Playing on the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Playing on the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Top Things to Do on St. Simons Island

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. Here are just a few of the popular things to do on St. Simons Island.

St. Simons Island. Photo by Mark Durant, @iammarkdurant

Beaches

Whether a peaceful sunrise walk, a sunny afternoon building sandcastles, or stargazing at nighttime, St. Simons' beaches are a must-see. The East Beach is a favorite, and many of the island's beaches are pet-friendly.

Photo by Mark Durant, @iammarkdurant

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

As one of only five surviving light towers in the state, St. Simons Lighthouse Museum has been restored with its original Fresnel lens. It continues to be a navigational aid to incoming ships. Visitors can climb the 129 steps to the top and wander the museum in the Keeper’s Quarters, which details the lighthouse’s history.

Cannon's Point Preserve on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Cannon's Point Preserve

Cannon's Point Preserve is a 600-acre green space on the north end of the island that features native species, maritime forest and miles of marsh linked to the Altamaha River Delta. Artifacts have been found dating back to 2500 BCE as well as from a 19th century plantation.

World War II Home Front Museum on St. Simons Island, Georgia

World War II Home Front Museum

The newly opened World War II Home Front Museum focuses on the island’s history as the site of a Coast Guard Station during World War II. The interactive exhibits are housed in the station that was used by the servicemen and women starting in 1937.

Biking on the beach

Bike paths

There are more than 20 miles of paved bike paths on St. Simons, many of which will take you around to different beloved restaurants, attractions and historic sites. Borrow a bike from one of the shops around town, like Ocean Motion Surf Company, or bring your own.

Tree spirit at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island, Georgia

St. Simons Island Tree Spirits

Find all of the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits, which are a number of oak trees with whimsical faces carved into them. They were carved in the 1980s by artist Keith Jennings, inspired by the mythology surrounding sailors lost at sea. The Golden Isles Welcome Center has a map that shows you where to see them.

Christ Church Frederica on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Christ Church Frederica

On the site of Christ Church Frederica, John Wesley of England helped found the Methodist church. The oak-lined area's first church was built in 1820 but was damaged during the Civil War. The current building was built in 1884 and is open for tours. The grounds contain the graves of famous Georgians like Eugenia Price.

Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Fort Frederica National Monument

Fort Frederica National Monument is a colonial site dating back to the 18th century where a boundary was established between British in South Carolina and Spanish in Florida. The fort was established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe. The Spanish were thwarted and the garrison disbanded, but it remains an archaeological site today, protected by the National Park Service.

Avenue of the Oaks on St. Simons Island, Georgia

Avenue of the Oaks

The iconic Avenue of the Oaks that marks the entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club is one of the most beautiful landmarks on the island. Available to guests of the Cloister and Sea Island members, these majestic trees were first planted by Anne Page King.

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Georgia Sea Islands Festival on St. Simons Island

Events

Georgia Sea Islands Festival

The Georgia Sea Islands Festival in June celebrates the African American musical traditions, crafts and food of the barrier islands. The Georgia Sea Island Singers perform and have been a highlight since 1977.

Sunshine Festival

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival at Pier Village. 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.

The RSM Classic

Golf fans flock to the island for The RSM Classic, which joined the PGA Tour in 2010. Held at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club, the November event also raises money for local charities. Come see why it was a favorite of Georgia golf legend Bobby Jones.

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