Take a laid back, unspoiled seaside atmosphere. Combine with equal measures of fun, discovery and cherished memories. Add additional ingredients – golf, nature, history, beaches, bicycling, relaxation – to suit your individual taste, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun and unforgettable family vacation.

You’ll find it all in The Golden Isles: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and historic Brunswick. Located on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville and just minutes from I-95, The Golden Isles offer an array of activities and accommodations that are sure to please any taste and budget.

Bask in the unspoiled natural beauty of our sun-drenched beaches, expansive marshes and primeval maritime forests. Marvel at the wonders of the environment during guided nature tours on land and sea. Discover the secrets of the past and hear the stories of the people who explored, lived and worked in this special place. Taste the foods, listen to the music and absorb our coastal culture during festivals and special events.

A guided boat tour is one of the most pleasant and informative ways to explore The Golden Isles. Enjoy a dolphin tour aboard one of our local water tour boats. Or, board a 60-foot, working shrimp boat for a fascinating cruise along our local rivers. Several charter captains offer water tours aboard smaller boats, for those who prefer a more intimate cruise. Whatever you choose, this is an experience you’ll find nowhere else.

Want to know more about coastal Georgia’s natural treasures? Take a day trip to Little St. Simons Island, an unspoiled, 10,000-acre barrier island accessible only by boat. Sign up for hands-on tours at Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, meet and learn about some of the coast’s oldest residents. Or, embark on self-guided tours of our local nature trails, such as the Earth Day nature trail in Brunswick and the Gilbert nature trail on St. Simons Island.

Georgia’s history began on the coast. In The Golden Isles you’ll discover connections to the past at nearly every turn. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation in Brunswick portrays life on a 19^th-century rice plantation. On St. Simons Island, Fort Frederica National Monument displays the foundations of one of Georgia’s oldest towns. The St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and A.W. Jones Heritage Center, and the Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station provide interesting glimpses of the coast’s maritime heritage. Jekyll Island’s 200-acre National Historic Landmark District is filled with the homes of American millionaires and the people who supported them. Historic Brunswick recalls a bygone era of small-town America, with its turn-of-the-century homes and main street business district.

If you like to fish, The Golden Isles of Georgia are the place to be. Whether it be from one of our local piers, docks or bridges, crabbing is a favorite activity for families. Surf fishing is a relaxing way to enjoy our beautiful beaches. Or, head out with one of more than two-dozen local charter captains. They’re experts at helping you find – and land – your catch of the day!

Go out and play in the Golden Isles. Ride a bike or jog along miles of level paths. Tee off on some of the nation’s best golf courses. Paddle a kayak along a tidal creek or local river. Roll a game of bocce, ride a skim board or enjoy an early morning walk on the beach. You can be as active – or as relaxed – as you wish.

Whether you fancy designer clothing, antiques, handmade jewelry, paintings by coastal artists or some other treasure, you’ll find it in The Golden Isles. Downtown Brunswick features a growing number of antique shops, bookstores, galleries and more, in a friendly, small-town setting. St. Simons Island offers an extensive variety of shops, galleries and boutiques, from Pier Village to Redfern Village and The Shops at Sea Island and surrounding areas. On Jekyll Island, shops and galleries throughout the National Historic Landmark District offer an array of gifts and mementos.

The Golden Isles serve dining options to satisfy any appetite, from formal, fine dining amid the elegant surroundings of a grand resort hotel to casual, outdoor settings overlooking the water and most everything in between. There are accommodations to suit every budget, from world class, full-service island resorts to national chain hotels, bed-and-breakfast inns, rental cottages and campgrounds.

Plan your summer getaway to The Golden Isles now. For information, call the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau toll-free at 800-933-2627. Or, visit them online at http://www.GoldenIsles.com. While you’re there, click on the “Special Offers” button for information about special lodging packages and other offers.