Golden Isles
Brunswick, Georgia · Beach · Accessibility score 1.2/5
Address: 529 Beachview Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: (800) 933-2627
About
The Brunswick and Golden Isles region sits along Georgia's southern coast, halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville. This collection of four barrier islands - St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island - along with the mainland city of Brunswick, offers one of the Southeast's most relaxing coastal getaways.
St. Simons Island is the largest and most visited of the group. Its East Beach stretches wide and flat, perfect for long walks and family outings. The island's village area features shops, restaurants, and the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse, which has guided mariners since 1872. Gould's Inlet at the northern tip of East Beach is a favorite among birders and anyone looking for a quieter spot.
Jekyll Island was once the exclusive winter retreat of America's wealthiest families. Today it's a state-owned park open to everyone. The island's historic district preserves grand "cottages" from the Gilded Age, and its beaches remain beautifully uncrowded. A paved trail system loops around much of the island, connecting beaches, the historic district, and nature areas.
Sea Island is home to The Cloister resort, offering a more upscale experience. Little St. Simons Island remains largely undeveloped, accessible only by boat, and serves as a private nature retreat with limited guest capacity.
On the mainland, Brunswick's Old Town district features Victorian architecture, local seafood restaurants, and the Marshes of Glynn - the tidal marshlands that inspired poet Sidney Lanier. The town serves as a practical home base with more affordable lodging options.
Wildlife is everywhere here. Sea turtles nest on the beaches in summer. Dolphins play in the channels between islands. Shorebirds fill the salt marshes year-round. The Georgia coast's gentle tides and warm waters make it welcoming from spring through fall, with mild winters that draw visitors escaping colder climates.
Whether you're exploring tide pools, biking Jekyll Island's trails, or simply watching the sunset over the marsh, the Golden Isles deliver a genuine coastal experience without the intensity of larger beach destinations.
Accessibility
Jekyll Island offers some of the best beach accessibility in the Golden Isles. Andrews Beach and Oceanview Beach Park both feature accessibility ramps leading to the sand. Beach wheelchairs are available on Jekyll Island and can be reserved by calling 912-635-2368. Jekyll Island's extensive paved trail system provides smooth, flat paths connecting major areas of the island, suitable for wheelchair users and mobility devices.
On St. Simons Island, East Beach at Massengale Park provides ADA-accessible mats that extend across the sand, making it easier for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to reach the water's edge. The park also includes public restrooms, outdoor showers, and grills.
Jekyll Island charges a small parking fee for entry (daily or annual passes available). Accessible parking spaces are available at major beach access points and attractions on both Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island.
The flat terrain across most of the barrier islands is generally favorable for mobility device users, particularly along paved paths and boardwalks. Brunswick's Old Town district has sidewalks, though some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.
For Little St. Simons Island and Sea Island, access is more limited. Little St. Simons Island requires a boat transfer and has minimal developed infrastructure. Contact these destinations directly for specific accessibility accommodations.
Visitors should contact the Jekyll Island Authority at 912-635-3636 or the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau for the most current information on accessible facilities, seasonal beach wheelchair availability, and any temporary closures affecting accessibility features.
More accessible places in Georgia
- High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
- Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
- Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Sandy Springs)
- Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (Atlanta)