St. Simons Island Winter Activities for Families
With miles of winding bike paths, you can cover most of the island without setting foot in the road. You will enjoy a ride along the marsh as well next to huge oaks covered in Spanish moss. Bike trails run all the way to Mallory Pier and past the airport making it fun and easy to have a nice lunch out before heading back to your oceanfront condo.
In the summer, you might opt for a day at the water park, pool, or beach over checking out all the wonderful history St. Simons has to offer. The winter however is the perfect chance to get out and explore the rich history the island offers. Visit Fort Frederica and learn about and how it guarded the coast from the Spanish occupied St. Augustine. Or maybe see what life was like at an authentic rice plantation at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation.
Each year Jekyll Island selects artist from across the country to make one-of-a-kind glass floats, similar to what fisherman used in the early 1900’s to mark their nets. These floats are hidden across Jekyll Island for lucky folks to find.
- Bring Your Pets to the Beach
Although our beaches are pet friendly year-round, during the winter months pets enjoy unrestricted access on the beach. Take them for a fun walk at any time of day! We know our furry friends are family members too, so be sure to check out our pet friendly rentals so they can enjoy a winter getaway with you!
The ideal destination for many; St Simons Island offers breath-taking landscapes from the salt marshes to the miles of white sand and ocean breeze. 5 star cuisine options and outdoor activities galore make this the perfect destination year-round however there are a few things we love about Autumn in the south. Beautiful weather, fall activities, and family fun to name a few! 
Weather
Most days are beautiful and sunny, you will also experience great temperatures all fall long. With the average temperature remaining in the 70’s through November there is never a day too cold to enjoy all the beauty St Simons island offers.
Surrounded by picture perfect scenery, the outdoor fall activities are endless. Rent a bike and enjoy the miles of bike paths taking you through winding marsh front roads or cruse down the beach, with oceanfront views! You could also charter a boat and go fishing in the intercostal or enjoy a day in the marshes on a paddleboard or kayak.
St Simons and the surrounding areas love to host fun outdoor parties! Each Friday in Brunswick enjoy food, fun, and music or if you looking for something a little more low key, watch an outdoor movie on the Village Green on Jekyll Island.
This time next weekend Georgia Florida Weekend on St Simons Island will be underway! Here are a few things to help you plan your weekend.
Participate in the community beach clean up that will be taking place Saturday 10/28 at 7:30 am. Before heading to the BIG GAME, please join the 10th annual Georgia/Florida Community Beach Sweep. The bags and gloves will be provided… we just need Y-O-U!
Enjoy a little friendly competition at the 38th annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic held on Jekyll Island. Followed by a Low Country Boil & Tailgate party as well as a Casino night. The festivities begin with the Golf Tournement Wednesday October 25tth followed by the Tailgate party & Low Country Boil. Then Thursday October 26th the Casino Night will kick off. For full details and pricing click here.
The BIG game starts at 3:30 next Saturday on the SEC Network. You can watch locally at many restaurants and bars. OR you hop in your car and head south on I-95 and you will be to the stadium in about an hour and a half. (Depending on traffic it could take a little longer)
Be safe and have fun!
4 Day Trips Near St. Simons Island that can’t be missed!
Jekyll Island, only about 20 miles away from St. Simons Island but seems like worlds away because you have to cross over the Sidney Lanier Bridge which separates St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is well known for their rich aristocratic history as well as for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and many other neat places.
Brunswick, if you are looking to browse throu
gh a quaint downtown area or maybe you like more commercialized shopping, Brunswick is the place to go. The quiet downtown area is small but packed with antique stores, city markets, and festivals as well as great theaters. Also in Brunswick there is big box stores like Target and Old Navy as well as many chain restaurants to choose from. Also about 20 minutes away from the island makes Brunswick the perfect afternoon trip.
Cumberland Island is a little ways from St. Simons at about an hour away, but it is totally worth it! Once you get to Cumber Island National Seashore you will board the ferry that well take you across the bay to the secluded Cumberland Island. Known for its wildlife it boasts many different species like wild horses, turkeys, alligators, armadillos, and many coastal birds. There are also palmetto forests and beautiful live oak.
Sapelo Island which is a stone’s throw away from St. Simons, however it is only accessible by ferry that departs from Darien, Ga. This barrier island is rich with history and with beauty. Once you make it to the island you are free to meander through the various historic points or you can take in the miles of pristine coastline!
St. Simons Island has so much to offer that we know it may be hard to find the time and desire to slip away for the afternoon. If you do find time to explore outside of the island these options, we be sure not to disappoint!
Martin Luther King Weekend On St. Simons Island
From Oyster Roasts to Art Galleries, long weekends on St Simons Island do not disappoint! Don’t miss out on all of the great events happening over the holiday weekend.
Island Treasures
January 1st to February 28th, 2017
If you are up for a challenge the Island Treasure glass float hunt is perfect for you! As history has it these glass floats were once used to mark the nets of fisherman and occasionally they would get away and wash ashore. Now Jekyll Island selects artist from all over the country to create these one of a kind glass floats for lucky beach goers to find and keep!
Glynn Visual Arts Presents “Spatial Concepts”
January 3rd to 31st, 2017
In Jim Jones, new exhibit you will get to observe his latest Three Dimensional art piece which is intended to get us to think and ask questions about the art work, the size, the color, the shape, etc. If you enjoy and appreciate fine art then you have to check this exhibit out!
First Friday in Historic Downtown Brunswick
January 6th, 2017
Visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Historic Downtown Brunswick. Enjoy live music from local musicians, art openings, and food and beverage samples from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
ArtTrends Gallery Presents Guest Artist Bob Meredith
January 10th to February 19th, 2017
Bob Meredith, who is originally from Georgia and now resides in the golden isles has been oil painting for over 40 years, he enjoys painting anything from custom portraits to landscapes to still life’s. He is known world wide for his most recent work in which he recreated store fronts that can be found in different places through out the country and world.
Cannon’s Point History Tours
January 13th, 2017
Come visit Cannons Point and get a glimpse into what life was like at cannons point during the plantation period. Tour groups will meet at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center at 9:30 a.m. and will return at 12:30 p.m. The tour is $65 per person. Visit saintsimonslighthouse.org to register, or call 912-634-7090 for assistance
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8th Annual Pull for a Kid Tug O’War
January 14th, 2017
Come out and support the Pull for a Kid organization when sends almost 40 kids to summer camp each year. All the money is raised at this family friendly. Bring a team of 5 friends, family or coworkers and come PULL! Divisions: Women, Men, High School, Coed. $100 entry donation per team.
St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast
January 14th, 2017
Join the St. Simons Land Trust for its 17th annual Oyster Roast which will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Gascoigne Bluff. Local chefs will be preparing and donating Southern favorites like Low Country Boil, BBQ, and Oysters. There will be live music by the folk singer and acoustic guitarist Owen Plant. Tickets are $75 each.
There are always SO many fun things to do in the Golden Isles, new things always pop up as the year goes by but here are some of the highlights for 2017.
- For the Family: The Easter Egg Stroll, April 2017
- Each April in the Golden Isles there is A family friendly Easter gathering in the Historic District. Search and find Easter eggs hidden along Pier Road, get pictures with Easter Bunny, and enjoy pony rides and other activities. Eggs will be hidden and re-hidden throughout the festival. Special section for kids 3 and under.
- For the Couple: Valentine’s Day, February 2017
- With many great local restaurants and romantic activities, the options are endless for you to surprise your loved one with a weekend getaway. From sunset boat trips to horseback riding on the beach, there is something for every couple.
- For the Foodie: Food and Wine Festival, October, 2017
- The St. Simons Island Food + Spirits Festival is a five-day event featuring the best in coastal cuisine, wine, beer, spirits and entertainment. The festival takes place in several beautiful, historic venues throughout St. Simons Island in Georgia’s Golden Isles each year.
- For the Golfer: RSM Classic, November 2017
- Simons Island very own Davis Love III hosts the RSM Classic each year on Sea Island. The scenery is beautiful and the golf is exciting. Typically closing out the official PGA season, this is an event you don’t want to miss!
- For the Football Fan: Georgia-Florida Weekend, October 2017
- Whether you root for the Georgia Bulldogs or not, this is an excitement filled weekend for everyone! the Golden Isles will be filled with a sea of red and black and you will surely be amongst great company to enjoy watching the game and your favorite local spot.