A Comprehensive Travel Guide to 100+ Top Activities, Attractions and Ways to Explore Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Welcome to the enchanting Saint Simons Island, Georgia! Prepare for an adventure brimming with history, nature, and a multitude of activities that promise an unforgettable experience on this stunning coastal haven.

Historical Landmarks

• • St. Simons Lighthouse: Explore the towering beacon offering panoramic views and a dive into maritime history.

• • Fort Frederica National Monument: Step back in time and explore the colonial significance during the British era.

• • Bloody Marsh Battle Site: Walk the trails and absorb the historical essence of this pivotal site.

• • Historic Churches: Visit beautiful historic churches showcasing architectural marvels.

• • Island History Museum: Immerse yourself in the island’s fascinating history and heritage.

• • World War II Home Front Museum: Engage with the island’s contribution and stories from the home front during World War II.

• • Ebo Landing (Igbo Landing): Pay homage to the historical significance of the Igbo people’s tragedy and their resistance to enslavement.

• • Christ Church, Frederica: Visit this architectural gem and historical church, which played a crucial role in the island’s history.

• • Harrington School: Explore the heritage of the local African American community through this educational landmark.

• • African American Heritage Trail: Recognizes various sites significant to African American history on the island.

• • Wesley Memorial & Gardens: Commemorates the legacy of John and Charles Wesley and their ties to the island.

• • Gascoigne Bluff: Historical site featuring a former plantation and today’s maritime park.

• • Avenue of Oaks at Gascoigne Bluff: Picturesque oak-lined entrance to the site’s historical significance.

• • Cannon’s Point Preserve: Historical area reflecting the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

• • Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church: A church tied to the Wesley brothers and local history.

• • Hamilton Plantation Tabby Slave Cabins: Historic remnants reflecting the island’s plantation history.

Nature and Outdoors

• • East Beach: Enjoy family-friendly vibes and white sands perfect for relaxation and picnics.

• • Coast Guard Station Beach: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing in a serene setting.

• • Cannon’s Point Preserve: Hike, birdwatch, and relish the island’s natural beauty.

• • Island Bike Trails: Explore the island’s charm through well-maintained biking trails.

• • Marsh Cruises: Glide through marshlands and discover local flora and fauna.

Recreational Activities

• • Neptune Park: Family-centric spot with playgrounds and seasonal events.

• • Golfing: Tee off at picturesque golf courses offering stunning views.

• • Kayaking Adventures: Paddle along serene waterways surrounding the island.

• • Boat Rentals: Explore the picturesque waters at your own pace.

• • Whale and Bird Watching: Observe diverse marine life and bird species in their natural habitat.

Culinary Delights

• • Local Seafood Dining: Savor the delicious Georgia shrimp, oysters, and low-country boil.

• • Southern Comfort Food: Indulge in classic Southern cuisine in local eateries.

• • Charming Coffee Shops: Begin your day with a cup of joe in welcoming cafes.

• • Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Experience farm-fresh, locally sourced dining experiences.

• • Gourmet Dining: Enjoy high-end dining featuring local and international cuisine.

Entertainment and Events

• • Live Music and Concerts: Attend performances and local cultural events.

• • Live Theater Performances: Engage with cultural and theatrical performances in local theaters.

• • Annual Festivals: Immerse in the island’s vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations.

• • Art Classes and Workshops: Unleash your creative side with engaging artistic experiences.

• • Chic Cocktail Bars: Unwind at trendy bars offering creative drink menus.

Exploring Beyond St. Simons

• • Jekyll Island: Discover driftwood beaches and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

• • Brunswick: Explore the vibrant downtown and historic district of the neighboring town.

Wellness and Relaxation

• • Spa Treatments: Rejuvenate and relax with various spa treatments available.

• • Yoga and Wellness Retreats: Participate in wellness retreats and yoga sessions.

• • Sunset Views: Witness mesmerizing sunsets along the coastline.

Special Adventures and Tours

• • Dolphin Tours: Experience playful dolphins on guided boat tours around the island.

• • Paddleboard Yoga: Test your balance with yoga on a paddleboard in calm waters.

• • Parasailing Adventures: Soar high above the island with thrilling parasailing rides.

Learning and Creative Experiences

• • Cooking Classes: Participate in Southern cooking classes and learn local recipes.

• • Nature Photography Tours: Explore the island’s natural beauty through a camera lens.

• • Guided Meditation Sessions: Unwind with guided meditation sessions in nature.

Family-Friendly Fun

• • Island Scavenger Hunts: Engage in family-friendly scavenger hunts.

• • Beach Horseback Riding: Enjoy a unique beach experience on horseback.

Adventures in Arts and Crafts

• • Local Crafts and Art: Purchase souvenirs and support local artists with handmade crafts.

• • Outdoor Art Exhibits: Discover unique outdoor art displays around the island.

Unique Activities

• • St. Simons Island Pier: Take a leisurely stroll or try fishing at this iconic pier.

• • Public Art Installations: Explore striking art installations across the island.

Further Recreational Opportunities

• • Outdoor Yoga Classes: Practice yoga amidst the island’s natural beauty.

• • Native Plant Walks: Join guided tours to learn about native island flora.

• • Seashell Collecting: Hunt for unique seashells along the coastline.

Local Cultural Experiences

• • Nightlife Hotspots: Experience the island’s vibrant nightlife scene.

• • Local Farmers Markets: Explore and taste fresh local produce and artisanal goods.

• • Music Festivals: Attend music festivals featuring local and regional talents.

Water and Beach Activities

• • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Try paddleboarding in tranquil waters.

• • Surfing Lessons: Take surfing lessons for all skill levels.

• • Beach Clean-Up Events: Join local initiatives for beach clean-ups.

Educational Tours and Insights

• • Eco Tours: Engage in eco-friendly tours and learn about the island’s diverse ecology.

• • Historic Home Tours: Explore grand historic homes open for tours.

• • Island Drum Circles: Join or observe drum circles on the beach.

Local Brewing and Tastings

• • Local Craft Beer Tastings: Sample craft beers at local breweries and pubs.

• • Local Wine Tastings: Sample locally produced wines at wineries and tasting rooms.

• • Local Honey Tastings: Sample a variety of locally produced honey.

Artisanal Workshops and Activities

• • Artisan Workshops: Participate in workshops showcasing local crafts.

• • Plein Air Painting: Join or observe artists in open-air painting sessions.

• • Mural Painting: Engage in or watch mural painting events around the island.

Wellness and Fitness

• • Pilates Classes: Join Pilates classes at scenic locations on the island.

• • Tai Chi in Nature: Practice Tai Chi in the serene outdoors.

Unique Sporting Experiences

• • Kite Surfing: Experience the thrill of kite surfing along the coast.

• • Island Geocaching: Participate in an island-wide geocaching adventure.

• • Kite Flying: Enjoy flying kites on the beach with the ocean breeze.

Interactive and Community Engagements

• • Island Book Club Gatherings: Join or start a book club gathering on the island.

• • Community Yoga Events: Join community yoga events in various island locations.

• • DIY Craft Workshops: Engage in do-it-yourself craft workshops on the island.

Entertainment and Cultural Learning

• • Local Theater Workshops: Participate in local theater and acting workshops.

• • Island Poetry Readings: Participate in or watch poetry readings.

Exploration and Creativity

• • Island Photography Workshops: Join workshops on photography techniques.

• • Outdoor Wine and Paint Events: Enjoy wine while painting outdoors.

Recreational Events and Competitions

• • Sandcastle Building Competitions: Participate in or watch sandcastle building contests.

• • Island Cooking Contests: Participate or watch culinary contests and events.

• • Chalk Art Festivals: Witness or participate in chalk art festivals and competitions.

Active Sports and Events

• • Island Regattas: Watch or participate in sailing regattas and races.

• • Pickleball Tournaments: Participate in or watch pickleball tournaments.

Community and Environmental Engagement

• • Beach Yoga Retreats: Join yoga retreats held on the beachfront.

• • Beach Clean-Up Events: Join local initiatives for beach clean-ups.

Nature and Eco-Friendly Workshops

• • Guided Meditation Sessions: Unwind with guided meditation sessions in nature.

• • Eco-Friendly Workshops: Join workshops focusing on eco-friendly practices.

• • Herb and Spice Workshops: Join workshops on growing and using herbs and spices.

Cultural and Community Engagement

• • Art Auctions: Attend local art auctions and support local artists.

• • Island Drum Circles: Join or observe drum circles on the beach.

Special Interest and Outdoor Fitness

• • Guided Fitness Classes: Join guided fitness classes at various island locations.

• • Adventure Race Events: Participate in adventurous race events on the island.

Diverse Outdoor Experiences

• • Wildlife Watching Tours: Explore diverse wildlife through guided tours.

• • Outdoor Adventure Camps: Engage in exciting adventure camps for all ages.

Seasonal Festivities and Celebrations

• • Holiday Events: Join festive celebrations during the holiday season.

• • Seasonal Markets: Explore markets featuring seasonal goods and local products.

Crafts and Hands-on Learning

• • Pottery and Craft Classes: Engage in pottery and craft classes on the island.

• • Artisanal Jewelry Workshops: Create unique jewelry in artisanal workshops.

Learning and Educational Tours

• • Historical Nature Tours: Explore historical nature trails and learn about the island’s history.

• • Educational Workshops: Join informative workshops on various subjects.

Social and Community Engagement

• • Island Community Events: Participate in community events and gatherings.

• • Volunteer and Service Events: Engage in volunteer events supporting local causes.

Health and Wellness

• • Health and Wellness Retreats: Join wellness retreats focused on health and healing.

• • Holistic Wellness Workshops: Engage in holistic wellness workshops on the island.

Recreational Competitions and Contests

• • Fishing Tournaments: Participate in fishing tournaments and contests.

• • Sailing Competitions: Join or watch sailing competitions on the island.

Artistic and Creative Engagements

• • Creative Writing Workshops: Engage in creative writing workshops on the island.