St. Simons Island in July: What to Expect

St. Simons Island is the place you want to be during the summertime. This coastal Georgia barrier island is known for its long stretch of beaches, beautiful natural scenery, famous historic sites, and notable golf courses.

St. Simons Island is the largest of the Golden Isles islands, so you’ll never run out of fun things to do when staying at our Lighthouse Vacation rentals. Between relaxing beach days, touring historic sites, and playing golf, July is the perfect time to visit the island.

What are you waiting for? We’ve got everything you need to know to make unforgettable memories on your July getaway to St. Simons Island.

July Weather on St. Simons Island

The weather in St. Simons Island really warms up by the month of July. The average temperatures reach the 90’s during the day and go down to the mid-70’s by night. While the weather might be toasty, the ocean breeze gives you just the reprieve you need during your summer beach days.

During the summer months, expect a mix of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days. We recommend packing light, breathable clothing for exploring the island. Make sure to pack your sunscreen and beach gear, as well! And don’t forget a rain jacket for those summer storms that leave as quickly as they roll through.

July Activities on St. Simons Island

Play a Round of Golf

People flock from all over to play golf at one of the many noteworthy golf courses in St. Simons Island. Each golf course is set among beautiful natural scenery, hundred year-old live oaks, and views of the ocean.

The King and Prince Golf Course and Sea Palms Resort & Conference Center Golf Course are both public courses that anyone can play. They each have special features, including driving ranges, practice putting greens, and even private lessons from PGA golf pros.

Sea Island Golf Club and Frederica Golf Club are also very popular golf courses that require membership or invitation to play.

Enjoy a Beach Day

Photo Credit: majunznk via Flickr CC 2.0

With over 1100 miles of beaches on Saint Simons Island, it’s the ideal destination for summer beach days.

East Beach is the island’s most popular beach. Lined with tall dunes, hard-packed sand, and multiple beachfront parks, it’s got everything you’re looking for in a beach destination. You can head to East Beach from multiple access points:

  • Historic U.S. Coast Guard Station Access Point: The U.S. Coast Guard Station has free parking, public restrooms, and a concession stand in the summer. This is the most popular access point.
  • Massengale Park Access Point: South of the Coast Guard Station is Massengale Park, a park offering a family-friendly playground, picnic areas, and public restrooms.
  • Gould’s Inlet Access Point: At the northern tip of East Beach, Gould’s Inlet is a Wildlife Beach Area where you can bird watch, fish off the pier, and enjoy diverse wildlife.

No matter which access point you choose, East Beach is the perfect spot for water activities, fishing, going shelling, or just relaxing at the beach.

Visit Pier Village

Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks

Pier Village is the place to be on a beautiful day in St. Simons Island. This entertainment district at the intersection of Mallery Street and Beachview Drive serves as the community’s hub.

Head to the Pier Village fishing pier first for a morning of fishing and watching boats come in. Take a short stroll to St. Simons Island Lighthouse next, one of the most famous historic sites on the island.

Head inland to explore the charming district’s many local shops, eateries, and boutiques. From local art to delicious restaurants to mom-and-pop shops, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

Check out our Pier Village guide for a list of our favorite shops, restaurants, and things to do.

Explore the Local Parks: Mini Golf, Wading Pools, and Trails

Photo Credit: Ercan Ekinci

Looking for a fun outdoor activity on the island? Visit one of the many local parks nearby.

  • Neptune Park has activities for the whole family. Located right on the beach, visitors can enjoy a round of putt-putt at their 18-hole miniature golf course, cool off at the wading pool, or enjoy the kid-friendly water gym.
  • Mallery Park is perfect for the sports enthusiast. Right off of Mallery Street, it’s got a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields, and more.
  • Frederica Park at the northern tip of the island, offers its own nature trail and a fenced dog park for your furry friends.

Get Outdoors

St. Simons hosts year round outdoor sports and activities, but there are some that are just extra sweet to experience during the height summer:

July 2024 Events on St. Simons Island

Celebrate the 4th of July

Known for its many historic sites honoring American history, St. Simons Island is a great place to celebrate Independence Day.

St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival

Photo Credit: Gorodenkoff

Celebrations start with the St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival (see more below) in Pier Village. This family-friendly daytime event includes a 5k and 1-mile fun run in the morning and ends with a fireworks display at Neptune Park.

Brunswick’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration

Head to Brunswick next for the Brunswick’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Starting at 4:30 pm, this event hosts a firework show, free games, live music, food trucks, and more. It’s the perfect celebration for the whole family to enjoy.

Sea Island’s 4th of July Celebration

If you want to take a day trip on the 4th, head to Sea Island’s 4th of July Celebration at the Cloister or Jekyll Island’s Independence Day Celebration. Jekyll Island fireworks are best seen from Great Dunes Beach Park and Oceanview Beach Park.

Sunshine Festival 5k Race and 1-Mile Fun Run

  • Address: Kings Park, 515 Park Ave, St Simons Island, GA
  • Date: July 4, 2024 at 7 am
  • Price: $35 for 5k; $20 for 1-mile fun run

The annual Sunshine Festival 5k race kicks off at 7 am on the 4th of July, followed by the 1-mile fun run at 8 am. Enjoy passing scenic oceanfront views and Spanish live oaks as you make your way to the finish line.

Crafts in the Village

Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks
  • Address: Postell Park in the Pier Village at 530 Beachview Dr., St. Simons Island, GA
  • Date: July 4th to 7th, 2024
  • Price: Free

Enjoy shopping for original art and handmade items from over 70 local artists at the annual crafts show in Pier Village.

Enjoy Your July Trip to St. Simons Island

We can’t think of a better place to spend your July getaway than St. Simons Island. It’s got it all: a long stretch of beautiful beaches, tons of local shops and restaurants, family-friendly parks, and countless historic sites to visit.

Come stay with us at Lighthouse Vacations and see for yourself how special St. Simons Island is. It’s the perfect destination for a beach vacation that offers way more than just lazy beach days. We promise you’ll have a trip to remember!