Georgia's College City On The Coast Is A Gorgeous Island Gateway With A Vibrant Downtown

When one thinks of the coolest college towns in Georgia, Brunswick is probably not the first to come to mind. Places like Athens, Atlanta, and Savannah usually grab more attention. But the home of the College of Coastal Georgia should definitely not be overlooked.

Perched on the mainland of the Georgia coast halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida, Brunswick is considered the "Gateway to the Golden Isles". It's surrounded by four barrier islands (Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Sea Island) boasting beautiful beaches, plenty of outdoor adventures, and lots of history to take in. A trip to the Golden Isles is just a quick drive over the scenic Sidney Lanier Bridge.

But with all the things there are to see and do in Brunswick, leaving town to seek adventure is optional. You'll have access to the freshest seafood, charming boutiques, fascinating historical sites, outdoor recreation, and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality all within the city limits.

Founded in 1771, this picturesque little town has an easy-to-navigate grid layout inspired by another charming old coastal Georgia destination: romantic Savannah. Brunswick's historic district has 14 public parks and squares that were built into the original design of the town to give the residents green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Just a few years later in 1789, George Washington would declare Brunswick one of five ports of entry into the colonies.

This is just a hint of the unique history of one of Georgia's oldest towns. History buffs will love a guided, 90-minute bicycle tour with Brunswick Old Town Tours. The price is just $35 for tourists 18 and up (or 16 and up with a legal guardian). If cycling isn't your jam, check out the hour-long walking tour ($30 per person) through Brunswick's "Black Thoroughfare" and learn the fascinating 250-year history of African-Americans in the area. One of the town's historic crown jewels is Old City Hall. It dates back to the 1880s, and is open to the public despite still functioning as a courthouse and an event venue.

The area also has a long history of sugar cane production, and Brunswick is home to Georgia's only rum distillery: Richland Distilling Company. You can take a variety of tours ranging from a short complimentary tour about the distilling process to a 45-minute guided tour complete with a curated tasting flight.

When you're looking for sustenance, it's tough to go wrong with seafood in this town. Travelers on TripAdvisor raved about the excellent service and Caribbean influence at Indigo Coastal Shanty.

For Southern-style seafood, Mr. Shuck's Seafood has a lot of enthusiastic fans as well; Yelp reviewers gushed over the blue crabs and the buffalo eggs. But what if you want to try the traditional stew named after the town? Head to Marshside Grill for some authentic Brunswick stew.

Take a stroll down Newcastle in the historic district, and you'll be met with a cornucopia of local shops to browse. At The Market on Newcastle St., you'll find curated gifts, high-quality furniture, and unique decor. Beaus & Babes Boutique is an adorable children's boutique with distinct clothing and gifts for the little ones. If you've got fly-fishing or camping on your agenda, don't forget to stop by On The Fly Outfitters to stock up on everything you need.