From pier-lined shores to pet-friendly coastlines and gentle low-tide waves, St. Simons Island beaches are among the most popular in the Golden Isles. This history-rich hidden gem on the Georgia coast invites travelers to explore local culture by morning and relax on the beach by afternoon.
When you visit the 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. So once you’ve booked your waterfront vacation rental home, it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend those days in the sun.
Why Visit St. Simons Island Beaches?
We have three miles of continuous beach stretching from the Pier Village area to East Beach, with 41 public access points in total.
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. Visitors also love our oceanfront water parks and community parks for outdoor play and splash-filled fun of a different sort.
The Atlantic horizon is scattered with shrimp boats, while adventure-seekers searching for outdoor recreation can test out catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, kiteboards, and kayaks closer to shore.
St. Simons Island is famous for its wildlife and marine life that always make for exciting encounters and sightings. 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.
The beaches also host some of the region’s most popular annual festivals, like 4th of July celebrations and events at Christmas and New Year.
Without further ado, let’s look at some of the most popular beaches in and around St. Simons Island.
US Coast Guard Station / East Beach
- Address: 4100 First Street
- Amenities: Public beach access, restroom facilities, ADA-accessible beach access, seasonal concession facility
East Beach is one of two main public beaches on St. Simons Island. It has multiple different access points open to the public, which offer different coastal experiences.
The US Coast Guard Station (public beach access #27) is by far the most popular beach area. It attracts most visitors with its widest beaches, public facilities, and plentiful free parking. The hard-packed sands of East Beach make for great biking and oceanside flat hikes.
On the northern end of the beach is Gould’s Inlet, a popular spot for bird-watching and fishing, with views of Sea Island.
The beach area narrows the further south you walk and can be inaccessible during high tide. In case this happens during your visit, this area offers alternative things to do, including a visit to the historic Coast Guard Station and World War II Home Front Museum.
The East Beach area is pet-friendly in the mornings and evenings, and all day off-season. Dogs are prohibited between 9 AM and 6 PM daily throughout peak season (the Saturday before Memorial Day until Labor Day).
Massengale Park
- Address: 1350 Ocean Blvd.
- Amenities: ADA-accessible beach access, restroom facilities, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds
Massengale Park is the island’s second public beach and is a relaxed, shady coastal spot that’s perfect for families with young children.
Facilities here include a picnic area and grills shaded by mature live oaks, a children’s playground, public restrooms, open beach access, and plenty of parking. The park is pet-friendly, (with daytime restrictions on dogs on the beach as with East Beach above), so the entire family can join in on the fun.
There is not a concession stand at Massengale Park, so if you want loungers or an umbrella, you’ll have to bring your own. Many of our St. Simons Island vacation rentals include complimentary beach gear for our guests to use during their stay. You can also find rental operators, like the Tent Guys SSI, throughout the island.
Neptune Park
- Address: 550 Beachview Drive
- Amenities: Playgrounds, restroom facilities, picnic tables, park benches, fishing pier, public beach access, Neptune Park Fun Zone
Located on the southern end of the island in the shadow of the St. Simons Lighthouse, this oceanfront, dog-friendly park is a great option for visitors staying near the pier. It features a strolling path between the St. Simons Fishing Pier and Pier Village areas for shops and eateries.
Neptune Park is one of the St. Simons Island beaches affected by the tides. High and low tide fluctuate between six-hour intervals, so check online or monitor the water levels if you’re planning to swim here.
In case of high tide, spend some time at the Neptune Park Fun Zone area, which includes swimming pools, waterslides, and a mini-golf course (fees apply).
Gould’s Inlet
- Address: 2313 Bruce Dr.
- Amenities: Birdwatching, benches
Continue north along the coast from East Beach, and you’ll eventually reach the most unique of the St. Simons Island beaches. Gould’s Inlet isn’t your typical beach for swimming; it’s considered a wildlife beach area where birdwatching is the most prominent activity.
Gould’s Inlet is named after James Gould, who built SSI’s very first lighthouse in 1810. It’s the northernmost beach area accessible via beach access points #40 and #41.
You’ll lose count of the variety of birds soaring here. More than 300 bird species call this area home, including American oystercatchers, black skimmers, egrets. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle.
Relax on the beach bench to enjoy birdwatching or take in the sunrise. Be mindful of your pet to keep the area protected for the wildlife.
Bonus: St. Simons Island Tidal Pools
In recent years, tidal pools have developed along the St. Simons Island coast. These naturally formed bodies of water have taken shape between the main walkways and the actual beach near Massengale Park and East Beach.
Don’t confuse the tidal pools with the actual beach. Local officials have considered refilling the pools with sand, but have opted to develop floating bridges to help visitors cross them onto the main beach area.
Some people enjoy wading in the shallow tidal pools. There’s a great place for crabbing, shelling, spotting birds, and other marine life.
Swimming Safety on Georgia’s Beaches
Whether you are a confident swimmer or are taking young children out on the water, safety is the most important thing. Here are some tips on how to stay safe off the St. Simons coast.
- Lifeguards are only present from the Saturday before Memorial Day to mid-August, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily at stations between Coast Guard (access #27) and Massengale beaches.
- 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 to get a better understanding of what the water conditions will be during your visit.
- Before getting in the water, look for the Warning Flag system which operates between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It notifies visitors of hazardous conditions.
St. Simons Island Beach Rules
Keep these rules in mind when enjoying St. Simons Island beaches:
- Dogs are prohibited on all beaches between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. During permitted times and the off-season, dogs are allowed on any portion of the beach but must stay within close proximity and under the immediate control of the owner/handler. A leash is required if the handler is unable to control their pet via voice command. 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.
Fun in the Sun at St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island beaches offer some great options for visitors looking to get out on the sand, whether it’s to sunbathe, shell, play beach volleyball, or admire the ocean view.
If you want to be close to all the beach action, choose a vacation rental that lies close to the island’s beaches. Book an oceanview property today and start planning your next beach escape.
