Author: 
Georgia’s St. Simons Island is a fantastic, family-friendly place to spend your next vacation. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, water sports, or history, there’s something for everyone on St. Simons Island.
Plus, since it’s in the southern part of the United States on the Georgia coast, it’s got a great climate virtually any time of the year and a friendly, hospitable atmosphere that you can’t beat.
St. Simons Island
From beaches to historic World War II sites, St. Simons is packed with many things to do and see, plus miles of bike paths, salt marshes, outdoor activities, and stunning oceanfront views.
Although there’s no shortage of activities happening, St. Simons Island also has a laid-back, friendly coastal Georgia vibe that you and your family will love.
If you decide to visit, make sure that you check out these best St. Simons Island things to do.
You certainly won’t regret it!
Visit St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is one of the top historical sites in St. Simons. This beautifully-appointed museum also works as a functional lighthouse and educates people about the seafaring history on St. Simons Island. It’s also one of the only remaining lighthouses in all of Georgia, so you should put it on your list next time you visit that part of the state.
The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is completely restored and contains different historical artifacts, refurbished rooms, and exhibits. It’s easy to spend an enjoyable hour or two walking through it.
There are several steps inside the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum itself, so those with mobility issues might experience some difficulties navigating around.
Pick Up Souvenirs in Redfern Village
If you’re looking for a great spot to pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home, Redfern Village is the place to go.
The great thing about this shopping district is that most, if not all, of the gift shops are locally-owned and independent, so you will be supporting the local economy while shopping for one-of-a-kind goods.
It’s also a simply beautiful place to walk. Get lost on some of the tree-lined streets, grab a cup of coffee and soak up the sunshine or people-watch, and check out smaller boutique galleries like The Art House.
This district also has some exceptionally good dining options. If you want to spend a fun afternoon away from the beaches and historical sights of St. Simons Island, check out Redfern Village.
Visit the World War II Home Front Museum
History buffs will love the World War II Home Front Museum. Although we don’t usually think about World War II having a lot of history here in the United States, there was quite a bit of it right on St. Simons Island.
This museum is an excellent place to learn about the war effort in the United States and how the Coast Guard Station at St. Simons Island played a big role in its history.
In addition to learning all about the region’s history, you can play with interactive exhibits and learn about the extensive training that fighter pilots had to go through before being deployed to Europe. There are also volunteer docents on hand to explain the visits and give you more insight into the incredible history of St. Simons Island.
You can also learn about more World War II history in Georgia by participating in the World War II Heritage Trail.
See the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits
If you want to check out nature and see something new and exciting with your family, try to locate all of the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits. These Tree Spirits are old oak trees with cleverly concealed faces carved into them. They first appeared in the 1980s, and over time, the faces have become even more enmeshed with the trees.
Keith Jennings is the brainchild behind the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits, and he carved them in live oaks to immortalize the sailors who died off the coast of the island. Although the St. Simon Island Tree Spirits are somber, they are also exceptionally beautiful. Additionally, as the tree ages, the faces change, making the Tree Spirits a beautiful tribute to both art and nature.
If you want, you can search around St. Simons on your own, looking for Tree Spirits, but maps are also available at the Visitor Center. There are twenty Tree Spirits in total, and hunting them all down is a great day trip for the whole family.
Visit the Christ Church Frederica
Even if you’re not religious, visiting the Christ Church Frederica is a must for anyone visiting St. Simons Island. Christ Church Frederica is a gorgeous, historical church that dates back to 1820.
Although it was severely damaged in the Civil War, it reopened in 1884, restored back to its original splendor. It’s a lovely reflection of the island’s history.
The church itself is gorgeous and attracts plenty of visitors every year. In addition to the breathtaking architecture and lovely Spanish moss-covered oak-lined grounds, it’s also the place where many famous Georgians are buried. Ensure that you check out the church cemetery to pay homage to their graves.
Although visitors are always welcome, it is important to remember that it’s still an active place of worship. It’s a good idea to plan your visit around church services, and remember to dress and behave appropriately while you’re on church grounds.
Take A Trolley Tour
One of the best family-friendly activities you can do on St. Simons Island is to check out the St. Simons Trolley Tour.
This trolley tour lets you see all of St. Simons in just a few hours, and you can keep notes of good historical or cultural places to explore more. Since it’s a guided tour, you will also learn a lot about the importance and history of St. Simons Island, including important Civil War sites like Bloody Marsh, Cannon’s Point Preserve, and the Fort Frederica National Monument.
In addition to learning about the history of St. Simons Island, you’ll also get to take in the fresh sea breeze and ride in style on one of the most authentic and beloved trolleys in Georgia. It’s a simple, fun way to make the most out of your family vacation and a great introduction to St. Simons Island.
Check Out The Beaches
Although St. Simons Island has no shortage of historical and cultural things to do, plus plenty of great shopping, one of the highlights of this part of Georgia is its beaches. Most people come to St. Simons to relax on the beach, and you should certainly take some time to get a little Vitamin Sea while you’re there.
Although there are plenty of beaches on St. Simons Island, these are the top ones.
Massengale Park
If you’re looking for a great spot to have a picnic with the family, Massengale Park is it. Not only are there ample places to set down your picnic basket, but there’s also a playground, washrooms and facilities, showers, and plenty of ways that you can get to the beach.
There are also public grills available, so feel free to bring some burgers and hot dogs and make a day of it.
There’s plenty of parking available right near Massengale Park too.
Gould’s Inlet
Gould’s Inlet is another excellent option, right near East Beach. Gould’s Inlet is a little less popular than some of the other options on our list, making it more attractive for secluded sunbathing and checking out the local wildlife. If you’re a fan of bird-watching or hoping to spot some shy marine animals, head to Gould’s Inlet.
Gould’s Inlet is also an angler’s paradise. Just look at where the locals are dropping their lines on the fishing pier and join them. It’s also an excellent place to spend the whole day sunbathing, paddleboarding, or swimming. Since there are showers and changing areas nearby, you can conveniently jump right into the sea.
One of the other great things about Gould’s Inlet is that it’s dog-friendly. You’ll find water bowls all over the beach, and your well-behaved furry friends can sunbathe with you to their heart’s content. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach with a fun, friendly vibe, head to Gould’s Inlet.
Coast Guard Station
If you visit St. Simons Island, you have to check out Coast Guard Station beach. It’s easily the most popular and busiest beach in town, and it’s also close to several other attractions that you might want to see on your visit.
Plus, you can see St. Simons Island’s famous Coast Guard Station, used in World War II. Since World War II, Home Front Museum is close by; it’s easy to combine these two popular activities into one day.
All of the amenities you want and expect are right at Coast Guard Station.
There’s a modern shower, plenty of restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and hoses. There’s also a bike rack. One of the best things about Coast Guard Station beach is that it’s accessible for all. There’s a wheelchair mat right on the beach that allows folks with disabilities to enjoy the pristine sand and beautiful sea of St. Simons Island.
East Beach
East Beach, also known locally as “St. Simons Island Beach,” is one of the premier beaches in the region and almost as popular as Coast Guard Station.
If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the day and never run out of activities, East Beach is the spot. Since the tides near East Beach tend to be fairly gentle, you’ll find exquisite shells lining every part of the shore. It’s an excellent place to try to find souvenirs for your friends and family.
In addition to seashells, you might come across some sea glass. Seaglass forms when bottles and other glass items break, and the ocean gently rounds their edges over time. It tends to be very beautiful, and many people even use it for customized jewelry.
East Beach is also an excellent place for biking because the sand tends to be a little bit more condensed. You can also easily access virtually any other beach, like Gould’s Inlet from East Beach. Have a fun day out looking for seashells, doing watersports, kayaking, or swimming on East Beach, and then head to Gould’s Inlet for a spectacular sunset.
Make sure that you put these beaches on your must-see list, especially if you and your family crave some Vitamin Sea. You’ll get a chance to unplug, unwind, and perhaps even spot some elusive wildlife or marine creatures.
Final Thoughts
St. Simons Island is a beautiful place to take the whole family. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and fun, with plenty of fun things to do and historical landmarks to see.
It’s also not totally on the tourist map, so there’s a good chance that you might have some of the beaches and attractions all to yourself. It’s a fun alternative to more popular places like Atlanta, Savannah, Brunswick, Jacksonville, or Florida’s beaches.
For your next family vacation, think Georgia. This friendly southern state is a lovely, temperate place to spend a week or two bonding with your family.
If you visit St. Simons Island, consider getting a short-term vacation rental. These rentals come in all shapes and sizes and are appropriate for any type of family, budget, or need. You certainly won’t regret spending time in St. Simon Island.
