Originally built in 1810, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse has been illuminating the Georgia coast for over a century. The lighthouse was reconstructed in 1872, resulting in the current Keeper’s Dwelling and lighthouse you see today. The original was destroyed by Confederate forces in 1861 to prevent the beacon’s use by Federal troops during the Civil War. The lighthouse is one of only five surviving light towers in Georgia. There are 129 steps to reach the top where you can experience spectacular, panoramic views of the Georgia coastline including Jekyll Island, the mainland, and the south end of St. Simons Island. The lighthouse can cast a beam across the St. Simons Sound as far as 23 miles out to sea.

This historical double-row avenue of 160-year-old live oak trees is a stunning part of St. Simons Island’s southern charm. Anna Page King, who inherited the land on the southern tip of St. Simons in 1826, planted the famous Avenue of the Oaks. Local legend claims Anna grew such an abundance of flowers at Retreat Plantation that sailors nearing St. Simons Island could smell the flowers' fragrance before they saw the island shores. Once the entrance to Retreat Plantation, the Avenue of the Oaks is now the grand entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club, where each tree holds its own story of centuries of tides, storms, and silent mornings.

The soul of St. Simons Island blends a rich and layered history with coastal charm. It is impossible to fully experience the island without exploring the Gullah Geechee culture and the many historical locations including Fort Frederica, Christ Church Frederica, Igbo Landing on Dunbar Creek, Gascoigne Bluff, the Wesley Oak & Cannon’s Point Preserve.

With over 600 acres of untouched wilderness, this land is one of the last intact maritime forests on the island. This greenspace is preserved by the St. Simons Island Land Trust, protecting over six miles of salt marsh and tidal creeks that are home to many species of native wildlife and flora. Trails stretch for miles, offering great opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. Tabby ruins of the Cannon Point Plantation remain on the property, one of the original fourteen plantations that formerly divided St. Simons Island after the Revolutionary War.

Pier Village is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for more than simply a shopping experience. The area offers an abundance of quaint seaside shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Not to mention it’s located directly next to additional sights such as the St. Simons Island Pier, Neptune Park and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse & Museum. Nearby Simons Home + Gifts is my favorite shop on the island ♡

Redfern Village is a cozy area of the island boasting many shops, restaurants, live music, and tree spirits. Gnats Landing (our favorite) is located in this shopping area and includes indoor and outdoor seating on the patio.

There are over 30 miles of bike paths that circle St. Simons Island. The island is extremely golf cart, pedestrian and bike-friendly. If you are looking to explore stunning natural beauty and wildlife, Cannon Point Preserve is an excellent place to discover via bike.

There is nothing quite like the simple southern charm of a beach day on the Georgia coast. Dunes shelter the shoreline with sea oats and swaying grasses, dolphins are often spotted playing or feeding offshore, faint silhouettes of massive ships hang on the horizon and sand dollars sprinkle pristine, unspoiled beaches. Firm, flat sand makes it the perfect spot to walk, bike or run and the shorelines appear to expand endlessly at low tide. Some of the best beaches include East Beach, Gould’s Inlet & Coast Guard Station Beach.

St. Simons Island and its surrounding Golden Isles have more professional golfers per capita than almost any other location due to the island’s remarkable natural landscapes, mild climate and world-class golf courses. Some of these courses include The Club at Sea Palms Resort, King & Prince Golf Club, Sea Island Golf Club, and nearby Brunswick Country Club & Sanctuary Golf Club.

The island offers guided tours of the marsh, woods and beach at the Stables at Frederica. On marsh trail rides, there’s chance of spotting wild herons, ospreys, bald eagles, dolphins and more.