The Golden Isles of Georgia are a group of barrier islands located not far from the coast of the Georgia State in the USA. This is one of the most unusual places in the world that can offer quality beaches and clean ocean water. Everyone, who has visited this resort destination at least once, agrees that it is hard to find a better place to relax in the United States. This is the place where visitors can see how jellyfish are having fun near the coast, can swim in cool water after the high tide or simply jog on the white sand cover.
Cumberland Island and St. Simons Island are the most popular destinations on the Golden Isles. These islands are also the biggest in size. All the Golden Isles are famous for their mild climate, and this fact gave these US islands their “precious” name. Jekyll Island has a special place in the history of the region. During a hundred years, starting from 1794, this island was a property of the du Bignon family, rich immigrants from France. American businessmen bought the island at the end of the 19th century. In 1887, local landlords organized a meeting, during which they decided to build a clubhouse on the island. One year later, the first tourist season started here in winter.
Little Saint Simons Island is the smallest island of the group. This gorgeous strip of land has retained its untouched beauty. Only twenty-five people work on this island. Everyone else is tourists who come to see the gorgeous wild nature of the island. Only on Little Saint Simons Island, it is possible to see how cedar trees are in perfect harmony with beaches. The view is truly enchanting.
Having arrived here, you can sunbathe on a wild beach, swim in the ocean water, and enjoy the silence and solitude, feeling united with nature. Despite the fact that this beach lacks infrastructure, the coastal area is clean and the ocean is shallow near the beach. Moreover, local coastal waters do not have any potentially harmful animals, and the bottom is soft and doesn’t have any sharp stones. If you like diving, this is a great place to explore but don’t forget to bring all the gear with you.
What is Cumberland Island famous for? This land became an island because it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side while the other side borders with the Fancy Bluff Creek River. The whole area of the island is a national park. Cumberland Island has kept its wild nature until modern days. It is also worth mentioning an oak forest that attracts tourists with its century-old high trees. Sandy dunes near the coast and fields with swampy areas are harmoniously intertwined into the island’s landscape.
This island is an ideal habitat for the raccoon, armadillo, deer, and opossum. That being said, wild horses remain the biggest attraction of Cumberland Island and the main reason why so many tourists visit it every year. The island has its own camping – Sea Camp – that can provide beds for up to several hundred guests, so it is possible to spend more than one day here. There are many tents in the camp but they are installed in a smart way, and so tourists do not disturb each other. All the beaches are very clean and have a soft sandy surface. As the coastal water is shallow near the beach, Cumberland Island is suitable for visitors with children.
Naturally, it would be a mistake not to mention Jekyll Island that is renowned for the best beaches in Georgia. The first thing that catches the eye of any traveler is the shape of local trees. All trees in the coastal area are bent in a direction opposite to the ocean. There is an explanation for this fact – there is always a strong wind blowing from the ocean. It is possible to swim here only in the low tide because water hides the sand after the high tide. Besides lying on the sand and sunbathing, vacationers can cycle in the area. There are many bicycle trails along the coast. If you turn to the north and walk a bit, you will reach one more beach with dry trees that look like cursed magical creatures.
In order to get to the Golden Isles, you need to fly to any coastal city in Georgia that is located not far from the ocean, such as Savannah. You can use public transport or get a taxi to the coast. After that, buy a ticket to the ferry that will take you to the islands. Keep in mind that this way of reaching the Golden Isles is possible only when you don’t have a vehicle and pet with you. The journey time is half an hour to one hour.
