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St. Simons Island: Top Picks |
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 The St. Simons Lighthouse is the oldest brick structure in the area and is still maintained as an operational light by the U.S. Coast Guard. The 104-foot lighthouse sits on the site of long-vanished Fort St. Simons, a British stronghold captured by the Spanish in 1742, prior to their defeat at the fateful Battle of Bloody Marsh. The historic site includes an 1872 brick lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling, an 1880 oil house and a Victorian gazebo. A museum in the keeper’s dwelling features exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the way of life of a lighthouse keeper and his family. Climb the 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the ocean, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick. For more, go to St. Simons Lighthouse Web site .
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Adjacent to the lighthouse is the St. Simons Island Pier area, the focal point of social and recreational activity since the 19th century. Today "The Village" has a variety of restaurants and many specialty shops at the foot of the fishing pier. The pier affords a great view of the St. Simons Lighthouse.
The St. Simons Visitors Center is located in the "Casino" building next to the pier. |
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 If you want to enjoy sun bathing or strolling along the beach, St. Simons has several miles of public beach that includes picnic area and bathroom facilities. It's a short drive from the Villa. There is a large parking area on the beach at the Maritime Center (at 1st Street off Ocean Blvd). Read more about the Maritime Center below.
Roll your mouse over this photo to see a beautiful sunrise on the beach.
This area experiences the largest tidal swings of any area in the country. Visit the beach at low tide, since high tide covers most of the beach. See tidal time charts. |
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 The Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach on St. Simons Island was built by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1936 as a lifesaving station and remained in active use until 1995. The landmark structure was totally renovated in 2005 and has been converted into a center for maritime and natural history programming. It featurea seven galleries filled with exhibits on the maritime and nature history of the region, an education building including touch tanks and hands-on learning activities for school groups and families, and a museum shop. Combination tickets with the Lighthouse are available. For more, go to the Maritime Center Web site. |
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 The Christ Church congregation traces its origins to 1776, and to the very earliest days of St. Simons Island. However, the first religious services were held on the site of the church some forty years earlier. It was here that John and Charles Wesley, two brothers from England considered the fathers of Methodism in America, first preached to natives beneath the limbs of an enormous oak tree. The first church structure was built in 1820, but was partially destroyed by occupying Union troops during the War Between the States. In 1884, Anson Phelps Dodge, Jr., built the present structure in memory of his wife, Ellen, who died during their 'round-the-world honeymoon. The church is constructed of wood in the cruciform design with a trussed Gothic roof and steeple. Today, the beautiful church with its magnificent stained glass windows and heavily wooded grounds that include a cemetery with graves of early settlers, is one of St. Simons Island's most treasured landmarks. For more, go to the Christ Church Web site.
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 Near Christ Church is Fort Frederica National Monument. When General James Oglethorpe laid claim to the Georgia territory for England, it was important to build settlements and establish defenses. He found the ideal site for both along the river banks on the western edge of St. Simons Island. He named it Frederica. In 1736, 44 men and 72 women and children arrived to build the fort and town, and by the 1740s Frederica was a thriving village of about 500 citizens. When Spanish troops sought to capture St. Simons Island in 1742, Oglethorpe's men won a decisive victory in what is now called The Battle of Bloody Marsh (you can also visit that site on Demere Road). For a time, Frederica prospered and grew. However, the declining military threat to the Georgia coast saw the Fort's regiment disbanded in 1749. Today, you can visit the site of Fort Frederica, a national park, and see the ruins of the fortifications, barracks and homes. A museum, film, dioramas, tours and demonstrations bring the settlement vividly back to life. For more, go to the Fort Frederica Web site.
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More!
Kayaking: Explore the winding tidal creeks and rivers of St. Simons' vast saltwater marshlands, abundant in birds and wildlife. Take two and three hour kayak tours daily. For more, go to the Southeast Adventure Outfitters Web site .
Salt Marsh Pontoon Boat Tour: Go on a personalized pontoon boat ride through tidal creeks for a close-up look at plants and creatures of the marsh, led by teachers and naturalists. For more, to to the Marsh Tours Web site .
Community Theatre: The Island Players is a not for profit, all volunteer community theatre organization that has been providing quality theatre performances since 1956. The season consists of four shows. For more, go to The Island Players Web site .
Trolley Tour: Explore the island with a guided tour and hear over 400 years of history and folklore. The 1.5 hour tour begins at the Pier Village, year round. For more, go to the St. Simons Trolley Web site.
Ghost Walk: This fun & informative 90-minute lamplight walking tour of Olde St. Simons features strange tales of local folklore, mystery, and fright. Tour departs in the Village near the Pier. For more, go to the Ghost Walk Web site.
For golf, tennis, swimming and biking, see Resort Amenities.
Looking for a mountain getaway, go to Asheville, North Carolina. |
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