Travel
Sea Island Resort in Georgia is the Best Family Destination
Along the southeastern coast of Georgia is a hidden gem I didn’t know existed. Sea Island Resort was my favorite family vacation to date. This was our first time traveling with 3 children, ages 5, 3, and 1, and it was our best family vacation to date. It really is the perfect setting for a family. So much that it’s where we’re going on our next trip. This private island has so much to see and do, beautiful ocean views, easy on-site dining, children’s programs, a fitness canter, and everything’s easy and accessible, which is a must for families. It’s the only resort we’ve been to as a family, but I can’t imagine loving another resort more. It stands out as an exceptional destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.
This post was not written in partnership with Sea Island. Our trip and experiences were not gifted or discounted.
Sea Island Resort in Georgia: A Review of the Best Family Destination
Sea Island is beautiful and full of historic charm. The landscaping is beautiful – the resort is surrounded by palm trees and Spanish moss. If you’re into world-class golf, there are championship golf courses. We’re not golfers but took advantage of the tennis center. My husband played every day, and I joined him for a match, too. I love the vibe – it’s very laid back, beach casual. It was so nice being at a house and getting to sit by the pool while Jack napped, and we had full access to everything the resort has to offer.
The kids can go to camp cloister, to the splash pad, although we chose to keep them with us and just enjoy the time together as a family. There’s even a little aquarium where they can see fish and sea turtles. From the yacht club and horseback riding to the fitness center and white-sand beaches, there’s a reason it has three Forbes five-star awards. Sea Island quickly became our happy place, so much that we’re going back two consecutive years in a row.
Our first time traveling with 3 kids
Given that we had a few years off travel with the pandemic, we’ve done a decent amount of travel with the kids. My oldest has been to California 5 times, NY once, and Italy twice. But this was our first trip traveling with 3, and the first time our au pair joined us. The flight from Chicago to Jacksonville (FL) was easy, and we drove about an hour to Sea Island. You do need a car to get there but won’t really need a car on property. We used it to get to one dinner that was about 10 minutes away, but didn’t venture out outside of that.
My husband and in-laws missed the flight since we happened to travel on a day with protests going on, and barely made our flight. So our au pair and I traveled with the 3 kids, and honestly, it was a breeze.
For gear, I just brought car seats for the kids, and a small travel stroller for Jack. A stroller isn’t a must since there are golf carts to get around, but i liked having one since I walked to get coffee and breakfast with Jack most mornings.
I’ve found that 4 is the magic travel age, but our youngest did so well. The girls will be 4 and 6 in a few months, and are my travel buddies. Traveling with a baby is usually my least-favorite, but he’s just so easy, and this trip was easy. Napped on me on both flights and was a great sleeper on the trip. This is such a great place for kids and babies – everything’s so close and easy. Being in a house vs. hotel rooms was a game-changer for kids. Again, easy.
What to do in Sea Island
For families seeking adventure and modern amenities, Sea Island offers a variety outdoor activities to enjoy. Guests of the resort can go on a kayaking expedition through the island’s scenic waterways where you can paddle alongside playful dolphins. We were going to do the dolphin cruise but the only available time that day was 3PM and we had spent way too much time in the sun. My nephew went on a fishing excursion in the freshwater lakes and caught trophy-worthy catches! I couldn’t believe the variety he caught. No matter your interests, Sea Island provides endless opportunities for family fun and adventure.
After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Sea Island’s luxurious resorts, where world-class amenities and Southern hospitality await. Rainy day? Treat yourself to one of Sea Island’s spa treatments, enjoy the nature center, toddler play center, or go bowling at Sea Strike & Pub. And as the sun sets over the horizon, gather around a bonfire on the beach.
The Cloister Cottages
The Sea Island cottages are wonderful, and a quick and short walk to the beach club. If you don’t feel like walking, call for a golf cart and someone will pick you up and take you wherever you want to go. Our house had 4 guest rooms (and flat-screen TVs in all of them, for those who care about that) which perfect for our family of 5, plus our au pair. We placed an Instacart order to the house the day we arrived, and it was so nice to have everything we needed at the house. Whoever stayed back with Jack for his nap could sit by the small private pool and relax.
The Beach
Whether you’re lounging beneath a colorful umbrella or building sandcastles with your children, the beach at Sea Island provides the perfect backdrop for cherished family moments. The soft, white sands stretch for 5 miles of private beach, perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and exploring for seashells. Jump in the Atlantic Ocean, and listen to the serene splash of the waves on the shore. It felt like the most perfect place.
The Sea Island Beach Club
We spent most days here, and had the best time. Get there early to reserve a spot by the pool, and grab breakfast at the snack shack. The resort amenities are amazing – take a golf club from your hotel or house to the beach club. The kids loved the smoothies and breakfast treats. The poolside food was great and so kid-friendly. Need a break from the pool? There’s a bowling alley, places to shop and eat, or grab a drink at the bar. Enjoy the casual accommodations and walk right up to the counter barefoot. The lunches were quick and easy – sandwiches, burgers, salads, tacos, and more. I loved the gracious service and heartfelt hospitality – everyone was really wonderful.
Fine Dining
We had the most wonderful Italian cuisine at Tavola, and also dined at Southern Tide, Sea Strike and Pub (bowling), and of course, the Snack Shack and Wonderland, which is the cutest little candy and ice cream shop. There’s a breakfast buffet at the hotel, but we opted for the snack shop since it was quick and easy, and my kids wanted to spend the day searching for shells and swimming in the pool.
Sea Island’s History
Guests of Sea Island can explore the remnants of Fort Frederica, a colonial-era fortress. Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
But the greatest part of Sea Island was how much fun we all had together. It was the perfect family escape and everything felt so carefree and easy. I highly recommend that you visit Sea Island with your family, but wouldn’t personally go without kids. It’s so family friendly that I’d choose another destination for adults without kids. We had an unforgettable experience, so much that my girls asked to visit Sea Island again for months after our trip. Sea Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Southern charm. From its beautiful beaches and rich history to family-friendly activities and luxurious amenities. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to Sea Island.
