Attractions and Activities in St. Simons Island, Georgia

magine the delight in returning to nature on your family vacation. Nestled against the Georgia coastline lies St. Simons Island, one of the state's largest barrier islands. St. Simon's Island has a rich cultural history as well as a natural beauty that invites visitors to explore the island marshlands, beaches, and estuaries.

Nature and civilization meet in an intriguing combination mixed with traditional southern hospitality. The gently winding Frederica and Mackay Rivers mark the western side of the island with the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The uniqueness of this location creates tidal marshland and estuaries that form the nurseries for the varied marine species that thrive in the area. The abundant sunshine and tide washes a perfect mixture of fresh and salt water into the inlets and sounds. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and many other forms of marine wildlife begin their lives in this nurturing, protected environment.

Visitors to St. Simons Island can experience the feeling of creation while visiting this beautiful vacation spot. Driftwood Nature Center features guided beach walks and nature programs for the kids. Take a kayak through the marshes to photograph sea birds or budding wildlife. You might even get lucky enough to see a manatee plying the warm waters that surround the island. If you love the outdoors, St. Simons Island also has miles of bike paths with many rental shops available.

Visit the historical and still active St. Simons Island Lighthouse. St. Simons Light has been replaced a number of times since its original installation in 1815. Visitors can climb the lighthouse tower and browse through the lighthouse museum. History comes alive in St. Simons Island. This thriving island once housed plantations that produced cotton. Timber companies used the abundant pine to fuel their lumber businesses.

Historically, St. Simons Island's significant contribution to our country's history occurred when British troops at Fort Frederica fought off a Spanish invasion. Battlements and cannon are still viewable at the Fort. Consider riding the Island Trolley to get a good overview for the community and it's historical landmarks.

The ambiance of St. Simon's Island cannot be understated. Spanish moss drapes the lumbering oak trees, helping to define the sense of serenity that is instilled in this southern community. This small town features an active arts and crafts fair series, antique shops, and a lively shopping area. Dining opportunities range from casual to fine dining.

A visit to St. Simons wouldn't be complete without planning a family outing to Neptune Park. Located at the southern end of the island, Neptune Park features a playground, miniature golf course, fishing pier, and plenty benches under gently swaying oak trees. Events are held in the bandstand area throughout the year, including a summer concert series. A day trip to Summer Waves on Jekyll Island is a fun family outing at this water park that features 4 water slides and a ocean wave pool. In search of some nightlife? Visit Ziggy Mahoney's for some live music and libation in a more adult setting.

Golf and tennis are favorite pastimes for residents and visitors to St. Simons Island. This island features various courses for a total of 99 holes of golf available on the island. For the more competitive sorts, St. Simons Island has two miniature golf courses to challenge every member of the family.

Complete your visit to St. Simons by basking in the glorious sun on the roughly 6 miles of beaches that grace the southern end of this beautiful island. The hard packed sand and tidal pools create an inviting playground for kids of all ages to explore the wonders of the ocean and sea life. Gentle and constant breezes bathe you in the tangy scent of the salty sea air. Or relax in a beach chair and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves while gazing at the fishing vessels plying their nets and lines in the offshore Atlantic waters.