Sea Island offers all the coastal comforts

Just like the name suggests, a trip to Sea Island is sea-focused, thanks to a wide beach and even wider range of sea- and sand-oriented activities. Featuring five miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront to the east and separated from St. Simons Island by salt marshes to the west, Sea Island has a water-based name that is perfectly appropriate.

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Lynn Seldon / AJC Special

The Beach Club of The Cloister upholds the luxurious reputation of Sea Island, which has long been celebrated as the crown jewel of the Georgia coast.

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Lynn Seldon / AJC Special

St. Simons’ Maritime Museum, on East Beach, is fascinating, with lots of hands-on education about coastal Georgia’s many natural assets.

IF YOU GO

From Atlanta, take I-75 south to I-16 east to I-95 south to the Golden Isles Parkway toward Sea Island. It's about 315 miles. Sea Island is about 75 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport and about 90 minutes away from the Savannah International Airport. Both cities offer direct service to and from Atlanta.

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Don’t miss

• Horseback riding on the beach or along wooded trails.

• A host of recreational activities, including tennis, sport shooting, kayaking, biking, world-class golf on two 18-hole championship courses, children’s programs, or simply lounging away the day at The Cloister Beach Club, where private cabanas, sailboats, sea kayaks and more are available.

• A treatment at The Cloister Spa, where indigenous ingredients such as seaweed and essential oils from magnolias are often on the menu of treatments. It’s the only spa in Georgia with Mobil Five-Star status. There’s also a huge strength and cardio studio.

• A day trip to neighboring St. Simons Island, where highlights of any visit can include: a four-mile beach; shopping and dining in The Village; mini-golf, a skate park, and a fishing pier at Neptune Park; the towering St. Simons Lighthouse & Heritage Center; historic Fort Frederica; Christ Church (built in 1883); and the fascinating Maritime Museum on East Beach, with lots of hands-on education about coastal Georgia’s many natural assets.

• Varied Sea Island dining for all tastes, including: the Georgian Room (one of only two Mobil Five-Star restaurants in the Peach State); the casually Southern and “beachy” Big George’s at The Cloister Beach Club; extravagant breakfast buffets at 100 Hudson, overlooking the Black Banks River; and dry-aged beef and fresh seafood in club-like Colt & Alison, located in The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club.

• Unparalleled accommodations at The Cloister at Sea Island. Originally opened as a friendly little family inn in 1928, the Mediterranean-style resort is now considered one of the top resorts in the Southeast.

WHERE TO STAY

The Cloister at Sea Island. Accommodations generally start around $700 a night, with packages starting about $450 per night. Cottage rentals average $1,000 per night. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 912-638-3611, Sea Island.

The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. Reminscent of an English manor house. Rates start at $750 per night. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 912-638-3611, Sea Island.

WHERE TO EAT

Georgian Room. Fireplace, hand-painted china, gold and crystal chandeliers and impeccable table service accompany dinner in the Georgian Room. 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Dinner entrees $36-$48. Five-course “Chef’s Tasting Menu” is $125 per person, plus $75 for wine pairings. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 912-638-3611 (ext. 4347).

Big George’s. Southern-style fare and atmosphere. Dinner entrees $14-$22. Daily 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5:30-10 p.m.; 400 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 912-638-3611 (ext. 4353).

100 Hudson. Serves up a sumptuous southern breakfast buffet each morning. 6:30-11 a.m. daily. $21 adults; $10 children 4-12. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 912-638-3611 (ext. 4353).

Colt & Alison. Dine on steak and seafood while overlooking the 18th hole of the Plantation Course. Dinner 6-9:30 p.m. daily. Entrees $30-$52. 100 Retreat Ave., St. Simons Island; 912-638-3611 (ext. 4353).

INFORMATION

Sea Island Resorts. 912-638-3611, 1-888-732-4752, Sea Island.

Brunswick & the Golden Isles. 4 Glynn Ave., Brunswick; 912-265-0620, 1-800-933-2627, Brunswick & the Golden Isles.

OTHER SOUTHEASTERN ISLAND GETAWAYS

Amelia Island, Fla. With the varied options of Amelia Island Plantation and the island’s oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is a great place to stay and play.

Little St. Simons Island. Reached only by ferry, this 10,000-acre island retreat is shared by a maximum of 30 visitors at any one time. Like nearby Sea Island, it’s part of Brunswick & the Golden Isles. Little St. Simons Island.

Hutchinson Island. Situated just across the river from historic downtown Savannah, Hutchinson Island’s Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa offers sweeping views, championship golf, and frequent ferries to River Street and all of Savannah’s pleasures.

Kiawah Island, S.C. Located near the charms of historic Charleston, Kiawah Island features The Sanctuary, a renowned island resort, as well as a wide variety of house and condo rentals. Kiawah Island.

Pawleys Island, S.C. Sassy and Brian Henry own and operate the island’s wonderful Sea View Inn, a classic coastal getaway right on the Atlantic. Sassy’s an Atlanta native and Brian moved to the city just after college. Just off the island, the new High Hammock Maverick Seaside Kitchen in Hammock Shops Village is well worth the drive for lunch, dinner, or the popular Sunday brunch. Pawleys Island.

Bald Head Island, N.C. Also reached only by ferry, Bald Head Island guests stay in a variety of accommodations options (ask about the lighthouse keeper cottages) and travel around by golf cart, all while enjoying wide beaches, golf, dining, and history (like Old Baldy Lighthouse). Bald Head Island.