Golden Isles Georgia Cruising Guide: Best Boating Routes, Marinas, and Local Attractions

Welcome to Georgia! The Golden Isles—comprised of vibrant Brunswick, beautiful Jekyll Island, and historic St. Simon's Island—are a classic stopover for cruisers transiting the ICW and a beloved homeport for locals (and for good reason!). This harbor is not only a cultural hotspot full of friendly boaters, services, and activities but also home to some of our favorite Dockwa marinas on the eastern seaboard. Whether you're here for a quick stop or an extended stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time both on and off the water.

Quick Facts
For the Vessel (Dockage/Mooring Options)
Provisioning
For the crew 
Essential Services 
Insider's Tips
Community Connections

Quick Facts

For the Vessel - Dockages & Moorings

Location

Downtown Brunswick

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, water, dockage, pet friendly, full service boat yard

Best protected from

All wind directions

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (3 phase), Duel 100 AMP (3 phase)

Max LOA

1,000'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Location

Jekyll Island, GA

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, dockage, onsite restaurant, pool

Best protected from

SE, E, NE 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase)

Max LOA

200'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Location

St. Simons Island, GA

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, dockage, onsite restaurant, pet friendly

Best protected from

NW, N, NE, E

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase), Dual 100 AMP (single phase)

Max LOA

180'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Provisioning

Marine Supplies

• West Marine: 1919 Glynn Ave, Brunswick, GA |  (912) 264-6222

• Ellis Marine: 3687 Community Rd, Brunswick, GA | (912) 264-4024

• Off Season Canvas: 506 G St, Brunswick, GA | (706) 331-6363

Grocery Stores

• Publix Super Market: 171 Village At Glynn Pl #100, Brunswick, GA 

• Adams Meat Market: 1700 Norwich St #6449, Brunswick, GA (closer to Brunswick Landing Marina) 

• Winn-Dixie: 220 Retreat Village, St Simons Island, GA (closer to Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles)
• Jekyll Market: 11 Main St, Jekyll Island, GA (closer to Jekyll Harbor Marina)

Local Markets

• Brunswick Farmers Market: 1510 Bay St, Brunswick, GA (open Saturdays and Tuesdays 8AM to 5PM)
• Schroeder's Market: 203 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA
  

Both ~ 5 min walks Brunswick Landing Marina

• The Market at Sea Island: 351 Sea Island Rd, St Simons Island, GA 

~ 4 miles from Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles

• Jekyll Market: 11 Main St, Jekyll Island, GA

~ 15 min walk from Jekyll Harbor Marina

For The Crew

Historical Sites

• St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum: 610 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA

• Lover's Oak: Less than two miles from Brunswick Landing Marina, the Lover's Oak is over 900 years old and is a popular photo-destination for visitors. 

St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Museums & Galleries

• Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum (Jekyll Island)

• Liberty Ship WWII Memorial (Brunswick)

• World War II Home Front Museum (St. Simons Island)

Parks & Trails

• Jekyll State Park: Cruisers should visit Jekyll State Park for its pristine beaches, rich history, and abundant wildlife, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy kayaking, biking, and exploring historic landmarks, making it a memorable stop on your journey.

• Earth Day Nature Trail: This tranquil escape into nature features scenic trails that highlight the region's diverse flora and fauna. It's an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the serene beauty of coastal Georgia.

Jekyll State Park

Beaches

• St. Simmons Public Beach 

• Jekyll Island Beaches - View options here! 

Entertainment & Events

• Live At The Blue Door
• The Historic Ritz Theatre

• Check out the Golden Isles Music Scene for more events! 

Dining & Nightlife

Waterfront Restaurants

Brunswick, GA Waterfront Restaurants:

• Marshside Grill: Enjoy fresh seafood and Southern cuisine with stunning views of the marshlands, offering a relaxed and casual dining experience.
• Tipsy McSway's: A lively spot with delicious pub fare and frequent live music, providing a fun atmosphere along the waterfront.

Jekyll Island Waterfront Restaurants:

• The Wharf: Savor fresh, locally-sourced seafood and Southern dishes on a picturesque pier, with breathtaking sunset views over the water.
• Tortuga Jacks: This beachfront restaurant offers a mix of Mexican and Caribbean flavors in a vibrant setting, perfect for a laid-back meal by the sea.

St. Simons Island Waterfront Restaurants:

• Coastal Kitchen: Experience gourmet coastal cuisine with panoramic views, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

• The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge: Dine on elegant seafood dishes while enjoying stunning rooftop views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding beaches.

Local Breweries & Wineries

• Craft Cocktails:

  • Dorothy's Cocktail & Oyster Bar (St. Simons Island): Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a chic atmosphere, paired with fresh oysters.
  • Little Zooks (Brunswick): A cozy spot offering a unique selection of craft cocktails in a charming setting.
  • Reid's Apothecary (Brunswick): A stylish bar known for its creative cocktail menu and vintage vibes.

  Casual Options:

  • Silver Bluff Brewing Company (Brunswick): A local favorite for craft beer lovers, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of brews.
  • Barrier Island Brewing (St. Simons Island): Enjoy locally brewed craft beer in a laid-back setting with great food and a friendly vibe.
  • Tortuga Jacks (Jekyll Island): Along with its vibrant food scene, Tortuga Jacks also serves up refreshing beers and cocktails in a beachfront setting.

  Nightlife

• Brogens South (St. Simons Island): A popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering lively music, delicious bar food, and a great selection of drinks, making it an ideal place for a fun night out.
• Tipsy McSway’s (Brunswick, GA): Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this bar features live music, karaoke nights, and a wide variety of craft beers, providing a lively setting for an enjoyable evening.
• ECHO (St. Simons Island): Located at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, ECHO offers a sophisticated nightlife experience with oceanfront views, signature cocktails, and live entertainment, perfect for a more upscale evening.

Essential Services

Medical Facilities

• Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus - 2415 Parkwood Dr, Brunswick, GA
• Jekyll Island Medical Center - 11 Pier Rd, Jekyll Island, GA
• St. Simons Immediate Care Center - 5000 Wellness Way, St. Simons Island, GA

   

Boat Repair & Maintenance

• Brunswick Landing Marina 

Travel Options

• Brunswick Golden Isles Airport - roughly 20 minutes from Brunswick Harbor

• Jacksonville International Airport - roughly 66 miles from Brunswick Harbor

• Ubers/Lyfts - typically available
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car - (912) 267-1560

Insider's Tips

Hidden Gems

Sidney Lanier Bridge

Local Knowledge

• Tides and Currents: The Golden Isles experience significant tidal ranges, with strong currents in channels and rivers. Plan your trips with the tides to avoid strong opposing currents, especially when navigating inlets like St. Simons Sound.
• Weather Patterns: Prevailing winds in summer typically come from the southeast. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the warmer months, so keep an eye on the sky and weather reports when planning your outings.
• Hurricane season in Georgia runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. The peak of the season, when the likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms is highest, typically occurs from mid-August to late October. During this time, it's essential for boaters and coastal residents to stay informed about weather patterns and potential storm developments.
• Navigating the Sounds: The waterways around the Golden Isles can be shallow in spots, with shifting sandbars. Use updated charts and stay within marked channels, especially when approaching inlets and river mouths.

Community Connections

Local Businesses

• Kayak Rentals: Southeast Adventure Outfitters is the stop to rent kayaks and explore the scenic marshes and waterways of the Golden Isles! They offer guided tours as well, perfect for discovering hidden creeks and observing local wildlife.

• Fishing Charters: Golden Isles Fishing Company, based right out of Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles, is known for offering visitors the thrill of fishing. Whether you're targeting redfish, trout, or king mackerel, their experienced guides will help you land the big one.
  
  

Local Social Media Accounts

• @GoldenIsles

• @BrunswickLandingMarina

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