Georgia’s acclaimed barrier islands also rank 11th among the world’s best islands
ST. SIMON’S ISLAND, Georgia - July 7, 2026 - The Golden Isles of Georgia has returned to top honors in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards, earning the title of No. 1 Best Island in the Continental United States. The achievement positions the four barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island as one of the nation’s most beloved coastal vacation getaways and ranks the Golden Isles No. 11 among the Best Islands in the World. The recognition was shaped by votes cast from Travel + Leisure readers, visitors, residents, and local businesses who celebrated the Golden Isles for its overall experience and deep sense of place.
“This honor is a meaningful reflection of what so many people already know and love about the Golden Isles, that this is an extraordinary place to visit and call home,” said Scott McQuade, President & CEO of the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This recognition is a testament to our entire community, our residents, local businesses, and partners who shape the Golden Isles experience every day. We are deeply grateful to the travelers who shared their love for our destination through their votes. I’m incredibly proud of our whole CVB team for their work in bringing our community together for this effort, and we are especially thankful for all the hospitality partners that assisted our efforts” he added.
As part of its mission to elevate the Golden Isles as a nationally recognized resort destination, the Golden Isles CVB led a coordinated ‘Get Out the Vote’ campaign to expand awareness, strengthen community engagement, and drive national exposure for the destination. Designed to help the Golden Isles reclaim its place at the top, the campaign mobilized visitors, local businesses, hospitality partners, residents, and community stakeholders through targeted outreach across the Golden Isles and beyond.
This marks the fourth time in the past six years that the Golden Isles has earned the number one ranking, having previously received the distinction in 2020, 2023, and 2024. The award also extends an impressive streak of national recognition, with the Golden Isles appearing on Travel + Leisure’s Top Ten list of Best U.S. Islands for more than a decade.
The recognition highlights what visitors have long appreciated about the Golden Isles: a destination unlike any other, where miles of pristine beaches, centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, abundant wildlife, rich history, coastal cuisine, and a welcoming sense of place come together to create a restorative coastal escape. From exploring the historic streets of Brunswick and biking beneath the iconic tree canopy of St. Simons Island to discovering the untouched beauty of Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island and the curated experiences of Sea Island, travelers find space to slow down, reconnect, and experience the destination at an unhurried pace. From luxurious resorts and charming inns to expansive vacation rentals and campgrounds, the Golden Isles offers accommodations for every type of traveler seeking a relaxing retreat on America’s favorite getaway.
Each year, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are determined by readers who evaluate destinations based on factors including natural attractions, beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, friendliness, and overall value. The awards are widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most influential and respected honors. For other World’s Best Winners, click here.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN ISLES CVB
The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Brunswick, to become a nationally recognized resort destination. The Golden Isles CVB continues to drive economic growth for Glynn County and the City of Brunswick by implementing data-driven, tourism promotional campaigns to attract high-value visitors whose spending contributed $1.8 billion to the local economy in 2025. Beyond destination marketing, the CVB plays an active role in shaping the visitor experience by connecting travelers with local businesses, accommodations, attractions, restaurants, shops, and experiences through its Welcome Centers, visitor guides, website, product development, co-ops, and industry-wide programming. Learn more at: GoldenIsles.com
