Location: Saint Simons Island
Top Things to do in Saint Simons Island
The 10 Best Things to Do in Saint Simons Island, United States
Enveloped by expansive beaches, moss-draped oaks, and salt marshes, Saint Simons Island, part of the Golden Isles chain near Brunswick, is a nearly 18 square mile island, once dominated by rice and cotton plantations. Today, it’s a recreation wonderland with superb championship golf courses, miles of bicycle paths, great fishing, historic sites, and excellent restaurants. If you love golf, you’ll love Saint Simons Island, which is home to the 18-hole King and Prince Golf Course and 27-hole Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort. Nearby are 234 more holes of golf at popular spots like the 63-hole Jekyll Island Golf Club and 36-hole Sea Island Golf Club. Anglers have lots of opportunities to fish in the rivers, tidal creeks, sounds and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find charters and guides at the Golden Isles Marina, and you can also fish off the St. Simons Island Pier and surf cast on stretches of beach on the island’s north end. For such a compact island, Saint Simons is brimming with historic sites. Don’t miss the Saint Simons Lighthouse, where you can climb the 129 steps for a magnificent view of the island; the Fort Frederica National Monument, which has remnants of the British fort built in the 1700s; and the Bloody Marsh Battle Site, where the Spanish defeated the British in 1742.
Restaurants in Saint Simons Island
1. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 631 reviews
The Christ Church, Frederica has docents available Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. The churchyard is open to the public from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. The church and the grounds are closed to the public on Monday's for maintenance. Bus tours and group tours are available, please call or email the office to set up a group tour. From time to time, the church and churchyard are closed to accommodate funerals and weddings.
Reviewed By TwoT0Travel - New Jersey, USA
Christ Church is just a lovely church. It was built in 1820 and partially destroyed by Union troops. It was rebuilt 1884. The frame work and interior do not contain any nails. Most of the work was completed by ship builders. The stain glass windows are a delight. The grave yard is well worth a stroll. It too is lovely and well kept. Services are still held on Sunday and the church is closed to visitors on Monday. Any other day after 2:00, there should be some there to are as a guide inside the church.
2. St. Simons Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By Bryan L - Oak Ridge, Tn
Lots of family activities from shopping and dining to enjoying the scenery and climbing to the top of a lighthouse.
Beautiful landscaped business districts, cultural and historic destinations including the St. Simon's Island Lighthouse, as well as beautiful wildlife throughout the island.
Lots of choices for entertainment for kids of all ages, dining opportunities from local seafood to fine dining and regional wines, and fun items like bakeries and ice cream shoppes.
Don't rush your visit, slow down and enjoy all the island has to offer. Your only regret will be that you didn't have more time to spend on the island.
3. Fort Frederica National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
This beautiful park was the site of one of the first British colonies.
Reviewed By HGKCFP - Honolulu
A must see when it St Simons Island. A National Monument well maintained and packed full of Revolutionary History. Beautiful massive grounds to leisurely wander through.
4. St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 816 reviews
Reviewed By Bryan L - Oak Ridge, Tn
There is a lot of history surrounding the St. Simons Lighthouse, and the cost of admission will give you an incredible view of the island and neighboring Jekyll Island from the top of the lighthouse.
Beautiful landscaped grounds surround the museum and staff are on hand to provide information about the lighthouse and it's history.
A great destination for family fun and you'll have an appreciation for lighthouse attendants after you climb the spiral staircase to the top and take in the view.
5. Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
Reviewed By NeptuneBelle - Neptune Beach, Florida
The St Simons Fishing Pier is a great place to people-watch, rest, take pictures, and (of course) go fishing. We walked to the end and enjoyed the views. There are benches along the way to rest and plenty of shade. It's a free attraction and there are restrooms and a playground nearby. We met a pelican who enjoyed taking pictures with visitors (as long as they didn't get too close). Any visit to St. Simons Island should include a stop at this iconic pier.
6. East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By LivingTheDream108 - Lithopolis, Ohio
There is not much parking for East Beach so you shouldn't expect to see many people. The beach is clean and wide with inlets. There are a couple of benches close to the parking lot. There is a walking path behind the houses for viewing wildlife.
7. Wesley Memorial & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By LivingTheDream108 - Lithopolis, Ohio
The gardens are right across the road from Christ Church. The stony, pebble paths meander through the gardens. We were in search of the Celtic cross. It was quiet and pretty in the middle of winter, but I would love to see the gardens in the spring.
8. Golden Isles Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Whether it's your first time to Georgia's Golden Isles or your fifteenth time, our many information agents are here to assist you at the Golden Isles Welcome Center on St. Simons Island.
Reviewed By Michael G - Fernandina Beach, Florida
Made this our first stop when we arrived on SSI. We were greeted by Bruce as we walked through the door. He was helpful in directing us to the 90 minute Trolley Tour. Also recommended a couple of do not miss suggestions. Unfortunately the Trolley tour operator was a no show. There needs to be better communication from the tour operators when they decide not to operate on a given date. Too bad because we had limited time on the island and will not be back for a while.
9. Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By carolinesS3803EQ - Belfast
So I had read a little about the tree spirits and wanted to see for my self what they were about. The mermaid at the back of the welcome centre is amazing, there were three others that we eventually found. The others are there if you want to try and find them, we didn't have time so missed out. However I appreciated the time spent carving them and the message, beautiful. I have photos and postcard. I was looking for the charms that were advertised in one of the Georgia magazines but the shop was closed so I got a beautiful turtle charm from Nature Gifts on a necklace, just for a laugh mention that you read a review from a mad Irish man (hubby), she may remember us she may not, no discount though, lol. Had a fabulous time in St Simons Island.
10. Maritime Center at Historic Coast Guard Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Miami622 - Mount Dora, Florida
For $12 you get admission to the lighthouse museum which allows you to climb to the top (129 steps) and the Coast Guard Museum which is about 2 miles down the road. The views of the island are fantastic from the top and it's worth the short drive to check out the Coast Guard museum as well. Both have interactive screens detailing their history. Both also provide cool photo opportunities.
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