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. Here are just a few of the popular things to do on St. Simons Island. With large oak and pecan trees draped with Spanish moss, the Fort Frederica grounds are filled with southern charm. General James Oglethorpe arrived on the island in February of 1736 with the first English settlers. A St. Simons Island favorite! Make sure to check out the Golden Isles Visitors Guide and St. Simons Island Map when planning your vacation. The lighthouse is awesome, and then the Maritime Museum, which housed the Coast Guard for many years is also awesome. Do you hear that? Golf fans flock to the island forThe RSM Classic, which joined the PGA Tour in 2010. The pastor is dynamic and the church is devoted to making disciples of Jesus Christ. Reader Karin Hancock says she always stays at Epworth by the Sea. Make sure to try the Vidalia Onion Pie. ECHO is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Phone: (912) 638-9014. 1. What to do during a weekend on St. Simons Island. Be sure to liberally sprinkle in time for sitting on a porch swing or a rocking chair, for long, lazy sunrise walks on the beach and sunset cocktails on the patio at ECHO. Fort Frederica National Monument is a cant miss historic site on St. Simons Island. I didnt want to get out of the bed. Betsi focuses on destinations that cater to multi-generational travelers, as well as luxury travel getaways and all-inclusive resorts. In 1884, the church was rebuilt by shipbuilders. Recreation & Activities. It is definitely worth seeing and is free to walk out on. Read along for things to do in St Simons Island. St Simons Island For Couples & Romantic Guide - Lighthouse Vacations St. Simons Island, Georgia may be the perfect place for you! Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual St. Simons IslandSunshine Festivalat Pier Village. Dogs are prohibited on the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From 6 p.m.-9 a.m., dogs are allowed on the beach and do not need to be leashed, but must be in the owners immediate control. It offers access to a public fishing pier, floating dock, picnic tables and pavilion, grills, a disc golf course, a fitness trail, and restrooms. Save this event: Entrepreneurship - Side Gig or Full Time Freedom with Potential, Save this event: Star Collar / Matcha / Sauce Pocket - 1904 Music Hall | Jacksonville, FL, Save this event: Meals2Go Feeding Program, Save this event: *Online* Free Masterclass: HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP (for women), Save this event: Step by Step Guide For 100 Actions To Take When Starting Your Business, Save this event: Develop a Successful Artificial Intelligence Startup Today! Now its managed by Sea Palms resort. Owned by Cap Fendig, a raconteur and lifetime resident of the island who is a member of one of the islands oldest families, you are in for a real treat! Did you know that the state of Georgia has a stretch of barrier islands unlike anywhere else in the US? In addition to a small hands-on museum, you can walk through the recreated fort, into the blockhouse, or the sentry box. Travelers Tip: Make sure to check the events calendar for updates and cancellations due to current guidelines when youre planning your visit to Gascoigne Bluff. With a wide selection of waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks, the St. Simons Island beach and attractions include something for every type of traveler. Learned so much World War II history I never new. There are more than 20 miles of paved bike paths on St. Simons, many of which will take you around to different beloved restaurants, attractionsand historic sites. Theres a lovely museum inside the adjoining Keepers Dwelling, with insight into the areas most famous shipwrecks and former citizens. Find more things to do on St. Simons Island. It is also a great place to watch the sunset! They also do club fittings, as well as lessons. But dont worry, youll have a quick tutorial in how to sail these quick cats, and then off on the water with your instructor. Follow along on what people find on the SSIRocks Facebook page. 529 Beachview Drive We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. Friends of mine found a wonderful condo called the Floataway, and I highly recommend it. 12 Fun Things To Do In Beautiful Geneva, Switzerland Plus Where To Eat And Stay, Europes 5 Most Popular Cities And Attractions, 5 Tips For Visiting Romes Iconic Trevi Fountain, 10 Fabulous Things To Do In Charming LaGrange, Georgia, 11 Gorgeous Georgia Cabin Rentals With Amazing Scenic Views, 8 Fantastic Things To Do In Historic Macon, GA, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, World War II Homefront Museum on St. Simons, The King and Prince Golf and Beach Resort. Savannah Today at 10:00 AM Your neighborhood Savannah, GA RumNJerk Dayparty RumNJerk Dayparty Today at 4:00 PM The Backyard Jacksonville, FL How The Top 1% Of Leaders Manage Their Time Like Clockwork Using T5 System Be sure to make reservations to ensure you get a spot. Browse the trip ideas and attractions below to find activities the whole family will love. There are also plantation ruins from the 19th century. The in-house restaurant, Echo Oceanfront Restaurant, is fantastic for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as well as adult beverages. Gof cart and car parking. There are lots of tee options for any level. Very tasteful. You find yourself relaxing and your breathing becoming more measured and even. Dine at one of the restaurants on Saint Simons Island for dinner and then go for an evening walk through the village. Betsi and Jim, her travel companion, travel the world while documenting their adventures and gathering travel tips to share with their readers. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Id also add another area Im calling interior island for hotels that arent located within walking distance of the beach or the downtown area called The Village. Perfect place to watch the sunset on the beach access. 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. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Nearby attractions to St. Simons Pier Village include the St. Simons Lighthouse and Neptune Park. 15 Best Things to Do in St Simons Island, GA (for 2023) Speaking of being on the water, renting one of Barrys Hobie Cats is a fun way to skim across the waves and have a ball! Shes wonderful! Follow us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | MSN | TripAdvisor | Flipboard. This was a nice visit, lots of history and beautiful location. The top attractions to visit in Saint Simons Island are: The best outdoor activities in Saint Simons Island according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in Saint Simons Island with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Things to Do in Saint Simons Island, GA - Saint Simons Island Attractions. It is beautiful there with lots of Spanish moss and its on the Frederica River.. Things to Do on St. Simons Island - ExploreGeorgia.org The building is where the Island Players Theater offers live plays. Its located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95. We checked out three Saint Simons beachs and this was the best by far! 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 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. The St. Simons Island tides make beach access different depending on where you are. On-Going Events & Activities on St. Simons. Find all of theSt. Simons Island Tree Spirits, which are a number of oak trees with whimsical faces carved into them. I will attest to its beauty. Gascoigne Bluff has been home to a variety of uses throughout history. For land exploration and a historic overview of the area, check out one of the island's trolley tours. The Westin Jekyll Island is located on the beach, and amid the emerging downtown area that reminds me a lot of San Destin. Youre on island time now. Take a stroll on St. Simons Island Pier before or after dinner to enjoy the fabulous views of St. Simons Sound. The Seaside One Course: The Seaside Course is one of the most beautiful courses youll ever play. Zachs belief that fresh is best led him to Potlikker Farms. Then again, I have to leave some stones unturned so you can find them for yourself. Heres what you need to know about getting to this quaint beach town. As one of only five surviving light towers in the state,St. Simons Lighthouse Museumhas been restored with its original Fresnel lens. Borrow a bike from one of the shops around town, like Ocean Motion Surf Company,or bring your own. We found one in a tree while visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse. Starting at $25 for adults. The site offers a rare look at the historic plantation culture of the Georgia Coast. Take some time on the practice green before teeing off here. Crab Trap:Three words batter dipped fries. History buffs, have I got an itinerary for you! (YOU MUST USE PDF TICKETS EMAILED FOR EVENT- NO MOBILE APP OR QR CODES ACCEPTED), St. Marys Community Market/ St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion St. Marys, GA, St. Marys Community Market/ St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion, Recommended scavenger starting point or other city spot of your choice! You can get toy wooden guys in the museum to take into the fort and play. Dont forget a slice of homemade pie to take home. The Ocean Lodge is a Tuscan-looking hotel on Beachview Drive, across from the beach. July 8, 2023 . Check it out below! My husband loved the cooler full of Bud Light available anytime. 10 Best Things to do in St Simons Island (Ultimate Guide) Romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA The location of this park frequented by locals was thought to be the first landing area for ships. We did and we were glad we took the time to see them both. What are they? The Golden Isles Welcome Center has a map that shows you where to see them. TheCoastal Georgia Historical Societymanages the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the new World War II Homefront Museum in the Old Coast Guard station. Beyond that, youll find a mini-golf course. After a day or two, St. Simons Islands leisurely pace will wrap you up and youll get why people vacation here year after year. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. One of only 5 lighthouses remaining in Georgia, St. Simons lighthouse is a landmark you dont want to miss. On weekends, there is often live music, and the unlimited Bloody Mary bar at Sunday Brunch is the hottest ticket in town. From live music events on St. Simons Island to historic tours on Jekyll Island, there is no shortage of inviting festivals happening here. In some places like East Beach, you still have beach even at high tide. While the original church was almost completely destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War, islanders saved what they could to rebuild todays gothic church in 1884 with narrow stained glass windows commemorating the life of Christ alongside beloved local residents. It's was a nice place; it's now a concrete. We just visited in April and it was idyllic the perfect weather for daytime pool fun and chilly evening walks. This hotel is located in the interior of St. Simons, down the street from the Hampton Inn. We stayed in one of the cabana rooms with a patio overlooking the beach (I took the photo above in front of our room). TheGeorgia Sea Islands Festivalin June celebrates the African American musical traditions, craftsand food of the barrier islands. This is a nice Hampton Inn located on Old Demere Road in the St. Simons interior. They were carved in the 1980s by artist Keith Jennings, inspired by the mythology surrounding sailors lost at sea. History buffs love visiting the Fort Frederica National Monument. Chef Tim is creating some of the most extraordinary culinary dishes Ive tasted. 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. Great fun! My favorite hotel is still the Historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which was once the summer residence for the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, and the like. Today, you can see tributes to wartime throughout the hotel in various exhibits. (YOU MUST USE PDF TICKETS EMAILED FOR EVENT- NO MOBILE APP OR QR CODES ACCEPTED) The most important decision in all of travel: where to eat! Redfern is in the center of the island near the traffic circle. Bring along a few books and post up by the pool for the whole day. For a slightly more upscale experience (and grilled not fried seafood), go next door to Crab Daddys. Whoops! Appreciated for a rich history spanning from 2500 BC to the Revolutionary War to World War II, the island is also known for its natural beauty, salt marshes, palm trees and moss-covered oaks, as well as long stretches of wide beach. Founded by Rev. Get your tax money back! What are the top attractions to visit in Saint Simons Island? She says they have different types of accommodations from motel-style rooms to nicer hotel rooms comparable to a Holiday Inn. The club includes multiple pools, a splash pad, beach volleyball, playground, restaurants, candy shop and ice cream parlor, all along the beach. I know Im ready to go back, just writing this post! 1. All articles belong to 365 Atlanta Family LLC, and all photos belong to us as well, unless otherwise noted. Its also a fantastic way to begin the day a sunrise stroll followed by a steaming cup of coffee from ECHO (more on this favorite St. Simons restaurant below). Day or night, they offer boat trips and insights that help create those special, memorable moments that last a lifetime. Looking for things to do in St. Simons Island, Georgia? Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Here is a weekend guide to St. Simons Island, Georgia - things to do, places to eat, and where to stay. Afterwards take a walk on the beach which is right outside. 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. From live music events on St. Simons Island to historic tours on Jekyll Island, there is no shortage of inviting festivals happening here. Informative signs along the way and impressive ruins at trail end. Those lightsthey were fireflies. After the war ended, it became a hotel once again. Well worth the time, Make sure to get your map at the visitors center and enjoy your search! It takes about 4 and a half to 5 hours to get from Atlanta to St. Simons Island. 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). Ive passed this quaint boutique hotel every time I ride a bike through downtown. Catch a movie at Island Cinemas.sometimes you can catch a classic flick in addition to the latest releases. Crabdaddys has been serving up shrimp and grits and signature cream sauces on the catch of the day since 1988. St. Simons is definitely a little slice of paradise here are some things you may want to know as you plan your trip! Things to Do in Saint Simons Island, Georgia: See Tripadvisor's 48,576 traveler reviews and photos of Saint Simons Island tourist attractions. 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. St. Simons Island is one of the major islands off the Georgia coast, situated between Sea Island to the north and Jekyll Island to the south. They are located at 306 Redfern Village. The reason? 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Held at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club, the November event also raises money for local charities. Local restauranteur Zack Gowen has big visions for the culinary scene, and the Georgia Sea Grill is the linchpin. You can visit year-round but we really loved visiting in the spring when it was warm during the day and chilly in the evening. Youll hear stories from locals who worked building liberty ships in Brunswick, what it was like during blackouts, and food rationing. Dont miss the St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum. Electric Harley Style Scooter Rentals (16 and up with Adult), Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Orlando (MCO) Airport, Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Port Canaveral, Private Transfer from Saint Simons Island to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Saint Simons Island. 2. Little St. Simons Island | Official Georgia Tourism & Travel Website Its always in great shape with greens just like Seaside and Plantation. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. One boy heading his soccer ball, one kicking it along, the other carrying it, running to catch up to play the next hole. If youre not within driving distance of St. Simons, you can fly into Brunswick (BQK), Jacksonville (JAX), or Savannah (SAV), rent a car, and drive the rest of the way. Please reload the page and try again. Each island is different and unique. Less than five hours from Atlanta and two from Savannah, visitors can stay near the beach and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Storytime Stories and craft projects for younger children. 12 Awesome Day Trips From Hilton Head Island, 5 Amazing Charleston, South Carolina Beaches, 14 Tybee Island Beach Attractions You Need To Visit. Now, Im no golfer, but apparently the resorts award-winning golf course is a huge draw. 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. The spirits have been carved into the majestic oaks that surround the island by local artist Keith Jennings. If you only do one excursion, do this one. Its easy enough to do a self-guided tour of St. Simons historic sites, but trolley tours are one of the must-do things to do in St. Simons. And, even better parking is free on the island so you wont have to worry about that either. With a wide selection of waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks, the St. Simons Island beach and attractions include something for every type of traveler. There's no other place like it in the world. If you dont hit the ball overly straight bring some extra balls. The Events Calendar has now been updated with current 2023 information for upcoming events! We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. The natural world presides here across 10,000 intrusion-free acres of maritime forests and marshlands, enjoyed by no more than 32 . Whether a peaceful sunrise walk, a sunny afternoon building sandcastles, or stargazing at nighttime, St. Simons' beaches are a must-see. It was rebuilt with magnificent stained glass windows in 1884 and now hosts tours and church services. No matter whether youre an outdoor enthusiast, fine dining connoisseur, or history junkie, theres something for everyone to enjoy. 12 Fun Things to do in St Simons Island, Georgia - Touropia This is a trail with a big network of paths and trails throughout the neighborhoods, and parks, and will take you to the best activities. Renowned author Eugenia Price is buried in the Christ Church cemetery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lisa! Accomodation is a key factor in any getaway and luckily, St. Simons is home to some incredible options. When I think of plantations, I think grand houses with huge pillars holding up the front porch. The site is slated with historical significance and events that shaped colonial life. Its an award-winning BBQ that you wont want to miss! Hear the wonderful stories of growing up on the island on an African American Heritage Tour. Stay tuned for constant updates. Kids SATURDAY MAY 26 Jekyll Island hosts Movie on the Green featuring The LEGO Batman Movie at 8:30pm. June July August September October November December Accommodations Hotels, Inns & Resorts Activities Arts & Museums Bike Rentals Family Fun Fishing & Watersports Brunswick Actors' Theatre - ANATOMY OF GRAY by Jim Leonard Jr. On-Going Events, Activities, Classes & Workshops, Honey Creek Coastal Encounters Nature Center, Map of St. Simons Arts & Entertainment Locations, Webcam - Jekyll Island Holiday Inn Resort, Wedding Consultants, Directors & Officiants, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Coastal Resources Division), Georgia Land Conservation Assistance Network, Shop Official St. Simons Island Gear & Apparel, Crafts at The Cottage - Make your own Tie-Dye, RITUAL - A Fashion Photography Portfolio Building Opportunity, Thursday Night Karaoke at Juke Joint Jekyll, Book Your St. Simons Golf Tee Times Online, St. Simons and Coastal Georgia golf courses. Thank you for preserving this from development and making it available to the public. So without further ado, heres my unofficial guide to a vacation on St. Simons Island, Ga., with a lot of input from the family. Even ECHO, the onsite restaurant, pays homage! Plan a day trip over to Jekyll Island and visit Driftwood Beach. Jekyll is also home to the famous Jekyll Island Club. St. Simons weather is mild with highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s, making it a great year round destination. I'm afraid of heights but managed to make my way to the top of the lighthouse. From the moment you step through the front doors, you are family. My wife and I recently got married at Epworth By the Sea, and we could not have had a better wedding day. Simons happens to be home to a variety of tree spirits and they are so cool. Adjacent to the Lighthouse and Pier Village, Neptune Park is a public pool, playground, mini golf course, water park and picnic area that kids go crazy for. St. Simons Island Calendar of Events 2023, Festivals, Music, Concerts On the site ofChrist Church Frederica, John Wesley of England helped found the Methodist church. During the World War II years, the hotel became a naval coast-watching station and training facility. Take long walks on the beach. We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. Known for its wide beaches, historic sites, charming shops and restaurants, golf courses and picture-perfect scenery, St. Simons Island is a popular place to get away, offering plenty of things to do for the whole family, as well as quiet places to explore on the Georgia coast. The property first opened back in 1935 as a seaside dance club. GDEcD. Gnats is casual and laid-back, an excellent choice for lunch on the island. Its a perfect location for the shops and dining, as well as the pier. Things To Do in St Simons Island: An Insider's Guide To Stay, Eat & Play This was a nice little outing for me and my teenage son. Take a walk on the beach after the Maritime Center visit, and climb up top too! Sea Island is home to two five-star resorts, The Cloister on Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island. (Yes, falconry! June July August September October November December Accommodations Hotels, Inns & Resorts Activities Arts & Museums Bike Rentals Family Fun Things to Do in Brunswick This Weekend | Eventbrite We make no guarantees of any price listed on our site. But it is the history of this fascinating church that draws you in. They ambushed the Spanish and saved Fort Frederica in a site you can now visit known as the Bloody Marsh. The greens are large with lots of undulation and always fast. 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. Come see why it was a favorite of Georgia golf legend Bobby Jones. My middle son picked kayaking through the marshes, and out into the ocean. Barrys Beach Service offers bike rentals as well as kayak and sail rentals. The church is open to the public for tours Tuesday through Sundayfrom 2:00pm 5:00pm. The views were fantastic from that vantage point. My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. In addition to hotel rooms in the historic portion, there are also villas and houses for rent on property. There is a pool and workout facility available on-site, but if youd 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. Enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight. St. Simon's Island, Georgia has long been a favorite retreat for families but it's also ideal for spending a weekend with friends who don't need traditional tourist attractions. 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. The Hampton Inn & Suites is another newer hotel with a pool and firepit nestled in a maritime forest. This family and pet-friendly location also offers ranger-led tours and a variety of educational programs. There is also complimentary shuttle service, so its an inexpensive (relatively speaking) alternative to staying at the luxurious Cloister on Sea Island. St. Simons Island, GA 31522, Toll-Free: (800) 933-2627 There are no hotels or condos in this area of the Island. Brunswick Farmer's Market at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. As a history lover, I enjoy taking the trolley tour offered by Lighthouse Tours. The restaurant is where the former officers quarters, classrooms, and towers were located. 4 Free Things to Do on St. Simons Island St. Simons Island: A Pet-Friendly Guide Find Things to Do Type Sort By Alpha Apply Reset Filters Showing 1 - 8 of 54 Saint Simons Colonial Island Trolley Tour Tours St. Simons Island Visit Website The Market at Sea Island Cafes, Coffeehouses & Tea Rooms Deli & Sandwiches Boutiques & Specialty Shops