Day 1
Afternoon
Arrive in Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia. Take a Driving Tour of the area for a great overview of Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Driving tour brochures are available at local Visitor Centers and in our area Visitors Guide.
Evening
After dinner, learn about the legends and tales that have been handed down through generations, during an evening ghost tour on St. Simons Island. For a romantic evening, consider a carriage ride through the St. Simons Island Village or the National Historic Landmark District on Jekyll Island.
Day 2
Morning
Begin your day with a trolley tour of St. Simons Island. During this informative 90-minute tour, you’ll learn about colonial life and the struggles between Britain and Spain, during stops at The Bloody Marsh and Fort Frederica National Monument. At historic Christ Church, you’ll see one of the country’s most beautiful churches, built as a memorial to the wife of its pastor, and explore the graveyard, which contains the remains of many of the island’s earliest and most important families. As you return to the St. Simons Village, a drive along The Avenue of Oaks will provide a glimpse of the thriving plantation culture of the past.
Afternoon
After a picnic lunch on the waterfront at Neptune Park, visit the St. Simons Lighthouse. This working 1872 lighthouse and adjacent keeper’s cottage tell the stories of the island’s maritime heritage, and the men and women who cared for this important beacon. Be sure to climb the 129 steps to the top, for a wonderful panoramic view of St. Simons Island, Brunswick and Jekyll Island. After that, you may wish to return to Fort Frederica, where you can explore the remnants of Georgia’s second oldest town. Or, consider a visit to the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum at Epworth by the Sea, which tells the story of John and Charles Wesley, the fathers of the Methodist Church, and their time in Georgia.
Evening
Take a driving tour of Old Town Brunswick. After dinner at one of the downtown restaurants, stop at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, and visit the Liberty Ship Memorial, dedicated to the thousands of men and women who built the ships that helped to win World War II. With its fleet of shrimp boats and interesting commercial activity, this waterfront park is a great location to watch the sun set over the marsh.
Day 3
Morning
After breakfast, head to Jekyll Island for a tour of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. From 1884 to 1942, Jekyll Island was an exclusive winter retreat for American millionaires and their families. At the Island History Center, you can see exhibits on the area’s prehistoric life and learn about the restoration of the Historic Landmark District during an orientation video. Then, take a narrated tram tour or explore the district on your own.
Afternoon
After a picnic lunch in the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District or lunch at a small café or one of the Jekyll Island marinas, be sure to drive north on Riverview Drive to the Horton House. Built in 1746 by Major William Horton, this is one of the oldest standing tabby structures in Georgia. Located nearby is the DuBignon family cemetery. Following your visit there, continue north on Riverview Drive until it becomes Beachview Drive. Follow Beachview Drive south to the Wanderer Memorial at St. Andrews Point. This evocative sculpture commemorates the lives of African slaves that were brought to these shores in 1858.
Evening
Spend a quiet evening walking along the beach, or find a comfortable seat at one of our waterfront parks. If this is your last night in Brunswick & The Golden Isles, we hope you had a wonderful time, and we encourage you to plan now for your return trip.