Located on the southern portion of Georgia’s scenic coastline, Glynn County is known as the Golden Isles and is comprised of 4 barrier islands – St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island – and the mainland containing the city of Brunswick. Whether you’re looking for serene marshes, coastal wildlife, breathtaking beaches, world-class golf and fishing, historical landmarks, family activities, quaint shopping, festivals or galleries, the Golden Isles has something for everyone.
Brunswick
Brunswick, the gateway of the Golden Isles, serves as the mainland area and is separated from the barrier islands by the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. One of the five ports of entry for the original colonies designated by George Washington, Brunswick is surrounded by serene saltwater marshes. Historic downtown Brunswick is laid out in squares with colonial street names and is made up of regal Victorian homes, quaint local shops, theaters, galleries and restaurants. Downtown Brunswick was declared a Main Street City in 1986 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The adjacent waterway is home to shrimp boats, sail boats and stunning sunsets alike.
Mainland Glynn County is home to one of the largest and busiest ports in the U.S., the College of Coastal Georgia, a four-year college of the University System of Georgia, a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and the Southeast Georgia Health System, a world-class healthcare facility.
St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island, the largest of the barrier islands, lies across the famous Marshes of Glynn and is accessed by a four-mile causeway from the mainland. Unique gift shops, beautiful inns and resorts, and award-winning restaurants are found throughout the island. The southern side of St. Simons Island rewards visitors with peaceful sandy beaches. Further north, Fort Frederica National Monument rises up among the stately oaks and overlooks the gorgeous marshes. Bike and walking trails can be found throughout the island. St. Simons Island had been recognized with numerous awards, some of which are:
- America’s Most Romantic Town (Travel+Leisure Magazine)
- America’s Favorite Beach Town (Travel+Leisure Magazine)
- Best U.S. Island for Family Vacations (Conde Nast Traveler Magazine)
- 20 Best Small Towns to Visit (Smithsonian Magazine)
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is the southern-most barrier island in Glynn County and holds the distinction of once being home to the wealthiest, most influential American families, such as the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, Morgans and Cranes. The first meeting of the Federal Reserve took place here, as did the first transcontinental telephone call. Today the historical landmark area is known as “Millionaire’s Village.” While Jekyll Island has unique shopping, mouth-watering restaurants, a water park and plenty of visitor accommodations, it is known for its tranquility, privacy and natural beauty of untouched wilderness and serene beaches, as the island has a strict conservation clause which protects wildlife and native habitats and minimizes commercial development. Jekyll Island is a Georgia State Park and is accessible by a seven-mile causeway. A parking fee is collected mid-causeway to enter Jekyll Island.
Sea Island
Accessible by a causeway from St. Simons Island, Sea Island is an internationally acclaimed private resort, known for its gracious hospitality, breathtaking grounds, and world class golf courses. Opening in 1928 as “a friendly little inn,” the resort has evolved into one of the finest in the world. Sea Island claims the distinction of having two of the world’s most exceptional destinations: The Forbes Five-Star Cloister on Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. In addition, Sea Island boasts three championship golf courses (and is home to the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic), a Golf Performance Center, tennis center, beach club, yacht club, shooting school, and Forbes Five-Star spa, not to mention nine incomparable dining venues, including the Forbes Five-Star Georgian Room.
Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island, accessible only by boat, is a privately owned barrier island just off the north end of St. Simons Island. Prized for its natural beauty, gracious hospitality, and peaceful seclusion, the island holds its gem accommodation, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. Guests of The Lodge enjoy numerous nature activities in this pristine, undeveloped sanctuary. The Lodge has 6 charming cottages that can host up to 32 guests and is committed to sustainability. It has received numerous awards, including:
- No. 1 Resort in the Mainland U.S. (Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards)
- Gold List (Conde Nast Traveler Magazine)
- Top Hotels in the South (Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards)
- Best Adventure Lodges (Outside Magazine)
