The Sea Islands' wild magic
Discover these wonderfully unspoiled barrier and tidal islands on the Atlantic coast

From South Carolina down through Georgia and into northern Florida, the Atlantic coast of the US is shadowed by a chain of more than 100 barrier and tidal islands. Known as the Sea Islands, they are, for the most part, wonderfully unspoiled, said Gisela Williams in Travel + Leisure. A "singular" patchwork of dunes and marshes, river estuaries, vast beaches, and ancient oak forests, they were first inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Creeks and the Guale; later they played host to pirates and Spanish missionaries, before cotton planters arrived in the 18th century. Wealthy industrialists followed, building mansions and resorts. Today, their heirs live here alongside the Gullah-Geechee, descendants of enslaved people in whose language and culture, unique to this stretch of coast, African influences remain strong.
On a trip to Georgia, you might head first to Cumberland Island, the largest in the state at 56 square miles. In 1900, the industrialist Thomas Carnegie – brother of Andrew – built a Colonial Revival-style manor, Greyfield, here. Today, it is a hotel owned by his great-great-grandson, with 15 rooms furnished with antiques, and two cottages. Wild horses graze on the lawn, and deer are often spotted on the beach that lies a short cycle ride away through a natural tunnel of oak trees. To the north lies Sapelo Island, which is almost as large, and home to just 50 full-time residents, most of whom belong to the Gullah-Geechee community. You might stay at Sapelo Island Birdhouses, two rental cottages with ocean views and golf carts – which are the only vehicles allowed on the island.
The Cloister at Sea Island is "one of the country's most elegant getaways", a huge 1920s resort that has played host to presidents from Calvin Coolidge to George W. Bush. And nearby lies Little St Simons Island, among the most "pristine" of all, with a small lodge that offers outdoor "adventures" with naturalist guides, including trips to watch the hatching of baby sea turtles.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up to The Week's Travel newsletter for destination guides and the latest trends
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
NY's Hochul vows response to Texas gerrymander
Speed Read Gov. Kathy Hochul has promised to play ball with redistricting that favors the Democrats
-
August 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Tuesday's political cartoons include an unflattering jobs report, Democrat weakness, and the minimum wage
-
Why is the world so divided over plastics?
Today's Big Question UN negotiations on first global plastic treaty are at stake, as fossil fuel companies, petrostates and plastic industry work to resist a legal cap on production
-
The easy elegance of Cap Ferret
The Week Recommends 'Elemental and otherworldly' destination is loved for its natural beauty
-
Ozzy Osbourne obituary: heavy metal wildman and lovable reality TV dad
In the Spotlight For Osbourne, metal was 'not the music of hell but rather the music of Earth, not a fantasy but a survival guide'
-
Spring greens and chickpea curry recipe
The Week Recommends This mouthwatering curry is quick to throw together
-
5 cultural and scenic trails to wander on four wheels
The Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home
-
Gazer: 'paranoid noir chiller' is a gripping watch
The Week Recommends Ryan J. Sloan's debut film is haunted with 'skin-crawling unease'
-
William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity – a 'bold' exhibition
The Week Recommends The South African artist brings his distinctive works to Yorkshire Sculpture Park
-
Sarah Dunant shares her favourite books
The Week Recommends The British novelist picks works by Sergeanne Golon, Jill Burke and Natalie Zemon
-
Inter Alia: Rosamund Pike is 'electric' in gut-wrenching legal drama
The Week Recommends Australian playwright Suzie Miller is back with a follow up to her critically acclaimed hit play Prima Facie