*as seen in North Canton Living Magazine March 2024
The traffic was heavy for Thanksgiving week so I breathed a sigh of relief when I found a parking spot at the far end of the tiny island. Within minutes I was walking pristine sands and watching families dig for clams. As I admired the lighthouse across the bay, I heard a horse whine behind me and I turned to see an entire tour group of twenty horses riding in a line along the beach. Children laughed, parents photographed and the birds flew in lazy circles around the group. Everywhere I looked was a multi-generational photo op.
The Golden Islands of Georgia tourism board targets only four of fifteen barrier islands that border Georgia’s coast. These islands include Little St Simons, St Simons, Jekyll, and Sea Island. Sea Island is accessible from St Simons. Little St Simons is a preserve and accessible by ferry. Jekyll Island is home to a rich history as well as The Georgia Turtle Rescue Center. I will add Cumberland Island National Seashore accessible from St. Mary’s, Georgia. St Marys River provides the Florida border and the southernmost point of the Georgia barrier islands.
Jekyll Island has two top attractions outside of the pristine beaches. The historic area comprises homes and cottages that were built for families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt. Beach Village is an outdoor shopping experience built right on the beach. For myself, I spent the day at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The center rehabilitates injured sea turtles with many of them returning home to the ocean.
St. Simons and Little Simons are more relaxed islands across the sound from Jekyll Island. The lighthouse fronts a lovely park that borders a lively downtown area. I spent the rainy day at Fort Federica National Monument. Fort Federica was established in 1733. The archeological remains of the fort are still visible and glimpse into colonial life. After walking the fort ruins, I spent an hour at the historical Christ Church established in 1736 walking the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a replica of France’s Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth established in 1194 CE.
Cumberland Island National Seashore is accessible by ferry in the beautiful downtown St. Marys. St Marys is a small riverfront community. The waterfront park is a peaceful place to picnic and wait for the Cumberland Ferry. Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and most southern barrier island. History and nature meet here with opportunities for rustic camping or visiting the ruins of Dungeness Mansion. Plum Orchard Mansion is also available for a free tour giving visitors a glimpse into the society at the turn of the 20th century.
Downtown Brunswick Georgia is a port city with an active downtown and the largest historic district in Georgia. I parked on a quiet day over Thanksgiving and found my way to Richland Rum. This award-winning distillery produces a rum crafted from sugar cane grown on the Richland Estate. Their Brunswick location is a central feature of the downtown and wandering around I was able to enjoy the town’s historic Victorian architecture.
What I Learned
Sea turtles lay about 100 eggs in a sand nest called a clutch.
Leatherback turtles are migratory sometimes traveling more than 10,000 miles a year.
Cumberland Island is as large as Manhattan, NY.
The First African Baptist Church was established in 1893 on Cumberland Island and was the site of the wedding of John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette in 1996.
The Gullah-Geechee culture is prominent on the barrier islands and is a result of the enslaved community and their retention of many aspects of African culture and language.
Before You Go
To visit Cumberland Island National Seashore, you must have either a national park pass or pay the daily fee plus ferry costs. There are tours available that provide an easy way to see the large island. For more information, please visit the national park website or download the national park app.
Jekyll Island charges a daily parking fee. For a standard car, the fee was $8. For Wilbur and I, it was fifteen. There is an admission charge to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and a timed admission system.
I highly recommend the purchase of tickets to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in advance. Please remember that Cumberland Island is an outdoor experience and plan for weather. Take water and snacks and follow the recommendations of the park service.
I camped at Crooked River State Park outside St Mary’s for half of my visit. The state park offers a nicely planned campground with full amenities plus reservable cottages. St Mary’s is approximately an hour’s drive from Brunswick.
While staying in Brunswick, I was able to visit St Simons and Jekyll Islands on day trips.
Traffic was difficult during the holiday week. I was not visiting during peak season and the weather was wet. Please plan for traffic during the busy spring and summer seasons.
Water, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Even in the cloudy weather, I managed to burn this northern pale skin.
The barrier islands are perfect for all types of vacations. From the intrepid outdoors person who wants to backpack and tent camp on Cumberland Island (no cars allowed) to multi-generational families with activities for all ages.
VRBO, Airbnb, and hotels abound in all the communities offering a wide selection of overnight accommodation for all budgets.
Small independent restaurants are plentiful on St Simons and Jekyll Islands as the community of St. Marys. For chain and fast food, Brunswick offers a wider selection.
St Mary’s Georgia, the southernmost point of the islands, is approximately a twelve-hour drive down I-77 and I-95.