Brunswick, Georgia is a small historical port city of about 100,000 people situated along the beautiful coast of this southern state. Join us as we guide you through the best things to do as you explore this charming seaside town.
The Complete Guide to Brunswick gives all the details you need.
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Exploring places for retirement? Brunswick was named one of the top 6 small towns on the Georgia Coast for Retirees.
Tour the old town historic district
You may know the squares in Brunswick’s larger neighbor to the north – Savannah. But, did you know that Brunswick has 14 squares in its own downtown historic district? Besides the squares, the downtown area has tree lined city streets full of interesting architecture and amazing views of the water.
Brunswick Old Town Tours offers guided bicycle and walking tours of the historic sites. We have been on there walking tours and loved it!
Along the way of each tour you’ll see the Historic Ritz Theatre pictured above. It was originally built as a grand opera house, but my husband remembers walking there to see movies from his grandmother’s. Now, it’s beautifully renovated and used to host local theater events and more.
Downtown is home to several art galleries as well as a great spot for making your own or taking classes. For all the details on the Art Scene in the Golden Isles, read this article.
Tour a rum distillery
Richland Rum is located in downtown Brunswick on Newcastle Street. The rum is made from sugar cane grown right here in Georgia specifically to make rum. They offer three different tours, two of which end with tastings.
La Playa Park
This food truck park is located on Norwich Street in downtown. It has a full bar, indoor and outdoor space and spots for the kids and the kids at heart to play. This fun venue is new in town and they’re quickly becoming known as “Brunswick’s backyard”.
Besides the permanent food trucks there are rotating trucks that visit, a full bar, craft and food vendors and even a mini version of Farm 99 – a local favorite for the most delicious produce in town.
You could literally spend all day at La Playa and have all of the food, drinks and entertainment that you need.
Emerald Princess Casino
Thursday through Sunday the Emerald Princess departs from near the Sidney Lanier Bridge. This casino cruise ship has slots, live blackjack, roulette and more plus food and drinks.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
A working rice plantation until 1913, this state historic site offers tours, nature trails, a museum and picnic areas. It’s well worth the time to visit. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Farmers Markets
There is a farmers market every Saturday in Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Sometimes another event is held simultaneously in the park.
Go fishing
Brunswick Landing Marina on Bay Street was recently awarded Best Large Marina in North American by Marinalife Magazine. Here, you’ll find a variety of fishing charters that include deep sea, inshore, nearshore, and flats fishing.
Pinball Palace
Looking for something to do with the kids in Brunswick, Georgia? Pinball Palace is fun for the whole family and has over 180 pinball machines plus arcade games and a bounce room. You pay one price for admission and then play all you want. My grandkids and cousin’s daughter love this place!
Go to the beach
The city of Brunswick is the gateway to the Golden Isles of Georgia. You’ll find beautiful beaches a short drive away on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. More details on the best beaches near Brunswick found here.
Rock climbing
Opened in 2023, Brunswick Rocks is a nonprofit bouldering gym where experienced climbers and novices alike will have a great time. Aside from being fun, rock climbing and bouldering provide a great workout.
You can choose from daily passes, weekly passes, and annual memberships on their site, so whether you’re a local or just traveling through, you have no excuse not to pay them a visit!
Play golf
Two of our favorite golf courses in Brunswick are Heritage Oaks golf, which has some amazing views and Sanctuary Golf. Both are affordable, well maintained, and offer an enjoyable round for all skill levels.
Golf on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island are great options, too. The scene below was taken from the cart path of the King & Prince course on St. Simons.
Eat out
Brunswick has an amazing selection of restaurants. You’ll find everything here from the almost-famous Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon to the upscale rooftop 1509 Brunswick. More can be found in the Best Restaurants in Brunswick Ga. And, if you’re a barbecue lover like us you’ll be excited to know that 3 of the spots on the Coastal Georgia BBQ Trail are right here in Brunswick.
Brunswick is also home to quite a few great bars. If that’s your thing read through the list in the Nightlife Guide: Best Bars in Brunswick.
Lover’s Oak
This majestic oak tree is believed to date back to the 12th century. It’s located near the intersection of Albany and Prince Streets in Historic Downtown Brunswick. Visit and learn the local legend behind its name.
Visit the local brewery
Silverbluff Brewing Company is located downtown on Newcastle Street near its intersection with Gloucester Street. They have a great beer garden (pictured below) and partner with nearby restaurants like Tipsy McSway and Arte Pizza.
If you love breweries, don’t miss the best breweries in Savannah either!
Take an excursion on the Lady Jane
Captain Cameron and his crew will take you on a 1.5 to 2 hour cruise in protected waters where they will trawl their net 3 different times. A marine biologist or marine naturalist will sort through the “catch” and explain what all the different animals are.
No longer an active shrimp boat, the animals will be returned to the sea after you learn all about them. My grandkids love an outing on the Lady Jane!
Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park
Recent improvements to this park make it a destination in its own right. There is a fishing pier and picnic areas all overlooking the marshes and rivers made famous by Sidney Lanier.
The Lanier Oak is part of the park though located in the median of Highway 17. There is a small pull out parking area for viewing this magnificent oak tree.
Check the calendar for events
Throughout the year, you’ll find a calendar full of annual events and a variety of festivals, as well as some that are held monthly. Check the schedule for the dates of your visit.
One of our favorites are the First Fridays. The city streets are closed to traffic from 5 to 8pm and come alive with live music, discounts for the business and more.
The Blessing of the Fleet is another favorite and it dates back to 1938. It’s a Portuguese tradition held on Mothers Day each year and consists of a processional through downtown. An array of shrimp boats are brightly decorated and then blessed as they begin the shrimping season. You need to KNOW the 5 reasons not to miss the Brunswick Blessing of the Fleet.
Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee is a highly anticipated annual festival held in January. This fun festival has teams competing for the title of Best Brunswick Stew. There is also live music, a “Pooch Parade”, arts and crafts and more.
Our absolute favorite annual event in Brunswick is Porchfest, held in November every year. If you love music, you don’t want to miss this one.
Don’t forget to check the calendar for more festivals and events!
Just up the road from Brunswick you’ll find the quaint fishing village of Darien. You don’t want to miss this hidden gem. Check out the article Exploring Darien: Things to Do.
Where to stay near downtown Brunswick
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are lots of spots near I-95, but I would opt for something right in Brunswick’s historic district like The Kress. This newly renovated historic hotel is absolutely beautiful and gives you easy access to all the attractions downtown.
Looking for something else? Use the map below to explore hotels and private vacation rentals to find one in your budget!
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
Before You Go…
Don’t miss these other posts about Brunswick and things to do in the nearby Golden Isles and beyond!
- 10+ Best Beaches Near Brunswick, GA (2025)
- Top 20 Restaurants to Try in Brunswick, Ga (2025)
- Top 15 Things to Do on St Simons Island (2025)
- Brunswick GA Campgrounds – Tent and RV Camping
- Seafood Restaurants in Brunswick Ga – 2025
- Top 16 Jekyll Island Things To Do (2025)
- Brunswick is a stop on the perfect Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary
- Fun Things to Do with Kids in St. Marys.
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