Sea Island brings together golf courses, coastal landscapes and nature experiences on a barrier island off the southeastern coast of the U.S. state of Georgia. The island is one of the Golden Isles’ four barrier islands and covers a total of 2,000 acres, including its marshland. A causeway connects it to St. Simons Island. When planning your trip, in addition to these geographic features, the main considerations are access restrictions and the different focuses of the activities.
Getting Oriented and Access
Sea Island and its facilities are accessible exclusively to resort guests and members of the Sea Island Club. Because the property is privately owned, there is no public access to Sea Island’s beach from the mainland. Take this access requirement into account when choosing accommodation, and confirm before booking how access is arranged for your specific stay. This will help you coordinate your visit with the activities you want to enjoy without losing sight of the island’s private character.
Golf Between Marsh and Coast
The three 18-hole golf courses are woven into coastal salt marshes shaped by beach grass. The Seaside Course hosts the annual PGA TOUR RSM Classic. Tom Fazio redesigned the course to resemble a Scottish links course. Sea Island therefore combines a distinctive setting within the landscape with a clear connection to tournament golf.
Other golf offerings have different focuses: The Speedway Putting Course at The Lodge has 18 holes and was designed by Mark Love and Davis Love III. The Sea Island Golf Performance Center is a state-of-the-art facility covering 17,000 square feet. The putting course, golf courses and performance center offer different ways to shape a trip centered on golf.
Beach and Water Activities
The Sea Island Beach Club includes a private beach on the Atlantic and three swimming pools heated to 82 °F year-round. A waterslide and splash area complement the pools. Kayaking, sailing and swimming are also offered. Those interested in a horseback tour can experience the coastal landscape in a different way on the Beach Horseback Ride: the route follows the southern end of the beach through Georgia’s coastal ocean-beach habitat.
You can also explore the marshland from the water. The Sea Island Explorer is a 71-foot, multi-deck yacht offering excursions through marsh-fringed waterways and wildlife viewing. Trips are seasonal; check the schedule if you would like to include this tour in your stay.
Nature and Wildlife
A biological assessment from March 2018 describes Sea Island’s beaches as nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles and cites nesting records from 1990 to 2017. The Sea Island Eco Tour explores barrier island habitats by golf cart with a naturalist. The Birding Tour on Golf Cart focuses on birdwatching spots and scenic locations; a naturalist also accompanies this tour. Wildlife sightings may vary.
Coastal Encounters focuses on native animals at the Sea Island Nature Center. Participants also meet some educational animals that they can touch and learn more about their importance to local ecosystems. The Sea Turtle Education and Night Walk combines a presentation about sea turtles at the Nature Center with a search for hatchlings or nesting turtles on the beach. The program is seasonal, and the months may change, so check the current schedule before planning.
History and Culture
The Cloister Hotel opened in October 1928. The Cloister Hotel History Walking Tour shares nearly 100 years of Sea Island and Golden Isles history through the art, architecture and antiques at The Cloister. It is offered year-round; since tour dates may change, it is a good idea to check the date you want. The area’s more recent history is also part of its story: Sea Island hosted the 2004 G8 Summit of world leaders.
A Culinary Tradition
The Rainbow Island Suppers are a culinary tradition that has been celebrated for more than 50 years. The menu includes roasted oysters, shrimp, Brunswick stew, collard greens, fried chicken and Georgia pecan pie, among other dishes. The suppers are offered on various dates in spring and summer. If you would like to include this meal in your plans, check whether a suitable date falls during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Country Club Estates, St. Simons Island, Brunswick, Jekyll Island.
Return to the main travel guide: Glynn.
