Georgia's five lighthouses, each set on a pristine barrier island, once served as beacons in the night to traveling ships. They now serve as beautiful landmarks that challenge you to climb their steep steps and take in their spectacular views.

With three climbable beacons, Tybee Light Station, Saint Simons Island Lighthouse and the Sapelo Island Lighthouse, and three that are accessible only by boat, Cockspur Island Lighthouse and Little Cumberland Island Lighthouse, the beautiful coast of Georgia is a lighthouse lover's paradise.

One of the most natural of Georgia's pristine barrier islands, Jekyll Island still maintains the natural splendor and charm that first attracted millionaires from the north to her welcoming shores in the late 1800's.

With her new Georgia Sea Turtle Center, built for turtle rehabilitation and public education, 63 holes of family friendly golf, 20 miles of bike trails and her National Audubon status as an Important Bird Area, Jekyll Island has something for everyone. From nature lovers to families to couples looking for a romantic getaway, Jekyll Island is truly Georgia's Jewel.

Once home to several of the Carnegie family's splendid estates, Cumberland Island is now home to hundreds of wild horses; Greyfield Inn, named by Travel + Leisure as one of the Top 100 Hotels in the U.S.; and some of the most beautiful camping on the East Coast.

It is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, with pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes. Cumberland Island is perfect for those who want to experience all that Georgia's coast has to offer.

Tybee Island, just 20 minutes east of Savannah, is arguably the most laid-back island on Georgia's Coast. Tybee is home to miles of sandy beach, a working lighthouse, an active art community, sea turtle nesting grounds, excellent kayaking areas, and food to please any palate.

From Pirate's Fest to the wacky Polar Bear Plunge, Tybee hosts more festivals than you can imagine. With all that Tybee offers, this is the perfect place to put on your flip flops and never look back.

St. Simons Island, one of four islands known as the Golden Isles, has been a favorite vacation spot for generations of families.

They return year after year to enjoy the charming southern hospitality, the sandy beaches, and the wide variety of activities offered. Art festivals, concerts under the starts and miniature-golf are just a few of the Island's activities.

If museums are what you seek, look no further, the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, the new Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station and the upcoming A. W. Jones Heritage Center will provide a day of history and coastal exploration for the entire family.