6 Family-Friendly Destinations on St. Simons Island
Known for beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and tons of family-friendly activities, Saint Simons Island is the perfect getaway for a summer to remember. We’ve mapped out our favorite spots that your whole family will be sure to love.
At only an hour and a half from Savannah, St. Simons Island is the perfect weekend getaway or day trip for you and your family. While there, don't miss these fun destinations kids at any age will enjoy.
1. Ocean Lodge
Open to ages 14 and up, this lavish beachside getaway is just what you and your teen need to unwind after a hectic school year. Ocean Lodge’s elegant design is fashioned after the flawless detail of old-world Italian architecture, and its plush ocean-view guest rooms — complete with full kitchens, seating areas and private verandas — ooze with all the sophistication and comfort of European cottages. Forget the classroom and breathe as you take in the sweeping views of the Atlantic from the rooftop terrace, loosen up that post-all-nighter tension in your neck with a private massage overlooking the beach or catch up on the books you actually want to read at the expansive library. For more information about Ocean Lodge, visit oceanlodgessi.com.
2. Iguanas Seafood Restaurant
This Caribbean-style eatery located in the historic Pier Village is as chilled-out as the reptile it’s named after. But don’t let the casual tropical décor fool you; Iguanas sure doesn’t get lazy when it comes to serving you and your family the freshest seafood on SSI. In fact, all of the shrimp they cook up is harvested just off the coast of Georgia. Try the countless other fresh-out-the-water specialties, too. For the adults, the Coconut Snapper or Caribbean Glazed Mahi-Mahi will hit the spot. Your little whippersnappers will love getting their hands on the Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich or the Chicken Philly. The best thing on the menu that no family member can skip is the free bowl or cone of soft-serve ice cream! For more information about this awesome family restaurant, visit iguanasseafood.com.
3. Neptune Park Fun Zone
Putt, splash and play at this ultimate destination for good ole’ family fun. The 18-hole mini golf course is open year-round and accommodates groups of all sizes, while the playground offers plenty of slides, swings and more where kids can burn up their energy as the parents relax on nearby benches. But the pool is perhaps the coolest attraction at Neptune Park in more ways than one: It’s where you and the youngins can get silly in the wading pool, monkey around in the water gym, satisfy those empty tummies at the concession stands or just lounge around under an umbrella by the pool. For more information, visit goldenisles.com.
4. Historic Lighthouse and Museum
Located near the village and pier, the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is one of only five surviving light towers in Georgia. Visitors can climb the 129 steps to experience amazing panoramic views of neighboring Jekyll Island, the Georgia mainland and the south end of St. Simons Island. The Lighthouse Museum hosts several events throughout the year. Summer Sundays bring the Little Light Music Concert Series, a unique experience where concert-goers are encouraged to bring picnics and lawn chairs to enjoy live music on the oceanfront lawns of the St. Simons Lighthouse. For information and visiting hours, visit saintsimonslighthouse.org.
5. The Pier Village
Whether you’re looking to shower yourself or your little ones with a few lavish indulgences, Pier Village is where some of St. Simons’ hottest shopping spots are located. Studded along Mallery Street are not only stores that appeal to all tastes and ages, but also the best cultural attractions the area has to offer. Banish your sugar craving with the heavenly baked goodies from St. Simons Sweets, go on a treasure hunt for the latest fashion jewelry at Golden Isles Bracelet Co. or leaf through your next summer read at Beachview Books. For more information and shop listings, visit explorestsimonsisland.com.
6. St. Simons Island Trolley Tours
Get off your feet for a bit and explore the island on a historical trolley tour. The kids will love seeing the sights and sounds of St. Simons, and you’ll love having an hour and a half where someone else does the planning! St. Simons Trolley is the oldest and most acclaimed tour on the island, operating for 23 years in vintage 1930s wooden trolleys. St. Simons Trolley has daily tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each ride lasts 90 minutes and covers over 400 years of Southern history and folklore. The tour includes 36 points of interest, a walking tour of Christ Church Churchyard and several other gorgeous island attractions. Your kids will learn Georgia’s history in a fun and entertaining way. For more information, visit stsimonstours.com.
To read more about visiting SSI this summer with your little ones, pick up the June/July issue of South magazine.
