Two people walk along the light-brown sand of Gould's Inlet Beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Their backs are to the camera, and the wrinkles in their clothes tell us that there is a light breeze. They are walking a black dog that looks similar to a poodle. The surrounding environment is small hills of sand with grass poking out, and to the left and on the horizon is the dark-blue water of the ocean. The sky above is a bird's-egg blue.

St. Simons Island

Breathtaking beaches come in the form of St. Simons Island, a barrier isle on Georgia's coast just east of Brunswick, approximately 1.5 hours from Savannah. With remarkable scenery, a fascinating history, unique shops and challenging golf courses, the island is a must-visit to relax and get away from it all.

Check out Fort Frederica National Monument, the archaeological remnants of the island's first European settlement, or make your way to Neptune Park, an oceanfront park next to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse that offers a playground, picnic area, casino and pool. Cannon’s Point Preserve features 660 acres of greenery and Late Archaic shell rings dating back to 2500 BCE.

Bring Fido along for a bright-blue sky day on East Beach, rent bikes and cruise along King's Way, pop by a local tackle shop to get outfitted for a day on the pier or kayak under the sun in the Saint Simons Sound. Go birding as you even out your stroke at Retreat Golf Course, or feel the sea breeze in your hair as you putt at Seaside Golf Course.

Head to Pier Village for more than 50 shops and restaurants. Savannah Bee Company, Pier Village Market and the Live Oak Gift Shop located in the Golden Isles Welcome Center all offer up specialty items for those back home. Snack on a sweet treat from St. Simons Crepes while you wait for a table at Barbara Jean’s, Iguanas Seafood Restaurant or Brogen’s South.

Mid-January brings the St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast, featuring vendors, live music and, of course, oysters. In late spring and summer, loggerhead sea turtles arrive on the beach to lay their eggs. These adorable babies will make their way into the sea after they hatch in the ultimate marathon. Plenty of events happen year-round on the island, so plan your trip around them.

Book your stay at Hotel Simone, Ocean Inn & Suites or The King and Prince Beach & Golf Club, and when the sun begins to set, walk around the island looking for tree spirits.

FAQs ABOUT ST. SIMONS ISLAND

What are the top things to do on St. Simons Island?

St. Simons Island has all the activities you’d want from a beach destination – fishing, paddling, sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, golfing, an island village for dining, and shopping – along with fascinating historical sites, biking paths, and a bit of local character in the form of the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits.

What are the best activities for families on St. Simons Island?

Beyond quintessential beach activities, there’s Neptune Park, which is home to a water park, mini golf, and fishing pier. There are also trolley, nature, and ghost tours, and the historical attractions of the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Fort Frederica National Monument, and the World War II Home Front Museum. And, of course, there are several ice-cream and sweets shops to choose from.

But, the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island top everyone’s list. A scavenger hunt of nearly a dozen tree-carved spirits amid the trunks and branches of the island’s oak trees is a memory-making experience. 

What are the best activities for couples on St. Simons Island?

From fine dining to grab-and-go beach picnics, St. Simons has plenty of restaurant options for a date-night meal followed by a sandy sunset stroll. Or, consider a fishing charter or boat tour, savoring a lazy day of luxury at a resort or hotel, taking an art class at Glynn Visual Arts, and walking amid the shady Avenue of the Oaks.

What are the most popular festivals and events on St. Simons Island?

What kind of lodging and hotels are on St. Simons Island?

From bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals/cottages to full-scale resorts, boutique hotels, and hotel/motel chains, St. Simons has a variety of hotel and lodging options.

When is the best time to visit St. Simons Island?

While summer can be hot on St. Simons, it’s a popular time to go to the beach. Spring and fall have cooler temps (and fewer visitors), and winter is perhaps the best time to wander quiet trails.

What is the weather like on St. Simons Island?

Weather on St. Simons Island is generally mild, with temperatures into the 80s in the summer – it’s hottest in July. In the winter, it can get down into the 60s during the day. Spring and fall range from highs in the 60s and 70s. The rainier season is typically August through September, and you can expect summer thunderstorms and humidity.

What part of Georgia is St. Simons Island located in?

St. Simons is the largest of the Golden Isles barrier islands off the southeast coast of Georgia, located midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. 

What are the closest airports to St. Simons Island?

The Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) has daily flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL); additionally, Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) are both just under an hour away.

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Visitor Information Center

529 Beachview Dr.
St. Simons Island, GA
31522
Free: (800) 933-2627
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