Your St. Simons Fall Break Itinerary: Flexible Plans for Any Length of Stay

August 11, 2025

If you’ve spent time on St. Simons during the summer, you already know what’s in store. Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere are definitely par for the course. But if you’ve never visited in the fall, you’re in for a different kind of getaway. With fewer crowds, cooler breezes, and plenty of sunshine, fall break is one of the best times to visit the Golden Isles.

If you’re coming for a long weekend, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the best of the island. Stretching your stay into a whole week? Even better! Particularly since we’ve put together an itinerary that covers all the highlights. From beach time and bike rides to shrimp baskets and game-day fun, your St. Simons fall break is about to become a favorite family tradition!

Day One – Settle in and Soak Up the Views

No need to rush, you’re on beach time now, so take it slow and ease into your stay! Walk through your vacation rental and get familiar with your home base for the next few days. Unpack if you’d like, or just drop your bags and head straight to the porch to take in the view and enjoy a glass of wine before dinner!

Casual Dinner

Since it’s your first night in town, go casual with dinner—fresh seafood on a patio or maybe some Southern barbecue. Try Iguana’s Seafood Restaurant for shrimp, crab cakes, snow crab legs, and more! Porch is another great option, serving fire-roasted chicken, catfish, and street tacos. You won’t go wrong with either one!

Sunset Walk

Hit East Beach for a post-dinner stroll and walk off that delicious meal with your toes in the sand as the sky puts on an incredible show.

Day Two – Family Adventures & Game Day Vibes

Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and a flexible plan that leaves room for outdoor fun, good food, and plenty of time to catch the big game.

Breakfast and a Few Attractions

Fuel up with a steaming cup of Joe alongside delicious crepes and pancakes or mouthwatering biscuits and gravy at Mallery Street Cafe. Trust us, you won’t leave hungry!

Spend the rest of the morning enjoying the weather and sightseeing! The kids will love climbing to the top of the Lighthouse Museum and seeing what the fishermen are catching along St. Simons Island Pier. If they’ve still got some energy to burn, swing by Neptune Park and let them play on the playground, then challenge them to a game of Mini Golf!

Lunch and College Football

After a morning out and about, why not grab lunch at a local spot where you can catch the game! Georgia fans will feel right at home just about anywhere—many restaurants around the island will have a game on, especially during college football season. Head to Brogen’s South for burgers, wings, and TVs both indoors and out, or try Gnat’s Landing for a casual vibe, cold drinks, and plenty of UGA spirit.

Not into football? No worries! Lunch on an outdoor patio with fresh seafood and a cool breeze still sounds like a win!

Dolphin Tour, Dinner, and a Movie

Now it’s time for one of the island’s most popular experiences—a dolphin tour! Local companies offer cruises at all hours, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat! It’s a fun way to explore the areas around the island and maybe catch a glimpse of other local wildlife, like sea turtles.

We’re all for keeping dinner easy and delicious, so we suggest takeout from Southern Soul BBQ. We can attest that their pulled pork, ribs, and mac and cheese are always a hit. Then head back to your vacation rental, slip into something comfy, and let the kids pick a movie. Pop some popcorn, put your feet up, and enjoy a cozy night in—you’ve earned it!

Day Three – Explore the Island

Fall on St. Simons Island is best enjoyed outdoors, and we have a few ideas to help you make the most of every sun-soaked moment!

Rent Bikes and See the Sights

One of the best ways to experience St. Simons in the fall is on two wheels. You can rent bikes from Ocean Motion and cruise along scenic paths, past historic sites, and charming neighborhoods.

Picnic Lunch at the Beach

Swing by Three Little Birds and grab some chicken salad croissants, cheese steaks, or fried chicken sandwiches to go. Next stop? The beach! Enjoy your tasty treats and soak up the sun for a few hours before heading back to the vacation rental to clean up for dinner.

Dinner and a Sunset Stroll

Treat the family to an upscale dining experience at Georgia Sea Grill, where the menu features elevated dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From beautifully prepared seafood and savory steaks to delicious small plates ideal for sharing, it’s the kind of meal that turns a good day into an unforgettable one. After dinner, stroll along the beach for yet another gorgeous fall sunset!

Day Four – Brunch & Shopping

Spend the morning at Pier Village, a local hotspot with popular eateries and boutiques! (You’ll also find plenty of places to enjoy a sweet treat). Start with brunch at Palmer’s Café, renowned for creative takes on breakfast classics, like cinnamon roll pancakes and shrimp scrambles. Strong coffee served with a smile is an added bonus!

Afterward, browse the local shops for gifts, souvenirs, or a memento to remind you of your fall trip to St. Simons. If time allows, breeze through the World War II Home Front Museum to learn about the island’s role during World War II.

Staying the whole week? Read on for a few more ways to round out your St. Simons fall break itinerary!

Days Five and Six – Day Trips to Jekyll Island and Brunswick

Take a short drive to Jekyll Island and explore Driftwood Beach, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or rent bikes and cruise under the canopy of ancient oaks. Top off the day with dinner and a view at Zachry’s Riverhouse!

In historic downtown Brunswick, stroll past Victorian-era buildings, browse local boutiques and art galleries, and grab lunch at Indigo Shanty. Don’t miss a walk along the waterfront and visit Mary Ross Park for gorgeous river views!

Fall Break Vacation Rentals on St. Simons and The Golden Isles

Wherever your fall break takes you, let Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals be your home base. With beautiful homes throughout the Golden Isles, it’s the perfect way to make the most of your fall getaway!