Summer Fun

Summer has finally arrived! Time to get out there and have some fun, explore, experience and engage. Here are a few ideas for you!

FISHING

• If you don’t have a boat, consider fishing from one of the many fishing piers along our coast. Search “fishing piers near me.” • Give surf casting a try. Check online for the regulations at various beaches. • Take a break from the salt and try your hand at freshwater fishing at a state park or one of the many public fishing areas in the state. For a list, visit georgiawildlife.com/allpfas • Introduce the next generation to the water and take your kids fishing too. It’s more important than ever now to find healthy outdoor activities for them. • To get or renew a fishing license visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia. com. • For more on fishing in Georgia, visit georgiawildlife.com/ fishing/angler-resources.

BOATING

• Don’t have a boat? Search “boat rentals near me” or “kayak rentals near me” and rent one, or charter with any of the countless charter captains on the coast. • Explore the large rivers feeding into our coastal plains – the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St. Marys Rivers all flow into our coastal region and all are unique. Go explore! • Take a day trip – plan a half-day ride to another area on the coast, then beach or anchor and have a picnic lunch before riding back. Remember to leave a float plan with someone. • Kayaks are boats too! They’re easy to operate, available for rent all along our coast, and allow you a water-level view of the marshes, rivers and creeks and all the flora and fauna that reside there.

BEACHES

• Visit any of the public beaches on our beautiful barrier islands. • Search for shells, sea glass, driftwood and other treasures from the high tide line down to the water. • Identify (from a distance) the many birds you’ll see. Download “My Shorebird Watcher” from your app store to learn about them. • Build a sandcastle. It’s harder than it seems! What can you create? • Get your fitness on – do yoga, go for a walk (in the water to boost resistance), a jog, or a swim (check rip currents first). • Pick up a new hobby and take a surfing or SUP lesson. • Or simply relax. People watch, nap, read a book, or just contemplate – there’s no better place for it!

MORE OUTDOORS

• Search for fossils and shark teeth. • Explore our area’s many historic sites. • Visit the lighthouses along our coast. Some are open to the public and you can find more information about them by visiting bit.ly/georgia_lighthouses • Plan a day or a weekend at one of Georgia’s many state parks. Visit Gastateparks.org

SHORESIDE

• Check out the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island. Visit bit.ly/uga_aquarium_visit to learn more • Enroll your child or grandchild in the Boater Safety Course offered by the GADNR and Chatham County Marine Patrol. Anyone born after January 1, 1998, they must have this course to operate any vessel in Georgia waters. Plus, it’s just good to start them off with good boating skills and habits. • For those rainy or hot summer days, step inside the Ships of the Sea Museum and learn about maritime history with model ships, paintings, antiques and more. www.shipsofthesea.org • Love sea turtles? Take a trip to Jekyll Island and explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s interactive displays, turtle tanks, gift shop, and more. www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org • Visit the Submarine Museum in St. Marys stmaryssubmuseum.com.

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We hope this sparks some ideas and helps you have a great summer! Please remember to check for hours and restrictions. Be sure to take drinks, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and anything else you might need to be comfortable and enjoy your adventures. Share your own ideas and your stories on our Facebook page!

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a great place to catch a cool ocean breeze, explore, take pictures or just relax. Photo by Amy Thurman