Your Complete Guide to Biking on St. Simons and Jekyll Island

December 12, 2024

There’s no better way to explore St. Simons and Jekyll Island than on two wheels. With well-maintained trails that take you through scenic marshlands, past historic landmarks, and along the coastline, biking offers a fun, active way to experience the beauty of the Golden Isles. Whether pedaling with the family or setting out on a solo adventure, we have the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your ride.

Before you hit the trails, grab this user-friendly bike map to plan your route. If you’re staying in St. Simons’ Village Area, you’re already in a prime spot for biking—it’s close to the beach, restaurants, and all the action. Perfect for keeping the car parked and the fun rolling!

What You’ll See

Biking on St. Simons and Jekyll Island offers an intimate look at the unique coastal beauty of the Golden Isles. On St. Simons, you’ll pass under arching live oaks drooping with Spanish moss, particularly along Kings Way and Frederica Road. Marshlands come alive as you pedal by—watch for snowy egrets and blue herons wading in the shallows or fiddler crabs scuttling along the muddy banks. If you ride through the Cannon’s Point Preserve area, you’ll see stretches of salt marsh and maybe even spot deer grazing in the early morning light.

Over on Jekyll Island, the scenery shifts to include unspoiled beaches and maritime forests. Driftwood Beach stands out with its weathered, gnarled, and tangled trees. The National Historic Landmark District offers another highlight, with views of grand 19th-century cottages and the iconic Jekyll Island Club. Along the bike paths, you’ll pass by freshwater ponds and birds like roseate spoonbills and ospreys. The mix of natural beauty and historic charm makes every turn on these bike trails an adventure worth savoring.

Where to Rent Bikes

No bike? No worries. St. Simons and Jekyll Island are home to several bike rental shops that make gearing up easy:

Ocean Motion: Located near East Beach, Ocean Motion offers rentals for all ages. Start here for a family-friendly ride through the marsh-lined sidewalks and coastal neighborhoods.
Monkeywrench Bicycles: Found on Frederica Road, this shop is perfect for bikers heading to St. Simons’ north end, where history and nature meet.
VayK Life Beach Gear Rentals: Hodnett Cooper has partnered with VayK Life Beach Gear Rentals to offer guests the ultimate convenience: complimentary daily credit toward beach gear rental, including bikes, chairs, and coolers, at participating properties. With easy online ordering and gear delivered straight to your rental, it’s an easy way to pack less and enjoy more!

Bike Trails on St. Simons and Jekyll Island

With over 30 miles of trails on St. Simons and a network of serene bike paths on Jekyll Island, you’ll find plenty of options for every skill level.

St. Simons Island Trail System: This expansive network connects key landmarks like the St. Simons Lighthouse, East Beach, and Fort Frederica. It’s perfect for casual riders and experienced cyclists alike.
Jekyll Island Trails: Explore quiet, scenic routes that wind through the Historic District, past Driftwood Beach, and around the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It’s peaceful and picturesque—a true cyclist’s paradise.

Fun Stops Along the Way

Biking on St. Simons and Jekyll Island is as much about the stops as the ride itself. The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is a great place to start, where you can climb to the top for sweeping views of the island and learn about its rich maritime history. Nearby, the WWII Homefront Museum offers an engaging look at Georgia’s role during World War II, with exhibits housed in a beautifully restored Coast Guard Station.

For a longer ride, visit Christ Church, a historic gem nestled under ancient oaks. It’s quiet grounds and storied past make it a perfect place to pause and reflect. Over on Jekyll Island, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a must-see. Here, you can observe rescued turtles up close while learning about the critical conservation efforts to protect them.

These stops don’t just add variety to your ride—they make the journey unforgettable. And if you pack a picnic, you can turn any of these spots into a scenic lunch break to savor along the way.

Ideal Picnic Spots

Speaking of picnics, packing a basket is always a good idea when biking the Golden Isles. From the shaded tranquility of Cannon’s Point Preserve to Driftwood Beach’s otherworldly vibe, there’s no shortage of spots to unpack a meal and take in the view. For a full list of picnic-perfect locations, check out our guide to the best picnic spots on St. Simons and Jekyll Island. You’ll also find many kid-friendly restaurants and delightful eateries if you just want to relax after your ride and enjoy the coastal breezes.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Biking on St. Simons and Jekyll Island is even better when you’re staying close to the action. Vacation rentals in the St. Simons’ Village Area offer easy access to trails, beaches, and local restaurants. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals makes it simple to find the perfect home base for your family’s getaway. Plus, with beach gear rentals, you’ll have everything you need to explore and unwind.

Book your stay today and experience the best of the Golden Isles, one pedal at a time.