Golden Isles Summer Itinerary: 4 Perfect Days on Georgia’s Coast
Sun-soaked beaches, coastal adventures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—summer is the perfect time to experience the Golden Isles. This 4-day itinerary blends the best of St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Brunswick, and a day trip to Little St. Simons Island, with plenty of time for relaxation and exploration.
Where to Stay
Choose accommodations that fit your travel style:
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St. Simons Island: Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island or Queens Court Inn for convenient access to shops, dining, and the beach
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Jekyll Island: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island for an oceanfront stay
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Vacation Rentals: Ideal for families or groups looking for extra space and a home-away-from-home experience
Day 1: Arrival + St. Simons Island Fun
Breakfast
Grab a casual breakfast at Three Little Birds, offering tasty grab-and-go options as well as a daily hot bar.
Morning
Head to the beach for your first taste of the Golden Isles. East Beach on St. Simons Island is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long shoreline walks.
Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed coastal lunch at King City Kitchen, known for hand-crafted dishes like signature crab cakes, bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and modern interpretations of classic Southern fare.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring:
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Play a round of family-friendly mini golf at Neptune Park
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Walk out on the fishing pier
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Browse shops around the village
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Hunt for the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits
For more adventure, consider renting a Hobie Cat or booking a boat or charter tour for a fun introduction to the water.
Dinner
Dine at Fiddlers, a longtime favorite for classic coastal cuisine. Enjoy outdoor dining, beautiful marsh views, and fresh seafood.
Day 2: Jekyll Island Adventures & Sea Turtles
(Note: Jekyll Island requires a daily parking/entry fee for vehicles.)
Breakfast
Start your day with a pastry and coffee from Wake Up Coffee Co., with three locations on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and in Brunswick.
Morning
Explore the island’s scenic beauty:
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Bike the island’s 20+ miles of paved trails
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Visit Driftwood Beach for sunrise views and photos
Lunch
Enjoy waterfront dining at The Wharf, located in the historic district. Choose from fresh seafood, Southern classics, and a variety of unique coastal flavors.
Afternoon
Dive into one of Jekyll Island’s most meaningful experiences:
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Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn about conservation and rehabilitation
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Summer is sea turtle nesting season, so you may even spot protected nests along the beach
You can also kayak through the marshes or relax by the ocean.
Dinner
Stay on Jekyll Island for dinner at Tortuga Jacks, known for delicious baja Mexican cuisine and its oceanfront tiki hut. Or return to St. Simons Island and enjoy local flavors at Crabdaddy's Seafood Grill.
Day 3: Day Trip to Little St. Simons Island
Breakfast
Enjoy an early breakfast on the way from The Market at Sea Island before your scheduled boat departure.
Morning & Afternoon
Take a guided day trip to Little St. Simons Island, a private, pristine barrier island accessible only by boat.
Your day typically includes:
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Naturalist-led tours
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Wildlife spotting (birds, dolphins, and more)
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Exploring untouched beaches
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A fresh, locally prepared lunch
This is one of the most unique experiences in the Golden Isles and a must for nature lovers.
Dinner
Return to St. Simons Island and enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at Brogen's North. Afterwards, walk across the street to Fuse Frozen Yogurt for a sweet treat while watching the sunset from the St. Simons Pier.
Day 4: Downtown Brunswick + Local Culture
Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast before heading into Brunswick. Palmer's Village Cafe is a local favorite known for their banana pancakes, or ECHO at the King and Prince Resort offers tasty dishes with coastal flair and is the island's only oceanfront restaurant with stunning beach views.
Morning
Explore Historic Downtown Brunswick:
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Walk the oak-lined historic squares
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Visit local shops and galleries
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Take in waterfront views
Lunch
Enjoy a tasty midday meal at Downtown Cooter Brown's, known for tasty classics and American cuisine.
Afternoon
Spend more time browsing boutiques or consider a guided experience like a bike tour with Brunswick Old Town Tours through the historic district.
Evening
If your visit lines up, don’t miss First Friday in Downtown Brunswick, when downtown comes alive with live music, local vendors, and a festive community vibe.
Dinner
Stay downtown for dinner at 1509, the only rooftop restaurant in the Golden Isles known for its seafood and steaks, or head back to your island accommodations for a relaxed final evening.
Make the Most of Summer in the Golden Isles
This Golden Isles summer itinerary offers the perfect balance of beach time, outdoor adventure, and coastal culture. From biking Jekyll Island and spotting sea turtles to exploring historic Brunswick and discovering the untouched beauty of Little St. Simons Island, each day brings something new.
Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a couples getaway, or just looking to unwind by the water, summer in the Golden Isles delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.