Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. St. Simons Island is around 18 square miles in size. Dine casually, relax at a wine bar, or bring the kids and enjoy live music. Rent a bike for the day and explore the many bike trails on St. Simons. There are lots of tee options for any level. Said to be haunted by the ghost of the light keeper Frederick Osborne who was killed in a duel by his assistant in 1880, this lighthouse is a fun tour for all ages. St. Simons Island offers so many different lodging types youre sure to find something that suites you and your crew. Rather, it's a short 20 minute drive to the neighboring Jekyll Island. We always bring a golf ball to toss back and forth and see if we can make it into a hole weve dug in the sand. See the differences between multiple units in the same complex and find the best rates. Drive through the double row of 190-year-old lives oak trees at Avenue of the Oaks en route to see the Fort Frederica . History buffs will be pleased with the choices St. Simons Island offers. The Golden Isles Welcome Center has a map that shows you where to see them. 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. All other marks belong to their respective owners. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual St. Simons IslandSunshine Festivalat Pier Village. Take a dolphin cruise: See dolphins up close on a boat tour around the island. While exploring these important sites are among the best things do in St Simons Island, it is also known for its spectacular nature with around half of it being covered in pristine marshes and woodlands. Take your dog with you and watch various coastal birds lounging on the shore. To further support this, the island is 12 miles long and nearly three miles wide - about the size of Manhattan Island in New York. Several presidents have been to service there. Trip Ideas. Yes! Meet the Authors - Marie Bostwick & Karen White. 15. This is one of the best activities for all ages you can do on St. Simons. miles), St. Simons Island is also the most popular for its beaches, golf courses, scenery, and numerous tennis courts. There is also a restaurant and dive shop on-site. Continue reading below to discover the best things to do in St Simons Island, GA. 1. Must see! Despite its old age, the building you see today is not the first church built on the property. Here are just a few of the popular things to do on St. Simons Island. Spending a day at Gascoigne Bluff Park is one of our favorite free things to do in St Simons Island. With tons of things to do, beautiful beaches and lots of history, it's also a great Georgia Coast road trip stop. Pets are welcome too. If you need a little time without the kids, send them to the movie theatre on property. Established in 2019. Over our 20+ years visiting St. Simons, we have some places that stay on our must-do list. Here are a few of the better St Simons Island hotels, and St Simons rentals. During allowable times and in non-summer months, dogs may be unleashed on the beach as long as they remain under the immediate control of the handler. This home was perfect for the 5 couples to spread out and enjoy. Like a lot of coastal communities, life moves at a gentler pace in St. Simons and most days revolve around getting outdoors, eating some seafood, and having drinks on the beach. Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. The Plantation Course may be little longer than Seaside, but there arent as many hazards. I didnt want to get out of the bed. Find a vacation rental on Rent By . 1. Take a tour with Cap Fendig providing access to the sights, sounds, and experiences of the inaccessible wilderness areas on Georgias coast. Although not technically on St. Simons Island, these nearby resorts are worth a visit! Heres why. Explore thevariety ofhotels and lodging optionsandview currentspecials and packagesbefore booking your St. Simons Island getaway. Golden Isles Olive Oil & Wine Bar. A few of the best items on the menu are the Braised Short Rib Goat Cheese Ravioli and the Chicken Piccata. Where should I stay on St. Simons Island? A Perfect Day: What to Do on St. Simons Island, 5 Sites to Experience Eugenia Price's Golden Isles, A Nature-Lover's Itinerary: Jekyll Island Activities, A Luxury Three-Day Weekend in the Golden Isles, How to Maximize Your Trip as a Solo Traveler, Find your favorite restaurant on St. Simons Island. They do have a driving range that is a car ride away from the clubhouse, so stop here first. In my husbands mind, the straightness of the course makes it more fun. (Yes, falconry! St. Simons Island Fun Facts. Its always in great shape with greens just like Seaside and Plantation. 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. According to my husband, even the driving range has an incredible view. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Simons Island. Hampton Inn & Suites on nearby Jekyll Island. It is challenging for all skill levels because of multiple tee boxes. Whenplanning an upcoming beach day, make sure to take note of ourtide chart for the best times to enjoy the ocean waves. The marina has a pool and picnic area with an observation deck equipped with grills that you can use anytime. In fact, weve spent many a December day on the beach, sometimes even in the water. Set in a large tract of land and surrounded by a historical graveyard, this church seems to rise out of the gardens in. Every.One.Of.Them. What are they? Looking for a day out with the whole family? The first church building, however was not built until 1820. St. Simons Island also hosts unforgettable events and is home to a variety of arenas for outdoor adventure, with plenty of things to do like kayaking, fishing, biking, and tours. Although they have totally renovated the entire facility, the old Sea Gate Inn holds a special place in my heart because of those memories. A tradition for more than 60 years, the event includes fireworks, an arts and crafts show, a 5K and fun run, and other family-friendly festivities. They are faces carved on the towns famous oak trees by a father and son duo. Educational placards throughout the area and street signs provide further information about the inhabitants. If you want to sit back and enjoy a more guided experiencetry one of our tours. 206 Marina Dr. St Simons Island, GA 31522. Come see why it was a favorite of Georgia golf legend Bobby Jones. Find events happening on St. Simons Island. Discover a masterpiece by established and emerging artists or explore local museums and historical sites. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not actually on St. Simon's Island. Sandcastle Cafe and Grille:They have a great all you can eat breakfast buffet. Catch a glimpse of St Simons wildlife at this beach at the end of Bruce Drive. (912) 421-2501. Explore a Sandbar or Tide Pool. Browse the trip ideas and attractions below to find activities the whole family will love. From a challenging classic course to a re-invented historic green, youll golf like the pros here. St. Simons Island is home to Fort Frederica National . There are more than 200 scenic holes to be played on some of the region's most illustrious . The rooms are all suites, with a kitchen or kitchenette and the beach is across the street. Art Galleries. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Epworth By The Sea, 6329 Frederica RdSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 638-8683. Furthermore, it is known as a top beach town in the United States. Get a Treat at One of St. Simons Local Sweet Shops. Plan your visit around Crafts in the Village and bring home a handmade item from a local artisan. We did and we were glad we took the time to see them both. Kayaking, fishing, biking, golfing, water sports, and camping are just a few of the things to do on St. Simons Island. My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. St. Simons Island is home to three popular public beaches: East Beach, Massengale Beach and Gould's Inlet. If youre visiting with your young kids, they can ride ponies and trot around the stable grounds. The beach is long and wide with plenty of room for running off leash. TheGeorgia Sea Islands Festivalin June celebrates the African American musical traditions, craftsand food of the barrier islands. Touring St. Simons by boat is always fun! Bring your four-legged friends along on your trip to St. Simons Island. If youre searching for fun things to do in St Simons Island with kids, take them to Neptune Park. Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse. NearbyBrunswick also has daily directflights via Delta Air Lines to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. After pairing you with a horse, you can ride with them along the shores of Sea Island, through marsh grasses, and under the forest canopy. For a real-time look at the shores, check out our beach webcams! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Explore the full menu here. The rooms are larger than normal hotel rooms and the appointments are pure luxury. There are no hotels or condos in this area of the Island. Reader Karin Hancock says she always stays at Epworth by the Sea. Check their schedule to see if you can play during your visit. There's no shortage of tastyrestaurants on St. Simons Island. Choose between three championship courses at this private golf club on Retreat Road. Points of Interest & Landmarks Mysterious Sites, The story of Cora: "Legend holds that a spellbinding beauty named Cora has lived in the depths of the Golden Isles for. We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. Here is a traveler tidbit for you: buy a ticket to this or the lighthouse and see both for only one price! 1. $11.20 - $18.50; Full-time . Find trip inspiration, must-visit sites, and experiences not to be missed. Available to guests of theCloisterand Sea Island members, these majestic trees were first planted by Anne Page King. This is a nice Hampton Inn located on Old Demere Road in the St. Simons interior. LAKE BLUE RIDGE CABIN RENTALS FOR YOUR NEXT ESCAPE. One of our favorite things to do in St Simons Island at night is taking a stroll at this beach after watching a golden sunset. The Lady Jane offers shrimping excursions. 1 TOP THINGS TO DO. For a picturesque area try the Frederica Road Trail, this is the prettiest ride on the whole island. The Stables at Frederica is a luxury facility that provides horse boarding services and guided trail rides. Painting, ceramics, fiber arts and photography are. Reservations are required and space is limited. If you dont hit the ball overly straight bring some extra balls. If you drive to the northern end of St. Simons Island, make sure you get a peek at the 600-acre maritime forest open space, Cannon's Point Preserve! Your complete guide to places to stay, where to eat and things to do with your dog on St. Simons Island, Explore 11 Great Waterfalls (with Hikes) in Georgia, 10 Best Things to Do this Winter in Georgia, 10 Great Spots to Dine Outside this Winter, Top Places to Catch Georgia Sports with the Family. St. Simons Island is home to an abundance ofbeaches, historical sites,activitiesandtoursthat will keep you busy and fill your visit with adventure. You should arrive early to secure a decent spot. Take note of these establishments and visit them once the tour is over. Whether a peaceful sunrise walk, a sunny afternoon building sandcastles, or stargazing at nighttime, St. Simons' beaches are a must-see. Whats more, this establishment also does its part to preserve and protect the landscape and waterways of the island. From beautiful historical sites to family-friendly attractions, incredible dining and nightlife to unbeatable scenery and year-round warm weather, St. Simons Island truly has something for everyone. Said to be haunted by the ghost of the light keeper Frederick Osborne who was killed in a duel by his assistant in . Plan a getaway to experience Georgia's unique beach communities. St. Simons Island 2023 Calendar of Events St. Simons Island is always humming with a variety of fun activities and things to do year-round. If youre here to fish, there are tray tables and water hoses along the railing that you can use. 8. Very fun to find and see the different areas, Beautiful Wedding and Reception at Epworth. Learn more aboutSt. Simons Island's rich history. One of the benefits of having a good year-round population is that really good restaurants can survive since they arent just seasonal hang outs. Georgia has several courses, but we played Sea Palms in St. Simons Island. Challenge yourself to finish this 18-hole course while enjoying spectacular views of island lagoons and salt marshes. Aside from being picturesque, the islands mesmerizing beaches are also a top fishing destination. The iconicAvenue of the Oaksthat marks the entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club is one of the most beautiful landmarks on the island. more. East Beach is where most St. Simons Island rentals are located. We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. The islands villages offer a charming and unique selection of shops,breathtaking beaches, fascinatingmuseums,andchallenging golf courses. Although this place is a famous fishing spot, you dont have to be an angler to have a wonderful time. What are the top attractions to visit in Saint Simons Island? Experience St Simons Islands nature and history when you visit this park on Arthur J Moore Drive. Frederica Golf Club St. Simons: This is a private club, and not open to the public. 1.2 REVERE MARITIME HISTORY AT THE LIGHTHOUSE. This is one of the Georgia State Parks historical sites and was once a thriving community in colonial Georgia. 10. Visitors can climb the 129 steps to the top and wander the museum in the Keepers Quarters, which details the lighthouses history. The course is mostly straight and flat with lots of large trees lining it. How far is St. Simons Island from Atlanta? St. Simons Trolley Island Tours will condense the entire history of St Simons in an hour and a half. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Free play is limited here because the club hosts multiple golfing events throughout the year. The Plantation Course: This is another beautiful course with marsh vistas.