St. Simons Island is located in the southeast corner of Georgia, approximately one hour north of Jacksonville, Florida. Part of the so-called "Golden Isles," the island has a charm and beauty all its own.
Know how to get to St. Simons Island. If you are driving, use Exit 38 off Interstate 95. If flying, you have three choices. The Brunswick Airport (BQK) is the closest, only about 10 miles away from St. Simons Island, but few commercial flights land at this airport. Most people opt to fly into the Savannah Airport (SAV) or the Jacksonville, Florida airport (JAX). Each of these major airports is about an hour's drive to St. Simon's Island.
Visit Fort Frederica. Spanish and British forces fought valiantly at Fort Frederica in 1742. The British beat the Spanish, and thus Georgia became a colony of Great Britain. You can see the ruins of the fort, look at artifacts and watch a film about the history of the fort.
Check out the St. Simons Lighthouse. Built in 1807, and later moved and rebuilt in the late 1800s, the lighthouse has been a symbol of St. Simons Island for two centuries. For a nominal fee, visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for a magnificent view of the ocean and island.
Sun yourself on the beach. St. Simons has two main public beach areas-in front of the King and Prince Hotel and by the old Coast Guard station. The Coast Guard beach has public restroom facilities.
Walk around the pier area. The pier is the heart of "downtown" St. Simons Island. Here you will find a host of cute little shops, outdoor artist markets, restaurants and a public park for the kids. Watch the locals catching fish off the pier or try your luck at casting crab nets.
Take a day trip. Within easy driving distance are the wonders of Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, Sea Island, Amelia Island and the cities of Brunswick and Savannah.
