Things to Do on St Simons Island

No matter what you have planned for your stay on St. Simons, our selection of activities and attractions in the Golden Isles will keep you busy…or not. Whether it’s the beach that brought you here or the historical sights, be sure to dive into some of the Island’s unexpected attractions. And with miles of paved bicycle trails, there’s more than one way to explore! Browse our list of things to do on St. Simons Island to find your favorite island adventure.

Activities for Everyone

By land or by sea, there are plenty of things to do in St. Simons Island and the surrounding Golden Isles to keep you busy during your coastal Georgia vacation. With mild temperatures year-round, both visitors and locals love exploring the outdoors—and most activities are open to all ages and abilities.

Perhaps best known for golf, the area features nine public courses either on the island or within a short drive. With water surrounding us on all sides, there are plenty of fertile waterways for fishing. Tennis, biking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and disc golf round out the itinerary for the athletic things to do.

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Horseback rides, stand-up paddle boarding excursions, kayak tours, fishing charters – you name it, St. Simons Island’s got it! Don’t want to haul your snorkel gear, paddle board or other equipment all the way here? Equipment rental packages are available for almost all island activities too! And, if you want to keep to your gym routine, there are several options for day- and week-long gym memberships.

There are so many fun things to do in St. Simons Island, the question is where to begin! We’ve compiled many great activity lists for you, so be sure to explore the areas below including fun day trip and itinerary ideas! And if you are bringing your pooch we’ve got pet-friendly things to do, see and explore as well! Have fun and we’ll see you around the Island!

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Biking

St. Simons Island bike rentals offer both traditional and electric options giving you flexibility to explore at your leisure. Ride along the marshes or make a day of exploring historical sites like the St. Simons Island Lighthouse or Christ Church. Grab lunch and go shopping, or ride along the miles of sandy beaches.

Day Trips

While enjoying a St. Simons Island vacation reap the benefits of it’s central location! It’s close proximity to surrounding destinations make it easy to plan an interesting day trip during your stay. Whether you have a city stop in mind or enjoy exploring other islands, we have a few suggestions to get you started. St. Simons Island is located midway between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia.

Fishing

Sure we have golf, history, biking and restaurants galore, but St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles is also known for its fishing! St. Simons Island fishing is great for experienced fisherman or families looking to have some fun it the sun. Either way we encourage you to try it!

Golf and Disc Golf

St. Simons Island, Georgia, offers a premier golf getaway with lush, coastal courses set against stunning marsh and ocean views. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the island’s scenic fairways and challenging layouts provide a memorable experience for every golfer.

Horseback

St. Simons Island horseback riding on the beach is an incredible way to see and experience the scenery of Coastal Georgia. Plan a fun afternoon on horseback or a romantic evening ride, either way you will love soaking in the ocean breeze with these beautiful animals!

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Quickly gaining in popularity is paddle boarding on St. Simons Island. A key to its popularity here is the ease of learning and the calm, still waters surrounding the island. Also known as “SUP,” Stand Up Paddle Boarding, is a great activity to try on your next trip to the Island!

Pet Friendly

Studies show that people who own dogs live longer, have lower blood pressure, and smile more often. Ok, we might have made that last fact up, but whenever we look at or talk about OUR favorite fur babies, we can’t help but do so with a smile on our faces!
Loyal, loving, and often goofy, they make our lives better with a tilt of their head and a cold nose pressed against our hand—and yet we thank them for their love, loyalty, and companionship by locking them up in “doggy jail” every year while we go away and experience the vacation of a lifetime. This year, however, promises to be different, as you bring the ENTIRE family together for a fun-filled getaway in one of our wonderful St Simons Island pet friendly rentals!

Tennis

Tennis is a perennial favorite on St. Simons Island. At King Park, St. Simons Island tennis is played in the heart of village area, often between a little league baseball series and a pickup game of basketball. The two courts at this location are lighted until 11pm. After your match, stroll over to the shops and restaurants in the village for coffee, ice cream or dinner. Also on the Island are two courts at Epworth Park. To cool down after your match, you’re within walking distance of a picturesque riverfront park, perfect for a picnic.

Kid-Friendly

Enjoy a family vacation Georgia style on St. Simons Island. St. Simons is certainly a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for children and families.

Sample Itineraries

Whether you are visiting St. Simons Island for the first time or have been many times, there’s always something new to discover. We’ve put together a few sample itineraries to jump-start your vacation planning. From visiting historical sites to exploring the island on paved bike paths to special meals with family and friends, we have loads of ideas.
And we’ve included plenty of quiet time, giving you ample opportunity to soak up the sunshine and feel the ocean breezes. Families, couples and groups traveling together can all find something special to do and discover on St. Simons Island.

Shopping & Spas on St Simons Island

St. Simons Island, Georgia, is a charming destination for shopping and relaxation, featuring unique boutiques, local artisan shops, and coastal-inspired treasures. After exploring the stores, unwind at one of the island’s luxurious spas for a rejuvenating escape by the sea.

Tree Spirits Hunts

If you look closely at some of the stately oak trees on St. Simons Island, you may find a “tree spirit.” The tree spirits were carved by artist Keith Jennings to immortalize the numerous sailors who lost their lives at sea aboard the mighty sailing ships made from St. Simons oaks. The earliest carvings were commissioned in the 1980s and the most recent were carved several years ago in the village-area neighborhood, Village Oaks. It takes a close eye to find them all. And exploring by bicycle allows you to take in all the Island’s beautiful scenery.

St. Simons Island Weddings

St. Simons Island is always ready for any occasion—even though the Island is known for its casual atmosphere, there are many elegant venues for more formal events. Whether you’ve envisioned a barefoot ceremony on the beach, a sit down dinner in an oceanfront ballroom or something in between, St. Simons Island can accommodate your wedding comfortably. From the bridesmaids’ luncheon to the rehearsal dinner to the reception, St. Simons Island is the perfect backdrop for your special occasion. With its sprawling live oak trees, beautiful beaches and casual atmosphere, St. Simons Island is a favored southern wedding destination. Many brides and grooms have vacationed on St. Simons over the years and are eager to introduce their extended family and friends to this wonderful destination. With loads of Island activities like golf, tennis, biking and beachcombing, paired with year-round mild weather, St. Simons Island welcomes wedding parties throughout the year.

Workout Facilities

So maybe tennis, golf, fishing, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding and disc golf aren’t for you. Or maybe you’ve exhausted yourself with tennis, golf, fishing, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding and disc golf and you just want a good, old-fashioned workout with treadmills and barbells. St. Simons Health and Fitness offers daily and weekly access. In addition, members of the Anytime Fitness network have access to the Island location.