Attractions
Things to Do in Darien, GA
Darien, Georgia's Hidden Gem of the Golden Isles
Whether you're looking for boating and fishing on the river, visiting historic sites, exploring the Golden Isles, seeing wildlife refuges, or just taking in the local scenery, there are plenty of things to do in Darien, GA.
Ashantilly Center
Stop in for a tour of the mainland home of Thomas Spalding. Ashantilly Center, known as "Old Tabby," once belonged to the early Georgia planter, legislator, and McIntosh County landowner.
The original home, built circa 1820, burned in 1937, and the current house became an ongoing project of the Haynes family. Today, the Ashantilly Center is a non-profit educational and cultural historic site, organized and founded by William G. Haynes, Jr.
Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area
This 30,000-acre wildlife area is a major wintering location on the Atlantic Flyway. Birds such as bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, mallards, ring-necked ducks, and other wading birds make up the majority of the reserve's bird population.
Visitors can view wildlife from observation tours, hunt for seasonal game, spot local waterfowl, and fish from a boat or canoe.
East Coast Greenway
Darien is the perfect town to explore by bike. Its grid-style city blocks and squares make it convenient for leisurely rides or longer full-day excursions.
Passing through the center of Darien is the East Coast Greenway. It is the country's longest biking and walking route and connects 15 states, 450 cities and towns, and 3,000 miles of trails from Maine to Florida. It's also a great way to see all the beautiful Georgia scenery and wildlife.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
During the antebellum period in the south, rice plantations were a major mainstay of the local economy. The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is a beautiful testament to the history and culture of Georgia's rice coast. Visitors can learn about the enslaved peoples who once worked the plantation, see a film on the plantation's history, explore the museum & gift shop, and take a guided tour of the plantation itself.
Georgia Tidewater Outfitters
Georgia Tidewater Outfitters offers Altamaha River Delta cruises guided by Kim and Paul Medders. Cruises are conducted on the Delta Belle, a 30-foot Sightseer Marine custom pontoon boat.
Sapelo Island
Explore the beauty and history of Sapelo Island. Public tours are available certain days of the week between June 1st and Labor Day. Additional tours, events, special programs, and more may also be offered during other times of the year.
Guests especially enjoy visiting the Reynolds Mansion, the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the historic lighthouse.
Ruff's Custom Coastal Adventures
Ruff's helps families enjoy adventures together as they explore the Georgia outdoors. Each outing is focused on providing family-fun and on making memories that will last a lifetime. Tours offered include:
St. Simons Island
Jekyll Island
Cumberland Island
Sapelo Island
Historic Darien & The Altamaha River
Blackbeard Island
Fort King George State Historic Site
Fort King George is the oldest colonial fort still standing on the Georgia coast. From 1721 to 1727, it served as the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Following its eventual abandonment, it was occupied by Scottish Highlanders in 1736.
Today, the fort is a testament to the history of the Native tribes and the Europeans who once occupied the area. While here, guests enjoy touring the barracks, exploring the museum & gift shop, and having a peaceful picnic on the grounds.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Just a short 20 minute drive from Darien is the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of seven refuges administered as part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex.
Visitors to the refuge can enjoy hiking, biking, bird and wildlife watching, fishing, and seasonal hunting.
Jekyll Island Georgia
Are you up for a beach adventure? Then set out on a journey to discover marshes, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and wide, sandy beaches. Don't miss the sunset for the best view from Jekyll Island!
Favorite island activities include golfing, festivals, wildlife programs, history tours, and more.
Saint Cyprians Church
Saint Cyprians is a rare and unique structure built in 1876 for and by former slaves of the area. It is one of the few African-American Episcopal churches in the state of Georgia and is part of the Episcopal community of McIntosh County.
St. Simons Island Georgia
If you want the full beachside village experience, then St. Simons Island, GA is the place for you. Visitors love to golf, sunbathe on the beaches, experience treatments from high-end spas, and shop and dine at the island's amazing stores and restaurants.
Marsh Pirate
Come and get all the fishing gear and clothing you need for Coastal Georgia. This is a great place to do a little shopping and then enjoy a cold beer in the taproom or on their covered deck overlooking the Altamaha river.
Waterfront Park
Sit back and relax or take a stroll at this historic park located on the banks of the Darien River. There's an activity for everyone from bike riding and watching the shrimp boats come in, to boating and fishing from the dock.
In the 19th Century, the Waterfront Park was the busiest seaport along the Southeast coast. Come walk along the Tabby Ruins and get a look at the city's history or join the crowds at The Blessing of the Fleet festival held every Spring.
