Darien

Established as a port on the Altamaha River by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, Darien has a long martial and maritime tradition. By 1863, Darien was considered one of the great ports on the eastern seaboard. Aside from shipping staples like cotton and lumber, the port was a haven for blockade runners. Because of its economic importance and notoriety as a blockade-running sanctuary, Darien became a target of Union forces invading the Georgia coast during the Civil War. 

Visit Darien and explore rivers, estuaries, islands, beaches and natural habitats. As a port city among Georgia's Golden Isles, it boasts one of the world's largest estuarine systems swimming with seafood that is harvested locally. The town is packed with amazing seafood restaurants that source their menu items right from the boat. 

The rivers and creeks also make Darien popular with paddlers, who can rent a canoe or kayak to explore on their own or with a guide. A stop along Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail, a visit any time of year opens up opportunities to see many kinds of waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and much more.

Fort King George, built in 1721, is the oldest remaining English fort on Georgia's coast. Visit to see the barracks, a museum and nature trail. And consider visits to other attractions, including The Ashantilly Center historical house, educational and cultural center; and the Old Jail Art Center and Museum, where local art and historical artifacts are on display.