special: Brogen's has two great locations, one with an ocean view!

 

Dorothy's Cocktail & Oyster Bar

The upscale Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar on St. Simons Island serves raw fresh seafood and another coastal cuisine alongside many other wonderful dishes. Dorothy’s has a large focus on craft cocktails, both original and classics. With great service, delicious seafood, and an enjoyable ambiance, this is a must-try spot for cocktail lovers. 

Why it's special: A selection of dishes offered on the menu were inspired by the chef and his wife's travels to Southeast Asia, so here you will find cuisine unique to the Golden Isles.

 

1509 Brunswick

In a nutshell: In our opinion, 1509 is a must-try spot for dinner and drinks located in Downtown Brunswick. It’s the perfect nighttime destination for a cocktail, especially if you're looking for a more classy and formal ambiance. 

Why it’s special: 1509 is Brunswick's only rooftop restaurant! Delight in incredible scenic views of the city's downtown as you enjoy your drink and chat with family or friends. 

 

Tortuga Jack’s

In a nutshell: The only oceanfront restaurant and bar on Jekyll Island, Tortuga Jack’s offers a 3,000-square-foot tiki bar and deck from which to enjoy your late-night bites and brews, complete with gorgeous weather and ocean views as the sun goes down.

Why it’s special: Not only is this bar’s patio one of the only ways to enjoy Jekyll Island ocean views with a cocktail in hand, but it’s also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy our coastal nightlife without leaving your furry friend at home!

 

Harry's Lounge

In a nutshell: Located in The Westin on Jekyll Island, Harry's lounge is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day with a craft beer, a "Crafted at Westin" signature cocktail or a glass of wine. Casual yet refined, Harry's Lounge also serves a full dinner menu.

Why it's special: Enjoy views of the stunning Jekyll Island shoreline as you enjoy your meal or drink.

 

The Wharf

 

The Wharf

In a nutshell: Located on the Jekyll Island Historic District pier, this river-view beachy hangout is the best place to enjoy open-air dining (with Southern favorites such as peel & eat shrimp, hushpuppies, fried chicken & more) in an unmatched location over the water.

Why it’s special: The Wharf is the only on-the-water bar and restaurant to boast gorgeous views of the sunset on Jekyll – and it’s especially fun when there’s a live band playing!

Girls’ Night Out

When it’s time for a night out with the girls, just about any bar will do – as long as you have the right company! But when you’re celebrating your friendship together, it’s always fun to class it up! Here are some of our favorite, slightly more upscale bars we love to frequent with our girls:

 

ECHO

In a nutshell: ECHO is an oceanfront restaurant with a great outdoor space that boasts beautiful St. Simons coastal views. Attached to the beautiful King & Prince resort, the elegance of this hot spot will not be lost on your crew!

Why it’s special: There’s always something going on. Whether it’s a craft brew tapping, daily specials, or live music, there’s a full calendar of events for you and your girls to plan around!

 

Georgia Sea Grill

In a nutshell: For a place that has an expensive, yet relaxed vibe, this St. Simons Pier Village spot offers an incredible happy hour – including can’t-beat specials on wine, cocktails, and inspired small bites!

Why it’s special: Georgia Sea Grill has a small and exclusive vibe. You might have to make a reservation for your group, but with only 34 guests able to be seated at once, it’ll be worth it!

 

Golden Isles Olive Oil

In a nutshell: With such a cryptic name, visitors might not realize that Golden Isles Olive Oil, located in Redfern Village on St. Simons Island, also offers a popular wine bar. Sip the evening away while enjoying dainty bites such as make your own charcuterie boards with cheeses, tapenade, handmade pastas, honey, jams and other gourmet delights!

Why it’s special: Not only does Golden Isles Olive Oil support local artists and products, but it’s also the latest hot spot for a local hangout. You’re sure to find something you like at this bar, since it has the largest selection of wines by the glass available across the Golden Isles!

 

Halyards

In a nutshell: St. Simons Island’s Halyards can be considered slightly more upscale, and the dining experience most certainly follows suit! Their inspired menu is set daily by their chef, and there is a craft beverage program, including an extensive wine list, innovative Southern brews, and cocktails made with premium liquors and fresh, local ingredients.

Why it’s special: The beautiful, modern bar features comfortable seating and high-top tables perfect for your group of girls! Halyards offers great happy hour deals on appetizers and drinks, so this can be your weekly spot!

 

Sago at Sea Palms

In a nutshell: Located on St. Simons Island, Sago at Sea Palms is elegant, yet relaxed, and it offers a huge selection of craft beer and bottled and tap wine from around the world. With options to sit in the bar or post up in the intimate restaurant, there’s a perfect setting for your group.

Why it’s special: Not only is the elegant vibe perfect for a girls’ night out, but this location offers live music! Look for events to plan a great night with the backdrop of an even better band.

 

The Nest

In a nutshell: The Nest on St. Simons Island is the perfect destination to begin or end your night. Select from a menu with a variety of unique appetizers and entrees, including build-your-own grazing platters and tasty desserts. From seafood to pizza and pasta, you're sure to find something you and your girl group will love, not to mention their specialty drink menu with world-class wines.

Why it's special: You'll find wines from all over the world on the menu, including dessert wines, as well as hand-crafted cocktails. 

Breweries & Distilleries

Lucky for you, there are bars & pubs galore where visitors can find a great Southern brew! There's even a brewery right here in our historic port city of Brunswick!

 

Silver Bluff Brewing Company

Enjoy an afternoon or evening (or game day!) outdoors at the beer garden, fit with spacious picnic tables, corn hole boards, and a stage for live music at Silver Bluff Brewing Company. Local restaurants rotate turns showing up with their food trucks and to-go menus for small bites for hungry brewery hoppers. Make sure you try the official beer of the Golden Isles, Golden Isles IPA!

 

Richland Rum 

Loving the craft scene? You won’t want to miss the newly opened Richland Rum distillery, also located in Brunswick. Featuring “Single Estate Old Georgia Rum,” chances are you haven’t yet tried this unique style of rum! We’re here to fix that: enjoy a tour and a tasting of this classic coastal spirit Monday-Saturday on your next trip to the Golden Isles.

Events, Live Music & More

With year-round gorgeous weather, the Golden Isles always has something going on. Explore our calendar of events for a variety of live music, festivals, food-centric events and more! Planning your trip around what’s going on? Check out our annual events for the icing on the cake of your already perfect vacation.

In addition to our festivals & events, there’s always live music in the Golden Isles. From lively bars to cozy coffee shops, large event venues to intimate settings, find out who’s playing this week and where.

 

Rafters

Rafters on St. Simons Island is a popular bar that often has specials, events, and DJ performances. Rafters also has pool tables and dart boards for you and your friends to test your luck! 

 

Ziggy Mahoney's

Ziggy Mahoney's, located on St. Simons Island is another great destination that often hosts events with live music in addition to eleven pool tables, a dartboard, and a DJ! This a great spot to visit, whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat or dance the night away!

 

Emerald Princess II Casino 

Looking for some nightlife a little farther off the coast? Hop aboard the Emerald Princess II Casino – it’s a 200-foot ship with four fun-filled decks. Complete with 220 slots, blackjack tables, roulette, poker and more, the ship promises a night of fun – as long as you remember your lucky rabbit’s foot!