A Seafood Lover’s Itinerary in the Golden Isles
From fresh Georgia shrimp and oysters to locally inspired Southern dishes, the Golden Isles offers plenty for seafood lovers to savor. Spend several days exploring St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick, stopping along the way for everything from a leisurely waterfront breakfast to a plate of fresh-caught seafood.
Use this itinerary as your guide to some of the Golden Isles’ favorite places to eat, with plenty of time to explore the beaches, historic sites and coastal communities between meals.
Day 1: Start Your Seafood Journey on St. Simons Island
Begin your trip on St. Simons Island with a leisurely breakfast before spending the day exploring the island.
Breakfast: Palmer’s Village Cafe
Start your morning in the heart of the island at Palmer's Village Cafe. While the restaurant is known for its breakfast and coastal-inspired menu, seafood lovers can return later in the day for dishes like Wild Georgia Shrimp Cocktail, Grouper Sandwich, Pan-Seared Scallops and Cafe Shrimp & Grits with wild Georgia shrimp, bacon and okra in a tomato-shrimp broth over pimento cheese grits.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the Pier Village, climbing the St. Simons Island Lighthouse or enjoying the island’s beaches.
Lunch: Gnat’s Landing
Head to Redfern Village for a casual lunch at Gnat's Landing. It’s a laid-back spot to settle in with a seafood favorite before continuing your island adventures. Look for shrimp, fish and other coastal favorites on the menu.
Dinner: Halyards
For dinner, make your way to Halyards Restaurant, where seafood takes center stage in an elevated setting. Popular menu choices include Shrimp & Grits made with Georgia white shrimp, smoked Gouda grits and Low Country andouille cream, as well as Grilled Salmon, Grilled Tuna and Sautéed Virginia Flounder. Start with Creamy Blue Crab Bisque or Garlic Butter Roasted Oysters.
Day 2: Oysters, Shrimp and Coastal Cuisine
Spend your second day on St. Simons Island sampling more of the island’s seafood scene.
Breakfast: ECHO
Enjoy breakfast with a view at ECHO St. Simons, located along the waterfront at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Breakfast is served daily, making it an easy place to begin a day by the water. When you return for lunch or dinner, seafood favorites include Low Country Shrimp & Grits and Crunchy Seafood Mac N Cheese.
Lunch: Fiddler’s
For a casual seafood lunch, stop at Fiddlers. Dig into classic coastal fare such as seafood baskets, shrimp and fried fish, or ask about the day’s seafood specials.
Spend the afternoon biking along the island, relaxing on the beach or exploring the village shops.
Afternoon: Wolf Island Oyster Co.
Make your way to Wolf Island Oyster Co. in Redfern Village for an afternoon devoted to oysters. The raw bar features oysters, shrimp, clams, scallops and other seafood, while the fresh-catch offerings change based on availability.
If you’re visiting during brunch hours, seafood favorites include Shrimp & Grits, Fried Jumbo White Shrimp, Semolina Fried Oysters and a Lobster Roll.
Dinner: Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
Continue your oyster crawl at Dorothy's Cocktail & Oyster Bar. Settle in with a selection of oysters and a creative cocktail, then explore the restaurant’s seafood-forward menu. It’s a fitting place to end a day spent exploring St. Simons Island’s coastal flavors.
Day 3: Explore Jekyll Island
Head south to Jekyll Island for a day that combines fresh seafood with beaches, historic landmarks and plenty of time outdoors.
Lunch: 24 Coastal Grill
Enjoy seafood favorites including shrimp prepared fried, blackened or buffalo, Lump Crab Cake, Crab Cake Sandwich, Crunchy Fish Tacos and Southwest Shrimp Tacos at 24 Coastal Grill. This oceanfront restaurant's location makes it easy to pair lunch with a stroll on the beach.
Spend the afternoon exploring Jekyll Island’s historic district, Driftwood Beach or the island’s extensive network of bike paths.
Dinner: Coastal Cucina
For dinner, head to Coastal Cucina for an Italian-inspired take on coastal cuisine. The Shrimp & Lump Crab Scampi combines local white shrimp and blue crab with garlic, butter, lemon, herbs and white wine. Other seafood options include Fritto Misto, Mussels Mediterraneo and a Coastal Pizza topped with Georgia shrimp and crab.
Day 4: Seafood Meets Downtown Brunswick
Wrap up your seafood getaway in Brunswick, where the city’s historic downtown provides a different setting for exploring Coastal Georgia cuisine.
Lunch: Bubba Garcia’s
Start downtown at Bubba Garcia's for Mexican-inspired dishes with plenty of seafood options. Try the Saucy Skrimps, lightly fried domestic shrimp tossed in chipotle crema, or Pescado Tacos with grilled or fried catfish. Other choices include Buffalo Shrimp, Shrimp & Pineapple, Tuna Poke and shrimp fajitas.
After lunch, stroll through historic Downtown Brunswick, browse local shops and galleries, or take a break at one of the city’s parks.
Dinner: Fish Tales Pub & Grill
Finish your trip at Fish Tales Pub and Grill. The casual menu makes it an easy final stop, with the Shrimp Dinner standing out as one of the restaurant’s most-liked dishes. It features a pound of shrimp prepared coconut, grilled or fried and served with fries. Other seafood options include Surf & Turf, Land and Sea with grilled shrimp and sirloin, and Yuengling-battered Fish and Chips.
Keep Exploring the Flavors of the Golden Isles
Four days is enough to get a taste of the Golden Isles’ seafood scene, but there’s plenty more to explore. From oysters and Georgia shrimp to crab, fish and creative coastal dishes, each island and Brunswick offers its own take on the flavors of the coast.
Menus and seafood selections can change based on season and availability, so check with restaurants before visiting and ask about their current catches and specials.
