If you’re having a hard time choosing how to spend your time in the Golden Isles, you’ve come to the right place! There is an abundance of delicious restaurants, quaint shops, and exciting adventures to be had across our islands and towns, and our locals can tell you some of the can’t-miss attractions of the Golden Isles and why they’re locally loved! Read on to learn how to discover the Golden Isles like a local.
Where to Eat
1. Porch
Fried chicken is good for the soul! Serving up a magical combination of heat, spice, and southern sass, Porch on St. Simons Island is loved by locals and visitors alike. Their menu consists of authentic Nashville hot chicken, fried catfish, shrimp and more. Conveniently located near the St. Simons Pier Village, dine indoors or outdoors under the shade of the island’s towering live oaks.
What not to miss: Happy hour! Celebrate the weekend with $5 frosé every Friday.
2. Hootenanny’s at the Yard 
You’ll find the best craft-made barbecue in town at Hootenanny’s at the Yard in Brunswick! This destination is known for its juicy award-winning barbecue. From meats like brisket and pulled pork to sandwiches, tacos, and unique sides like the Esquites Street Corn or the Brunswick Stew, there’s something for all types of barbecue lovers.
What not to miss: When you’re done eating, pop over to the nearby and locally loved Silver Bluff Brewery for a glass of the official beer of the Golden Isles, Golden Isles IPA.
3. Fuse Frozen Yogurt
There’s never a bad time for a sweet treat! With locations on both Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, locals of the Golden Isles know that Fuse Frozen Yogurt is the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. Select your base flavor of sorbet or frozen yogurt, and then customize your own dessert with all the toppings of your dreams, like cheesecake bites, cookie dough, boba, and so much more!
What not to miss: Rotating seasonal flavors! Depending on the time of year you visit, there’s always something new to try.
Where to Shop
1. Live Oak Shop
Shopping is always a good idea! Located in the Golden Isles Welcome Center in the Pier Village, the Live Oak Shop is a great stop to make for gifts and items that are unique to the area. Shop branded St. Simons Island and Golden Isles items, artwork and specialty items from local crafters, accessories and more. You’ll have no trouble finding a souvenir to remember your coastal getaway!
What not to miss: New items and deals! Be sure to follow the Live Oak Shop’s Facebook page to stay in the loop.
2. Savannah Bee Company
From specialty jars of honey to naturally luxurious body care inspired by honey, Savannah Bee Company is popular among locals and visitors and has something for everyone. For 20 years they’ve been sourcing the purest honey from the finest beekeepers around the world. Shop local and international honey as well as hive-inspired health and beauty products made from nothing but the best ingredients.
What not to miss: Head to their mead bar for honey wine tastings!
3. Golden Isles Bracelet Co.
Discover the St. Simons Pier Village and stop into Golden Isles Bracelet Co. to shop unique, handmade jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find artistically hand-carved fine silver and gold bracelets, earrings, pendants, and more. Golden Isles Bracelet Co. is very popular among residents and visitors alike, even being awarded the title of “Best Keepsake” for the Golden Isles.
What not to miss: Be sure to check out the original St. Simons Signature Bracelet and the Jekyll Island Turtle bracelet!
What to Do
1. Bikes on Jekyll Island
Locals know that a sunny day in the Golden Isles is perfectly spent biking on Jekyll Island. From beaches and historical attractions to shops and restaurants, there is plenty to explore on the island by bike. Be your own tour guide as you discover some of the island’s greatest attractions, and enjoy the incredible scenic landscapes and biking trails on over 24 miles of paths.
What not to miss: Our guide to a day of biking on Jekyll Island! View our Jekyll Island Biking Itinerary.
2. Attend Local Events
The Golden Isles is known for its exciting annual events, as well as many other unique coastal happenings throughout the year. In October, the community comes together to celebrate the beloved dish of Shrimp and Grits at the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, and in November, the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic comes to St. Simons Island. View all annual events.
What not to miss: Weekly live music! View our live music schedule so you don’t miss upcoming events.
3. Visit Gould’s Inlet
No trip to the Golden Isles is complete without visiting the beach, and one of the lesser-known beach access points that is loved by the area’s locals is Gould’s Inlet. This spot is not for swimming, but is a great place to observe the ocean, birdwatch, and fish, and if you look across the water you can spot the southern end of Sea Island.
What not to miss: The sunrise! Gould’s Inlet has a beautiful, scenic view of the morning sun.
