When you visit St. Simons Island, GA, you'll enjoy one of the very best Georgia beaches. This wonderful resort island is filled with over 300 years of rich history. It's less "touristy" than many other East Coast beaches. It just has an older, more traditional southern island feel to it.

Named one of the "Best Places to Retire" in the U.S. by Money magazine, St. Simons Island is known for many things. Topping the list: the friendliest people in the South, spectacular sandy beaches, moss-draped live oaks, charming shops and delightful island-flavored dining.

Surrounded by sand, ocean and marshes, St. Simons has an enticing subtropical climate. It's the largest barrier island in Georgia, yet even with tourists, vacationers-turned-islanders, and native islanders, the island has carefully not over-developed.

It's no wonder people return here year after year to enjoy the beaches, play golf on the great courses in the area (including eleven public golf courses) and relax in a place that is well taken care of.

The beauty of the entire island of St. Simons has been painstakingly preserved. The island's natural resources, wildlife and environment are protected by the St. Simons Land Trust. To compliment that, excellent walking and bike trail systems wind throughout the island so all visitors can safely experience the magic of this special place.

Directions to the Beaches of St. Simons Island, GA

St Simon's most popular beach - East Beach- is located at the historic Coast Guard Station. You'll find easy beach access, with plenty of parking plus restrooms and showers. This is absolutely the best beach on the island. Take a right at the Village Pier onto Ocean Blvd, drive a mile and turn right onto East Beach Causeway - the large parking lot means you're there!

On the northern tip of East Beach is Gould's Inlet. Not so much a swimming beach, this is better suited for bird watching and taking in spectacular views. To get to it, follow East Beach Causeway past East Beach to the stop sign. Go left on Bruce Drive and follow it until it ends. Gould's inlet is on the right. (It pays to know that parking is limited.)

At the southern end of East Beach is Massengale Park. This seems to be the most family oriented and busiest beach on the island. Massengale has easy beach access, lots of parking, restrooms, grills and a playground. During peak season there's a lifeguard on duty.

Between the mainland and the island, miles of salt marsheswind around St. Simons Island. These are nursery areas for all sorts of sea life, including blue crabs, oysters, shrimp and fish. Birds, rabbits, mink and otter are also members of the marsh community. A trip through the marshes is indeed one of the most educational and enjoyable things to do during a stay at St. Simons.

Map of St. Simons Island

Lodging on St. Simons Island

It's easy to settle in at any of the island's hotels, vacation condos, cottages, or bed and breakfasts.

If you're looking for a true resort atmosphere, The King and Prince Beach Resort is a great choice. It's right on the beach, and features the award-winning King and Prince Golf Course. There's also a tennis complex with composition courts. Dining is a real treat at the famous Blue Dolphin Restaurant, where you have a fantastic view of the beach. Or unwind at one of the five pools and have drinks and burgers at the Paradise Beach Bar and Grill.

The Ocean Lodge is an excellent luxury inn. Old world charm sets the mood with spacious guest suites complete with private Butler srvice and gourmet meals prepared by their chef. The Ocean Lodge's tradition of excellent service and VIP charm has made it a favorite spot for romantic vacations, corporate meetings, beach wedding ceremonies and all sorts of special events.

For a great golf vacation on St. Simons Island, Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort is your best bet... plus the amenities here are possibly the most on the island. There are twenty-seven holes of golf, three pools, three clay tennis courts, plus lots of other fun things to do such as sandpit volley ball and horseshoes. Lodging varies from hotel-style deluxe guest rooms, studios with kitchenette, and one- to three-bedroom suites that have either a screened porch or a sun deck.

St. Simons has an outstanding selection of many more hotels as well as beach house vacation rentals.

If you prefer separate living quarters, choose from hundreds of private homes and condominiums - for daily, weekly or long-term rental.

Things To Do on St. Simons Island

Enjoy the Beach! Take a leisurely walk, sun bathe, jog, build a sandcastle. See our list of these publicly accessible Georgia beaches on St. Simons.

Play golf among majestic oaks, palmetto groves and scenic lakes. St. Simons Island features two excellent public golf courses: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort and Hampton Golf Club. There are also dozens of top rated golf courses within 30 miles of St. Simons - truly a golfer's ideal vacation.

Go Biking – explore the entire island by bicycle. There are miles of bike paths all through and around St. Simons. To rent a bike, call Ocean Motion at 912-638-5225.

Golden Isles Marina is a full-service marina with overnight and long-term slips. A must-visit even if you're not boating... watch the boats, relax at a great restaurant, explore the quaint shops, and enjoy a beautiful view of the St. Simons Sound.

The Pier Village at the south end of the Island is a hot spot for many visitors. It's a charming "main street" full of restaurants, parks, museums and gift shops. Enjoy the pier with great fishing, crabbing, or just strolling - or take a swing at miniature golf.

For the experience of a lifetime, see St. Simons Island (and surrounding coast) by helicopter! Get a real "view" of St Simons with a choice of several tours with Dragonfly Copters. You can even learn how to fly through their private and commercial pilot flight school.

Don't miss Coastal Expeditions charter fishing and boat tours. Go on a dolphin sightseeing expedition or book a fantastic fishing expedition. You'll get excellent service from Captain Reynolds - an excellent outing for families as well as serious fishing enthusiasts.

Take a Shrimp Boat Ride aboard the "Lady Jane" and experience life as a shrimper! Help the crew catch and sort the shrimp, then enjoy the freshest boiled shrimp you'll ever eat, prepared by the crew.

Tour St Simons Island by horse and carriage. From romantic dinners, birthday parties and village tours - to Christmas caroling and winter sleigh rides - any season is perfect!

Eat Great Food! The island has some of the best restaurants you'll find on the east coast. Numerous restaurants offer a fantastic variety of dishes and atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood, exotic cuisine, barbeque, and southern cooking. Go for casual or gourmet - you'll love the creative chefs of St. Simons Island.

When on St. Simons, it's a Must-Do to visit the unspoiled beaches and rich history of Jekyll Island, GA – the next island down. It's quite special, as you'll see!