Photo: John Margolies, public domain (Library of Congress), via Wikimedia Commons
St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and the one most people picture: live oak canopies, bike paths, a working lighthouse and a village of shops by the pier. It is also one of the oldest places in Georgia, where James Oglethorpe built Fort Frederica in 1736 and John and Charles Wesley preached under the oaks. It is about 282 miles from Atlanta, across the causeway from Brunswick. Here are the best things to do on St. Simons Island.
- From AtlantaAbout 282 miles, 5 hours 50 minutes without traffic
- CountyGlynn County
- Known forIts lighthouse, Fort Frederica, Christ Church, East Beach and the Pier Village
- Getting thereOver the F.J. Torras Causeway from Brunswick; no toll
Top Things to Do on St. Simons Island
1. St. Simons Lighthouse
The 1872 lighthouse at the south end of the island replaced one destroyed in the Civil War. Climb it, then see the keeper’s dwelling museum.
2. Pier Village and Neptune Park
Shops, ice cream and restaurants around the public pier, with a park, playground, mini golf and pool beside the lighthouse. Fish or crab off the pier at high tide.
3. Fort Frederica National Monument
The excavated streets and foundations of Oglethorpe’s 1736 town and fort, whose troops turned back Spain at the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742. Read how to prepare for a visit.
4. Christ Church, Frederica
A small white church in a deeply shaded churchyard near Fort Frederica. The Wesleys held services on this spot in 1736; the current church dates from the 1880s.
5. East Beach and Massengale Park
The island’s widest public beach, with picnic tables, restrooms and showers at Massengale Park off Ocean Boulevard.
6. Gascoigne Bluff and Hamilton Plantation
A bluff on the Frederica River that was Georgia’s first naval base, next to the tabby slave cabins of Hamilton Plantation and the Methodist museum at Epworth by the Sea.
7. Tree Spirits
Faces carved into live oak trunks around the island, honoring sailors lost at sea. Pick up a map at the visitor center in the Pier Village and hunt for them by bike.
8. Little St. Simons Island
A privately owned, roughly 10,000-acre island next door, with untouched beaches and abundant birds, visited by boat through the island’s lodge.
Advertise in St. Simons Island
Own a rental, inn, restaurant, charter or outfitter in St. Simons Island? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, and the island stays busy all summer. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches from May through October. In December the Pier Village and nearby Jekyll Island are lit for the holidays (see coast and islands Christmas lights).
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Pair this trip with Jekyll Island, Brunswick or Darien, or see every stop in our 20 best things to do on the Georgia coast. Our Golden Isles page covers all four islands. For a ready-made route, follow the perfect 3-day Georgia coast itinerary, and see our best beaches in Georgia, Georgia lighthouses guide and lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is St. Simons Island known for?
St. Simons is known for its lighthouse, live oaks, Fort Frederica, Christ Church, East Beach and the shops and restaurants of the Pier Village.
How far is St. Simons Island from Atlanta?
St. Simons is about 282 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 5 hours 50 minutes by car without traffic.
Is St. Simons or Jekyll Island better?
St. Simons has more restaurants, shops and nightlife. Jekyll is quieter and more natural, with a historic district, Driftwood Beach and a $10 daily parking fee. They are 20 minutes apart, so many visitors see both.
Do you have to pay to get onto St. Simons Island?
No. There is no toll or entry fee to drive onto St. Simons. Jekyll Island is the Golden Isle that charges a daily vehicle fee.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- National Park Service: Fort Frederica history and visiting information
- Coastal Georgia Historical Society: St. Simons Lighthouse and museum
- Golden Isles CVB: visitor center and island access
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.