City Guides: Things to do While Boating along the Golden Isles of Georgia
Whether fishing, sailing, sightseeing, golfing or relaxing on beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches, Georgia’s Golden Isles are an excellent destination for boaters, travelers and families of all sizes to explore the marshes, maritime forests, sandy beaches and diverse wildlife of the Peach State.
Located along Georgia’s coastline - between Savannah and Tybee Island to the north and Jacksonville, Florida to the south - the Golden Isles region consists of the barrier islands of St. Simons, Sea Island, Little St. Simons and Jekyll Island (as well as the city of Brunswick, but we’ll tackle that in a later post).
Today, we’re going to pay a virtual visit from a private boat dock rental to Georgia’s sunny islands.
Little St. Simons Island
The northernmost of the Golden Isles, Little St. Simons Island is privately owned. Accessible only by boat, the island provides a secluded getaway with a focus on conservation and outdoor experiences. Popular activities include inshore and offshore fishing, guided eco-tours, hiking, kayaking, sunset cruises, birdwatching and wildlife tours.
Consisting of 11,000 acres and seven miles of shoreline, it’s a serene and ecologically rich destination that offers visitors a pristine natural environment to explore from private boat lifts for rent. The island is part of the Georgia Coast Birding Trail and is home to more than 330 species of birds, including ospreys, wood storks and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
With a commitment to conservation, Little St. Simons Island operates as an exclusive eco-lodge. There are only a limited number of guests allowed at any given time (usually around 32). This ensures a private and serene experience. The accommodations are rustic yet luxurious, ranging from historic cottages to more modern lodgings. Meals are included and are often prepared with local, fresh ingredients.
Sea Island
Sea Island, just south of Little St. Simons Island, is about five miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It’s a private community and only open to guests of the resorts. This exclusivity has made it a favorite among celebrities, politicians and business leaders seeking a quiet and upscale retreat.
The Mediterranean-inspired architecture and courtyards of The Cloister resort or the beachfront clubs and cabanas at Sea Island Beach Club offer a luxurious retreat for boaters to experience from private boat docks for rent. Go kayaking and paddleboarding or play beach volleyball.
Sea Island Golf Club
Sea Island is famous for its world-class golf courses. The Sea Island Golf Club has three championship courses: Seaside, Plantation and Retreat. These courses, designed by famous golf architects like Tom Fazio and Davis Love III, offer both stunning views and challenging play. The club has hosted prestigious events like the RSM Classic, a PGA Tour event.
The Spa at Sea Island
The Spa at Sea Island offers a tranquil escape for guests looking to relax and rejuvenate. With treatments that draw inspiration from the island’s coastal surroundings, visitors can enjoy massages, facials and other wellness treatments in a serene setting. The spa also features a fitness center, indoor pool and meditation garden.
Nature and Wildlife
Sea Island’s natural beauty is a big part of its appeal. The island is surrounded by pristine marshes, tidal creeks and oceanfront dunes. Enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and eco-tours. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including dolphins, ospreys and sea turtles. Guests can explore these environments with guided tours or on their own from private boat lifts for rent.
St. Simons Island
Next in the Golden Isles island chain, St. Simons Island is about 12 miles long and three miles wide. Check out East Beach for sunbathing, swimming, birdwatching and beachcombing, head to Sea Island Golf Club for a game or two (don’t miss the Avenue of the Oaks row of 160-year-old live oaks) or check out Neptune Park, which has a picnic area, a swimming pool, a playground and mini golf.
St. Simons Island Lighthouse & Museum
The iconic St. Simons Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the island. Climb the 129 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the island and surrounding waters. The nearby Lighthouse Museum offers exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, maritime heritage and life on the island during the 1800s.
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Frederica was developed to protect against Spanish attacks from Florida. The National Park Service site preserves the remains of a British colonial fort and town founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1736. The site includes remnants of the fort’s walls, barracks and homes. Walk through the ruins and learn about the history of the battle between British and Spanish forces during the struggle for control of the region.
Cannon's Point Preserve
For nature lovers, Cannon’s Point Preserve is a must-visit from private boat docks for rent. This 600-acre area of marshes, forests and tidal creeks offers miles of hiking and biking trails and opportunities to observe wildlife, such as ospreys and deer. The preserve also contains archaeological remnants of prehistoric Native American settlements.
Bloody Marsh Battle Site
This historic site commemorates the 1742 battle between Spanish and British forces, where the British successfully defended the island, marking a turning point in the colonial struggle for Georgia. The Bloody Marsh Battle site is marked by a small park with interpretive signs explaining the significance of the battle.
Jekyll Island
Located across St. Simons Sound from St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island is the most southerly of the Golden Isles. It’s about seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide and offers nature viewing, historical tours and the beautifully photogenic Driftwood Beach. Golf courses and more than 20 miles of scenic bike paths wind through forests, beaches and marshes around the island.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jekyll Island was a private retreat for some of America's wealthiest families. The Jekyll Island Club, established in 1886, included members like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Morgans. In 1947, the State of Georgia purchased the island to be a state park with the goal of keeping the island accessible to the public. It’s now managed by the Jekyll Island Authority.
Great Dunes Park
Perfect for a family beach day, the 20-acre Great Dunes Park features beautiful beaches, picnic areas, restrooms and easy access to the ocean. There are also bocce and volleyball courts. The dunes are a protected habitat for wildlife.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a rehabilitation and educational center dedicated to the rescue and conservation of sea turtles. Visitors can learn about these endangered animals, see them up close and witness the work being done to protect their habitats.
Summer Waves Water Park
A fun spot for families, Summer Waves Water Park features waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and areas designed for younger children. It’s a great way to cool off during the hot Georgia summers.
Horton House Ruins
Built in the 1700s, the Horton House is one of the oldest tabby concrete structures in Georgia. It offers a glimpse into colonial history and is a popular stop for history buffs to visit from private boat lifts for rent.
We hope this has given you some ideas to add to your Golden Isles itinerary. Let us know your favorite places to visit from marinas and private boat dock rentals. Happy boating!
