Things to Do in Brunswick

Nestled along Georgia’s coast, Brunswick is the gateway city to the paradise of the Golden Isles of Georgia. Yet, you don’t need to leave the city to experience its own charm while you relax and unwind. Step out of your Brunswick hotel and gather at the port to watch the famous shrimp boats unload their fresh cargo. Take a day to explore the golden salt marshes at the edge of the city, or simply enjoy a taste of real Southern hospitality on any of the neighboring islands. Whatever your fancy, this diverse southeastern Georgia destination is sure to inspire.

Experience the Brunswick of yesteryear

Cobblestone streets mark your path toward some of Brunswick's most historic sights.

Take a stroll through the Brunswick Old Town Historic District and experience the vast cultural significance of the area. The district includes sections of the former Colonial British Town of Brunswick, established in 1771, and offers a glimpse into the past. You'll tread along beautiful sidewalks of yesteryear, some even paved with unique, hexagonal stones. Admire well-preserved, late-19th century buildings like the Hazelhurst-Taylor House in Hanover Square, the elegant Mahoney-McGarvey House on Reynolds Street and the Old City Hall. The architectural style is "Richardsonian Romanesque" with Queen Anne parallels. This massive stone structure—complete with an impressive clock tower—has Italianate brackets, elaborate terracotta friezes and columns decorated with gargoyles.

A pentagon of coastal paradise

Sandy dunes and protected salt marshes make for a truly unique beach landscape along the shores of the Golden Isles.

Work on your tan on the sun-drenched, semitropical Golden Isles of Georgia. In fact, Brunswick is part of the paradise comprised of four barrier islands encompassing a "golden pentagon" that include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island—along with a continuous stretch of marshland and tiny islands known as hammocks. Cross the F.J. Torras Causeway and bury your toes in the sands of Sea Island or St. Simons Island. These islands were once famous for their huge cotton plantations but are now revered by naturalists, birdwatchers and sun seekers for the miles of secluded beaches and ancient forests.

Oaks mark the spot

Find inspiration and the perfect picture moment under the awesome branches of Brunswick's famous ancient oaks.

You may find yourself gazing at every tree in this city, from iconic magnolia with intoxicating floral blooms to the giant oaks with whimsical limbs. Just make sure to visit two of Brunswick’s iconic trees—Lover’s Oak and Lanier’s Oak. Lover's Oak–draped in Spanish moss—is estimated to be more than 900 years old. Proudly on display at the corner of Albany and Prince Streets, legend has it that young Native American men once wooed their loves beside the tree's 13-foot-wide trunk. Lanier's Oak is located near the edges of the marsh. Its namesake stems from Georgia's most famous poet, Sidney Lanier. It’s said that the tree inspired his poem, "The Marshes of Glynn." Look for the marker on Highway 17 and maybe you'll find some of that same inspiration.

Gamble on the high seas

See if Lady Luck is on your side when you visit any of Brunswick's iconic river casino boats.

While you may find the quiet nights in Brunswick pure joy, you might also want to take your chances with Lady Luck. If you’re traveling with companions ready for action, the Empress Princess is waiting for you to roll the dice or spin the wheel. You'll feel like James Bond as you lead the family or colleagues aboard this 200-foot luxury cruiser—it’s way more than a fun boat tour. You're itinerary includes dining at sea, dancing the night away and testing your luck with gambling options that span from slot machines and poker to roulette and blackjack at the casino. Catch the boat at Gisco Point at the southern end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge.

Artistic next door neighbors

Live cultural performances are a-plenty in downtown Brunswick's popular art and theater scene.

Immerse yourself in downtown Brunswick’s thriving art and entertainment scene with a stop at the SoGlo Gallery and Brunswick Actors' Theatre. The neighboring venues co-mingle with an art gallery and production house, offering a vast cultural epicenter with a 2,600-square-foot gallery and 113-seat venue. You can admire the eclectic local art with exhibits that rotate relatively rapidly—and sometimes even meet the artists—at the gallery. Next, head to the adjoining Brunswick Actors’ Theatre for performance art and stage shows. You’ll feel right at home in this theater, which showcases artists, writers and actors from Brunswick and its surrounding communities.

Rice Coast plantations of the past

A visit to any of the historic plantations around Brunswick offers a glimpse back into a storied past.

Experience the life, culture and history along the once-thriving Georgia rice coast at the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site. You may go for a history lesson on the plantation tour, but prepare to fall in love with the magnificent grounds. The centerpiece of the site is the restored 1800s plantation, carved from marshes along the Altamaha River. You'll be wowed by this antebellum estate filled with the family's original heirlooms spanning five generations. Afterward, make time to walk the grounds, bask in the shade of the huge oak trees, and be on the lookout for beautiful herons, egrets and ibis as you walk along the nature trail.