Golden Isles of Georgia

The Golden Isles of Georgia consist of several barrier islands, along with the mainland port cities of Brunswick and Darien, on the 100-mile-long Atlantic Ocean coast of the U.S. state of Georgia. They include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, and Blackbeard Island. The islands are part of a chain of barrier islands known as the "Sea Islands", located along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida. The area's natural beaches, vast stretches of marshland, maritime forests, historical sites, and abundant wildlife attract nature, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts, tourists, golfers, and history buffs. All the islands are located within McIntosh County and Glynn County, and make up the lower middle section of Georgia's eleven barrier islands. Annual temperatures average 68 °F, with July highs of 90 °F. St. Simons is the largest, with a population of 14,982 residents as of the 2020 census. Curled around its north end and accessible only by boat is Little St. Simons Island—privately owned and maintained in its natural state with a small capacity guest lodge and cottages. Jekyll Island is owned by the state of Georgia and operated as a state park, with limited residential areas. Sea Island is owned by Sea Island Acquisitions LLC, which operates the Cloister resort and other properties on the island. The city of Brunswick traces its history back to early colonial times, and the founding of the Georgia colony by General James Oglethorpe. From its earliest days, the port of Brunswick was important to the growth and economy of the United States. In 1789, George Washington named Brunswick one of the five original ports of entry for the thirteen colonies. During World War II, Brunswick hosted an important construction site for Liberty ships, and Naval Air Station Glynco, a major operational base for blimps. The city of Darien traces its history back to the construction of Ft. King George in 1722; chartered in 1736, it is the second oldest city in Georgia. James Oglethorpe laid out the city plan for Darien, noted for its squares and grid pattern layout much like those of Savannah, which he also planned. Fort Federica on St. Simons Island was later constructed to protect the city of Darien and its important commerce. Tourism is the most important economic sector in the Golden Isles, with an estimated 2.4 million visitors in 2014. Other key components of the local economy include the Port of Brunswick, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, aviation support services, and manufacturing. Travelers to the area arrive primarily via Brunswick Golden Isles Airport and Interstate 95. McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport serves general aviation.

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