Georgia may not boast a tropical climate dotted with palm trees, but there are many different islands along the Georgia coast that definitely deserve recognition and exploration. Take Cumberland Island, for instance, one of the most fascinating places in the Peach State. However, we also have a few places off the Georgia shores that are still hidden gems, even to locals. St. Catherine’s Island in Georgia is an overlooked isle off of the southern coast, and it’s well worth a visit if you can! Take a look:

St. Catherine’s Island is comprised of over 14,000-acres and 30-square miles of land.
St. Catherine's Island
Not to be confused with the identically-named UK island off the coast of Wales, which was once used as a military fort.
What makes this island so incredible is that it has been inhabited for at least 4,000 years.
St. Catherine's Island
In fact, the interior of the island is not open to the public, as it is privately owned for work on conservation projects.
Beach and ocean view on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia, partially obscured by foliage
St. Catherine's Island
St. Catherine's serves as an undisturbed slice of nature, with habitats for many different animals, mammals, and birds such as osprey, sea turtles, and lemurs to name a few.
St. Catherine's Island
In fact, some guides have even nicknamed this slice of Georgia as a sort of "Noah’s Ark," where animals can establish their own breeding colonies, building up the number of rare or endangered species.
St. Catherine's Island
Ecosystems on St. Catherine's include salt marshes, maritime forests, grasslands, beaches, and freshwater ponds. The diversity of the landscape is perfect for a variety of flora and fauna to thrive.

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Georgia’s state laws require that all beaches remain open to the public, so it is only the interior of St. Catherine’s Island which is off limits without an appointment.
St. Catherine's Island
The entire isle was even declared to be a National Historic Landmark in order to protect the area from human beings.
Clear beach and Atlantic Ocean view from St. Catherine's Island, Georgia, with a bench overlooking the water.
St. Catherine's Island
However, there are still ways to visit the island and see for yourself what a unique wildlife refuge it has become.
St. Catherine's Island
Through outreach programs and grant tours of the island, visitors can get a rare glimpse into Georgia's wildlife conservation efforts.
St. Catherine's Island
However, those who have a means to visit St. Catherine's otherwise can also stick to the shores for a bit of beauty along the edges.
St. Catherine's Island

St. Catherine’s Island is a protected place in Georgia that deserves the utmost respect from all who visit. To find out more information about this unique preserve and education options, visit the official website.

Looking for a true tropical retreat right here in Georgia? These six places are like an island vacation all year long. 

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More to Explore

St. Catherine's Island in Georgia & Related Info

Jennifer | December 26, 2022

Does Georgia have any islands?

Georgia's scenic coast runs along 110 miles of the Atlantic, and the state is uniquely home to just over a dozen "barrier islands." This unique chain of islands helps protect Georgia from the brutal ocean while offering stunning coastal views and a phenomenal mix of ecosystems along their mainland halves. For this reason, many of Georgia's 14 barrier islands have become highly sought after vacation destinations, each island boasting its own unique personality. Some are even accessible by car. From north to south, Georgia's 14 barrier islands are:

 

Of these 14 barrier islands, four make up Georgia's "Golden Isles" off the coast of Brunswick, which are so named due to their vibrant natural beauty, ideal weather, and stunning ocean views:

  • St. Simons Island
  • Sea Island
  • Little St. Simons Island
  • Jekyll Island

 

What are the best beaches in Georgia?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to the great outdoors and the best spots to catch a few rays. However, Tybee Island is often said to be home to many of Georgia's best beaches. Lake Lanier also earns top marks from beach-goers who prefer to avoid the seasonal island crowds. However, some of the best lake beaches can be found at:

  • Red Top Mountain State Park
  • Don Carter State Park
  • Fort Yargo State Park
  • Cauble Park

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Saint Catherines Island, St Catherines Island, Georgia, USA