Things To Do In St Simons Island
The first time I drove onto St. Simons Island, I was convinced my GPS had quietly quit its job. The road kept curling under live oaks, Spanish moss hung like it was paid by th...
The first time I drove onto St. Simons Island, I was convinced my GPS had quietly quit its job. The road kept curling under live oaks, Spanish moss hung like it was paid by the hour, and every turn looked exactly like the last one. Then I rolled down the window and got hit with salt, pluff mud, and the distant promise of fried shrimp.
That’s when I understood something important: St. Simons isn’t a “power through the checklist” kind of island. It’s a linger island. You come for the beach, sure, but you stay for the weird little moments in between.
So here’s a friendly, slightly biased guide to the things worth doing. Pack patience, sunscreen, and an appetite. You’ll need all three.
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Start With the Trees, Because Yes, Really
The live oaks here are not scenery. They’re characters. Spanish moss drips from branches like the island is trying to be mysterious, and honestly? It works.
Drive or bike down Frederica Road and just look up. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Southern Gothic novel, minus the family curse. Probably.
Climb the Lighthouse, Even If Stairs Are Your Enemy
The St. Simons Lighthouse is the island’s postcard star, and yes, you should climb it. It’s 129 steps to the top, which sounds cute until you’re halfway up and rethinking your life choices.
Do it anyway. The view over the pier, the village, and the Atlantic makes every step worth it. Pro tip: go early or late to avoid the midday fry.
The museum below is small but genuinely interesting. You’ll learn about lighthouse keepers, shipwrecks, and how much people used to suffer for a decent beam of light.
Bike the Island Like a Local
St. Simons is flat, shady, and made for two wheels. Rent a bike near the village and pedal your way around instead of circling for parking like a hawk with road rage.
You can ride from the pier to the lighthouse to East Beach without breaking much of a sweat. Just watch for cars, walkers, and tourists who forgot how sidewalks work.
It’s the best way to notice the small stuff: tabby ruins, hidden driveways, and front porches that make you want to write a novel you’ll never finish.
9 Best Things to do in St. Simons Island, GA - Chasing ADVNTR
Hunt for the Tree Spirits
Yes, there are faces carved into oak trees around the island. No, you’re not hallucinating from the humidity.
The Tree Spirits are a public art project, and finding them feels like a low-stakes scavenger hunt. Grab a map, wander around, and pretend you’re not competitive about it. We both know you are.
Get Your History Fix at Fort Frederica and Bloody Marsh
Fort Frederica is a colonial ruins site with brick foundations, grassy lanes, and a whole lot of “imagine living here without AC.” It’s run by the National Park Service, so the trails and signage are solid.
Then swing by Bloody Marsh, where a 1742 battle helped decide whether Georgia would stay British or become Spanish. History class made it sound boring; the actual marsh makes it feel eerie and real.
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it. But you might accidentally become one.
Choose Your Beach Mood
East Beach is the classic: wide, walkable, and perfect for sunsets. It’s also where you’ll find plenty of people, so go in with a social spirit.
Gould’s Inlet is wilder, with driftwood, tidal pools, and a choose-your-own-adventure shoreline. Check the tide charts unless you want your beach towel to become a marine artifact.
Coast Guard Beach is quieter and more local-feeling. Bring a book, lower your voice, and act like you’ve been coming here for years.
Simons island tourist information - Touristvisitorguides.com
Eat Shrimp, Then Eat More Shrimp
You’re on the Georgia coast. Shrimp is not a side quest; it’s the main event. Fried, boiled, grilled, or tucked into tacos, it’s all worth ordering.
Barbara Jean’s is a lowcountry comfort-food institution, and yes, the crab cakes have a fan club. Southern Soul BBQ serves smoked meats that will make you forget you ever planned to eat salad.
For a casual bite, hit the village and follow your nose. If a place looks slightly crowded and smells like butter, get in line.
Paddle the Marsh at Golden Hour
Kayaking around Gould’s Inlet or the marsh creeks is one of the best ways to see the island from a new angle. You might spot dolphins, herons, and oyster beds doing their quiet ecosystem thing.
The marsh at sunset turns gold, pink, and ridiculous. It’s the kind of view that makes you put your phone down for a full minute. Maybe two, if you’re feeling wild.
Do Nothing With Intent
St. Simons rewards wandering. Sit on a bench at the pier. Watch shrimp boats head out. Let the tide change your plans.
You might come for a weekend and leave plotting a cottage rental. That’s normal. The island has a way of making “just one more day” sound perfectly reasonable.
So go climb, bike, eat, and get pleasantly lost under the oaks. The best thing to do on St. Simons is often the thing you didn’t plan.
