The Hidden Island In Georgia That You Absolutely Must Visit

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.

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.

In fact, the interior of the island is not open to the public, as it is privately owned for work on conservation projects.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The entire isle was even declared to be a National Historic Landmark in order to protect the area from human beings.

However, there are still ways to visit the island and see for yourself what a unique wildlife refuge it has become.

Through outreach programs and grant tours of the island, visitors can get a rare glimpse into Georgia's wildlife conservation efforts.

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 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.