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. This is a nice Hampton Inn located on Old Demere Road in the St. Simons interior. In fact, weve spent many a December day on the beach, sometimes even in the water. Reservations are required and space is limited. In 2015, the hotel was renovated. Enjoy the incredible scenery and appreciate the islands rich history as you ride around St Simons Island in their open-air trolleys. We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. . Touring St. Simons by boat is always fun! The building is where the Island Players Theater offers live plays. Originally built in 1820 and restored in 1884, Christ Church is one of the most-photographed locations on St. Simons Island. Avariety of accommodationsfromfriendly inns to luxurious resortsround out the islands warm welcome, giving it the claims to fame that have attracted vacationers and groups for generations. 10:30 AM. Located at the southern tip of the island, the lighthouse is a 104-foot tall structure that was rebuilt in 1872. Built in 1884, this historical church on Frederica Road is the second oldest Episcopal church in Georgia. Although there's no shortage of activities happening, St. Simons Island also has a laid-back, friendly coastal Georgia vibe that you and your family will . One of the romantic things to do in St Simons Island for couples is to stroll through this laid-back beach on 1st Street. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton St. Simons Island, 150 Frederica Stables DriveSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 434-4760. After dark the area is well lit and nice for a night walk. (Just look at the stained glass!) By car, St. Simons Island is roughly four and a half hours away from Atlanta. This beautiful church is nestled amongst live oak trees on the scenic north end of the island. 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. - Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Recommended scavenger hunt starting point or other city spot of your choice!, St. Simons Island, GA. Find event and ticket information. To get the overall history of Saint Simons, take the Island Trolley tour. Thanks to over 30 miles of well-made bike paths, youll enjoy a smooth ride as you bike from one place to another. 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. Brunswick also has daily directflights via Delta Air Lines to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Pick up the Trolley under the big oak trees near the pier. Here are some of our favorite activities, as well as a few others that are popular on St. Simons Island, Ga. Bikes are a must on our St. Simons beach vacation. Access to the beach is this hotels strength. Read along for things to do in St Simons Island. Official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development 2023. Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. They have had a lot of rain, therefore, bugs were bad. The Ocean Lodge is a Tuscan-looking hotel on Beachview Drive, across from the beach. Its located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95. The best part? Enjoy a full spread of breakfast staples, a fresh market garden salad bar and charcuterie, local seafood, and southern-style supper items. Rent a Golf Cart. Recommended scavenger hunt starting point or other city spot of your choice! It closes at 5pm. Enjoy the complete boating experience when you dock your boat at this harbor on Marina Drive. We're the original doctor ratings site with over 2 million reviews. Georgia has several courses, but we played Sea Palms in St. Simons Island. 1.1 RELIVE HISTORY AT FORT FREDERICA. Rent a bike for the day and explore the many bike trails on St. Simons. Enjoy the complete boating experience when you dock your boat at this harbor on Marina Drive. "St. Simons island craft beer and growler bar. If you like history, or have little ones who like to play Army, take a short drive to Darien Georgia and Fort King George. Stay at The Lodge on site to combine training with a golf package. Theyll take you to 36 points of interest, including Christ Church, the Lighthouse, Bloody Marsh, and Fort Frederica. Very tasteful. $139. The services offered here are not included in the list of cheap activities to do near you. Visitors and residents alike enjoy cooling down and engaging in a little outdoor recreation atNeptune Parkand itsFun Zone water park, which includes a public pool, miniature golf, and a fishing pier. Great visit, and although I became breathless 3/4 of the way up the stairs, the view was so worth it!! Had a wonderful time, just before the hurricane. Also See:Blue Ridge: Things to DoWhat to Do in Savannah, 1000 Arthur J Moore DrSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 279-2836. St. Simons Island is around 14 miles from Jekyll Island, just about a 20-30 minute drive. We have reviews of the best places to see in Saint Simons Island. St. Simons Island is also home to a variety of outdoor adventures, with plenty of things to do like kayaking, fishing, biking, and tours. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. If youre new to golf, you can book a lesson with their talented professional staff to learn more about the sport. If you arent staying on the beach, there are many public access points. For a real-time look at the shores, check out our beach webcams! Visit here when the tide is low to catch the best feature of the beach. The Ocean Inn and Suites also has their own pool, and parking, which can be tough in this area. Although not technically on St. Simons Island, these nearby resorts are worth a visit! My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. the monument commemorates John and Charles Wesley and their considerable influence in founding the Methodist church in. Burn Some Energy at a Playground. St. Simons Island weather is warm year round, making it a great US vacation destination. are also available from ATL to BQK. Crafted by The Market chefs, these meals are made to savor with your family as we will with ours. But the grounds and the information outside was great. (Yes, falconry! Learn about the islands over 400 years of history with the original trolley tour of St Simons that has been in operation since 1993. My teens didn't have a problem going up and they loved the experience. As I mentioned, weve been coming to St. Simons Island for more than 20 years. 8.4/5 (966 reviews) The Market Sea Island. Hear the wonderful stories of growing up on the island on an African American Heritage Tour. It is not on site at the hotel. St. simons island accommodations, restaurants, golf, events, fishing, kayaking, entertainment, shopping, historic sites, attractions and more. Morningstar Marinas. The Sea Island Beach Club has several pools, access to the beach, dining and a candy and ice cream shop. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. 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. Other outdoor attractions, like Gould's Inlet, are also dog-friendly. Go On a Bike Ride. 1000 Hampton River Club Marina DrSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 638-1210. Several of our trips are also compensated by the respective tourism boards for the city or state we are visiting. This seaside park is perfect for picnics under the giant live oaks. Between the playgrounds and all the pools and slides in the fun zone, your children wont get bored here. $10 for non-members. If you want to learn how to properly ride a horse, they have plenty of classes that you can sign up for. Climb 129 steps to the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse for stunning views of the St. Simons Sound. Indulge in St. Simons Island food festivals like Firebox andthe Red Hot Chili Cookoff. You can go on hikes, fish at the pier, admire the second-largest Southern Red Cedar in Georgia, and many more. I will attest to its beauty. This is a neighborhood community of homes. Borrow a bike from one of the shops around town, like Ocean Motion Surf Company,or bring your own. Considering the three key benefits of golfing, you shouldn't plan a trip without updating your travel list to include a golfing attraction. Located next to a historic lighthouse, this park on Beachview Drive is equipped with plenty of enjoyable amenities for the family. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Classic elegance are words that come to mind when I think of the Cloister Sea Island. St. Simons Casino Building - Room 108. Our first stop this trip was historic Christ Church on St. Simons Island. Brogens: This is my husbands favorite. They are located at different areas throughout the island. Find events happening on St. Simons Island. From annual festivals to fishing competitions, there is always an event happening here. This museum tells the story of the Golden Isles and Brunswick's role in winning World War II. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Riding bikes is one of the best things to do in St Simons Island with . This local rental company has tents, chairs, beach games and more, and will even set it all up for you! Here is a traveler tidbit for you: buy a ticket to this or the lighthouse and see both for only one price! This site uses cookies to enhanceyour experience. Romantic Things to Do In St. Simons Island: Dig into Local Cuisine. Learn more aboutSt. Simons Island's rich history. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Or take the whole family on a treasure hunt to search for the famousSt. Simons Island tree spirits! Now the entire country knows what I've known for more than 20 years -- St. Simons is the perfect mix of seaside fun and small-town charm. Visitors can tour the islands historic sites on a variety of transportation options, including the island's ever-popularguided trolley toursthrough the 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. Cannon's Point Preserveis a 600-acre green space on the north end of the island that features native species, maritime forestand miles of marsh linked to the Altamaha River Delta. Whenplanning an upcoming beach day, make sure to take note of ourtide chart for the best times to enjoy the ocean waves. 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. 599 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA, 31522. Fantastic Sunrise and Ocean views. They do have a driving range that is a car ride away from the clubhouse, so stop here first. Speciality & Gift Shops. The only way to get to this island is by boat, and you can leave all your cares at the dock when you do. The Lodge at Sea Island is another Sea Island property that is actually located on St. Simons Island and geared toward golfers. The Georgia Sea Island Singers perform and have been a highlight since 1977. 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. Plan the perfect trip to the Georgia coast with our Golden Isles Visitor Guide. Both of them want to go back on our next visit you don't hear that from our teens about museums often! Weve pulled up pufferfish, huge sting rays, and even a few shrimp. 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. If you want to check out the St. Simons Island social scene, Pier Village is the place to go. The pristine beaches on St. Simons Island are definitely worth the visit. 15. See the differences between multiple units in the same complex and find the best rates. Tomorrow at 10:00 AM + 1 more event. 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. Continue reading below to discover the best things to do in St Simons Island, GA. 206 Marina DrSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 421-2501. St Simons Island, Georgia was recently voted the number one favorite beach town by Travel and Leisure. I got to the light house later than I wanted. The course is inland but there are still a number of water hazards. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus St. Simons. United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC, View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us. The iconicAvenue of the Oaksthat marks the entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club is one of the most beautiful landmarks on the island. St. Simons Literary Guild. Frederica Golf Club St. Simons: This is a private club, and not open to the public. Located directly on the intracoastal waterway, this United Methodist property is lush with towering oaks. Its been newly renovated, so if you are an IHG Rewards Club member vs. a Hilton Rewards (Hampton Inn) member, stay here. Dont even ask. Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse. 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. Established in 2016. But it's worth a drive if you've got the time. Over our 20+ years visiting St. Simons, we have some places that stay on our must-do list. The pub is a favorite night time hang out for visitors, as well as guests of the Inn, and has a comfy living room feel. Location: 75 Cinema Lane, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Bathrooms on site. Educational placards throughout the area and street signs provide further information about the inhabitants. Many festivals and events are held on St. Simons Island throughout the year. 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. Webers Growlers Factory. Discover New Destinations & Things to Do Read the latest entries in our global travel journal Looking for a place to rent? The Celtic cross monument to the Wesley brothers is a beautiful tribute to such brave men. Weve spied hammerhead sharks, horseshoe crabs, rays and lots of different fish. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not actually on St. Simon's Island. 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. 121 Mallery St 912/634-1888. My favorite hotel is still the Historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which was once the summer residence for the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, and the like. A variety of accommodationsfrom friendly inns to . Hampton Inn & Suites on nearby Jekyll Island. Swimming, surfing, and kiteboarding are some ocean activities you can enjoy here. 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. There are plenty of hardware stores and bait and tackle shops nearby where you can purchase fishing essentials. June 7, 2023. If youd rather, search for the painted rocks on the island. Read more about accessing Jekyll Island. Here is what he had to say about each course. 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. The St. Simons Island tides make beach access different depending on where you are. $11.20 - $18.50; Full-time . Will go back. Rain peaks in August and September, but there really isnt a real rainy season. 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. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Simons Island. All other marks belong to their respective owners. She says they have different types of accommodations from motel-style rooms to nicer hotel rooms comparable to a Holiday Inn. One of the best things to do in St Simons Island, GA is to visit this historical landmark. Get a rock, paint it, hide it on the island. Located at the southern tip of the island, the lighthouse is a 104-foot tall structure that was rebuilt in 1872. The St. Simons Island Tree Spirits are one of my favorite things about this island! All Rights Reserved. Reader Karin Hancock says she always stays at Epworth by the Sea. The grounds contain the graves of famous Georgians like Eugenia Price. St Simon's IS continues to preserve its beaches (dunes, rocks, wildlife, etc. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. 1. Experience first-class customer service and plenty of amenities at this full-service marina. Through tunnels of ancient oaks, you can bike and drive the length of St. Simons, finding treasures at every . They do have nice restaurants on site and its fun to sit on the lawn with a glass of wine and listen to the bagpiper as he walks the course when the sun sets. The King And Prince Golf Course. 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. There are plenty of beautifulspots to kayak, whether you want to choose your own path or take aguided tour. Beautiful grounds even at this time of year which is off season for many but not for us from NH. Furthermore, it is known as a top beach town in the United States. The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Learn more about our Georgia pet-friendly beaches. Check their events calendar before you visit to see if something is happening when youre in the area. Over the years, weve discovered a little bit about the island and I thought Id put what we know into this mega post. It is beautiful there with lots of Spanish moss and its on the Frederica River.. In addition, he gave this advice always remember bug spray, DEET preferred. 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. There are always serious fishermen around and its just fun to walk along the pier and see what everyone else has caught. 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. Discover the Island's History at Fort Frederica National Monument. Save some time for the gift shop, which is more of a local boutique than a museum store. What a unique way to see St. Simons Island! My teens were very impressed and interested in this and loved all the interactive exhibits they have. WellSt. Browse the trip ideas and attractions below to find activities the whole family will love. Its your standard Hampton Inn rooms, free buffet breakfast and swimming pool. One boy heading his soccer ball, one kicking it along, the other carrying it, running to catch up to play the next hole. Its all copyrighted. The Westin Jekyll Island is located on the beach, and amid the emerging downtown area that reminds me a lot of San Destin. 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. The site is slated with historical significance and events that shaped colonial life. Every.One.Of.Them. You can also relax and sunbathe on the shore, go shelling, and even play in the waves with your dogs. Gof cart and car parking. Truth be told, Im ready to branch out a bit more and try something new, but the kids wont have it. History buffs will be pleased with the choices St. Simons Island offers. 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. All rights reserved. Here are a few of the better St Simons Island hotels, and St Simons rentals. Painting, ceramics, fiber arts and photography are. Now its a popular fishing spot and also hosts events such as the Georgia Sea Island Festival. Your kids will enjoy the playground, but not as much as the beach right in front of the park. Things to Do in St. Simons Island. Take a walk on the beach after the Maritime Center visit, and climb up top too! But after your trail ride, youll realize that the experience is worth more than what you paid for. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Saint Simons Island. 117 Mallery StSt Simons Island, GA 31522(912) 638-8954. Heres why. The oak-lined area's first church was built in 1820but was damaged during the Civil War. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I love the treasure hunt to find the tree spirits, and the welcome surprise when you come across one you didnt know was there. OneMain Financial Consumer Loan Sales Specialist. Visit us at dineatsago.com to view the Easter Brunch menu and make reservations. This is a great place to see local art, go to classes, and buy art. Fresh oysters,handmade pizza, award-winning barbecue, and locally-caught seafoodjust to name a few. This pier at the end of Mallery Street is a local favorite spot for fishing and crabbing. 2. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort: Beautiful Grand Hotel - See 1,693 traveler reviews, 969 candid photos, and great deals for The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort at Tripadvisor.