We get asked some version of the same question all the time: “We have a long weekend in the Golden Isles. What should we do?” Our answer always starts with a map. St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick sit within about 20 minutes of each other, but each one has its own personality.
Three days gives you a chance to see all three. You could easily spend three days or longer in any one of them, but if this is your first trip, this Golden Isles itinerary gives each place its own day so you’ll know which one to come back to. Short on time? We’ve also included a version for a weekend in the Golden Isles and ideas for adding a fourth or fifth day.
This is the itinerary we’d hand a friend coming to visit. It’s built around the places we take our own family, the small businesses we love, and a few experiences you won’t find on the standard list.
A quick look at your 3 days:
- Day 1: St. Simons Island (lighthouse, bikes, barbecue, and colonial history)
- Day 2: Jekyll Island (Driftwood Beach, sea turtles, and the Historic District)
- Day 3: Brunswick (Old Town, a working shrimp boat, and marsh sunsets)
Insider tip: The Lady Jane shrimping trip on Day 3 usually only runs on Saturdays and Mondays, so arrange your days so Brunswick lands on one of those.
What Are the Golden Isles?
The Golden Isles are four barrier islands and one mainland city in Glynn County on the Georgia coast:
- St. Simons Island: The largest and busiest of the islands, with the lighthouse, the Village, and the most restaurants and shops.
- Jekyll Island: Owned by the state and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, with protected beaches, bike paths, and the Historic District.
- Sea Island: A private island open only to residents, guests of its resort and club members.
- Little St. Simons Island: A private, undeveloped island reachable only by boat, with guided day trips on select dates and overnight accommodation limited to 32 guests in upscale yet conservation minded cottages.
- Brunswick: The historic port city on the mainland that connects them all.
You’ll sometimes see Cumberland Island included in lists of the Golden Isles, but it’s farther south and reached by ferry from St. Marys.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in the Golden Isles
Pick one home base and day trip from there. Nothing in this itinerary is more than a 30-minute drive from anything else.
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St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is the most popular base. If you stay near the village, you can walk or bike to restaurants, shops, and the pier. The Village Inn & Pub puts you steps from Mallery Street. If being close to the beach matters more, look at Ocean Lodge, the King and Prince, or a vacation rental north of Demere Road along Ocean Boulevard.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is the only oceanfront hotel on the island, and Ocean Lodge puts you a short walk from the sand. For more space, browse St. Simons Island vacation rentals along Ocean Boulevard.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is quieter and more spread out. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort if you want history and that famous veranda, or the Jekyll Ocean Club for beachfront rooms. Keep in mind Jekyll charges a $10 daily parking fee per vehicle, and you pay it for each day your car is on the island, even if you’re staying there.
Brunswick
Brunswick is the budget-friendly pick and puts you closest to I-95. Stay at The Kress Hotel in a restored historic building right in Old Town, and you can walk to everything on Day 3. You’ll find more hotels in Brunswick, GA closer to the interstate.
Day 1: St. Simons Island Itinerary
Morning: Breakfast in the Village and Bikes to the Lighthouse
Start in the village, the walkable stretch of shops and restaurants that runs down Mallery Street to the pier. Grab breakfast at Palmer’s Village Cafe, then pick up bikes for the day. Ocean Motion on Ocean Boulevard has been handling St. Simons bike rentals for years and can point you to the best routes. The island is flat, the bike paths are shaded, and you’ll see more from a bike seat than a car window.
Ride to the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and climb the 129 steps to the top. The view takes in the sound, Jekyll Island, and the shipping channel into the Port of Brunswick. Afterward, wander Neptune Park and walk out on the pier to watch the locals crabbing and fishing.
Insider tip: The St. Simons trolley tour leaves from the village and covers the whole island in about 90 minutes. It’s a great way to get your bearings on the first morning.
Midday: Southern Soul Barbeque
Ride or drive up to Southern Soul Barbeque at the Demere Road roundabout. It’s housed in an old 1950s gas station and has been named the best barbecue in the South by Southern Living readers. Order the Brunswick stew no matter what else you get. There will probably be a line at lunch, but it moves fast, and the picnic tables under the awning are part of the experience.
Southern Soul is the best known on the BBQ Trail Through Coastal Georgia. Most of the others are food trucks or hidden gems, but theyr’e all amazing!
Not in the mood for barbecue? Check out our list of the best restaurants on St. Simons Island for more ideas.
Afternoon: Fort Frederica and the North End
Head north for the island’s colonial history. On your way, take a short detour down the Avenue of the Oaks, a corridor of live oaks draped in Spanish moss that’s one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Fort Frederica National Monument preserves the ruins of the town General James Oglethorpe built in the 1730s to defend the Georgia colony from the Spanish. You can walk the old streets, see the tabby ruins of the fort, and stand on the bluff over the Frederica River.
Just down the road, stop at Christ Church. The grounds sit under live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the island.
On your way back south, keep an eye out for the Tree Spirits. These faces carved into the island’s oak trees honor the sailors lost at sea from the island, and finding them all is a fun scavenger hunt.
Evening: Sunset on the Water and Dinner in the Village
For sunset, head to Gascoigne Bluff on the west side of the island. To get out on the water for sunset head over to Morningstar Marine where Anchor Excursions departs for its boat tours, and a sunset cruise at the end of the day is hard to beat. If you’d rather stay on land, Gascoigne Bluff Park has a quiet view over the marsh and the Frederica River.
End the night with dinner back in the Village or at one of the spots from our St. Simons Island date night guide.
If it rains: The World War II Home Front Museum in the historic Coast Guard Station on East Beach tells the story of the island’s role in the war, with volunteers who share firsthand stories. It pairs well with the Lighthouse Museum for an indoor day.
Want more time on St. Simons? Our St. Simons Island travel guide has everything from beaches to hidden gems.
Day 2: Jekyll Island
Early Morning: Sunrise at Driftwood Beach
Set your alarm. Driftwood Beach at sunrise is one of the most beautiful sights on the Georgia coast, and you’ll share it with only a handful of early risers and photographers. The bleached trees left behind by erosion look different every time the tide changes. Go at low tide if you can, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet or leave them at the trailhead when you reach the sand.
Pay your parking fee online before you arrive, or plan to pay it at the gate on the causeway.
Morning: Georgia Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center opens at 9 a.m. and is Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education hospital. You can meet the current patients, learn their stories, and see how the staff cares for injured turtles.
If you have time, book the Behind the Scenes tour for a closer look at the hospital. The tour is for ages 10 and up. If you’re visiting in summer, ask about the Center’s guided turtle walks for a chance to see nesting mothers or hatchlings on the beach.
Midday: Bikes and the Historic District
Jekyll has more than 20 miles of paved bike paths, and this is the day to use them. Find bike rentals at Jekyll Wheels, just behind the Jekyll Island Club, or at Bike Jekyll on North Beachview Drive near Beach Village.
Ride through the Jekyll Island Historic District, where some of the wealthiest families in America built their winter “cottages” in the late 1800s. Stop at Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum, and book a Historic District tour to learn how this island became a private club for the Rockefellers, Pulitzers, and Morgans.
For lunch, head to The Wharf at the end of the historic pier and eat with a view of the Jekyll River, or Zachary’s River House overlooking the marina.
Afternoon: Horton House and St. Andrews Beach
From the Historic District, it’s a short ride to the Horton House ruins. This two-story tabby house dates to the 1700s and is one of the oldest standing structures in Georgia.
Keep riding south to St. Andrews Beach on the river side of the island. The beach is only accessible at low tide, so check the Jekyll Island tide chart before you go. It’s also home to the Wanderer Memory Trail, which tells the story of the Wanderer, one of the last ships to bring enslaved Africans to the United States in 1858. It’s a sobering and important stop, and one many visitors miss.
Evening: Sunset Drinks on the Veranda
End your day with a drink on the veranda at the Jekyll Island Club and watch the light fade over the marsh. If you’d rather keep things casual, grab dinner near Beach Village.
Planning a longer stay? Our Jekyll Island travel guide and our post on things to do on Jekyll Island have plenty more ideas.
Day 3: Brunswick
Most visitors drive right past Brunswick on the way to the islands. That’s a mistake. This is the port city that keeps the Golden Isles running, and it’s where we send people who want to see the real coast.
Morning: Brunch and a Walk Through Old Town
If you’re here on a weekend, start with brunch at Reid’s Apothecary. On a weekday, grab a coffee and a new book at The Bookery.
Then explore Old Town Brunswick. The historic district was laid out in a grid of squares much like Savannah’s. Downtown is great for shopping, so browse Grace Graffiti and pick up local goods at The Brunswick Mercantile. For the architecture, walk the Victorian district around Halifax Square, where Union, Prince, Ellis, and Egmont Streets are lined with restored Victorian homes.
Don’t skip Lover’s Oak at the corner of Prince and Albany Streets. Locals will tell you it’s been standing for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to believe once you see it.
Planning around the calendar: If your trip lands on the first Friday of the month, downtown stays open late for First Friday, with food trucks, local vendors, and live music in the squares.
Late Morning: Shrimping on the Lady Jane
This is the experience that makes Day 3 special. The Lady Jane is a retired commercial shrimp trawler that now takes guests out on the protected waters around Brunswick and St. Simons. The crew drags the net, dumps the catch on the sorting table, and a naturalist walks you through everything that comes up. You’ll see shrimp, crabs, small sharks, and whatever else the tide brings in. Kids love it, and so do the adults.
Trips usually run on Saturdays and Mondays, so book ahead.
Afternoon: Lunch, Beer, and Rum in Old Town
For lunch, head to Indigo Coastal Shanty on Reynolds Street. This colorful local favorite serves coastal food with Caribbean and Mexican flavors, and on a nice day you’ll want a seat on the patio under the big oak tree.
Have kids with you that need a chance to run around at lunch? Head to La Playa Park on Norwich Street instead. This indoor-outdoor food truck park has a variety of food offerings, a produce stand, and a rotation of other vendors and activities.
Spend the afternoon at Silver Bluff Brewing Company, where you can choose between the beer garden and the indoor taproom. Just around the corner, Richland Rum offers distillery tours and tastings, and it’s one of the best afternoons you can have in Old Town.
Evening: Sunset Over the Marshes of Glynn
Save your last sunset for the Marshes of Glynn Overlook on Highway 17. This is the view that inspired Sidney Lanier’s poem “The Marshes of Glynn,” and on a clear evening the marsh turns gold all the way to the horizon. Watch the lights come up on the Sidney Lanier Bridge, then head back downtown for dinner. Tipsy McSway’s is a casual favorite, or make it a special night at 1509 Brunswick, the rooftop restaurant overlooking Old Town.
If you had brunch at Reid’s Apothecary, go back for a nightcap at The Study, the speakeasy tucked inside. You’ll need the password, so call ahead, or head to one of the other awesome bars in Brunswick.
Find more in our Brunswick, GA travel guide and our list of things to do in Brunswick.
Only Have a Weekend in the Golden Isles?
If you only have two days, combine the highlights:
Day 1: Follow our St. Simons Island plan, then head to Brunswick for dinner and drinks in Old Town.
Day 2: Catch sunrise at Driftwood Beach, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and bike the Jekyll Island Historic District.
If you’re here on a Saturday, swap in the Lady Jane shrimping trip and save Jekyll for your next visit.
Adding a Fourth or Fifth Day
- Little St. Simons Island: Book a guided day trip from Hampton River Marina for undeveloped beaches, birding, and a naturalist-led tour. Trips only run on certain dates and fill up fast, so plan ahead.
- Darien: Head 20 minutes north for wild Georgia shrimp and Fort King George. Start with our Darien, GA travel guide.
- More time on St. Simons: Hike the trails at Cannon’s Point Preserve, catch sunrise at Gould’s Inlet, or spend a day on one of the St. Simons Island beaches.
Tips for Planning Your Golden Isles Itinerary
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, blooming azaleas, and thinner crowds make spring one of our favorite times on the coast.
Summer (June to August): This is peak beach season, with hot afternoons, busier restaurants, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It’s also sea turtle nesting season, so it’s the best time for turtle walks on Jekyll.
Fall (September to November): The weather cools down, the crowds thin out, and the marsh grass turns the gold that gave the Golden Isles their name. One exception: the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football game in Jacksonville brings huge crowds to St. Simons, so book early or plan around it. If you’re planning a fall trip, check out all the fall events in coastal Georgia.
Winter (December to February): Winter is quiet, mild, and often the best time to find lower rates. The holidays bring lights and events to the Jekyll Island Historic District and downtown Brunswick.
Getting Here
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) is the closest. Jacksonville International is about an hour and 15 minutes away, and Savannah/Hilton Head International is about an hour north. If you’re driving, the Golden Isles are about five hours from Atlanta.
👇 Find your next flight to the Golden Isles here 👇
Getting Around
You’ll need a car to move between the islands, but plan to bike on St. Simons and Jekyll once you get there. Parking on St. Simons is free. On Jekyll, budget $10 per vehicle per day, with an extra $5 on special event days.
The islands aren’t connected to each other. You can see Jekyll from St. Simons, but driving between them means heading back to the mainland through Brunswick and taking each island’s causeway. Plan on 25 to 30 minutes each way.
👉 Get your Golden Isles rental car here 👈
Book Ahead
The Lady Jane, the Sea Turtle Center Behind the Scenes tour, Historic District tours, and Little St. Simons day trips fill up on weekends and holidays.
Golden Isles Itinerary FAQs
Three days is enough to see St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick without rushing. You could easily spend three days or longer in any one of them, so if you fall for one place, plan your next trip around it.
The Golden Isles are St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and the mainland city of Brunswick. St. Simons, Jekyll, and Brunswick are open to the public. Sea Island is private, and Little St. Simons is reachable only by boat.
It depends on what you want from your trip. St. Simons has more restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, and it feels like a small beach town. Jekyll is quieter and more natural, with protected beaches, bike paths, and fewer people. Families who want a slower pace and couples looking to unplug often prefer Jekyll. First-timers who want options within walking or biking distance usually prefer St. Simons. We love them both, which is why this itinerary gives each one its own day.
St. Simons Island is the easiest home base for first-time visitors because it has the most restaurants and shops. Jekyll Island is best for a quiet, nature-focused trip. Brunswick is the most budget-friendly and puts you closest to I-95.
You can, but you’ll spend a lot of the day driving, since getting between the islands means going back through Brunswick. Give each island its own day if you can.
Yes. Vehicles pay a daily parking fee to enter the island. Bikes and pedestrians enter free.
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.
