Golden Isles Essential Info

Overview

Imagine if you could take a vacation where you didn't have to choose one adventure. Where the simple choice of crossing a bridge or taking a boat would open the door to a whole new world of adventure each and every day. That vacation exists along the Georgia Coast in the Golden Isles.

Nestled midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, the Golden Isles offers a multitude of activities to fill your day with either excitement or relaxation. There are miles of untouched, award winning beaches for you to swim, fish, boat, kayak or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings. For those who love the game of golf, few places can quicken the pulse quite like the Golden Isles with 198 holes on some of the country's most spectacular and widely acclaimed golf courses. If you are a foodie, you will love to indulge in the low country cuisine that is always served with generous helpings of courtesy and genuine southern hospitality. Or step back in time and visit the many museums and historical sites in the area. No matter which one-of-a-kind experiences you choose, your trip to the Golden Isles will surely be unforgettable.

The Golden Isles is beloved for its fresh Southern coastal cuisine. When you’re in town, make sure to try coastal Georgian delicacies like wild Georgia shrimp, Brunswick Stew, fresh oysters, snapper and grouper.

Basics

Best Time To Go

Year round

Current Time

Current Weather

55 °F

Clear

Popular Foods

1. BRUNSWICK STEW
   You can’t get much more local than Brunswick Stew in the Golden Isles! This dish is an art: there are so many ways it can be made that it’s up to the chef to decide how it ultimately tastes. Made with chicken, beef, pork or a combination of the three, this hearty stew is a great side dish to go along with a plate of our fresh seafood. On your next visit, it won’t be hard to find Brunswick Stew at one of our local establishments, but one of our favorite places to try it is Gnat’s Landing on St. Simons Island. Try their twist on this local dish that they call “St. Simons Stew.”
2. FRESH OYSTERS
   Oysters can be found in many coastal regions across the country, but none are quite the same as those found in the Golden Isles marsh lands. Harvest your own, or find some fresh shells at a local restaurant—either way, you won’t be disappointed! The best way to try a variety of coastal Georgian oysters? Stop by Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island. Georgia Sea Grill serves fresh oysters raw or steamed on the half shell. Add in handmade sauces, and gelées, and you're in for a culinary treat.
3. SNAPPER AND GROUPER
   Snapper and Grouper are plentiful off the Georgia coast in the cool Atlantic. Because of this, many restaurants around town have these fresh fish available, caught daily. Enjoy our Southern seafood with these mild fish on your next visit. Because snapper and grouper are so plentiful off of our coast, visitors and locals can find each in restaurants across our four islands and port city pretty readily. Some of our favorite places to grab a taste of our local snapper are Iguana’s Seafood Restaurant or Tramici on St. Simons Island, The Grand Dining Room on Jekyll Island and the Georgian Room on Sea Island. If you’re looking to sample some grouper, our favorite places to go are Halyards or ECHO on St. Simons Island.
4. WILD GEORGIA SHRIMP
   There’s nothing quite like fresh, sweet Georgian shrimp! With a thriving shrimping industry, the Golden Isles has always been a prime place to eat shrimp to your heart’s content. Find unique and classic dishes featuring shrimp across the Golden Isles, or plan your trip around one of our food festivals that features our favorite little shellfish. You can find shrimp almost everywhere in the Golden Isles, but some of the locals’ favorites include Brogen’s South or Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island, or Beach House on Jekyll Island.