St. Simons Island was colonized early to help protect Colonial Georgia from Spanish troops, and now it's a bustling residential city. Visitors are always welcome, and there are plenty of things to do on the island for both adult-only trips and family vacations.
1. Hunt for Tree Spirits
We enjoy activities that have a unique local flavor and are free. The scavenger hunt for tree spirits is a great way to explore different spots on the island. Artist Keith Jennings and his son Devon have carved faces into over 20 oaks on the island.
Some of these faces are on private property, but you can find the ones on public property on the island or get a map at the Visitor's Center. Hint: you'll have to stop there at some point during your search! this map Whether you prefer fresh or saltwater fishing, there are plenty of options on St. Simons Island. You can fish from the shore in the famous Marshes of Glynn or go on a kayak or boat to fish from deeper spots. In Georgia, anyone 16 and older needs a fishing license, and if you're fishing in saltwater, you'll need a free Saltwater Information Permit.
2. Fish
Bring your bike or rent one to explore over 30 miles of bike paths on St. Simons Island. The off-road paths make this activity suitable even for the youngest riders. You can find a map of the biking trail system online. 4. Horseback RidingLive out your big-screen fantasies of riding a horse on a beach at sunset! If that's not your thing, you can also ride near the historic Musgrove Plantation or among the trees of Frederica Township.
3. Bike
5. Golf of All Kinds For the traditionalists, there are two highly-rated golf courses nearby. One can be accessed via The Inn at Sea Island and the other at The King and Prince Resort. Playing golf with an ocean view or among the forests and salt marshes of the island is an experience you won't want to miss. There are other golf options as well, including an 18-hole mini golf course at Neptune Park and a 6-hole disc golf course at Gascoigne Bluff. If you prefer indoor golf, The Inn at Sea Island offers simulated golf, baseball pitching, and zombie dodgeball games at the Topgolf Swing Suite.
6. Neptune Park
Families can spend a whole day at Neptune Park! The FunZone is perfect for those who aren't into the beach. You can use the lap lanes, the zero-entry pool, and the kid's water play area. Concessions are available onsite to keep kids from getting cranky.
If you've had enough water, you can also enjoy mini-golf and a playground on site. When it's time to eat, you can rest in the shade of massive live oaks at nearby picnic tables.
7. Tours of St. Simons Island
Image Credit: Trish Hartmann – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.
If you're curious, there are several tour options available. Depending on your interests, you can go with kayaks, trolleys, or even ghost tours. The entire Georgia coast is worth a road trip if you have the time!
8. Fort Frederica National Monument Water Park National Park
Service site was founded in 1736 to protect Georgia's southern border from the Spanish in Florida. Following a decisive battle in 1742 and the subsequent peace treaty, the fort disbanded, and the surrounding city was abandoned. Today, only a few buildings are still intact. But kids will love their award-winning course Youth Ranger
program; grown-ups will appreciate the historical significance and beauty of the location.
Children are intrigued by the name of this part of the Fort Frederica site. In reality… it's simply a marsh. Informational signs are located at the edge of the marsh. 10. Simons Lighthouse & Museum Ascend the 129 steps of this 1872 lighthouse and enjoy exceptional views. Make time to visit the lighthouse museum nearby. The museum is situated in a charming two-story Victorian building that was once the lighthouse keeper's residence.
11. WW II Homefront Museum
This Located in the historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station, the WW II Homefront Museum focuses on the brave war efforts of American citizens. Visitors can test their skills in spotting enemy planes, learn about shipbuilding efforts during the war, and more! The exhibits are engaging and interactive. 12. East Beach
It's no surprise to find this on the list, right? There are multiple ways to reach East Beach, with the most parking available near the WWII Homefront Museum. It's best to avoid access near Pier Village and Neptune Park. Depending on the tide, there may be limited beach access!
13. Water Sports on St. Simons Island
Where there's a beach, there's an opportunity for water activities. Rental locations for watercraft are scattered around the island. You can accomplish two goals by taking a guided kayak tour!
14. Cannon's Point Preserve
Serious nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in over 700 acres of unspoiled maritime forest, salt marsh, and river shoreline.
Cannon's Point Preserve is considered wilderness and is mostly maintained by volunteers. Don't expect snack stands, water fountains, or air conditioning. However, if you enjoy hiking, biking, or non-motorized boating, you'll delight in the beauty of this place. Take a moment to read the signs that point out shell mounds dating back to 2500 BCE. Also on the site are the remains of John Couper's plantation and the dwellings of the enslaved.
15. Christ Church
One of the most photographed spots on St. Simons Island, Christ Church is more than just beautiful. Its congregation has worshipped there continuously since 1736 and has a fascinating history. The Rev. Charles Wesley, brother of John, was once the pastor here before the brothers established the Methodist Church in England.
The current building dates back to 1884, reconstructed after being damaged in the Civil War. However, the oldest tombstone in the cemetery dates back to 1803. Tours are available most afternoons, and visitors are invited to wander the grounds.
16. Hamilton Plantation Cabins
Cassina Garden Club
tabby cabins have received a preservation award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The cabins were originally residences for the enslaved individuals of Hamilton Plantation and date back to the early 19th century. Renovation work began after the Cassina Garden Club acquired the property in 1932. The gardens feature traditional plantings from the plantation era and include a butterfly garden. Tours are available upon request and are regularly scheduled from June through August. Your Choice of Things To Do on St Simons Island
Whether you are interested in history, water activities, or unwinding, there are plenty of options on St. Simons Island. This year-round destination offers relaxation with the amenities of a city. Mix and match from this list to customize your ideal coastal vacation!
Colonized at an early time in order to defend Colonial Georgia from Spanish soldiers, St. Simons Island has become a lively residential community. Guests are encouraged to visit and will find a variety of activities to enjoy on St. Simons Island. Here are our top activities for both adult-only getaways and family vacations. 1. Search for…
One of the most photographed spots on St. Simons Island, Christ Church is more than picturesque. Its community has worshipped there continuously since 1736 and has a fascinating history. The Rev. Charles Wesley, brother of John, was once rector here before the brothers founded the Methodist Church in England.
The current building dates back to 1884, rebuilt after Civil War damage. The oldest tombstone in the cemetery, however, dates from 1803. Tours are offered most afternoons, and visitors are welcome to walk the grounds.
16. Hamilton Plantation Cabins
The Cassina Garden Club tabby cabins are the winner of a preservation award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The cabins were originally home to the enslaved people of Hamilton Plantation and date back to the early 19th century.
Restoration Work began after the Cassina Garden Club obtained the property in 1932. The gardens represent traditional plantings of the plantation period and include a butterfly garden. Tours are available upon request and are scheduled regularly from June through August.
Your Choice of Things To Do on St Simons Island
Whether you are into history, water sports, or relaxing, you'll find plenty of things to do on St. Simons Island. This year-round destination offers leisure time but with all the convenience of a city. Mix and match from this list to suit your party, and plan a dream coastal vacation!
