— Golden Isles —
Georgia
Groups go island hopping in the Golden Isles of Georgia, a destination that includes four barrier islands, as well as the town of Brunswick on the mainland.
Brunswick serves as the historic mainland anchor of the area, and from there, visitors fan out to the islands, each of which has its owns culture and ambiance. St. Simons Island is a quintessential beach destination, with shopping, dining, golf and sightseeing. There’s also a lighthouse that is open for groups to tour.
Nearby Jekyll Island is home to a National Historic Landmark that gives visitors a taste of historic island luxury.
“The island was privately owned about a century ago and was a millionaire’s playground,” said Marcie Hunter, communications specialist at the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. “You had the Rockefellers, the Pulitzers and the Morgans, and a lot of their homes in the district are still standing. The Historic Jekyll Island Club hotel is also in that district. It’s open for tours, and you can stay there as well.”
The other two islands, Little St. Simons Island and Sea Island, are both privately owned, and boast high-end resorts that have earned a reputation for exclusivity. But groups can arrange to have day tours to Little St. Simons Island.
“You’re with an experienced naturalist, who will guide you all around the island,” Hunter said. “You explore the maritime forest, the wetlands and the beaches. You have lunch at the lodge and then have the afternoon to go to the beach or explore on your own.”
