Things To Do in St Simons Island: An Insider’s Guide To Stay, Eat & Play

St Simons Island, Georgia was recently voted the number one favorite beach town by Travel and Leisure. Now the entire country knows what I’ve known for more than 20 years — St. Simons is the perfect mix of seaside fun and small town charm.

The hard-packed sand on St. Simons Island, Georgia is perfect for one of our favorite vacation activities, riding a bike on the beach, or if you prefer, there are miles of bike paths around this coastal Georgia barrier island. Read along for things to do in St Simons Island.

My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. It’s my husband’s happy place, and my kids pretty much call it their second home. I think the reason we love it so much is St. Simons isn’t a contrived vacation destination, it’s a small town with a rich history and year-round residents who welcome visitors with great dining, good shopping, history, adventure, and — the beach.

Over the years, we’ve discovered a little bit about the island and I thought I’d put what we know into this mega post. So without further ado, here’s my unofficial guide to a vacation on St. Simons Island, Ga., with a lot of input from the family. If I missed your favorite, let me know.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND WEATHER AND LOCATION INFO

St. Simons Island is one of a string of Islands in Georgia that make up the Golden Isles. It’s located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95.  It’s about equal distance to fly commercial into Savannah, Ga., or Jacksonville, Fl. Nearby Brunswick also has daily direct flights via Delta Air Lines to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Private planes can fly directly to the Island.

St. Simons weather is mild with highs in the 80’s and lows in the 40’s, making it a great year round destination. In fact, we’ve spent many a December day on the beach, sometimes even in the water. Rain peaks in August and September, but there really isn’t a real rainy season.

WHERE TO STAY: ST. SIMONS ISLAND HOTELS

St. Simons Island offers so many different lodging types — you’re sure to find something that suites you and your crew. St. Simons Island hotels range from budget to luxurious, so there is bound to be a fit for any budget. When looking for hotels or rentals, you may find three different areas mentioned.

East Beach is where most St. Simons Island rentals are located. This is a neighborhood community of homes. There are no hotels or condos in this area of the Island.

Ocean Blvd./Beachview Drive has the most St. Simons Island vacation rentals that are located on the beach, as well as a few of the hotels on St. Simons Island.

Kings Way is closer to Downtown and the St. Simons Island Pier Village.

I’d also add another area I’m calling interior island for hotels that aren’t located within walking distance of the beach or the downtown area called The Village. These are more budget friendly hotels, but since the island isn’t that big, it’s not a far drive to the beach from these hotels.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS AND RENTALS

Here are a few of the better St Simons Island hotels, and St Simons rentals.

KING AND PRINCE RESORT

The Historic King & Prince is my favorite hotel on the island because it’s the only hotel that is right on the beach. In addition to that, it has five pools (including a main pool that overlooks the ocean), tennis courts, bike rentals, and you can walk to some of my favorite restaurants. In addition to hotel rooms in the historic portion, there are also villas and houses for rent on property.

The in-house restaurant, Echo Oceanfront Restaurant, is fantastic for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as well as adult beverages.

THE INN AT SEA ISLAND

This hotel is an extension of the Sea Island Resorts, but it’s located on St. Simons Island. The Inn at Sea Island is set up mainly for golfers, but you do have access to many of the amenities at Sea Island Resort-like dining, spa, tennis, shooting school, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, hunting, and falconry. (Yes, falconry! How cool is that?!) Plus, it’s only about three miles from Fort Federica National Monument.

There is also complimentary shuttle service, so it’s an inexpensive (relatively speaking) alternative to staying at the luxurious Cloister on Sea Island.

There is a pool and workout facility available on-site, but if you’d like access to the Sea Island Beach Club (and if you have kids, you want access to the Sea Island Beach Club), ask before booking if this amenity is available. The reason? The Sea Island Beach Club has several pools, access to the beach, dining and a candy and ice cream shop.

THE LODGE AT SEA ISLAND

The Lodge at Sea Island is another Sea Island property that is actually located on St. Simons Island and geared toward golfers.

It is located on the ocean, but there really isn’t a beach area. They do have nice restaurants on site and it’s fun to sit on the lawn with a glass of wine and listen to the bagpiper as he walks the course when the sun sets.

HAMPTON INN, ST SIMONS ISLAND

This is a nice Hampton Inn located on Old Demere Road in the St. Simons interior. It’s your standard Hampton Inn rooms, free buffet breakfast and swimming pool. If you stay here, you can drive to the beach and park at the pier, Massengale Park, or the public beach access at the Old Coast Guard station.

If you’d rather stay on the beach, the Hampton Inn & Suites on nearby Jekyll Island is fairly new and it’s just a short walk through the maritime forest to the beach.

ISLAND INN

This hotel is located in the interior of St. Simons and recently came under the Best Western flag as a Best Western Plus. The Best Western (or The Island Inn St. Simons for old timers) has a nice outdoor pool and pool deck area, as well as a free breakfast.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

This hotel is located in the interior of St. Simons, down the street from the Hampton Inn. It’s been newly renovated, so if you are an IHG Rewards Club member vs. a Hilton Rewards (Hampton Inn) member, stay here. They offer your standard Holiday Inn extras, a pool, and those amazing cinnamon buns at breakfast.

SEA PALMS RESORT

Sea Palms is located in the interior of St. Simons and is a great choice for golf and tennis enthusiast. In addition to standard rooms with balconies, they also have three and four-bedroom suites with full kitchens, perfect for families. One of our favorite family-friendly activities at Sea Palms is Foot Golf.

SEA GATE INN

When I first started coming to St. Simons Island, my in-laws had a condo next to the Sea Gate Inn located on Beachview Drive. I’m sure management would hate to know, but we used to take my oldest when he was a toddler over there to swim in the pool and play shuffleboard, or “shaaa” as he liked to call it.

Although they have totally renovated the entire facility, the old Sea Gate Inn holds a special place in my heart because of those memories. Just so you know, when folks came to visit and didn’t fit at the condo, they always stayed at the Sea Gate, so we did patronize the hotel too. Now it’s managed by Sea Palms resort. The rooms are all suites, with a kitchen or kitchenette and the beach is across the street.

ST SIMONS ISLAND INN BY THE LIGHTHOUSE

I’ve passed this quaint boutique hotel every time I ride a bike through downtown. It’s in a great location across from the lighthouse and beach, within walking distance of downtown and the St. Simons Island pier. There are an intimate 34 rooms, as well as a small saltwater pool. Pets are welcome too.

OCEAN INN AND SUITES

The Ocean Inn and Suites is also located across from the lighthouse and a superb location for everything you might want to do on St. Simons, including Neptune Park — which has an outdoor pool, mini-golf and a playground.

The Ocean Inn and Suites also has their own pool, and parking, which can be tough in this area. Be wary though, the parking lot can be tight, so if you’re driving that giant SUV, it may take a little to get into these spots.

OCEAN LODGE

The Ocean Lodge is a Tuscan-looking hotel on Beachview Drive, across from the beach. Although I’ve never stayed in the rooms, I have enjoyed the view from the rooftop bar.

Access to the beach is this hotel’s strength. They do have a pool, but it’s very small.

EPWORTH BY THE SEA

Reader Karin Hancock says she always stays at Epworth by the Sea. She says “they have different types of accommodations from motel-style rooms to nicer hotel rooms comparable to a Holiday Inn. It’s nothing fancy, but a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. It is beautiful there with lots of Spanish moss and it’s on the Frederica River.”

I will attest to it’s beauty. My sister-in-law was married in the chapel.

VILLAGE INN & PUB

The Village Inn & Pub is located on Mallery Street in the historic downtown village. It’s a perfect location for the shops and dining, as well as the pier.

The pub is a favorite night time hang out for visitors, as well as guests of the Inn, and has a comfy living room feel.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND RENTALS

If you’d like to stay more than a few days, or don’t want to stay at one of the St. Simons Island resorts, you may want to consider one of the many St. Simons Island rental properties.

Friends of mine found a wonderful condo called the Floataway, and I highly recommend it.

RESORTS NEAR ST. SIMONS ISLAND GEORGIA WORTH MENTIONING

Although not technically on St. Simons Island, these nearby resorts are worth a visit!

LITTLE ST SIMONS ISLAND

The only way to get to this island is by boat, and you can leave all your cares at the dock when you do. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island is a rustic retreat with only 15 guest rooms and a maximum of 30 guests total.

My husband loved the cooler full of Bud Light available anytime. Kids loved going into the shed and just getting some fishing gear to try. I still remember wondering what all those little lights were as we bumped down the sand road in the back of the pick up toward the beach. Those lights…they were fireflies. Every.One.Of.Them.

THE CLOISTER AT SEA ISLAND RESORT

“Classic elegance” are words that come to mind when I think of the Cloister Sea Island. The rooms are larger than normal hotel rooms and the appointments are pure luxury. My son didn’t want to get out of the tub, perhaps it was the TV hanging above it. I didn’t want to get out of the bed. Truly, this was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.

The Sea Island Cloister Beach Club is the place to be in the summer. The club includes multiple pools, a splash pad, beach volleyball, playground, restaurants, candy shop and ice cream parlor, all along the beach. If you need a little time without the kids, send them to the movie theatre on property. Whatever you need, the Cloister does it beautifully.

JEKYLL ISLAND RENTAL PROPERTIES

Jekyll Island is experiencing a revitalization that is bringing what was once 1950’s-era amenities into modern times. My favorite hotel is still the Historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which was once the summer residence for the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, and the like. Recently the same folks opened the Jekyll Ocean Club, the same great service by the sea.

The Holiday Inn Jekyll Island is on the beach and perfect for families. The Westin Jekyll Island is located on the beach, and amid the emerging downtown area that reminds me a lot of San Destin. The Hampton Inn & Suites is another newer hotel with a pool and firepit nestled in a maritime forest. Take a short walk through the woods to the beach.

For more beach ideas in the area, see our post on the closest beaches to Atlanta.

THINGS TO DO IN ST SIMONS ISLAND

As I mentioned, we’ve been coming to St. Simons Island for more than 20 years. Here are some of our favorite activities, as well as a few others that are popular on St. Simons Island, Ga.

BICYCLES

Bikes are a must on our St. Simons beach vacation. If you don’t bring your own, rent them from Ocean Motion or MonkeyWrench Bicycles. There are more than 30 miles of bike paths on the Island and it’s a great way explore.

ST SIMONS ISLAND BEACH

The pristine beaches on St. Simons Island are definitely worth the visit. The St. Simons Beach is a favorite activity. We always bring a golf ball to toss back and forth and see if we can make it into a hole we’ve dug in the sand.

The St. Simons Island tides make beach access different depending on where you are. In some places like East Beach, you still have beach even at high tide. In others, like around the King and Prince Hotel, high tide can come up to the rocks.

If you aren’t staying on the beach, there are many public access points. Parking is available at the pier in the village, as well as at Massengale Park and The Coast Guard Station (in season they have a snack bar here too).

ST SIMONS LIGHTHOUSE

The St. Simons Island lighthouse and museum are must-see attractions in downtown St. Simons. Climb the 129 stairs to the top for a great view of Saint Simons Island, Ga., as well as Jekyll Island and Brunswick, the mainland town.

Save some time for the gift shop, which is more of a local boutique than a museum store.

The Coastal Georgia Historical Society manages the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the new World War II Homefront Museum in the Old Coast Guard station.

ISLAND TROLLEY

To get the overall history of Saint Simons, take the Island Trolley tour. Pick up the Trolley under the big oak trees near the fishing pier.

FORT FREDERICA NATIONAL MONUMENT

This is one of the Georgia State Parks historical sites and was once a thriving community in colonial Georgia. It has one of the best junior ranger programs I’ve ever seen.

A compliment to Fort Frederica is a visit to the Bloody Marsh battle site, where a decisive battle ended forever the threat of Spanish invasion into what was then, a British colony, during the Battle of Bloody Marsh.

CHRIST CHURCH, FREDERICA

This is the second oldest Episcopal Church in Georgia and the third oldest in the nation. This beautiful church is nestled amongst live oak trees on the scenic north end of the island.

The church is open to the public for tours Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. (They are closed on Easter and Christmas.)

FORT KING GEORGE IN DARIEN

If you like history, or have little ones who like to play Army, take a short drive to Darien Georgia and Fort King George.

In addition to a small hands-on museum, you can walk through the recreated fort, into the blockhouse, or the sentry box. The best part? You can get toy wooden guys in the museum to take into the fort and play. My boys had the.best.time.

HOFWYL-BROADFIELD PLANTATION

When I think of plantations, I think grand houses with huge pillars holding up the front porch. That’s not quite what the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation house looks like, but it’s probably a little closer to the way Southern plantation owners lived.

In addition to touring the house, try to find the geocaches located on this Georgia State Parks historical site, or just have fun exploring the grounds and the old dairy barns. Georgia State Parks run the site and often have special hikes or other programming.

THE ST SIMONS ISLAND TREE SPIRITS

The St. Simons Island Tree Spirits are one of my favorite things about this island! I love the treasure hunt to find the tree spirits, and the welcome surprise when you come across one you didn’t know was there.

What are they? Well…St. Simons happens to be home to a variety of tree spirits — and they are so cool.  The spirits have been carved into the majestic oaks that surround the island by local artist Keith Jennings. Keep an eye out, they’re enchanting!

NEPTUNE PARK

This seaside park is perfect for picnics under the giant live oaks. There are picnic tables and grills located just outside the gates to a children’s playground, although most kids end up climbing on the mother whale and her baby sculpture just as much as the climbing wall.

Adjacent to the playground is an outdoor pool with zero entry for little ones and a water tower structure that sprays and dumps water on kids. Beyond that, you’ll find a mini-golf course.

Neptune Park is located in the Historic Village downtown very close to the St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse and the St. Simon’s Pier.

CRAB OR FISH OFF THE ST SIMONS FISHING PIER

Crabbing has always been on my son’s to-do list when we go to St. Simons. We still haven’t figured out the best time to catch the crabs, but the boys love to lower the net and get excited when they catch anything.

There are always serious fishermen around and it’s just fun to walk along the pier and see what everyone else has caught. We’ve spied hammerhead sharks, horseshoe crabs, rays and lots of different fish.

GASCOIGNE BLUFF PARK

The location of this park frequented by locals was thought to be the first landing area for ships. Now it’s a popular fishing spot and also hosts events such as the Georgia Sea Island Festival.

SHRIMP ABOARD THE LADY JANE

The Lady Jane Shrimp Boat is probably my favorite, favorite excursion on St. Simons Island.

Board an authentic Georgia shrimp boat with an authentic crusty captain and trawl through the marshes to discovered the sea underneath. We’ve pulled up pufferfish, huge sting rays, and even a few shrimp.

If you only do one excursion, do this one.

TAKE A FISHING TOUR WITH CAP FENDIG

Touring St. Simons by boat is always fun! Take a tour with Cap Fendig providing access to the sights, sounds, and experiences of the inaccessible wilderness areas on Georgia’s coast. Day or night, they offer boat trips and insights that help create those special, memorable moments that last a lifetime.

KAYAK TOURS WITH KINGFISHER PADDLEVENTURES

With three kids, it’s tough to afford to do everything with everyone, so one year I let each child pick a fun excursion that we might not be able to afford for everyone.

My middle son picked kayaking through the marshes, and out into the ocean. What a unique way to see St. Simons Island! If you go with Kingfisher PaddleVentures, you’ll learn a lot about the ecology of the area while you’re having fun.

TAKE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR

The Gullah Geechee are decedents of the African slaves that worked the cotton and rice plantations along the coast. They knew the island long before cars crowded the roads.

Hear the wonderful stories of growing up on the island on an African American Heritage Tour.

ISLAND CINEMA

For a rainy day, there is no better place than the Island Cinema for a first run movie.

FOOT GOLF

The Spanish moss-draped trees lined the course we used for foot golf. Georgia has several courses, but we played Sea Palms in St. Simons Island.

One boy heading his soccer ball, one kicking it along, the other carrying it, running to catch up to play the next hole. The boys were all about the competition. This is one of the best activities for all ages you can do on St. Simons. Here’s why.

ST SIMONS ISLAND ROCKS

This is such an awesome idea. Get a rock, paint it, hide it on the island. If you’d rather, search for the painted rocks on the island.

We found one in a tree while visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse. Follow along on what people find on the SSIRocks Facebook page. 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND GOLF COURSES

St. Simons is a golfer’s paradise, but since I don’t play golf, I asked my husband about the golf courses on St. Simons Island. Here is what he had to say about each course.

In addition, he gave this advice – always remember bug spray, DEET preferred.

Sea Island Golf Courses: There are three Sea Island golf courses, as well as a nationally-renowned training center that will have your game in shape in no time. In fact, many of the tour pros train in this facility, so you may rub elbows with Davis Love or other pro golfers while you are there. They also do club fittings, as well as lessons. Stay at The Lodge on site to combine training with a golf package. According to my husband, even the driving range has an incredible view. 

The Seaside One Course: The Seaside Course is one of the most beautiful courses you’ll ever play. It is challenging for all skill levels because of multiple tee boxes. The greens are large with lots of undulation and always fast. Take some time on the practice green before teeing off here.

The Plantation Course: This is another beautiful course with marsh vistas. The greens are similar to Seaside, large, hilly and fast. The Plantation Course may be little longer than Seaside, but there aren’t as many hazards.

The Islands Club: This Course is farther inland. It’s always in great shape with greens just like Seaside and Plantation. This course has fewer hazards with houses lining some holes. There are lots of tee options for any level.

The Sea Palms Golf Course: The Sea Palms Golf Course is the best value on the island. The course is inland but there are still a number of water hazards. The course is mostly straight and flat with lots of large trees lining it. In my husband’s mind, the straightness of the course makes it more fun. They do have a driving range that is a car ride away from the clubhouse, so stop here first. Sea Palms also has foot golf, a family friendly way to experience the course using a soccer ball and your foot instead of a club and ball.

The King and Prince Golf Course: The King and Prince course is a very nice course cut through the marsh on the Northside of the island. It is not on site at the hotel. The course is not long but there are plenty of ways to get into trouble; lots of hazards on this course. There are also some incredible marsh views and if you are lucky you might see a bald eagle or two. If you don’t hit the ball overly straight bring some extra balls.

Frederica Golf Club St. Simons: This is a private club, and not open to the public.

WHERE TO EAT: BEST ST. SIMONS RESTAURANTS

One of the benefits of having a good year-round population is that really good restaurants can survive since they aren’t just seasonal hang outs. Over our 20+ years visiting St. Simons, we have some places that stay on our must-do list.

Here are a few we love and here are even more St Simons Island restaurants you have to try.

Southern Soul BBQ: This restaurant has been on Garden and Gun’s Barbecue Bucket List, named one of golfer Davis Love III’s Greatest BBQ joints, called one of the secrets of the Georgia Coast by Atlanta Magazine and is the Rodman go-to joint for 4th of July. You can’t visit St. Simons without visiting Southern Soul. It’s an award-winning BBQ that you won’t want to miss!

Sandcastle Cafe and Grille: They have a great all you can eat breakfast buffet. Truth be told, I’m ready to branch out a bit more and try something new, but the kids won’t have it.

Crab Trap: Three words – batter dipped fries. And the fried shrimp is good too. For a slightly more upscale experience (and grilled not fried seafood), go next door to Crab Daddys.

Brogens: This is my husband’s favorite. He loves the chicken swiss sandwich. 

Echo restaurant at The King and Prince: I love to ditch the kids and sit at the comfy couches in front of the fireplace with a nice glass of wine. Afterwards take a walk on the beach which is right outside.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR GEORGIA VISIT

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• JEKYLL ISLAND GA: PROTECTED COASTAL BEAUTY WITH RESORT FUN
• SAINT SIMONS RESTAURANTS : 15+ EXCEPTIONAL ST SIMONS ISLAND RESTAURANTS
• THE GEORGIA COAST: 47 AMAZING THINGS TO DO ON AND NEAR THE BARRIER ISLANDS
• LITTLE ST SIMONS ISLAND: TIPS, TRICKS AND TIDBITS

ST SIMONS ISLAND FAQ

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