St Simons Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

St. Simons Island is a place where time seems to slow down, caught somewhere between the gentle lap of the Atlantic tides and the swaying Spanish moss that drapes the ancient live oaks. As the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, it manages to balance its role as a sophisticated resort destination with the soul of a small Southern town. The air here is thick with salt and history, inviting you to trade the rush of daily life for long bike rides and porch-sitting.

Unlike many beach destinations that are purely about the sand, St. Simons offers a landscape that is visually arresting even before you reach the water. The vast salt marshes turn from brilliant green to golden brown with the seasons, and the history, from Native American settlements to Colonial British forts, is woven physically into the landscape. It is a destination that appeals equally to history buffs, avid golfers, and those who simply want to eat fresh shrimp by the water.

The Land of Live Oaks and Legends

What truly sets St. Simons apart is its atmosphere. This isn’t a high-rise beach jungle; strict building codes have kept the skyline low and the views unobstructed. The island is dominated by the Southern live oak, massive trees that canopy the roads and create natural tunnels of greenery. Local artists have paid homage to these giants by carving “Tree Spirits”, weathered faces that peer out from the trunks, creating a whimsical island-wide scavenger hunt that delights visitors of all ages.

Beyond the natural beauty lies a deep historical significance. St. Simons was the epicenter of the debate between Spain and Britain for control of the Georgia coast. You can walk the earthworks of Fort Frederica, where James Oglethorpe’s troops defended the colony in the 1740s. The blend of Gullah Geechee culture, plantation history, and maritime heritage provides a cultural depth that few other American beach towns can match.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum - A working lighthouse built in 1872. Visitors can climb the 129 steps for a view that stretches to Jekyll Island. Located at the south end of the island. Admission is approx $12.

Fort Frederica National Monument - The archaeological remnants of a British colony and fort from the mid-1700s. It offers a fascinating glimpse into military history and is located on the river side of the island (approx 7 mi from Pier Village). Admission is free.

Christ Church Frederica - One of the oldest churches in Georgia, nestled among massive oaks. The current structure dates to 1884, but the congregation dates back to the Wesleys in 1736. Located mid-island. Free to tour the grounds; donations accepted.

Driftwood Beach - While technically on neighboring Jekyll Island (20 min drive), this is a must-see for St. Simons visitors. It is a hauntingly beautiful graveyard of trees on the beach, perfect for photography. Access is free; state park entry fee for vehicle is $8.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to St. Simons is part of the adventure. You’ll drive across the F.J. Torras Causeway, which traverses the famous Marshes of Glynn, a view that is particularly stunning at sunset. The island is located about an hour north of Jacksonville, FL, and an hour south of Savannah, GA. While having a car is necessary to arrive, the island is incredibly bike-friendly. An extensive network of paved paths connects the Pier Village, the beaches, and the historic sites, so renting a cruiser is highly recommended.

Pack casual, breathable clothing. The vibe is “resort casual”, linen shirts and sundresses work for the nicest restaurants, while flip-flops are standard for the day. Don’t forget bug spray; the coastal marshes are beautiful but breed “sand gnats” (biting midges) that are most active at dawn and dusk. A little preparation ensures they won’t ruin your sunset walk.

St. Simons Island offers a rare combination of Southern elegance and raw coastal beauty. Whether you are climbing the lighthouse steps to watch the sunrise or enjoying a plate of wild Georgia shrimp as the tide rolls in, the island leaves a lasting impression of warmth and hospitality.