Located in Glynn County, on the southeast Georgia coast, the Golden Isles serve as the midway point between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, comprised of the communities of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and the privately owned Little St. Simons Island.
St. Simons Island is the largest of the barrier islands in the Golden Isles chain, and a world-class destination of scenic tranquility and class along the Atlantic Ocean shores.
Visitors appreciate the warmer climate, outdoor recreation, inviting shorelines, storied history, culture, and ecology of the area, making it a beloved year-round coastal Georgia getaway for families, couples, and just about anyone seeking a modern take on beach tradition with a little southern flair.
Location, Location, Location
St. Simons Island is situated between the Altamaha River delta and Little St. Simons Island on the north, St. Simons Sound on the south, Sea Island to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.
Approximately 12 miles west on the mainland, you’ll find the Glynn County seat – Brunswick, Georgia. The island itself occupies just under 18 square miles, ten percent of which is water.
Breakdown Of The Island
The majority of the north end of the island remains undeveloped and pristine, with salt marshes and woodlands hosting a range of migratory and native wildlife.
In the northeast corner, a 608-acre tract of land known as Cannon’s Point Preserve is home to a protected green-space containing trails, historic sites, maritime forests, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, as well as ancient shell middens, a launch site for non-motorized small vessels, and an observation tower.
Around the midpoint of the island, the popular Redfern Village district offers an array of shops, restaurants, and eclectic storefronts tucked away in a shady village setting provided by oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
On the island’s south end, the Pier Village district serves as the downtown social hub and for shopping, dining and gathering on the pier and nearby St. Simons Island Lighthouse, playground and picnic areas. East Beach spans the oceanside of the island, with segmented beach access points, including Gould’s Inlet on the northern tip of East Beach at Bruce Drive, the popular United States Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum area, and the more secluded Massengale Park.
Getting Here
By Air
The nearest commercial airport to fly into St. Simons Island is Brunswick Golden Isles Airport. Alternate options include Jacksonville and Savannah. Daily regional service is offered through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where you can hop aboard a short connection (just over 30 minutes) to reach the Brunswick Airport. You can also fly straight into the Golden Isles at St. Simons Island Airport at McKinnon Field, where private aircraft service is available. Delta Airlines will be adding new flights to the schedule for Brunswick Golden Isles Airport to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, beginning May 22, 2020. The new schedule offers passengers transport between Brunswick and Atlanta throughout the day
- McKinnon St. Simons Airport is about five miles away – an approximate 15-minute drive. (MAP)
- Brunswick Golden Isles Airport is just under 20 miles away – an approximate 30-minute drive. (MAP)
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is approximately 85 miles away – an approximate 1.5-hour drive. (MAP)
- Jacksonville International Airport is 72 miles away – an approximate hour and fifteen minutes to drive. (MAP)
By Car
The preferred method of arrival to St. Simons Island is the automobile. Brunswick is accessible by Interstate 95 or U.S. Highways 341, 25, 82, and 520. The islands are reached via causeways and bridges from the mainland, like the F J Torras Causeway. (MAP)
From the U.S. 17 Coastal Highway in Brunswick, cross over the Sidney Lanier Bridge, and the Altamaha River Bridge for access to Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, as well as boat access to Little St. Simons Island.
