Welcome to St. Simons Island - the heart of the Golden Isles!

Nestled along the southern Georgia coast – just an hour’s drive from both Savannah and Jacksonville -- St. Simons Island is home to pristine beaches, rich history, and plenty to see and do!

                                                       Attractions
Take a walk along the pier downtown and watch local fisherman reel in the day’s catch.  Or hop on the trolley and take a tour of the island’s many historic sites, including the famed St. Simons Island Lighthouse.  Take a stroll down East Beach and dip your toes in the Atlantic.  Or take a day trip to Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s incredible state parks, just a 25-minute drive from St. Simons (Jekyll is home to an array of natural and historic sites, restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the famous Millionaire’s Club, and beautiful Driftwood Beach.  For more information on Jekyll, visit this page.)

Be sure to check out the rich history that lives on throughout St Simons Island, including forts, churches, heritage centers, battlefields, plantations, bluffs and marshes.  For a full list of attractions and historic sites, visit this page.

                                                         Outdoors
Golf
Hoping to hit the links?  St. Simons Island and its neighboring communities boast a number of beautiful golf courses.  This area is home to over 200 scenic holes, set amidst dunes, live oaks, lagoons, and salt marshes. The scenery is hard to beat.  You can even book your tee time online! To check out the courses and book a round or two, visit this page.

Fishing
Looking to catch some redfish or snapper? Cast your line off the island pier or check out one of the area’s many expert charter captains and hit the deeper waters (make sure you get your GA fishing license!  Purchase it here at http://www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes) For more information on fishing opportunities, check out this page.

Paddling
It’s hard to miss the scenic beauty of the Island and there’s no other way to explore it firsthand than by boat!  The Island has several well-equipped outfitters offering guided tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and tips on where you may see dolphins, birds, and sea turtles.  For more information on rentals and guide opportunities, check out this page.

Sports & Recreation
If you’re looking to explore the Island on wheels, St. Simons has great bicycle rental shops and biker-friendly roads, including designated bike paths that wind through the Island.  Take a ride along the beach, or through the live oak-lined streets.  Explore the downtown area or take the path to the airport and watch the planes come in.  You’ll see a different side of the island this way!  For more information on bike paths and rentals, visit this page.

The island also offers a number of tennis (and pickle ball) courts, baseball fields, and walking paths.  For more information, check out this page.

Water Activities
Want to journey on and maybe under the sea?  St. Simons offers a selection of watersports and sea exploration opportunities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and jet skiing.  For a list of guides, dive shops, and rental places, visit this page.

                                                            Dining
St. Simons is home to a wonderful and extensive patchwork of delicious restaurants, offering everything from BBQ to pizza, and fresh-caught seafood to southern soul food.  There’s something for everyone here! To check out the local grub, visit this page.

                                                           Beaches
You can’t beat the pristine, beautiful beaches of St. Simons Island! East Beach, the island’s main and most popular beach, stretches along the eastern and southern side of the island, offering undisturbed views of the Atlantic and nearby Jekyll Island.  You can access East Beach via several public access points along the island, with free parking, public restrooms, and outdoor showers. Be sure to check out the historic Coast Guard Station at the access site on First Street (where there is plenty of parking for beach access).  You may even get to see some sea turtles, shorebirds, and dolphins.  For more info on beaches and beach rules and safety, check out this page.

And to help with your beach activities planning, be sure to check the tide schedule here.

                                                   Nature & Wildlife
The ecosystems on St. Simons Island and the surrounding regions are beautiful.  You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back to pre-historic times as you journey down lanes lined with live oaks, across bridges spanning expansive salt marshes and winding creeks, past sand dunes lining beach boardwalks with views of nothing but ocean.  The wildlife that inhabits this region is diverse and it’s not uncommon to spot a sea turtle or blue heron.  Oysters, fish, crabs and shrimp call these waters home and you may even see an otter or two.

Be sure to check out some of the area’s natural spaces, including Massengale Park (with public beach access), Neptune Park right along the beach, and the Tidelands Nature center on Jekyll Island.

For more information on the area’s ecology, natural areas, and wildlife, visit this page.

                                              Arts & Entertainment
Live music and art fill the island and there’s no shortage of concerts, art galleries, or educational opportunities.  If you’re stuck inside on a rainy day, the island even has its very own movie theater.  Check out the motor speedway in nearby Waynesville or enjoy jazz in the park in front of the St. Simons Lighthouse.  There’s never a shortage of things to see and hear on the island. For more information on local events or centers, visit this page.

To learn more about the island, or for more information on local attractions, eats, entertainment, and history, visit St. Simon Island’s main tourism page here or ask a friendly local!