Are you long overdue for a girl’s getaway? Sometimes all you need is to get out of town with your best gal pals and live it up somewhere new. With its gorgeous sandy beaches, picturesque views, and countless shops and restaurants to explore, St. Simons Island, Georgia, could be the perfect trip destination for you.
Top 15 Things to Do in St. Simons, Ga.
There are plenty of ways to have fun and relax on your St. Simons girls trip. Here are several things you can do when during your visit:
- Head to the Beach
Nothing says girls get away more than some fun in the sun! Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen, flip-flops, and your floppy sun hat when you visit East Beach. Enjoy lounging on the sand with a cold drink in your hand, going for a quick swim in the ocean, take a walk and watch the sunrise or sunset, or simply work on your tan.
- Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Satisfy any history buffs in your group with a trip to see the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. This historic landmark is one of only five lighthouses still standing in the state of Georgia. Make your way up 129 steps, and you’ll be awarded a gorgeous view of the Golden Isles. And make sure to stop by the museum store on your way out!
If you’re a fan of museums, there’s plenty of other great places to soak up the local arts and culture of St. Simon’s Island.
- Go on a Shopping Spree
Make sure you sneak in a shopping spree during your St. Simons girls’ weekend. It simply wouldn’t be a girls’ trip without one! There are tons of charming boutiques scattered throughout Redfern Village and Pier Village. Here, you’ll find restaurants, eclectic clothing and jewelry stores, sweet treats, community parks, picnic areas, and various bars and nightlife.
- Attend a Local Event or Festival
St. Simons is a lively place where fun events are always happening! Depending on the date of your trip, you may be able to swing by the Georgia Sea Islands Festival, where you can celebrate African American culture, or the Sunshine Festival, where you can enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July, arts and crafts, and more.
- Enjoy a Spa Day
Sometimes the best part of a trip is kicking your feet up and doing absolutely nothing. Shed your stress with a day at one of the best health and day spas at St. Simons. Get a luxurious body massage at The Spa at Redfern, rejuvenate with a pedicure at the Island Day Spa, or enjoy hours of peaceful relaxation at A New Horizon.
- Spend Time in Nature
Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and take some time to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a hike on one of the many trails at Cannon’s Point Preserve. With over 600 acres of wilderness, a variety of wildlife, and 28 miles of trails, you’ll feel refreshed and peaceful.
- Eat Delicious Food
There are tons of restaurants to choose from, spanning from casual to fine dining. If you’re feeling like seafood, head over to Iguanas Seafood Restaurant for some tasty Wild Georgia shrimp or Babara Jean’s Restaurant for some delectable crab cakes. You can check out Cafe Frederica for breakfast and finish off the day with a high-class meal at the Georgia Sea Grill.
- Go for a Bike Ride
Whether you’re up for an intense cycling workout or you’re looking for something more leisurely, St. Simons Island has you covered. It has over 30 miles of pristine bike paths surrounding the entire island, winding through shopping districts and nature areas. You’ll enjoy beautiful views no matter where you ride.
- Hunt For Tree Spirits
Okay, we are fully aware of how strange this one sounds, but give it a chance! St. Simons Island is known for its beautiful oak trees. And these aren’t just any oak trees; they have faces. Artist Keith Jennings carved 20 different faces on the island’s trees in the ’80s. Now, they are known as the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. Challenge yourself and try to find all 20!
- Play in the Water
There are plenty of marshes, rivers, and inlets on St. Simons Island. And where there’s water, there’s an opportunity to play! You can hitch a ride on a guided boat tour and soak in the beauty of nature surrounding you in the Marshes of Glynn, take a kayak on the Frederica River on your own or with a guide, or surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a paddleboard.
Places to Stay
You’ll have no trouble finding a quality place to stay at St. Simons Island. There are many high-quality hotels that you can call home for however long you’re visiting. Here are a few of the most popular for tourists:
This charming bed and breakfast is nestled in an old island neighborhood in the Golden Isles filled with oak trees and a beautiful water garden. It’s just a quick walk or bike ride down to the beach and other attractions like Pier Village. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing and fun escape from everyday life.
If you’re seeking a more luxurious stay filled with the best amenities, look no further than the Inn at Sea Island. From a heated outdoor pool and on-site workout room to continental breakfast and bicycle rentals, you’ll experience the best St. Simmons, Georgia has to offer in a comfortable and tranquil setting in this gorgeous inn. Visitors rave about the excellent location, close to beaches, parks, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Wake up to a gorgeous view of the beach in your modernized room at the newly renovated Sea Palms Resort and Conference Center. Known as an “island within an island,” this is a prime location for a girls’ weekend getaway, near to bars, dining, shops, and boasting a host of amenities. Play a round of golf, buy a drink at the pool tiki bar, or hit some tennis balls on the on-site courts.
