World's Best Islands in the Continental US

Named Best U.S. Islands by Travel + Leisure ® in the 2026 World's Best Awards

The Golden Isles has once again claimed the top title in this year's World's Best Awards! Travel + Leisure ® has named the Golden Isles as the #1 Best U.S. Islands for four of the past six years, taking the #1 title in 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2026. This year is the twelth consecutive year the Golden Isles has made the list of World's Best Islands, also being named as the #11 Best Islands in the World.

Nestled on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, lie four beautiful barrier islands - St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island - and their mainland port city of Brunswick. 

The World's Best Extends Beyond Our Islands

Being named the #1 Best U.S. Islands is just the beginning. The Golden Isles is also home to some of the South's most celebrated places to stay. Congratulations to The Cloister at Sea Island, Jekyll Island Club Resort, and The Lodge at Sea Island on earning recognition among Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Resorts in the South. From timeless luxury to unforgettable coastal hospitality, these award-winning resorts make every stay in the Golden Isles truly world-class.

HOW TO GET HERE

Traveling to the Golden Isles has never been more convenient. Whether you choose to arrive by car or by plane, you won't feel as though you've left home; you'll feel as though you're coming home. 

If you're planning a Georgia coast road trip, Interstate 95 provides easy access to the Golden Isles, as do U.S. highways 341 and 17. Take advantage of direct daily flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into the Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport, where you can leave the bustle of city life and have your toes in the sand in just under an hour. Private flights can be accommodated at both the St. Simons Island Airport and the Jekyll Island Airport.

Fly nonstop into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), just an hour from the Golden Isles. Also recognized in Travel + Leisure's 2022 World's Best Awards, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport received top honors as the #1 Best Domestic Airport. Opt to fly into SAV to experience the airport's accessibility, check-in/security, restaurants/bars, shopping, design, cleanliness, and more. 

From Travel + Leisure®️ Magazine, ©️ 2026 Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc.  Travel + Leisure®️ magazine is published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith Inc. d/b/a People Inc. Company, which is not affiliated with Wyndham Destinations, Inc. or its subsidiaries.  Travel + Leisure®️ is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. and is used under limited license.  All rights reserved; used under license. Golden Isles is not affiliated with Wyndham Destination, Inc. or its subsidiaries.