With temperatures ranging between 20 °C and 30 °C, the summer months are the perfect time to explore St. Simons Island. From sandy beaches to biking trails, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering seafood, the Island offers a little bit of everything. All you need is the right St. Simons Island summer adventure guide (and this is the one!!).
This guide will help you discover where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your time. So, keep reading to know what to do from the beginning of your trip to the very last sunset.
4 Activities That Make the Trip to St. Simons Island Worth It
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy summer on St. Simons Island; we could go on and on. But if you’re short on time, these four activities are the ones that really matter.
1. Hit the Beach First
Beaches are the star attractions of St. Simons Island, probably one of the biggest reasons people choose this location for their summer getaway. The island’s beaches with over 35 public access points fall into two main types: tide contingent and low-tide contingent.
Tide contingent beaches (Access Points 1–23) become completely covered when the tide comes in, which happens twice a day. That means there is no sand to walk or sit on during high tide, so timing your visit is crucial.
The rest are all-day beaches (Access Points 24–37), which remain accessible regardless of the tide. These are perfect if you don’t want to plan your beach time around a tide chart. Parking, however, is limited at most beach points, except at Point 24 (Massengale Park) and Point 27 (Coast Guard Station).
Both spots offer free parking, ADA-accessible beach mats and come with facilities like restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and even a playground at Massengale Park.
2. Spend Time Outdoors
St. Simons Island isn’t the kind of place where you stay cooped up in a hotel. The real beauty of the island comes to life when you step outside and engage in outdoor activities.
For fishing lovers, there’s no shortage of spots to cast a line. The Frederica River, Hampton River, and Demere Park Pond are all popular picks, and that’s just to name a few. Non-residents are required to obtain a fishing license, which costs approximately $10 per day and can be easily purchased online.
Biking around the island is a great choice, too. Rentals are available online or from local shops, which allows visitors to get started easily and explore at their own pace.
Kayaking and horseback riding are also popular on St. Simons Island. These are ideal activities for visitors looking to enjoy the summer while staying close to the water.
3. Check Out the Local Museums
Before you pack up and leave, don’t forget to take a moment to explore the island’s roots. It’s a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The museums bring local stories to life in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum are two museums that are particularly noteworthy. At the Lighthouse Museum, visitors can climb to the top for spectacular, panoramic views of the coast, including Jekyll Island, the mainland city of Brunswick, and the southern tip of St. Simons Island.
The World War II Home Front Museum offers a glimpse into the island’s pivotal role during World War II. You can visit both museums between 10 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, or from noon to 5 PM on Sundays. Make sure to arrive before 4:30 PM, as that’s when the last tickets are sold.
4. Make Time for the Golf Course
Georgia is the golfer’s paradise, with legendary tournaments like the Masters dating back to 1934, nearly 90 years ago. The region is home to more than 150 golf courses, making it a key destination for golf enthusiasts year-round.
Among the best golf courses in Georgia is the Seaside Course on St. Simons Island. It’s the island’s most famous course and is open to the public (no membership required) with advance booking. Guests can also enjoy the spa, fitness facilities, and dining options, but these amenities are available at an additional fee.
Stay Close to the Beach at Ocean Lodge Resort
To truly enjoy everything this St. Simons Island summer adventure guide covers, you need a palace that’s comfortable and convenient. Ocean Lodge Resort offers both, with the central location close to everything that makes St. Simons special.
It’s just steps from the shoreline and has a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy beach views while you dine. The rooms also come with complimentary Wi-Fi, a 55-inch flat-screen TV, and fully equipped kitchens featuring a refrigerator, oven, and all the necessary utensils.
Book now in advance to secure your spot in the heart of St. Simons Island.