Howard Coffin, founder of the Hudson Motor Company in Detroit, was instrumental
in introducing beach and golf resort recreation to remote St. Simons and
Sea Islands early this century. On the south end of St. Simons, Coffin
developed land of the former Retreat Plantation into a scenic golf course,
with dramatic holes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and marsh refuges. Coffin
also purchased the small island to the east of St. Simons, which he later
named Sea Island, with ambitious plans for developing an exclusive beach
resort. Noted Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner worked closely with Coffin
to design the Mediterranean style complex (pictured above) which remains
the centerpiece of the resort today. The Sea Island Club, also coined the
Cloister, quickly gained notoriety. President Coolidge spent Christmas
here in 1928 and soon thereafter the resort thrived, attracting the likes
of John D. Rockefeller, Edsel Ford, Thomas Dewey, Gladys Swarthout, and
Eugene O'Neill.
LOCATION
Sea Island, GA
ADDRESS
Sea Island Company
Sea Island, GA 31561
TELEPHONE
(912) 638-3611 Sea Island Company
1 (800) 732-4752 Cloister Resort
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summers are hot and humid. Winters are generally short and mild with
variable precipitation and occasional "northeasters." Recommend
layers of clothing, especially in spring and fall, and good walking shoes.
DIRECTIONS
Driving south, exit I-95 at exit 8. Head approximately 4 miles on GA Hwy.
25 to U.S. Hwy. 17. Drive south on U.S. Hwy. 17 for 1.5 miles. Turn left
onto St. Simons Island Causeway. As causeway enters island, bear left onto
Demere Road. Turn left at first stop light onto Sea Island Road, which
leads directly onto Sea Island.
Driving north, exit I-95 at exit 6. Head north on U.S. Hwy. 17. After
crossing the Sydney Lanier Bridge, follow signs for St. Simons Island.
Turn right onto St. Simons Island Causeway. As causeway enters island,
bear left onto Demere Road. Turn left at first stop light onto Sea Island
Road, which leads directly onto Sea Island.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Sea Island is privately managed by the Sea Island Company. Only the
roads are open to the public at Sea Island. Guests of the Cloister resort
may use the beaches and other amenities on the island. The Cloister also
offers guided nature tours of the island and adjacent areas.
ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES
St. Simons Island; Fort Frederica; Historic
Brunswick; Jekyll Island; Hofwyl-Broadfield
Plantation; Horton House ruins; Hamilton
Plantation Slave Cabins; Cumberland
Island.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Contact the Cloister at 1 (800) 732-4752
