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Golden Isles
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N ostalgic summer vacations do still exist, and there's a place just off the coast of Georgia that's a perfect case in point: The Golden Isles. Between the games going on in Atlanta this summer, it's worth taking a drive to experience its mix of natural beaches, iconic history, Southern hospitality and rib-sticking cuisine.
St. Simons Island is the largest of the four barrier islands. With its broad-sand beach, pretty pier plus walkable shops and restaurants, it's the epitome of the timeless American beach town. Jekyll Island was the playground of America's elite in the Golden Age. It's been a Georgia state park since 1947, but the remnants of its illustrious past linger. There are two private islands, too: Sea Island, home to luxurious resorts; and Little St. Simons Island, an uninhabited nature haven available for naturalist-led day trips. The historic mainland city of Brunswick is a gateway to them all.
Brunswick
Summer is prime sea turtle nesting season in the Golden Isles. Spend your final morning on Jekyll Island, learning about—and potentially witnessing aspects of—the precious proliferation of these endangered animals with an ecologically sound sunrise turtle walk. Professionals from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a year-round rehabilitation and education center, lead the experiences.
Savor views of the surrounding marshland as you cross the Sidney Lanier Bridge on your way out of town. On the other side, Brunswick is a great stop for a barbecue lunch (try Hootenanny's at the Yard). It's also home to historic architecture and public squares, which you can experience on a guided tour.
Make a beeline for East Beach on St. Simons Island. Coast Guard Station is the center of activity, while Gould's Inlet on the north end is a quiet place to cast a line or watch shorebirds. Pedestrian-friendly Pier Village is an adorable place to shop boutiques, grab a meal or pick up a cold treat. Take your ice cream on a walk out onto the St. Simons Island Pier for views of the sunset and, if you're lucky, frolicking dolphins. Book dinner at Georgia Sea Grill where meals are created from the restaurant's homegrown produce. Anglers can even bring their own catch for chefs to expertly prepare. If you're looking for a splashy stay with a Forbes Five Star Spa, pick The Cloister on Sea Island instead.
Immerse in a carefully conserved natural environment on Little St. Simons Island. The private island can only be accessed via a boat tour that departs from the Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island. These day trips include a tour of the island from a naturalist guide, plus a picnic lunch.
Once the tour ends (about 4 p.m.), take a drive over to Jekyll Island to experience sunset at serene St. Andrew's Beach. Or, for a livelier evening, head to The Wharf restaurant, overlooking the Jekyll River. Watch the sun set over the water and enjoy live music (Thursday-Saturday).
Beaches & treats
Explore an island nature retreat
Sea turtles at sunrise
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