The oak-lined area's first church was built in 1820but was damaged during the Civil War. If youre looking for places to go today, hit a few balls at the Sea Palms Golf Club. In some places like East Beach, you still have beach even at high tide. Read more about accessing Jekyll Island. The greens are similar to Seaside, large, hilly and fast. Painting, ceramics, fiber arts and photography are. The beach and pier are also only a few steps away. The largest of the Golden Isles (just over 16 sq. St. Simons Island Pier is said to be one of only three ocean piers on the Georgia coast with the others being Jekyll Island Pier and Tybee Island Ocean Pier. St. Simons Casino Building - Room 108. St. Simons Island hotels range from budget to luxurious, so there is bound to be a fit for any budget. The Gullah Geechee are decedentsof the African slaves that worked the cotton and rice plantations along the coast. The rooms are all suites, with a kitchen or kitchenette and the beach is across the street. Read along for things to do in St Simons Island. Where do the locals eat on St. Simons Island? Burn Some Energy at a Playground. 4. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. St Simons is located about 85 miles South of Savannah Georgia and is the largest island comprising Georgia's famous Golden Isles. For a picturesque area try the Frederica Road Trail, this is the prettiest ride on the whole island. If you forgot to pack a piece of equipment, take a quick trip to the on-site golf shop to get what you need. Its in a great location across from the lighthouse and beach, within walking distance of downtown and the St. Simons Island pier. The rooms are larger than normal hotel rooms and the appointments are pure luxury. Im 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. 15 Best Things to Do in St Simons Island, GA, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. 206 Marina Dr. St Simons Island, GA 31522. But after your trail ride, youll realize that the experience is worth more than what you paid for. Whether writing about growing up in coastal Georgia or fly-fishing in Utah, Lewis is mindful of the beauty around her. 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. 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. $139. Weve listed everything you need to see to help you have a memorable time in this seaside community. It has a notable history as one of the oldest churches in Georgia and was founded nearly 70 years after the island was first settled by English colonists. There are more than 30 miles of bike paths on the Island and its a great way explore. Heres why. Located at the southern tip of the island, the lighthouse is a 104-foot tall structure that was rebuilt in 1872. The hard-packed sand on St. Simons Island 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 around 85 miles south of Savannah, only an hour to an hour-and-a-half by car. Learn more. St. Simons Island is known for its magical beaches, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Had a wonderful time, just before the hurricane. If youre going to see them up close, keep your visits quick to prevent yourself from getting stranded. 4. I will attest to its beauty. We love going on casual strolls here to admire the ocean and watch the fishermen reel in their catch. There are an intimate 34 rooms, as well as a small saltwater pool. Play at Massengale Park: This park has a playground . By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. There is a large labyrinth for a meditate and contemplation walk. Several of our trips are also compensated by the respective tourism boards for the city or state we are visiting. 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. The Islands Club: This Course is farther inland. No other place can compare to St Simons Island when it comes to pristine waters, awe-inspiring scenery, and grand history. A lighted, roofed(partially) concrete pier for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Truth be told, Im ready to branch out a bit more and try something new, but the kids wont have it. Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. 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 . This 18th-century fort is a great place to learn about the history of St. Simons Island. She says they have different types of accommodations from motel-style rooms to nicer hotel rooms comparable to a Holiday Inn. If you want to check out the St. Simons Island social scene, Pier Village is the place to go. Fort Frederica National Monumentis a colonial site dating back to the 18th century where a boundary was established between British in South Carolina and Spanish in Florida. My teens didn't have a problem going up and they loved the experience. GDEcD. The man that spoke with us was so informative and we enjoyed learning and listening to him and the history. Be wary though, the parking lot can be tight, so if youre driving that giant SUV, it may take a little to get into these spots. We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. Plan the perfect trip to the Georgia coast with our Golden Isles Visitor Guide. Those lightsthey were fireflies. There are more than 200 scenic holes to be played on some of the region's most illustrious . Despite its old age, the building you see today is not the first church built on the property. Whenplanning an upcoming beach day, make sure to take note of ourtide chart for the best times to enjoy the ocean waves. Here, if we were to play favorites for our towns, St. Simons Island would be at the top of our list. Yes! The Hampton Inn & Suites is another newer hotel with a pool and firepit nestled in a maritime forest. From a challenging classic course to a re-invented historic green, youll golf like the pros here. Its a wonderful place of God. The hard-packed sand on St. Simons Island is perfect . The King And Prince Golf Course. Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. Originally built in 1820 and restored in 1884, Christ Church is one of the most-photographed locations on St. Simons Island. "St. Simons island craft beer and growler bar. St Simons Island, Georgia was recently voted the number one favorite beach town by Travel and Leisure. Southern Soul Barbeque. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual St. Simons IslandSunshine Festivalat Pier Village. Crab Trap:Three words batter dipped fries. Discover your favorite attraction or activity on St. Simons Island! Available to guests of theCloisterand Sea Island members, these majestic trees were first planted by Anne Page King. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Queens Court Inn, 100 Retreat RdSt Simons Island, GA 31522(855) 572-4975. 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! Its all copyrighted. 1.3 EXPLORE THE PIER VILLAGE. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Brunswick. Georgia Sea Turtle Center. We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. See St. Simons' Laid-Back Lifestyle Live! Will go back. The Village Inn & Pub is located on Mallery Street in the historic downtown village. There are also plenty of sandbars that form here during low tide. Golden Isles Olive Oil & Wine Bar. 1.1 RELIVE HISTORY AT FORT FREDERICA. Board an authentic Georgia shrimp boat with an authentic crusty captain and trawl through the marshes to discovered the sea underneath. Access East Beach through this park on Ocean Boulevard. Jekyll Island is experiencing a revitalization that is bringing what was once 1950s-era amenities into modern times. 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). 8. Every.One.Of.Them. Take a tour with Cap Fendig providing access to the sights, sounds, and experiences of the inaccessible wilderness areas on Georgias coast. St Simons is only 18 sq miles in size but gets around 1.5 million visitors per year and with good reason. We've gathered ourtop five favorite things to do on St. Simons Islandto help you plan your perfect escape. Many festivals and events are held on St. Simons Island throughout the year. Morningstar Marinas. Known for its wide beaches, historicsites, 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. Please dont repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. The Golden Isles climate and weather allow visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such askayaking,fishing,biking the St. Simons Island Trail System,horseback riding,golfing,or relaxing with your toes in the sand onEast Beach. Artifacts have been found dating back to 2500 BCE as well as from a 19th century plantation. The only way to get to this island is by boat, and you can leave all your cares at the dock when you do. He loves the chicken swiss sandwich. Built in 1884, this historical church on Frederica Road is the second oldest Episcopal church in Georgia. Recently the same folks opened the Jekyll Ocean Club, the same great service by the sea. And if you're looking for even more beach fun, dive into our Complete Guide to Beaches for a full breakdown of every beach found here in the Golden Isles. 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. Here are just a few of the popular things to do on St. Simons Island. It has one of the best junior ranger programs Ive ever seen. la carte options are available to help you customize a holiday dinner. 1. Apply for a Rich's Production Associate II- Day 12 hour Shift job in Saint Simons Island, GA. Located at the southern tip of the island, the lighthouse is a 104-foot tall structure that was rebuilt in 1872. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Saint Simons Island. The original Priest Dodge and his wife Annas story and life are remarkably humbling. Sea Palms is located in the interior of St. Simons and is a great choice for golf and tennis enthusiast. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus St. Simons. 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. Day or night, they offer boat trips and insights that help create those special, memorable moments that last a lifetime. I got to the light house later than I wanted. Just so you know, when folks came to visit and didnt fit at the condo, they always stayed at the Sea Gate, so we did patronize the hotel too. 8. There are picnic tables and grills located just outside the gates to a childrens playground, although most kids end up climbing on the mother whale and her baby sculpture just as much as the climbing wall. All Rights Reserved. Its large and elegant lawn can be rented for private events, such as meetings, parties, and weddings. Several presidents have been to service there. I love the treasure hunt to find the tree spirits, and the welcome surprise when you come across one you didnt know was there. The island is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, but when the weather is wet and gloomy, nothing beats a peaceful contemplation here. Kayaking, fishing, biking, golfing, water sports, and camping are just a few of the things to do on St. Simons Island. View Gallery. 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. Romantic Things to Do In St. Simons Island: Say Cheers with a Local Cocktail. A variety of accommodationsfrom friendly inns to . Boating & Fishing: St. Simons Island is the perfect place to get out on the water to explore nearby islands or fish. Enjoy the complete boating experience when you dock your boat at this harbor on Marina Drive. St. Simons Literary Guild. St. Simons Island and the surrounding areas of Brunswick and Jekyll Island are home to a variety of scenic and challenging golf courses. Learn about the islands over 400 years of history with the original trolley tour of St Simons that has been in operation since 1993. 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. Neptune Park is located in the Historic Village downtown very close to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and the St. Simons Pier. Very tasteful. Thats not quite what the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation house looks like, but its probably a little closer to the way Southern plantation owners lived. Things to Do in St. Simons Island, GA. 1. Established in 2019. When the water retreats, quarter-mile sandbars become visible and accessible. Climb 129 steps to the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse for stunning views of the St. Simons Sound. They have had a lot of rain, therefore, bugs were bad. We visited here but decided not to walk the trails at you cannot take pets and the bugs were horrendous at this time. It is beautiful there with lots of Spanish moss and its on the Frederica River.. Find events happening on St. Simons Island. Grab your bike and follow this trail to travel all over St Simons Island. One of the best things to do in St Simons Island, GA is to visit this historical landmark. 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. "The food and atmosphere are top notch Menu. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse. The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. East Beach is where most St. Simons Island rentals are located. If you dont bring your own, rent them from Ocean Motion or MonkeyWrench Bicycles. Check their events calendar before you visit to see if something is happening when youre in the area. They are only open 3 days a week. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. We watched several fisherman pull in their catches and were amazed by a blue heron who posed for photos! There's no shortage of tastyrestaurants on St. Simons Island. (They are closed on Easter and Christmas.). Discover the Island's History at Fort Frederica National Monument. One of our favorite family-friendly activities at Sea Palms isFoot Golf. For a slightly more upscale experience (and grilled not fried seafood), go next door to Crab Daddys. Find your favorite restaurant on St. Simons Island. 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. The grounds contain the graves of famous Georgians like Eugenia Price. The St. Simons Island tides make beach access different depending on where you are. Thanks to over 30 miles of well-made bike paths, youll enjoy a smooth ride as you bike from one place to another. My husband loved the cooler full of Bud Light available anytime. But it's worth a drive if you've got the time. Ocean Inn and Suites. If you want to sit down and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables around. to your collection. The Market Sea Island. There is a lot to do on this small island. They knew the island long before cars crowded the roads. Take a walk on the beach after the Maritime Center visit, and climb up top too! In addition, he gave this advice always remember bug spray, DEET preferred. There are plenty of beautifulspots to kayak, whether you want to choose your own path or take aguided tour. Set in a large tract of land and surrounded by a historical graveyard, this church seems to rise out of the gardens in. Walk in the Path of History. Tomorrow at 10:00 AM + 1 more event. . Its your standard Hampton Inn rooms, free buffet breakfast and swimming pool. Our first stop this trip was historic Christ Church on St. Simons Island. Loved it! How far is St. Simons Island from Jekyll Island? Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Weve spied hammerhead sharks, horseshoe crabs, rays and lots of different fish. 7. St. Simons Island offers so many different lodging types youre sure to find something that suites you and your crew. The site offers a rare look at the historic plantation culture of the Georgia Coast. We have a state of the art on sight laboratory and the latest in quality digital x-rays. Est. We've highlighted 47 exciting things to do with kids. (912) 421-2501. Sandcastle Cafe and Grille:They have a great all you can eat breakfast buffet. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. There are lots of tee options for any level. Fantastic Sunrise and Ocean views. Playing on the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Catch a glimpse of St Simons wildlife at this beach at the end of Bruce Drive. Or take the whole family on a treasure hunt to search for the famousSt. Simons Island tree spirits! Moss-draped oaks line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect image worthy of a Faulkner tale. We found one in a tree while visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse. Webers Growlers Factory. Dont panic if you forgot to pack a piece of fishing equipment or if you lost track of your bait. Dont even ask. 10:30 AM. If youre visiting with your young kids, they can ride ponies and trot around the stable grounds. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Water was murky but it was OK. Scavenger hunt - pick up map at visitor center, These are a scavenger hunt. In addition to a small hands-on museum, you can walk through the recreated fort, into the blockhouse, or the sentry box. It continues to be a navigational aid to incoming ships. Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Simons Island. St. Simons Island is home to an abundance ofbeaches, historical sites,activitiesandtoursthat will keep you busy and fill your visit with adventure. 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 . There is also a restaurant and dive shop on-site. Its an award-winning BBQ that you wont want to miss! They do have a pool, but its very small. 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. Visit during the summertime to experience Taps at Twilight and the Annual 4th of July Sunshine Festival on St. Simons Island. Absolutely % great. more. Spending a day at Gascoigne Bluff Park is one of our favorite free things to do in St Simons Island. miles), St. Simons Island is also the most popular for its beaches, golf courses, scenery, and numerous tennis courts.