Golden Isles of Georgia Map

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Description:

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Golden Isles of Georgia are a group of four barrier islands located along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of Georgia. The archipelago consists of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island. These islands, along with the adjacent mainland port city of Brunswick, make up the region officially designated as Georgia's Golden Isles. The area is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and exclusive resorts.

The islands were originally inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before European contact. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by British colonists in the 18th century. The name "Golden Isles" was popularized in the 1920s as the area began to develop as a tourist destination for wealthy Americans. Each island has its own distinct character and history, with Jekyll Island once being home to the exclusive Jekyll Island Club, whose members included the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and J.P. Morgan.

St. Simons Island is the largest and most developed of the Golden Isles with a permanent population of approximately 15,000 residents. Notable landmarks include the St. Simons Lighthouse, Christ Church, Frederica, and Fort Frederica National Monument, which preserves the archaeological remains of a British fort established in 1736. Popular beaches include East Beach and Massengale Park Beach. The island also features numerous golf courses and the historic Village area with shops and restaurants.

Jekyll Island is owned by the State of Georgia and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority. By law, 65% of the island must remain in its natural state. The island features 10 miles of beaches, including Driftwood Beach, known for its weathered tree remnants, and Glory Beach, which gained fame as a filming location for the movie "Glory." The Jekyll Island Historic District encompasses the former Jekyll Island Club and its "cottages," which are actually mansion-sized homes built by America's wealthy elite during the Gilded Age. The island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation and education facility.

Sea Island is a privately owned resort island accessible via a causeway from St. Simons Island. It is home to the exclusive Sea Island Resort, which includes The Cloister and The Lodge, both five-star accommodations. The island hosted the G8 Summit in 2004. Little St. Simons Island remains largely undeveloped and is accessible only by boat. The 11,000-acre island operates as an exclusive eco-resort that accommodates just 32 overnight guests.

The Golden Isles are characterized by vast salt marshes, maritime forests, and diverse ecosystems. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tourism is the primary industry, with visitors drawn to the area's beaches, golf courses, historical sites, and natural beauty. The islands are connected to the mainland by a series of causeways, making them easily accessible for visitors.

The Facts:
State: Georgia.
County: Glynn, McIntosh.

Main sights: Old Glynn County Courthouse, Historic Ritz Theatre, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Old City Hall, A.W. Jones Heritage Center, Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum and Library, Avenue of the Oaks, Bloody Marsh Battle Site, Cannon's Point Preserve, Cassina Garden Club Slave Cabins, Epworth By The Sea, Fort Frederica National Monument, Gascoigne Bluff, Remains of Fort Frederica, Lovely Lane Chapel, Maritime Center, St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Horton House, Jekyll Island National Historic District.