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- Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards named the Golden Isles the best island in the U.S., ranking them No. 11 globally.
- The Golden Isles include four islands and the mainland city of Brunswick, known for remote luxury, golf, deep history, beaches, and wide marshes.
- Top hotels and restaurants on Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island were highlighted from TripAdvisor and Yelp lists for visitors.
July 29, 2026, 7:39 a.m. ET
The heat that many Georgians are experiencing is tough, but it at least ensures warm sands and seas at the local islands. Where is the best?
Earlier this month, Travel + Leisure released its “World’s Best Awards” including the best islands of the continent U.S. This was based on surveyed feedback with more than 661,000 votes across the various contests.
What is the best island in Georgia?
While technically not a single island, the Golden Isles ranked as best of the best in America and No. 11 in the world. Travel + Leisure said “Remote luxury, top-notch golf, and deep history abound on the four islands (and mainland city of Brunswick) that make up this Georgia getaway. The pristine beaches and wide-open marshes also allow for true R&R.”
Best hotels at Jekyll Island
Here are five of the top hotels on Jekyll Island, according to Tripadvisor:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island
- The Beachview Club
- Jekyll Island Club Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island by IHG
Best restaurants at Jekyll Island
Here are five of the top restaurants on Jekyll Island, according to Yelp (excluding those with less than 4 stars and 50 reviews):
- Zachry’s Riverhouse
- The Love Shack BBQ Shrimp and Yardbird
- 24 Coastal Grill
- Corridor Z Kitchen + Cocktails
- The Pantry
Best hotels at Sea Island
Outside of any potential rentals on websites like AirBNB, the only main place for lodging on Sea Island is the Sea Island Resort which includes multiple properties like the Cloister and the Lodge.
Best restaurants at Sea Island
Here are the top four restaurants on Jekyll Island, according to TripAdvisor:
- Tavola
- Southern Tide
- River Bar & Lounge
- Colt & Alison
Best hotels at St. Simons Island
Here are five of the top hotels on St. Simons Island, according to Tripadvisor:
- King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort
- Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island
- Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse
- Holiday Inn Express Saint Simons Island by IHG
- The Inn by Sea Island
Best restaurants at St. Simons Island
Here are five of the top restaurants on St. Simons Island, according to Yelp (excluding those with less than 4 stars and 100 reviews):
- Fiddlers
- Porch
- Palmer’s Village Cafe
- Barrier Island Brewing
- The Half Shell
What are the best islands in America?
- Golden Isles in Georgia
- Mount Desert Island in Maine
- Nantucket in Massachusetts
- Kiawah Island in South Carolina
- San Juan Islands in Washington
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email atmlegoas@gannett.com.
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