Discover little-known pieces of the island's history, and maybe even a ghost story or two. 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. Pet friendly and a very pretty area to walk around. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual St. Simons IslandSunshine Festivalat Pier Village. St. Simons Island is known for its magical beaches, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. 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. The man that spoke with us was so informative and we enjoyed learning and listening to him and the history. Kings Way is closer to Downtown and the St. Simons Island Pier Village. My boys had the.best.time. 7. I love the treasure hunt to find the tree spirits, and the welcome surprise when you come across one you didnt know was there. Here are a few we love and here are even more St Simons Island restaurants you have to try. There are plenty ofpet friendlybeaches, restaurants, and activities for you and your furry friend to enjoy! Several presidents have been to service there. Dont panic if you forgot to pack a piece of fishing equipment or if you lost track of your bait. Held at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club, the November event also raises money for local charities. They are located at different areas throughout the island. If youd rather stay on the beach, the Hampton Inn & Suites on nearby Jekyll Island is fairly new and its just a short walk through the maritime forest to the beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus St. Simons. Fresh oysters,handmade pizza, award-winning barbecue, and locally-caught seafoodjust to name a few. Kathleen Brewin Lewis is the author of two chapbooks of poetry, "Fluent in Rivers" and "July's Thick Kingdom." "Magicicada & Other Marvels" is her first full-length collection, published in 2022. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Queens Court Inn, 100 Retreat RdSt Simons Island, GA 31522(855) 572-4975. 117 Mallery StSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 638-8954. Established in 2019. So without further ado, heres my unofficial guide to a vacation on St. Simons Island, Ga., with a lot of input from the family. This hotel is an extension of the Sea Island Resorts, but its located on St. Simons Island. "The food and atmosphere are top notch Menu. It has one of the best junior ranger programs Ive ever seen. If youre new to golf, you can book a lesson with their talented professional staff to learn more about the sport. By Callbob. The Plantation Course may be little longer than Seaside, but there arent as many hazards. 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. We did and we were glad we took the time to see them both. The King and Prince Golf Course. Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse. Before heading here, check them out and pick up a few meals to enjoy in front of the ocean. United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC, View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us. Get a Treat at One of St. Simons Local Sweet Shops. What are the most popular things to do in Saint Simons Island with kids? TheCoastal Georgia Historical Societymanages the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the new World War II Homefront Museum in the Old Coast Guard station. Great visit, and although I became breathless 3/4 of the way up the stairs, the view was so worth it!! Gof cart and car parking. As one of only five surviving light towers in the state,St. Simons Lighthouse Museumhas been restored with its original Fresnel lens. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Inn at Sea Island, 550 Beachview DrSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 279-3720. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. St. Simons Island is around 85 miles south of Savannah, only an hour to an hour-and-a-half by car. Explore thevariety ofhotels and lodging optionsandview currentspecials and packagesbefore booking your St. Simons Island getaway. Reader Karin Hancock says she always stays at Epworth by the Sea. 1. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not actually on St. Simon's Island. Meet the Authors - Marie Bostwick & Karen White. They knew the island long before cars crowded the roads. This recently renovated public golf course on Windward Drive features unique terrain and striking views. All Rights Reserved. My husband loved the cooler full of Bud Light available anytime. St. Simons Island offers so many different lodging types youre sure to find something that suites you and your crew. St simons is, GA 31522; Urgently Hiring; Apply Now . 1.5 TRY OUT THE ROMANTIC TROLLEY TOURS OF ST SIMONS ISLAND. Friends of mine found a wonderful condo called the Floataway, and I highly recommend it. Keep an eye out, theyre enchanting! She says they have different types of accommodations from motel-style rooms to nicer hotel rooms comparable to a Holiday Inn. Visitors may choose to travel via I-95 or US-17. St. simons island accommodations, restaurants, golf, events, fishing, kayaking, entertainment, shopping, historic sites, attractions and more. This home was perfect for the 5 couples to spread out and enjoy. This pier at the end of Mallery Street is a local favorite spot for fishing and crabbing. In others, like around the King and Prince Hotel, high tide can come up to the rocks. The Hampton Inn & Suites is another newer hotel with a pool and firepit nestled in a maritime forest. to your collection. Speciality & Gift Shops. Take a walk on the beach after the Maritime Center visit, and climb up top too! If youre planning on visiting Little St. Simons Island, station your boat here at the Hampton River Marina. It closes at 5pm. Burn Some Energy at a Playground. Check out the 12 most popular activities in St. Simons for families with children. Moss-draped oaks line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect image worthy of a Faulkner tale. We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. Grab your bike and follow this trail to travel all over St Simons Island. Afterwards take a walk on the beach which is right outside. Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse. Neptune Park is located in the Historic Village downtown very close to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and the St. Simons Pier. Established in 2016. 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. Between the playgrounds and all the pools and slides in the fun zone, your children wont get bored here. With tons of things to do, beautiful beaches and lots of history, it's also a great Georgia Coast road trip stop. If you want to check out the St. Simons Island social scene, Pier Village is the place to go. The Celtic cross monument to the Wesley brothers is a beautiful tribute to such brave men. The Market Sea Island. You can definitely spend more than a couple of hours on each island and have enough to occupy yourself, but here are some suggestions for must-stop places if you're just enjoying a day on St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Although they have totally renovated the entire facility, the old Sea Gate Inn holds a special place in my heart because of those memories. Now its a popular fishing spot and also hosts events such as the Georgia Sea Island Festival. The island is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, but when the weather is wet and gloomy, nothing beats a peaceful contemplation here. If you need a little time without the kids, send them to the movie theatre on property. Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Port Canaveral, Harley Style Electric Scooter Rental on Amelia Island, Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport, Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Orlando (MCO) Airport. Head inland to visit sprawling golf courses, nature parks surrounded by enormous oaks, and historical sites that chronicle the towns rich past. But after your trail ride, youll realize that the experience is worth more than what you paid for. My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. 13. The first structure that was built by the cotton planters who lived on the island was destroyed during the Civil War. Its my husbands happy place, and my kids pretty much call it their second home. The Sea Palms Golf Course: The Sea Palms Golf Course is the best value on the island. St. Simons Island and the surrounding areas of Brunswick and Jekyll Island are home to a variety of scenic and challenging golf courses. No other place can compare to St Simons Island when it comes to pristine waters, awe-inspiring scenery, and grand history. You'll also find exceptional restaurants throughout the island that will give you a true taste of St. Simons. Biking is a great way to explore St. Simons and get your exercise also. How far is St. Simons Island from Atlanta? Originally built in 1820 and restored in 1884, Christ Church is one of the most-photographed locations on St. Simons Island. Here are our favorite ways to experience the St. Simons Island Pier Village. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. The current building was built in 1884 and is open for tours. If youre looking for places to go today, hit a few balls at the Sea Palms Golf Club. All rights reserved. But the grounds and the information outside was great. All Rights Reserved. Visit during the summertime to experience Taps at Twilight and the Annual 4th of July Sunshine Festival on St. Simons Island. 1. The greens are similar to Seaside, large, hilly and fast. 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. There were very many there on the three different visits we made to East Beach. Private planes can fly directly to the Island. 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! The Spanish were thwarted and the garrison disbanded, but it remains an archaeological site today, protected by the National Park Service. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Here, if we were to play favorites for our towns, St. Simons Island would be at the top of our list. Built in 1884, this historical church on Frederica Road is the second oldest Episcopal church in Georgia. There areplenty ofthings to doon St. Simons Island! Crafted by The Market chefs, these meals are made to savor with your family as we will with ours. And the fried shrimp is good too. If you only do one excursion, do this one. Check their schedule to see if you can play during your visit. Nestled in the heart of the Pier Village, this historic fishing pier continues to be a popular place to watch fishermen reel in their catch of the day, watch ships coming and going from the local waterways, and see spectacular sunsets. Travel comfortably in their air-conditioned trolleys and listen to entertaining stories told by some of the funniest people on the island. The lighthouse is awesome, and then the Maritime Museum, which housed the Coast Guard for many years is also awesome. 5. This hotel is located in the interior of St. Simons and recently came under the Best Western flag as a Best Western Plus. 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. Ive passed this quaint boutique hotel every time I ride a bike through downtown. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Over our 20+ years visiting St. Simons, we have some places that stay on our must-do list. Take a bike, head out on one of the bike trails, and stop for a refreshing sip on the way back. 1.6 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WAR AT WWII MUSEUM. Interesting history and perfect location. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The St. Simons Island lighthouse and museum are must-see attractions in downtown St. Simons. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Lodge at Sea Island, 515 N Windward DrSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 638-3351. Things to Do in Saint Simons Island, Georgia: See Tripadvisor's 47,959 traveler reviews and photos of Saint Simons Island tourist attractions. It is located on the ocean, but there really isnt a beach area. There are a lot of awesome things one can do in Georgia.The town of St. Simons Island is not the typical seaside resort community. Fido will love to play frisbee at Frederica Park's dog park, jump in the gentle waves at East Beachor explore the area'shiking trails. From a challenging classic course to a re-invented historic green, youll golf like the pros here. St. Simons Literary Guild. We love going on casual strolls here to admire the ocean and watch the fishermen reel in their catch. The course is inland but there are still a number of water hazards. 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. How far is St. Simons Island from Jekyll Island? You can go on hikes, fish at the pier, admire the second-largest Southern Red Cedar in Georgia, and many more. For more beach ideas in the area, see our post on the closest beaches to Atlanta. We've highlighted 47 exciting things to do with kids. Brunswick also has daily directflights via Delta Air Lines to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Your kids will enjoy the playground, but not as much as the beach right in front of the park. The Historic King & Prince is my favorite hotel on the island because its the only hotel that is right on the beach. Treat your boat right by availing of their detailing services. 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. Top Things to Do in Saint Simons Island, Georgia: See Tripadvisor's 47,783 traveller reviews and photos of Saint Simons Island tourist attractions. By car, St. Simons Island is roughly four and a half hours away from Atlanta. Or take the whole family on a treasure hunt to search for the famousSt. Simons Island tree spirits! There are plenty of beautifulspots to kayak, whether you want to choose your own path or take aguided tour. Simons happens to be home to a variety of tree spirits and they are so cool. It continues to be a navigational aid to incoming ships. Southern Soul BBQ:This restaurant has been on Garden and Guns Barbecue Bucket List, named one of golfer Davis Love IIIs 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. If you are staying for dessert, be sure to order the Tiramisu. View Gallery. Kathleen is a certified Georgia Master Naturalist. Find events happening on St. Simons Island. This little island, with many cities to visit in Georgia, has a total land area of about 18 square miles and is remarkably undeveloped.Even though it's peaceful and picturesque, it nevertheless has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries, and . The newly openedWorld War II Home Front Museumfocuses on the islands history as the site of a Coast Guard Station during World War II. Sea Palms is located in the interior of St. Simons and is a great choice for golf and tennis enthusiast. Both of them want to go back on our next visit you don't hear that from our teens about museums often! Thanks to GJ . Its nothing fancy, but a great place to stay if youre on a budget. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Playing on the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia. All other marks belong to their respective owners. St. Simons Island on Georgia's Golden Isles is a picture-perfect vision of mossy oaks, winding roads, and warm, sandy beaches. This 60-acre equestrian center on Frederica Stables Drive will take you around the island on horseback. 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. This is a functional lighthouse that serves a very critical need for coastal navigation, and displays in the. Riding bikes is one of the best things to do in St Simons Island with . Very tasteful. My wife and I recently got married at Epworth By the Sea, and we could not have had a better wedding day. They have had a lot of rain, therefore, bugs were bad. Things to Do in St. Simons Island. A short stroll to the St. Simons Bait & Tackle shop in Pier Village makes it easy to purchase forgotten gear or bait. 550 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Now its managed by Sea Palms resort. Dont even ask. (912) 421-2501. This is a nice Hampton Inn located on Old Demere Road in the St. Simons interior. The Spanish moss-draped trees lined the course we used for foot golf. Sandcastle Cafe and Grille:They have a great all you can eat breakfast buffet. St. Simons is a golfers paradise, but since I dont play golf, I asked my husband about the golf courses on St. Simons Island. Georgia has several courses, but we played Sea Palms in St. Simons Island. There is also complimentary shuttle service, so its an inexpensive (relatively speaking) alternative to staying at the luxurious Cloister on Sea 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, biking the St. Simons Island Trail System, top five favorite things to do on St. Simons Island. The St. Simons Island Tree Spirits are one of my favorite things about this island! All other marks belong to their respective owners. at 124 Pine Valley St Simons Island Club in St. Simons Island | 4 Beds, Residential, $1,495,000, MLS# 1638704 | Search https://www.gacoastrealty.com for the best deals on St. Simons Island Real Estate. Discover a masterpiece by established and emerging artists or explore local museums and historical sites. Painting, ceramics, fiber arts and photography are. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Rain peaks in August and September, but there really isnt a real rainy season. Things to do on St. Simons Island for a day. If you want to learn how to properly ride a horse, they have plenty of classes that you can sign up for. If youre planning on enjoying plenty of activities in St Simons Island, Morningstar Marinas is a great basecamp. What are the top attractions to visit in Saint Simons Island? Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. Pets are allowed on the beach except from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Mar 16 - Mar 17. 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. History buffs will be pleased with the choices St. Simons Island offers. Enjoy the incredible scenery and appreciate the islands rich history as you ride around St Simons Island in their open-air trolleys. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. What are they? The flora around the pea stone pathways was well manicured and we loved the huge cross on the grounds. The area is home to a variety of pet-friendly activities. Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse. The Village Inn & Pub is located on Mallery Street in the historic downtown village. St. Simons Island offersa variety of dining optionsfrom fine dining to casual outdoor fare. There are an intimate 34 rooms, as well as a small saltwater pool. I think the reason we love it so much isSt. Simons isnt a contrived vacation destination, its a small town with a rich history and year-round residents who welcome visitors with great dining, good shopping, history, adventure, and the beach. Whether writing about growing up in coastal Georgia or fly-fishing in Utah, Lewis is mindful of the beauty around her. The largest of the Golden Isles (just over 16 sq. Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. Enjoy a full spread of breakfast staples, a fresh market garden salad bar and charcuterie, local seafood, and southern-style supper items. Its located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95. per night. How far is St. Simons Island from Savannah? Its a perfect location for the shops and dining, as well as the pier. Its all copyrighted. Take some time on the practice green before teeing off here. My teens were very impressed and interested in this and loved all the interactive exhibits they have. Explore a Sandbar or Tide Pool. If I missed your favorite, let me know. They are only open 3 days a week. Saint Simons Island Beaches Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, dogs are prohibited on the beach from 9am-6pm except between Beach Access Points 1-6. Stay at The Lodge on site to combine training with a golf package. The boys were all about the competition. Dogs can enjoy these beaches year-round, although there are limited hours during the summer months. Come see why it was a favorite of Georgia golf legend Bobby Jones. Its an award-winning BBQ that you wont want to miss! Over the years, weve discovered a little bit about the island and I thought Id put what we know into this mega post. Golden Isles Olive Oil & Wine Bar. TheGeorgia Sea Islands Festivalin June celebrates the African American musical traditions, craftsand food of the barrier islands. Once theyre finished, your vessel will be as good as new. Nicely maintained park. 76. la carte options are available to help you customize a holiday dinner. St. Simons Island is around 312 miles from Atlanta. Here are a few of the better St Simons Island hotels, and St Simons rentals. Aside from beautiful beaches and giant oak trees, there are a lot of historically significant sites on the island. St. Simons Island: Really great place, very safe area - See 672 traveller reviews, 305 candid photos, and great deals for Saint Simons Island, GA, at Tripadvisor. Morningstar Marinas. Located directly on the intracoastal waterway, this United Methodist property is lush with towering oaks. 15. There is a large labyrinth for a meditate and contemplation walk. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. As I mentioned, weve been coming to St. Simons Island for more than 20 years. Where do the locals eat on St. Simons Island? How cool is that?!). After dark the area is well lit and nice for a night walk. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Plus, the Golden Isles is packed with restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat with your pet in between adventures. Take your dog with you and watch various coastal birds lounging on the shore. Hear the wonderful stories of growing up on the island on an African American Heritage Tour. Coastal Georgia is great for a getaway with friends because you can get there within a few hours' drive from just about anywhere in the Official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development 2023. In 2015, the hotel was renovated. Find Vacation Rentals, Condos, and Resorts in St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA. Fill your St. Simons Island vacation with adventures on and off the water, from paddleboarding to climbing the stairs to the top of the historic lighthouse. WellSt. 8.4/5 (966 reviews) On the site ofChrist Church Frederica, John Wesley of England helped found the Methodist church. Its been newly renovated, so if you are an IHG Rewards Club member vs. a Hilton Rewards (Hampton Inn) member, stay here. Browse the trip ideas and attractions below to find activities the whole family will love. Get notified about new Food Service Worker jobs in St Simons Island, GA. Sign in to create job alert Similar Searches Food Service Worker jobs 134,992 open jobs . My middle son picked kayaking through the marshes, and out into the ocean. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. My teens didn't have a problem going up and they loved the experience. The beach is long and wide with plenty of room for running off leash. Lighthouse Trolleys Land & Sea Tours will take you to these locations and inside some of the buildings. Board an authentic Georgia shrimp boat with an authentic crusty captain and trawl through the marshes to discovered the sea underneath. Must see! You can even take a dolphin tour and see some incredible sights from the water.