Family Weekend Getaway Along the Georgia Coast
Follow this guide to three days of family fun on the coast!
With mild year-round temperatures, the Georgia coast is a great beach getaway any time of year. The hard-packed sand is perfect for bike riding as well as relaxing in a lounge chair. There is a lot to see and do in the Golden Isles beyond just seaside fun. Here are three days worth of activity that will have you exploring the history, nature and delicious tastes of the Georgia coast.
Base your coastal getaway at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island to enjoy family-friendly condominiums, historic hotel rooms and a pool oceanside.
Watch the sunrise from your oceanfront room, and then take an early morning walk on the beach to look for seashells just steps from the resort. After breakfast onsite at ECHO, jump on a bicycle and begin exploring the more than 20 miles of paved bike paths on the island.
Or, play a round on the King and Prince golf course on the north side of St. Simons Island. The course cuts through a picturesque marsh, so if you tend to hook the ball, bring a few extras, and let the gators have your lost ones.
Grab lunch at Southern Soul Barbeque, and after lunch, explore the World War II Home Front Museum, which focuses on the island's history as the site of a Coast Guard Station during World War II. The interactive exhibits are housed in the station that was used by the servicemen and women starting in 1937.
Before going back to the resort, stop by Mallery Street and the Pier Village for a Chicken Swiss sandwich and a beer from Brogen's. Play some corn hole while you wait for a seat upstairs on the deck where you can see the St. Simons Island Pier and the comings and goings of the downtown area.
If you aren't golfed out, walk a few blocks to the Neptune Park Fun Zone for some mini-golf or just to climb on the playground.
Once the sun goes down, take a walk on the beach to find ghost crabs.
On day two, explore the natural side of Georgia's Golden Isles. Head to nearby Jekyll Island for some nature exploration. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a favorite attraction, but don't miss the less flashy Tidelands Nature Center, too. In addition to touch tanks, rent a canoe or take a kayak tour of the marsh ecosystem to see animals in their native habitat.
In season, get to Jekyll early for a sunrise turtle walk, and you just might see baby sea turtles scurrying toward the water.
In the afternoon, splash around at Summer Waves Water Park, or head to the Jekyll Island Historic District for a trolley tour or horse-drawn carriage ride.
Be sure to stop at the Village Green in Beach Village. This gathering spot between the Jekyll Island Convention Center and the Westin Hotel hosts family movie nights, farmers markets and seasonal events. Browse through the shops or grab a picnic dinner from Club Cafe to enjoy on the green or on the beach.
Day three is all about history. Head up the coast to Darien and Fort King George, the oldest English fort remaining in Georgia. Kids will love playing in the recreated blockhouse and other fort buildings. If you can tear them away from their game, they may also enjoy learning the history of the fort by becoming a junior ranger. The program booklets are free and available at the visitors center.
Time travel makes you hungry. Stop at Skippers' Fish Camp for some time-tested fried shrimp. Take a look down the river, and you'll see the fleet of shrimp boats that caught your meal.
Back to St. Simons Island, rent bikes at Ocean Motion to finish out a perfect three days with an after-dinner ride around the island.
