An Idyllic Resort Island In Georgia Is A Serene, Natural Getaway Where You Won't Need A Car

The Golden Isles of Georgia are among the best places in the South to have an island vacation without leaving the country. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping in the college city of Brunswick, known as the "Gateway to the Golden Isles" on the mainland before you cross the bridge to experience these four barrier islands. Each has something unique to offer, whether you're at a five-star resort on Sea Island or taking a scenic bike ride on Jekyll Island.

But on Little St. Simons Island (not to be confused with St. Simons Island), you won't find fancy shops or restaurants. There are no swim-up bars or glitzy hotels — you can't even bring a car. Instead, this privately owned resort island in the Altamaha River delta offers all-inclusive accommodations in six historic lodges and a variety of excursions led by resident naturalists. It's surrounded by 7 miles of beaches, and has 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness to explore. Little St. Simons Island has everything you need for a relaxing outdoor getaway in Georgia.

Getting to this piece of paradise might seem daunting, but once you reach the Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island, all you have to do is hop on the ferry. Contact the lodge for the up-to-date ferry schedule, as it only runs at specific times. Plus, whether you're visiting for the day or staying overnight, ferry transport is included. 

If you're driving to the marina, just take I-95 to exits 29 or 38. If you prefer to fly, you can take one of the many commercial flights available to Savannah, Georgia, or Jacksonville, Florida, and use a direct car service. There's need to rent a car since you can't drive on the island anyway, but if you prefer to drive, parking at the marina is included with your overnight stay at the lodge. It's about an hour and a half drive south of Savannah or north of Jacksonville. You also have the option to fly from nearby airports like Atlanta, Savannah, or Nashville into the smaller Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, which is just 25 miles from the marina.

Little St. Simons Island's staff of naturalists offer a variety of educational excursions for guests. Choose from one of the open-air truck safaris where you can learn about the island's history, take a reptile safari, or spot an American alligator on the tour of the wetland wildlife. Take a guided kayak paddle through the marsh where you can get up close and personal with the wildlife. Spot a few of the island's more than 250 species of birds like the red knots and painted buntings on a guided birding excursion. Two to three excursions are scheduled each day, so you can take your pick depending on what interests you. If you prefer to explore alone, that's OK too! Naturalists can help you gear up for a bike ride on the beach, a fishing trip, or a hike along any of the island's 26 miles of trails.

Do you only have the time or budget for a day trip? Little St. Simons Island offers plenty of naturalist-guided, one-day adventures for $200 per person. You can learn about the island's habitat, tour the island by skimmer boat or in an open-back truck, or have a relaxing picnic on the beach.

Only 32 people are allowed to stay on the island at a time. Should you decide to become one of the lucky few, there are some things you'll need to know. You have the option to rent one of 16 individual rooms dispersed among the historic cottages. Guests traveling with a group or who just prefer more privacy can choose to rent a whole cottage — or even the entire island! There's a two-night minimum (except for Labor Day when it's a three-night minimum). Prices range from $500 a night on a weekday in the Value Season for double occupancy to $14,800 a night for the entire island during Prime Season. 

Are you traveling with kiddos between Memorial Day and Labor Day? The staff recommends they be at least three years old as the bugs can be pretty brutal during the summer. Included in the price is all farm-fresh meals, all excursions, sunscreen and bug spray, ferry transport to and from the island, non-alcoholic drinks, and use of the island's recreation equipment (e.g. kayaks, bikes, fishing gear, binoculars, and rain boots).