There’s no better place to spend the holiday season than right here in the Golden Isles, where St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island offer a magical holiday experience that simply can’t be replicated at home.
Mild winter weather makes it easy to stroll through the shops, enjoy outdoor activities, and sample seasonal flavors with family and friends, and you’re going to want to see and do it all. To help make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a custom Google Map Itinerary filled with holiday lights, festive meals, and must-see stops. Explore at your own pace, mix and match experiences, and celebrate the season St. Simons style!
Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary Checklist
Palmer’s Village Cafe
Address: 223 Mallery St.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 7:30–2
Golden Isles Welcome Center
Address: 529 Beachview Dr.
Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 9–5 / Sun from 12–5
East Beach
Address: 4100 First St.
Hours of Operation: Daily 6–10:30
World War II Homefront Museum
Address: 4201 1st St.
Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 10–5 / Sun from 12–5
Barbara Jean’s
Address: 5214 Mallery St.
Hours of Operation: Sun–Thu from 11–8:30 / Sat from 11–9:30
St. Simons Sweets
Address: 229 Mallery St.
Hours of Operation: Sun–Thu from 10–9 / Fri–Sat from 10–10
Shops at Pier Village
Address: 122 Pier Village Market
Hours of Operation: Vary by shop
Redfern Village
Address: 228 Redfern Village
Hours of Operation: Vary by shop
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Address: 610 South Beachview Dr.
Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 10–5
Georgia Sea Grill
Address: 407 Mallery St.
Hours of Operation: Mon–Thu from 5–9:30 / Fri–Sat from 5–10
Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary
Start with Breakfast and a Plan
Palmer’s Village Cafe is a great place to start your holiday adventure. This cozy eatery is located in the heart of the island and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering creative twists on Southern classics. The welcoming atmosphere pairs perfectly with delicious breakfast plates and a hot cup of coffee. Once you’re fueled up, head to the Golden Isles Welcome Center. The staff is warm, incredibly helpful, and ready to share insider tips, highlight holiday events, and even guide you toward the island’s beloved Tree Spirits. Have fun finding them!
Hit the Beach and a Museum
Next, make your way to East Beach, one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand. Even in winter, the weather is mild enough for a peaceful walk along the shoreline, and you can breathe in the fresh air and take in the incredible views. Just a short drive away, the World War II Homefront Museum offers a look at St. Simons’ role during the war.
Grab Lunch and a Sweet Treat
When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Barbara Jean’s, a longtime favorite known for coastal comfort food. The crab cakes are incredible, along with other Southern staples like shrimp and grits and homemade jalapeño cornbread. After lunch, swing by St. Simons Sweets for coconut pralines, pecan pie cookies, and seasonal treats.
Browse the Shops for Holiday Finds
Pier Village is one of our favorite places to pick up coastal-inspired gifts, unique souvenirs, and holiday treats from locally owned shops. In Redfern Village, you’ll find even more boutiques tucked beneath mossy oaks, ranging from local art galleries to specialty stores. If you time it right, you might also catch Crafts in the Village at Postell Park.
See Another Site, Hit a Festival, and Enjoy a Delicious Dinner
Round out your day with a visit to the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, a must-see on any visit to St. Simons.
Depending on when you arrive, you might also catch one of the region’s festive holiday events:
After a full day of holiday fun, settle in for a cozy coastal dinner at Georgia Sea Grill, a beloved restaurant known for fresh seafood and a warm, inviting atmosphere—the perfect way to toast to your holiday adventure on St. Simons Island.
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