7 Reasons to Visit the Golden Isles in Fall

Tucked along the Georgia coast is an Insider’s travel dream: the Golden Isles. Where small towns are brimming with Southern charm, breathtaking landscapes remain practically untouched, and historic landmarks await around nearly every bend. Here are the highlights of a fall visit to this unique destination.

Bike the Islands: Surrounded by white sand beaches and pristine marshland, a peaceful ride along miles of bike path on is the perfect way to explore Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Local shops and restaurants are among the highlights, as well as sights such as the St. Simons Lighthouse, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and the Historic Millionaires’ Village.

Get Your Championship Golf Game On: Head to the southern tip of St. Simons Island to take a swing at the exceptional Seaside Course of Sea Island Golf Club. Its challenging layout will test your shot selection, recovery, and putting – though the stunning ocean views just might steal your focus!

Kayak on the Altamaha & Satilla Rivers: Marshes, inlets, rivers – what better way to explore the ecological diverse and beautifully scenic waterways of the Golden Isles than by kayak? Soak up the soft sunshine, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and explore vast stretches of untouched nature.

First Friday in Downtown Brunswick: Celebrate the first Friday of the month in historic Downtown Brunswick, with special shopping, food, wine, and fun. While you’re there, take in the rich architecture of the town, including streets, homes, and buildings that date back to the 19th-century Victorian era.

Get with the Local Foodies: Savor a taste of the Golden Isles at the Saint Simons Food & Spirits festival in October, where area restaurants and regional farmers share the spotlight. Or, satisfy your appetite at September’s Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, where chef demonstrations, live music, and craft brews accompany the cuisine.

Enjoy a Tour by Water or Land: Seek out new aquatic friends on a dolphin tour – the marshlands are teeming with wildlife! – or step aboard a shrimping boat in the protected waters of St. Simon Sound. Back on land, spook yourself on a trolley tour filled with graveyards, historic sites, and ghostly stories.

Cleanse Your Body and Soul: The only thing more relaxing than the tranquil beaches of the Golden Isles might just be the pampering treatments at the area’s wealth of day spas. True bliss comes from combining the two into a day of heavenly self-indulgence!

Ready for an Insider getaway? Start planning a vacation here.