St. Simons Island Travel Guide
Thereโs no better feeling than crossing the causeway onto St. Simons Island. The pace slows, the live oaks drafted in Spanish moss feel like a warm welcome, and suddenly the salt air has you convinced the iced coffee tastes better here. This charming Georgia barrier island is the kind of place where mornings start with a slow breakfast at a local cafe, afternoons are spent biking past historic sites and lounging on the beach, and evenings are filled with fresh seafood and cocktails as the sun starts to set.
Whether youโre visiting St. Simons Island for a weekend getaway, or a longer escape, St. Simons has something for everyone. Consider this your go-to guide for making the most of your time on SSI.
How to Get to St. Simons Island
Nearby Airports
- Brunswick, Georgia (BQK) – on the mainland, 20 minutes from St Simons Island (serviced by Delta)
- Savannah, Georgia (SAV) – 1 hour north
- Jacksonville, Florida (JAX) – 1 hour south
Driving
St. Simons Island is an easy driving destination from cities around the south. Plus, itโs really nice to have a car, especially if you want to do any day trips to neighboring islands.
Where to Stay
Hotels
Village Inn & Pub – A boutique hotel built around a 1930s beach cottage. Itโs adults only, making it a great spot for a romantic getaway. Many rooms open onto the courtyard and pool. Itโs in the heart of the Southend village area and is within walking distance to the pier, restaurants, and shops.
The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort – An island institution, The King & Prince started out as a beachside dance club turned hotel, and was briefly a naval coast-watching and training facility during WWII. This is the only hotel on St Simons that is actually on the beach! In addition to beach access, the property also has heated pools, tennis courts, a golf course, and several restaurants on-site.
Airbnbs
When weโre visiting SSI, I love staying at an Airbnb. There are so many incredible properties, including this one. We stayed here for our most recent trip, and it was in such a great location, had a lot of space, and is on a golf course.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
Cafe Frederica – A St. Simons institution! Everything here is delicious. The scrambled eggs are fluffy, and the French toast is amazing if you have a sweet tooth!
Dolce Dough – My go-to spot for coffee! They also have the BEST donuts if you want a sweet morning treat.
Sandy Bottom Bagels – A great spot with freshly made bagels and a variety of cream cheeses to choose from. If youโre traveling with a group, this is a great spot! They also have some bagel sandwiches perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Lunch
The Porch – An easy counter service lunch spot with the best fried chicken. They also have some great beers on top and a delicious frosรฉ!
Southern Soul Barbecue – If youโre craving BBQ while on the island, Southern Soul is a must. They have a great menu and daily specials you can find on their Instagram.
Gnatโs Landing – This laid-back, island-theme locale has great seafood platters and sandwiches, perfect for lunch. They also have great live music!
Dinner
Bubba Garcias – A Mexican-inspired cantina with delicious tacos, margaritas, and arcade classics.
Delaneyโs Bistro – This family establishment has been around for over 20 years! The menu is classic but they also have some great daily specials, including locally caught seafood and rare cuts of meat.
Georgia Sea Grill – If youโre looking for fine dining in the village, this is a great spot! They have amazing seafood dishes featuring locally caught seafood, and the side dish options are delicious.
Drinks
Barrier Island Brewing – This relaxed spot has some great craft beer and cocktails, plus a delicious menu! They usually have live music on the weekends, too.
Dorothyโs Cocktail & Oyster Bar – This upscale restaurant puts a big focus on craft cocktails. You canโt go wrong with any of their classics or specialty cocktails!
ECHO – Located in The King and Prince Resort, ECHO is steps from the beach and a perfect spot for a sunset cocktail.
Things To Do
Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse
St. Simons Lighthouse is a must-visit during your stay. Climb over 100 steps and get the most beautiful view of the Atlantic coast. The Keeperโs Dwelling has been turning into a museum with exhibits and artifacts that take you back to 19th-century life on the island and what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper.
Take a Walk
Go for a walk at night and get ice cream downtown before heading down to the pier and lighthouse along the water – itโs sooo dreamy!
If you want to go on a hike, bike ride, or launch a canoe, Cannonโs Point Preserve is also a great activity! Now a nature preserve, it was originally the site of the former Cannonโs Point Plantation. This 608-acre property is home to the last intact maritime forest on the island and has 6 miles of coastal habitat for wildlife. Thereโs also ruins to explore!
Have a Beach Day
No trip to St. Simons is complete without a day at the beach! East Beach is one of my favorites on the island, and I always access it via 4th Street. Make sure you bring your SPF and a chair/umbrella because itโs HOT in the summer. That Georgia humidity is next level.
Do Some Shopping
Two Friends – A curated boutique with cute gifts and clothing you can wear from day to night.
Mixed Nuts – The best ever ever ever vintage store on the island. You can find vintage designer items and beautiful collections.
The Vine – This garden market is so cute! Itโs filled with funky pots, plants, books, and more.
Tibi – This sleek contemporary womenโs brand was actually founded by SSI native Amy Smilovic, and St. Simons is home to their outlet shop! Itโs filled with so many amazing pieces, and there are always sample sales and major discounts!
Visit Fort Frederica National Monument
Established in 1733 to defend the colony from the Spanish, visitors can now explore the archeological site and museum that features artifacts from the 1700s.
Go for a Bike Ride
There are over 20 miles of paved bike paths on St. Simons, making it easy to explore the island by bike. Plus, many of the paths will take you to beloved restaurants, attractions, and historic sites of the island, making it an easy mode of transportation.
