St. Simons Island Travel Guide

St. Simons Island is located on the southern coast of Georgia on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia. This island is connected to the famous Sea Island, home to The Cloister hotel, and is a popular destination for vacationers and travelers who want to escape to the beaches and enjoy some outdoor activities. St. Simons Island is home to several charming and friendly neighborhoods and offers the best of both worlds with its oak tree-lined roads, miles of golden sands and wealth of historic and cultural attractions. Whether you’re planning to stay on the island for a few days or several days, St. Simons Island offers plenty of things to do and enjoy year round.

St. Simons Island has been nicknamed “the nursery of the sea” because it is home to several natural treasures and is the birth place of much of coastal Georgia’s sea life. It’s grown to become a popular destination for retirees and family vacations, but also attracts locals and Georgia residents who are looking for a tranquil escape and relaxing retreat in nature. Home to the Fort Frederica National Monument, the St. Simons Lighthouse and some historic churches, St. Simons Island is the perfect place to learn about the history of the Georgia coast, enjoy some outdoor activities or just spend some time in quiet reflection.

If it’s your first time visiting St. Simons Island, consider taking a guided Jeep tour or bike tour of the island so that you can learn about the various sites and attractions, and also explore some untouched areas. You can explore national parks, watch the sunrise or head to any of the old churches and monuments for a history lesson. St. Simons Island offers a wealth of recreation activities and is particularly geared towards travelers who want to spend most of their trip outdoors and enjoying the beaches.

Whether you end up staying on St. Simons Island for a few days or several days, you’ll find plenty of things to do and experience throughout the area. Take some time to learn about some of the historic attractions, set up a guided tour and map out an itinerary that includes some of the area’s top recreation areas, entertainment sites and shopping venues.

St. Simons Island Weather and Best Time to Visit

St. Simons Island is best enjoyed during the late spring, summer and early Fall months because temperatures are warm and comfortable during this time of year, and it’s fairly easy to spend long days at the beaches and enjoying the outdoor attractions. When winter comes, temperatures do tend to drop significantly and some of the local attractions and shops may close early. Still, you can find numerous indoor activities to enjoy during the colder months and you can also plan to visit some of the other islands and destinations like Sea Island or Jekyll Island.

Sea Island does cater to families with several family-friendly hotels and you’ll find plenty of things to do and experience throughout the region. If you’re planning to stay on the island for more than a few days, consider renting a vacation home or staying at an extended stay hotel to make the most of your trip. Most of these destinations are within easy reach of the major attractions and destinations around Georgia, and can make you feel right at home throughout your stay.

Experience St. Simons Island

Most people on St. Simons Island end up biking around the area because the island is home to several bike paths and these provide the perfect opportunity to see nature at its best. These paths also lead up to and around several attractions and sites including old lighthouses, harbors and historic attractions.

Poet Sidney Lanier nicknamed St. Simons Island the “nursery of the sea” when he first caught a glimpse of the beautiful island from the celebrated Marshes of Glynn. On the south end of the Island you’ll find The Pier Village which has become more of a social hub for many tourists. Here you’ll find some parks, miniature golf courses, a fishing pier, a shaded picnic area and even a community theatre. Make your way to the St. Simons Visitor Center here to learn more about the area, pick up maps and to enjoy some beautiful views of the St. Simons Sound.

The natural beauty of St. Simons Island is evident throughout, and you’ll find that this island is relatively uncommercialized. Many travelers head here to enjoy a kayaking trip, spend their days boating or biking around the region, and enjoying a nature tour of the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore historic sites like the Fort Frederica National Monument to see where the colony of the island was first established. Visitors can now take a tour of the ruins of the old town that was first settled by James Edward Oglethorpe, and learn about the area by looking at old photographs, artifacts, maps and sketches.

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is one of the most-visited attractions on the island and is also one of the most accessible in the country. Climb up the 129 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the island and ocean. Another fun way to enjoy the island is by taking the Emerald Princess casino cruise that makes its way around the Jekyll Island Causeway. Consider taking a ghost tour of St. Simons Island to see some historic sites and learn about the local legends and ghost stories.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway to St. Simons Island or are looking for a place to enjoy a weeklong vacation with the family on the Georgia coast, you’ll find dozens of things to do and enjoy around the beautiful St. Simons Island. Take some time to learn about area attractions or book a guided tour to make the most of your visit.