Where to Ride - Georgia's Coast

By Darley Newman

Beach riding on the East Coast is a rare commodity. Georgia's Coast is unique in that it is not overly developed, making horseback riding, truly special. Both riders and non-riders have many options along the coast. In this first article in our Where to Ride series, we'll tell you where and when to visit the coast and what to pack and where to stay.

Sea Island, GA

When I visited Sea Island last summer, I took a tour of their new equestrian facilities, which were almost complete. By the end, I was picking up real estate guides and ready to move on down. That was before the riding! Guests of The Cloister, The Lodge at Sea Island and members of the Sea Island Club can take nature tours on horseback through the island's varied ecosystems, including salt marshes and dunes. Beach riding on Sea Island is fantastic, because the beaches are not normally cluttered with people. You'll be lucky to see a few as you canter up and down wide, white sands and take a dip with your horse in the Atlantic Ocean.

Tips

Pack your bathing suit, because more experienced riders may get to go swim riding here. You can bring your own horse to Sea Island or ride one of theirs.

Where to Stay:

The Cloisters or The Lodge at Sea Island.

When to go:

Once again, it's Georgia so the summers can be warm, but that's why the ocean is there. This is a year-round destination.

Cumberland Island, GA

Most people don't know that there are wild horses on Cumberland Island. This fascinating sub-tropical island is a true escape from it all. You won't be riding here, but will be able to satisfy both horse people and the other members of your group, as you hike around the island and explore. You'll view wild horses, a variety of birds and maybe an armadillo or two.

Tips

Pack your sunscreen, bug spray and all the food and water that you'll need, because there are no stores on the island. No stores! No! This is an untamed wilderness. Cumberland island was established as a national seashore in 1972 and is managed by the National Park Service, who limits the number of people going on or off the island each day. You can't drive to the island, but can take the ferry. Make sure to make reservations well in advance.

Where to stay

The Greyfield Inn is an experience in itself and the only place to stay on the island, unless, of course, you decide to camp, a popular action. For information on camping, visit The National Parks Cumberland Island site.

Where to see the horses

If you are staying at the Greyfield Inn, they will most likely be grazing right outside your door. As you might expect, the horses are usually hanging out in the parts of the island that have the best areas of grass, which are few.

A surefire way to see the horses

Book a nature tour with Fred Whitehead. This is highly recommended. Whitehead's been on the island for over 20 years. His tour will fascinate you, cause you to question what you know and take you straight to the horses, if you ask. You can get in touch with Whitehead through The Greyfield Inn.

When to go

Cumberland Island is a subtropical island, so it can get humid, but is certainly a year-round destination.

Jekyll Island, GA

Visitors to Jekyll can take a leisurely ride on Driftwood Beach with Victoria's Carriages and Trail Rides or take a carriage ride through Jekyll's historic district. Beach trail rides depart from the Clam Creek recreation area on the island's north end. Call 912-635-3636 for information.

Tips

This ride is certainly accessible to beginners, as it is a walk ride, meant for taking in the scenic beach views.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of options on the island, including the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, where you relive history.

When to go

Year-round.

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