Saint Simons Island is located off the coast of Georgia. It attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and salt marshes. While there are many things to do on Saint Simon's Island, some of the most enjoyable activities are also the simplest. They don't cost much--if anything--and they focus on quality time and relaxation over itineraries or expensive activities.
Simply Relaxing Saint Simons Island
#1 Visit the Beach
No visit to Saint Simons is complete without a visit to the beach. My favorite is East Beach with its convenient free parking and public restrooms. For added convenience, bring a beach wagon and pop-up tent to enjoy the day. Just don't be surprised if jellyfish enjoy the beach with you. This year has seen an increase in jellyfish washing ashore on the beach. Despite that, a visit to the beach can be a wonderful way to unwind, allowing the sea to sweep your worries away.
#2 Indulge in Sweet Treats
Regardless of what time of year you visit, you'll want to take advantage of the many sweet treats available on Saint Simons Island. From ice cream shops to a honey company, there are many dessert offerings to choose from on your visit. Here are just a few:
- St. Simons Sweets
- Moo Cow Ice Cream
- Sunset Slush
- Fuze Frozen Co.
- Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery
- Savannah Bee Company
A sweet treat won't cost much, but it is a simple joy to be savored on a hot day.
#3 Head to the Pier
While the beach attracts many visitors, the pier seems to be the heart of St. Simons Island. Enjoy a view of the beach, drop a line in for fishing, or simply go for a walk along the pier to take in the lighthouse view. Whether you choose to visit at sunrise, sunset, or any other time of day, the pier is a place to soak in the beauty of the island. It's also conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and family-friendly Neptune Park.
#4 Spy Island Tree Spirits
For a low-key (and no-cost) activity on Saint Simons Island, look for the island tree spirits. There are about 20 faces carved into local trees by artist Keith Jennings in the 1980s. These images immortalize the sailors lost at sea. Learn more about it at the Welcome Center and then search to find each one.
#5 Go Fly a Kite
Return to the beach to enjoy more than just sun and sand. Bring a kite and fly it against the sea breezes. It's nearly a guarantee that you'll see other kite-fliers present on the beach. Check out this list for the best kites of 2021.
#6 Bike the Island Trails
Saint Simons offers over 30 miles of bike trails. Bring your own bike or consider renting one while you visit. Helmets are required, but if you rent a bike, your rental will include the use of a helmet. Biking the island trails is a low-cost, fun, and family-friendly way to see the island on your vacation.
#7 Picnic at a Local Park
There are several parks located on Saint Simons Island. Massengale Park also has a beach access point as well as a playground and picnic tables. Neptune Park is located near the pier, and it features a playground, water park, and miniature golf. Epworth Dog Park offers a place to play for pets on vacation. For the full list of local parks, visit the Glynn County Parks website. Bringing a picnic to the park can be a relaxing, low-cost way to enjoy the island.
Saint Simons Island has many wonderful shops, museums, tours, and activities. Whether you take a day trip or visit for a full vacation, there's plenty to do. Just don't overlook the simple pleasures that exist on the island. They may not always be the flashiest or most exciting of your vacation plans, but they just might be the most relaxing and arguably the best way to enjoy the island.