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Things to Do in Golden Isles

Things to Do in Golden Isles

Golden Isles Georgia, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore the Golden Isles' natural beauty.

Hiking & Trekking

Jekyll Island Paths

Over 25 miles of paved multi-use paths. These paths are flat and easy, suitable for all ages and skill levels, bridging major attractions.

St. Simons Island Trails

Extensive bike and pedestrian paths. For unpaved trails, explore Cannon's Point Preserve, which has trails through maritime forests.

Guale Preserve

Has easy trails through a serene maritime forest, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rentals and guided tours available for exploring marshes and tidal creeks.
  • Dolphin Tours: Boat tours start from St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Book excursions and passes through GetYourGuide.
  • Fishing Charters: Inshore and offshore charters are popular for various species.
  • Boating/Sailing: Marinas available for private boaters. Sailboat charters offer a relaxed way to enjoy coastal waters.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Dolphin Tours are highly recommended.
  • Excellent birdwatching, especially during migration.
  • Sea Turtle Nesting (May-Oct) on beaches.
  • Alligators reside in some freshwater ponds (observe safely).

Swimming & Beaches

  • Enjoy extensive ocean coastlines on Jekyll and St. Simons.
  • Public swimming pools are available, like at Neptune Park.
  • Ample space for relaxation and sunbathing.
  • Ocean swimming is popular.

Cycling & Biking

  • Extensive paved multi-use paths on Jekyll Island (25+ miles).
  • St. Simons Island also has over 30 vast sections of paths.
  • Terrain is mostly flat, ideal for various bikes.
  • Bike rentals are widely available on both islands.

Adventure Sports Limitations

The Golden Isles mainly focus on nature discovery rather than extreme adventure sports. Surfing at Gould's Inlet on St. Simons Island can offer small waves under certain conditions, but is not a major adrenaline destination.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the rich culture and heritage of the Golden Isles.

Workshops & Classes

  • Glynn Visual Arts (St. Simons Island) frequently features art classes plus sessions for different skill levels.
  • Some local shops or heritage centers may offer occasional handicraft classes, like jewelry making or painting.
  • These are often advertised locally; inquire for availability.

Cultural Performances & Community Initiatives

Live Performances

The Ritz Theatre (Brunswick) hosts a variety of live shows, including concerts, theatrical productions, and film screenings.

Gullah Geechee Heritage

Occasional Gullah Geechee cultural events or storytelling performances may occur, for understanding this unique heritage.

Community-Based Tourism

Local historical societies and conservation groups often offer walking tours and informative programs, directly supporting community efforts.

Arts & Crafts

Find independent art galleries and boutiques providing local art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and other special handmade items.

Cultural Festivals

Attend happenings such as the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival and Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee.

Language Learning

English is universally spoken. Language learning is not a main the primary goal for tourism in this region.

Relaxation & Wellness

Unwind, rejuvenate, and focus on your well-being.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Sea Island: The Cloister Spa, a Forbes Five-Star facility, has an extensive menu of treatments.
  • St. Simons Island: Several independent spas and wellness centers offer services like massages, body wraps, and beauty treatments.
  • Many vacation spots and hotels throughout the islands also feature on-site spa services.

Mind & Body Activities

Yoga & Meditation

Local yoga studios feature drop-in classes for visitors. Occasional wellness retreats may be advertised.

Traditional Healing

Traditional healing practices are not a prominent part of tourism offerings in the Golden Isles.

Hot Springs

There are no natural hot springs in the Golden Isles area.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Resort Pools

Most vacation locations and hotels have private or guest-access pools for relaxation.

Public Pools

Open to the public pools are available at Neptune Parking on St. Simons Island.

Ocean Beaches

The comprehensive beaches present ample space for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming in the ocean.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Golden Isles has pleasant options for nighttime activities, specifically live music and relaxed bars.

Live Music & Performances

  • Many restaurants and bars on St. Simons Island and in Brunswick feature live music, specifically on weekends.
  • Popular spots on St. Simons include Brogen's and Gnat's Landing.
  • The Ritz Theatre in Brunswick hosts larger shows and musical performances.
  • Island Players (St. Simons Island): A local group theater group that puts on regular productions.

Bar Scene & Late Night

Bar Districts

St. Simons Island's Pier Village has a concentration of bars and restaurants within walking distance, making it suitable for an informal pub crawl.

Downtown Brunswick

Has a growing bar scene, with several establishments featuring a relaxed atmosphere.

Late-Night Options

Most dining establishments nearby 9 PM or 10 PM. Bars may stay open later, generally until midnight or 1 AM on weekends, with a relaxed environment for conversation and drinks.

Traditional Markets

  • St. Simons Island Growers Market (seasonal, Thursdays, year-round).
  • Brunswick Farmers Market (seasonal, Saturdays).
  • These have local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

  • Sea Island: Exclusive boutiques within The Cloister and The Lodge.
  • St. Simons Island: Redfern Village and Pier Village have upscale boutiques.
  • Find high-end apparel and unique souvenir shops.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artists and businesses directly.
  • Be mindful of environmental impact.
  • Avoid items from protected sea life or unsustainable materials.

Shopping & Markets

Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs
  • Independent galleries and boutiques have local art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and unique crafts.
  • Look for ethically collected seashells, local artwork, lighthouse miniatures, sweetgrass baskets, pecan candies, and regional honey.
Shipping & Customs
  • Standard U.S. Domestic shipping rates apply for mailing purchases home.
  • For international visitors, be aware of home country''s import rules for items purchased.
  • Keep receipts for all purchases.

Booking Experiences

For activities and experiences, an option is to book trips and admission early through platforms like GetYourGuide. This helps plan your itinerary efficiently, especially for favorite options.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Explorations

  • Explore extensive paved walkways on Jekyll and St. Simons for walking or cycling.
  • Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and angling in the marshes and creeks.
  • Look for wildlife like dolphins and different kinds of birds.
  • Relax and swim at the region's beautiful ocean beaches.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Engage in art workshops or explore local galleries.
  • Attend live musical performances or live theater.
  • Unwind at resort spas or practice yoga.
  • Discover unique souvenirs and local artisan crafts at markets and boutiques.