Your Coastal Georgia Summer Adventure with GoTravelDaily

If you’ve ever visited Savannah and wished to enhance its historical charm with an ocean view, you’re in luck. Coastal Georgia offers a plethora of stunning destinations that meet this desire. Whether you’re looking for weekend getaways, family adventures, or simply relaxing by the sea, the islands along Georgia’s coast are perfect for your summer escape.

Step 1: Where to Base Your Summer Adventure

Tybee Island

Vibes: A favorite among Savannah locals, Tybee Island is a quick drive away and brims with colorful residences and cultural attractions. Spanning only three square miles, it’s ideal for vacation rentals, ranging from quaint cottages to luxurious beachfront mansions.

Do: Take a dolphin tour for a thrilling experience. Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour provides breathtaking views, especially during the sunset. For history enthusiasts, visiting Fort Pulaski National Monument, which features easy hiking trails and rich Civil War history, is a must.

Stay: The Surf Song bed and breakfast, dating back to 1904, offers a charming experience with a pool, private beach access, and a lush garden. Alternatively, Beachside Colony Resort features multiple bedroom condos, perfect for larger groups, along with direct beach access.

Eat: Back River Brewery serves a variety of craft brews and delicious food options, from smoked beer brats to a smoked prime rib melt. For a unique dining experience, consider Sundae Café, celebrated for its Southern-inspired dishes, including an exquisite lobster-loaded sweet potato waffle.

St. Simons Island

Vibes: Known as the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island is characterized by its picturesque moss-draped oaks, vibrant art galleries, and friendly locals. This island is perfect for exploring on bicycles, allowing you to discover scenic views from the pier to the fringes of Cannon’s Point Preserve.

Do: Stroll through Pier Village, starting on Mallery Street, and indulge in unique shopping experiences. Additionally, witnessing the stately “Avenue of the Oaks” adds to its historical charm.

Stay: Hotel Simone boasts elegantly themed suites on Ocean Boulevard, while Ocean Inn and Suites offers a quaint, no-frills experience just a block from the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.

Eat: Southern Soul is renowned for its barbecue, particularly the must-try Brunswick Stew. Don’t miss out on Porch, where Nashville hot chicken and fried catfish are served with your choice of spice level.

Jekyll Island

Vibes: Jekyll Island combines history with conservation, offering a unique blend of experiences such as vintage golf cart tours. The island provides a deep dive into nature and history alike, particularly at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which focuses on the rehabilitation of sea turtles.

Do: Spend a day at the beautiful Driftwood Beach, famous for its unique driftwood formations against a stunning backdrop of white sand. This beach promises an unforgettable experience, particularly at sunset.

Stay: Villas by the Sea offers spacious accommodations for families and groups, featuring kid-friendly amenities including playgrounds and pools. Consider exploring vacation rental platforms for other unique stays.

Eat: Savor locally caught seafood at Beach House, where an extensive tap list of craft beers complements a delightful dining experience featuring oysters and other fresh catches.

Step 2: Plan Your Accommodations

Summer is a peak tourist season in Coastal Georgia, making early booking essential. Many rental homes can be reserved well in advance, which is advantageous for return travelers. From cozy cottages to elegant inns, the options are both diverse and charming.

For a special retreat, consider checking out the Grey Owl Inn on St. Simons Island, nestled amidst serene oak trees near East Beach, ideal for relaxation and tranquility. Unique camping and glamping options are also increasingly popular in the region, such as the delightful Little Raccoon Key.

Step 3: Plan Your Activities

For nature lovers, visiting Cumberland Island is an extraordinary experience. Its untamed wilderness and pristine beaches attract both visitors and wild horses. You can enjoy a day trip or an overnight stay at the Greyfield Inn, soaking in the island’s beauty and history.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, especially on Little St. Simons Island, famed for its diverse avian population.

Step 4: Dining Along Georgia’s Coast

Come hungry for the coastal delicacies, where fresh seafood takes center stage. Skipper’s Fish Camp in Darien is a standout, supplying fresh shrimp daily from local sources, essential for an authentic South Georgia dining experience.

For a delightful picnic or casual in-room meal, don’t forget to sample regional specialties like pimiento cheese, peaches, and peanuts, which are delicious in various forms throughout the area.

Step 5: Getting There

Traveling to Coastal Georgia is convenient, with Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport a short drive from Tybee Island and Jacksonville International Airport just an hour away from Jekyll and St. Simons Islands. Renting a car is advisable due to the region’s landscapes and limited rideshare options in more secluded areas.

Step 6: What to Pack

Temperatures generally hover in the upper 80s to low 90s, dipping into the 70s at night. Due to rainfall, particularly in July and August, packing a rain jacket is prudent. Opt for casual beach attire, bathing suits, and sandals for your days by the ocean, along with essentials like sunscreen and bug spray for outdoor adventures.