Situated on the Georgia coast, about halfway between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia, the Golden Isles area consists of four barrier islands communities: St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island, as well as Brunswick on the mainland. When you visit Georgia’s Golden Isles, you’re sure to spend lots of time at the beach, and St. Simons Island is the perfect place to start your oceanfront adventure!
We have three miles of contiguous beach, stretching from the pier/village area to East Beach. Windsurfing, kite-surfing, bicycling, sand sculpting, and lying in the sun soaking up rays are just a few of the most popular ways to enjoy a St. Simons beach vacation! The Atlantic horizon is scattered with shrimp boats, while adventure-seekers searching for outdoor recreation can test out catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, kite boards, and kayaks closer to shore.
Dolphins are plentiful here along with many varieties of sea birds and sea turtles. Book a charter for a sightseeing or fishing tour and get out on the water with local pros who can show you the best of the island region. For a unique treat, consider catching expansive views from above on a coastal biplane tour! Don’t forget to check for local happenings during your stay! The beaches host some of the region’s most popular annual festivals, like 4th of July celebrations, and family-friendly events. Visitors also love our oceanfront water parks and community parks for outdoor play and splash-filled fun of a different sort!
US Coast Guard Station / East Beach
4100 First Street, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
East Beach is St. Simons Island’s most popular beach area, featuring the widest beaches, public facilities and plentiful parking. On the northern end of the beach is Gould’s Inlet, a popular spot for bird-watching and fishing, with views of Sea Island. Just south of the inlet, you’ll find the historic Coast Guard Station and World War II Home Front Museum. The hard-packed sands of East Beach make for great biking and oceanside flat hikes. The southern end of East Beach at Pier Village offers access to the village shops and eateries, as well as great fishing at low-tide, but this area is generally inaccessible at high-tide. The East Beach area is pet-friendly (with restrictions between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily). You’ll find the most abundant parking at the Coast Guard Station area – look for signs indicating “First Street Beach Access”.
Amenities:
• Public Beach Access
• Restroom Facilities
• ADA Accessible Beach Access
• Seasonal Concession Facility
Massengale Park
1350 Ocean Blvd., Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Situated along Ocean Boulevard, between the Coast Guard Station and the King and Prince Beach Resort, Massengale Park includes a picnic area shaded by mature live oaks, a children’s playground, public restrooms, beach access, and plenty of parking. The park is pet-friendly.
Amenities:
• ADA Accessible Beach Access
• Restroom Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• Grills
• Playgrounds
Neptune Park
550 Beachview Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Located on the southern tip of St. Simons Island in the shadow of the St. Simons Lighthouse, this oceanfront, pet-friendly park features a strolling path between the St. Simons Fishing Pier and Pier Village areas with easy access to local historic sites like Fort Frederica National Monument – the site of the battles of Bloody Marsh and Gully Hole Creek. The beach and pier areas provide excellent swimming, fishing, crabbing, bird watching, and beachcombing opportunities. Neptune Park’s Fun Zone area includes swimming pools, waterslides, and a mini-golf course.
Amenities:
• Playgrounds
• Restroom Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• Park Benches
• Fishing Pier
• Public Beach Access
• Neptune Park Fun Zone
Swimming Safety on St. Simons
- Lifeguards are present from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 11:00 AM 4:00 PM daily at Coast Guard and Massengale beaches.
- SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
- Rip currents are common. If caught in a rip current, do not fight it, swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current.
- Do not swim to the visible sand bars. The tide changes quickly and will submerge the sandbar, stranding swimmers in deep water.
- View the NOAA tide charts for St. Simons Island.
- From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a Warning Flag system in place to notify visitors of hazardous conditions.
St. Simons Island Beach Rules
- Dogs are prohibited on the beach from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day between the hours of 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, except between Beach Access Points 1-6. During allowable times and in non-summer months, dogs are allowed on any portion of the beach but must be within close proximity and under the immediate control of the owner/handler. If handler is unable to control pet via voice-command, a 10′ leash is required. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Vehicles are prohibited.
- Fires are prohibited, without a permit from the Glynn County Fire Dept.
- Glass and hard plastic containers are prohibited.
- For a full listing of beach rules, read the Glynn County Code of Ordinances.
