Located between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, the "Golden Isles" encompass St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and the mainland city of Brunswick. This coastal region is renowned for its extensive marshlands, sandy beaches, and a network of small islands, making it a prime destination for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Brunswick

Known as the "Gateway to the Golden Isles," the "Land of Five Flags" and the birthplace of the original Brunswick stew, Brunswick now boasts a revitalized commercial and residential historic district. (If you are visiting in November, don't miss the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee featuring live music, a cook-off competition and plenty of stew to sample.)

The British gave the town its name from Braunsweig, Germany, the ancestral home of King George III; however, five nations have claimed this area of Georgia as their own. First, explorer Hernando de Soto raised the Spanish flag in 1540; followed by Frenchman Jean Ribault in 1562; then the Spanish expelled the French in 1565 and ruled again until 1736, when the British flag flew until the Revolutionary War. The American flag was lowered during the Civil War, replaced by the stars and bars of the Confederate flag until 1865, when the United States flag was raised once again. All these flags can be found flying at the marina.

Brunswick has been a port city since the 1700s and in addition to the cargo and shrimp traffic, the J.A. Jones Company built 99 Liberty Ships in three years during World War II. The shipyard set an unbroken record in December 1944 by constructing seven ships in one month. See a scale model of a Liberty ship at the Mary Ross Waterfront Park at 209 Gloucester St. (912-267-2600).

The downtown district in Brunswick (on the Brunswick River) features a growing mix of antique shops, specialty shops, art galleries, theaters and restaurants. With daily shrimping excursions heading in and out of Brunswick's harbor, there is plenty of fresh, local seafood to be had at Brunswick restaurants.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a staff favorite at Waterway Guide because of its historical significance and the natural beauty of the island. It is home to one of the Rockerfeller's favorite vacation homes, the Jekyll Island Club, which to this day has an air of wealth and sophistication.

From early settlers to America's social elite to today's young explorers, the story of this Georgia barrier island has captured imaginations for generations. Strolling along the wide, cabbage palm and oak-lined streets is a pleasant way to check out the Colonial, antebellum and Victorian homes, several of which are now inns. The best way to explore Jekyll Island is by bicycle. More than 20 miles of well-marked paths lead to majestic forests, saltwater marshes, wide-open beaches, historic ruins and opulent cottages. Stop at Driftwood Beach, known for its driftwood trees and a popular spot for photographers.

St. Simons Island

, the largest of the Golden Isles, stretches across the legendary Marshes of Glynn, celebrated by poet Sidney Lanier. Around the island, quaint village centers present a delightful array of shops, stunning beaches, intriguing museums, and top-tier golf courses. A visit to the island is incomplete without a stroll along the beloved St. Simons Pier in the heart of Pier Village. This historic fishing pier is a hub for watching local fishermen, observing maritime traffic, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.

Sea Island

Accessible via a causeway from St. Simons Island, Sea Island is a private resort and island community renowned globally. It features two distinguished destinations: the Cloister on Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island, located at the southern tip of St. Simons Island.

Little St. Simons Island

Little St. Simons Island, a privately owned 11,000-acre barrier island, is reachable exclusively by boat from the Hampton River Marina located at the northern end of St. Simons Island. This secluded resort, known as The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, offers an intimate experience with six quaint cottages, some dating back to the early 20th century.

Don't let your exploration of the Golden Isles end here. For comprehensive navigation details and insightful local knowledge, purchase a Waterway Guide Mid-Atlantic edition.