Sea Island
Since 1928, visitors have been drawn to Sea Island, with its rich natural beauty, full bounty of activities, and endless charm. With its roots as “a friendly little hotel” on the southern coast of Georgia. This incredible place between the marshland and the sea is something very special. Founded on simple traditions. The treasures of family, friends, and nature. Built on genuine warmth and hospitality. So much of the world has changed in the passing years. But not the essence of Sea Island.
St. Simons
The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. Moss-draped oaks line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect image worthy of a Faulkner tale. The island’s villages offer a charming and unique selection of shops, plus a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual outdoor fare.
Redfern Village
Located on the midpoint of St. Simons near the traffic circle, Redfern Village district offers an array of shops, restaurants, and eclectic storefronts tucked away in a shady village setting. You’ll find plenty to eat or stores to visit, including antiques and artwork, gifts and jewelry, clothing, home accessories, outdoor equipment, as well as casual and fine dining, bars and nightlife for a lively scene both day and night.
A few of our favorite spots in Redfern Village are Wake Up Coffee Company for an island mocha, Catch 228 for great sea food, Bubba Garcia’s for the best Margaritas, the Tibi outlet for some deals on high fashion, and Two Friends for a little bit of everything.
The Pier
Located on the south end of the Island, St. Simons’ Pier Village district serves as the downtown social hub and is a popular destination for shopping, dining and gathering on the pier and nearby lighthouse, playground and picnic areas. Overlooking the ocean and Jekyll Island across the way, you’ll find the St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum, Neptune Park with its oceanside pool and facilities, playground, miniature golf course, and an oak shaded picnic area, fishing pier, public library and theatre.
After dinner, a popular activity is strolling through the village, browsing through the boutique shops and eating ice cream. There are a number of local bakeries and sweet shops in the Pier Village that will tempt your taste buds. Our favorite spots are St. Simons Sweets (yes even Mark likes to get ice cream here) and Palmer’s Village Cafe.
East Beach
“East Beach” is the name given to St. Simons Island Beach, the stretch of beach along the Oceanside of St. Simons Island. This is a great location for a range of beach activities, from relaxed shelling to extreme kite boarding, and everything in between. Because of the tides, the sand along East Beach is hard packed and suitable for biking.
East Beach is made of smaller sections named after each beach access point. On the northern tip of East Beach, located at the end of Bruce Drive, is Gould’s Inlet, which has very limited parking. Just south of Gould’s Inlet, is the most popular beach location on the island named U.S. Coast Guard Station, after the historic coast guard station that still stands at the entrance today as the present home to the Maritime Museum. Located between the Coast Guard Station and the King and Prince Resort, you will find a more secluded beach access point at Massengale Park. Depending on the tide, you can even access the southern point of East Beach at Pier Village. This is a great location to bike and fish at low tide, providing easy access to the village shops and the Neptune Park Fun Zone.
You could stay on the island for weeks and never run out of fun. But if you are interested in exploring beyond the island, you might want to check out a few of our neighboring locations.
- Jekyll Island – Our next-door neighbor is Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island has its own unique history, beaches, restaurants, and activities – out favorite Jekyll activities are the Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park. Jekyll is a 25-minute drive from St. Simons. Note there is a $6 toll to enter Jekyll Island.
- Savannah – this beautiful historic city is about 80 minutes north of St. Simons and is worth a day trip to see.
- St. Augustine, FL is our nation’s oldest city. Founded by the Spanish and in Spanish control until 1819, St. Augustine is a unique city full of history. St. Augustine is a 2 hour drive from St. Simons Island.
There is so much to see and experience in and around St. Simons Island. We hope you enjoy St. Simons as much as we do!
