Are you planning on moving to the Golden Isles? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This Golden Isles guide will provide you with everything you need to know to have the best experience possible. From proper beachgoing etiquette to the best way of getting around town, this guide will give you an overview of what it’s like to relocate to the Golden Isles. So, read on and learn what you need to know about beach life in the Golden Isles!
Golf Carts
Golf carts are a great way to get around the Golden Isles and explore all of the local attractions. They are especially popular in Sea Island, GA, St. Simons GA, Jekyll Island GA, and Brunswick GA. Residents of luxury homes in Sea Island often use golf carts as their main form of transportation.
The thing to remember is that golf carts must obey the same laws as cars on the roads of the Golden Isles. However, it is important to be courteous when driving them. If you see a long line of cars behind you, be kind and pull over to let them pass so that traffic all over the island doesn’t get backed up.
Murky Water
The Golden Isles, comprised of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick, Georgia are known for their luxury homes and pristine beaches. However, some visitors may notice that the water around these areas looks a bit murky. This isn’t due to pollution or dirtiness; it’s simply a natural occurrence.
The seawater near the Golden Isles contains sediment and tannins from nearby marshes and swamps that flow offshore. The sea floor near the shoreline is muddy rather than sandy because of sedimentary deposition from the two large rivers that flow into the ocean nearby. While this murky water is harmless, it’s still important to scoop any pet waste left on the beach, to help keep the waters clean for everyone to enjoy!
Driftwood
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is a popular location in Golden Isles. The unique structure of driftwood logs and branches that have washed ashore is mesmerizing. On this beach, it’s just important to remember you can look at and even touch the driftwood, but it’s unlawful to remove it from this state park. In St. Simons, you might be lucky enough to find a piece of driftwood to take with you.
When you have time, be sure to check out the driftwood structure that locals have built on East Beach. Each year, people leave Christmas ornaments or little trinkets to memorialize their trip or pay tribute to someone special.
Sand Dollars
The pristine beaches of Jekyll Island, GA are known for their abundance of sand dollars and shells. When you’re a new island resident looking to explore the area, hunting for sand dollars can be a great way to spend an afternoon. However, it is important to remember that these creatures should be respected.
Conch shells can often contain living hermit crabs, so these should not be taken. Brown sand dollars are still alive and should also not be removed from their home. White sand dollars, on the other hand, are skeletons and are fine to take home.
It might be easiest for you to just leave the shells where you find them since it’s against the law to remove living creatures from Georgia’s beaches. Instead of trying to figure out what you can and can’t take home, stop by a local shop in the village and buy some dead sand dollars and hermit-free conch shells.
Sea Turtles
For sea turtle lovers, the Golden Isles are a paradise. From late May to mid-August, you will witness female sea turtles return to the beaches of Golden Isles to lay their eggs. These nesting grounds are the perfect environment so sea turtles to lay between 100-120 eggs here every 2-3 years.
Jekyll Island is a great spot for observing these majestic creatures and if you’d like to go on an early morning excavation tour, talk to the guides at the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center. Also, be sure to check their calendar since their team often releases turtles back into the wild after a hospital stay.
If you should decide to explore the sea turtle beaches on your own just remember: it’s unlawful to touch a sea turtle nest. Also, you are not allowed to help or interfere with hatchlings as they make their way out to sea. You can however shoo away the pesky seagulls since they often eat the hatchlings.
Sandbars
Exploring the sandbars off the coast of Sea Island, St. Simons, Jekyll Island and Brunswick, Georgia can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Be sure to take time out of your day to experience their natural beauty.
Although the ability to walk out into the Atlantic Ocean is an incredible experience, it’s important to be careful. The tides can change at a moment’s notice, leaving you without a way to get back to land. So always check the tide times before you venture out into a sandbar or risk being stranded at sea. Many visitors have had to be rescued because of this.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Jekyll Island is probably the most dog-friendly area in the Golden Isles. Dogs can be on its beaches at any time but must be leashed. The dog-related laws for other beaches are seasonal since dogs are prohibited Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 am to 6 pm. Outside this timeframe, dogs can enjoy the beach unleashed as long as they are still under their owner’s immediate control.
Wherever you go with your dog, just remember to scoop the poop to keep the beaches clean for swimming.
Bikes
Exploring the Golden Isles on a bike is a great way to see all the beauty the area has to offer. The 25 miles of paved bike paths in Jekyll Island have some of the most breathtaking views of the marsh and sea. These paths are especially great for those with young children, as they are well-maintained and safe from island traffic. Instead of paved bike paths, St. Simons offers sidewalks for you to bike along.
On both islands, there are several places to rent bikes. Once you have your bike, take time and enjoy your ride around the island to take in the beautiful sights.
Enjoy Exploring the Beautiful Area of Golden Isles, Leave the Cleaning to Us!
While you and yours enjoy exploring all that Golden Isles has to offer, let Beyond Expectations Cleaning Professionals handle your housework. Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or a recurring housekeeping service, we’ll take care of the hard work while you and your family enjoy exploring your new surroundings.
We provide weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and as-needed home cleaning services in Glynn County and surrounding areas including, Jekyll Island, GA, Sea Island, GA, St. Simons, GA and Brunswick, GA. Request a quote online, email [email protected], or call us today!