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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, connecting 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 depart from St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Book tours and tickets 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 beaches 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 miles 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 natural exploration 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 main 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 and workshops for different skill levels.
  • Some local shops or cultural centers may offer occasional craft workshops, 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 performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, and film screenings.

Gullah Geechee Heritage

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

Community-Based Tourism

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

Arts & Crafts

Find independent art galleries and boutiques selling local art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and other unique crafts.

Cultural Festivals

Attend events like the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival and Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee.

Language Learning

English is universally spoken. Language learning is not a main focus 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 resorts 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 yoga or meditation 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 resorts and hotels have private or guest-access pools for relaxation.

Public Pools

Public access pools are available at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island.

Ocean Beaches

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

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Golden Isles has pleasant options for evening entertainment, 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 concerts and musical performances.
  • Island Players (St. Simons Island): A community 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 a casual pub crawl.

Downtown Brunswick

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

Late-Night Options

Most dining establishments close by 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 Farmers Market (seasonal, Thursdays, year-round).
  • Brunswick Farmers Market (seasonal, Saturdays).
  • These offer 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 gift shops.

Ethical Shopping

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

Shopping & Markets

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

Booking Experiences

For activities and experiences, consider booking tours and tickets in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide. This helps plan your itinerary efficiently, especially for popular options.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Explorations

  • Explore extensive paved paths on Jekyll and St. Simons for walking or cycling.
  • Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in the marshes and creeks.
  • Look for wildlife like dolphins and various bird species.
  • Relax and swim at the region's beautiful ocean beaches.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

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