St. Simons Island is known for having some of the best beaches among the Golden Isles. The Coastal Georgia island boasts 3 miles of continuous beaches that offer a range of oceanfront activities, from boating to bird-watching to lighthouse touring!
With many of our vacation rentals nearby, it’s easy to take advantage of all that Massengale Park offers. There are many public beach access points, but Massengale Park might be the most popular of all. Located along East Beach, the park offers way more than just beach access.
This is everything you need to know about visiting this gem of a green space on St. Simon’s Island.
About Massengale Park
- Address: 1350 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, GA
- Amenities: The park offers a free parking lot, public restroom facilities, an outdoor shower, and a picnic area.
- Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
The property where Massangale Park is located was once owned by Sea Island Company, who donated it to Glynn County in 1955 to turn it into a public park. The park doubles as both a green space for visitors and locals to enjoy and one of the main beach access points on St. Simons Island. It also provides access to the southern end of East Beach, a popular beach area.
What to Do at Massengale Park
Have a Picnic at the Park
Massengale Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a midday picnic. The park has a designated shaded picnic area with free grills, picnic tables, and benches for picnicking with ocean views.
Bring Your Furry Friends to Play
St. Simons is a very pet friendly island, and Massengale Park is the perfect atmosphere for your furry friend to let out some energy! They can enjoy running around the park or nearby East Beach, which is also pet-friendly and a great beach to enjoy with your dog!
The park is open to pets year round except for Memorial Day through Labor Day, when hours are restricted between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. In off-season months, dogs are allowed on any portion of the beach as long as they are under the owner’s immediate control.
Enjoy the Park Playground
Massengale Park is also home to a playground. It’s got slides, swings (including an infant swing), and more for kids of all ages to enjoy. Where else do you get a playground with a beach view?
Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
There are beach rental services next to the park, where you can hire umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Massengale Park lends easy access to splash in at popular points like East Beach.
Low Tide Adventures
Of course, the beach is the most popular activity to enjoy at Massengale Park! With plenty of parking and easy access to East Beach, Massengale Park is the perfect spot to start your fun day in the sun.
If you want to explore more of the beach, head north from Massengale Park, and you’ll find the Coast Guard Station, an entrance to East Beach known for its hard-packed sand and pet-friendly atmosphere. Head south and discover the St. Simons Island Pier, famous for its low-tide fishing adventures.
Where to Eat Near Massengale Park
Barrier Island Brewing
- Address: 1226 Ocean Blvd STE 1, Saint Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
Just a quick walk from Massengale Park, Barrier Island Brewing is a local brewery that offers craft beer and a delicious food menu.
Their small bites menu is perfect after a day in the sun, featuring popular items such as fried cheese curds, beer cheese dip, and stuffed pretzel board. Entrees include classic American favorites like burgers and sandwiches. And they’ve got a dessert menu too! With a lively atmosphere and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to walk to after enjoying Massengale Park.
Beachcomber BBQ & Grill
- Address: 319 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
If you are looking for someone else to do the grilling, head on over to Beachcomber BBQ & Grill, just one block from Massengale Park. Colorful patio seating and the smell of BBQ will greet you as soon as you round the corner.
You can’t go wrong with their many BBQ options between the brisket, pulled pork, burgers, and ribs. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a cold beer and delicious grub after a day at the beach!
Fiddlers
- Address: 410 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
Right across Ocean Boulevard lies Fiddlers, a casual yet upscale restaurant known for its rustic atmosphere, open-air atmosphere, and incredible menu.
The menu features a range of local seafood dishes, from crab cakes to fried seafood platters to blackened redfish. They’ve got craft beer and a range of cocktails, too. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, people come for the atmosphere and stay for the delicious cuisine.
ECHO
- Address: 201 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$$
Just a few steps from Massengale Park is one of St. Simons Island’s most popular dining spots. ECHO is the island’s only oceanfront restaurant. This Southern coastal cuisine hot spot is known for its locally sourced seafood ingredients, signature cocktails, and coastal outdoor dining atmosphere.
The property ECHO is on also offers two other casual options: The Cottage Custard & Coffee and Sea Shack Bar + Bites. Between these three spots, you will find everything you’re looking for!
Stay and Explore Massengale Park
It’s hard to find a better landing spot on your beach day than Massengale Park. The public park offers countless amenities for the whole family, from a children’s playground to multiple picnic areas to green space for your furry friends to play. With plenty of parking, free restrooms, and public beach access, Massengale Park gives you a convenient and stress-free way to enjoy East Beach on your St. Simons Island getaway.
Book your stay on St. Simons Island today.
