As the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island is known for its southern charm, natural beauty, and long stretch of pristine beaches.
Perfectly situated one hour south of Savannah, Georgia, and one hour north of Jacksonville, Florida, Saint Simons Island is the perfect beach destination for travelers looking to escape city life.
With cooler weather, fewer crowds, and year-round attractions, we can’t think of a better time of year to visit St. Simons Island than October. Come stay with us at Lighthouse Vacations and see for yourself how special the island is as fall approaches.
We’ve put together the ultimate St. Simons in October guide so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip.
October Weather on St. Simons Island
Coastal Georgia weather is incredible this time of the year. By the beginning of October, the summer heat has cooled down, with high temperatures in the 70’s and low’s in the 60’s. The weather continues to drop throughout October, providing a mild, pleasant temperature from day to night.
Expect little rainfall during the month of October with a mix of cloudy and sunny days. You might still experience humidity, but it decreases as the month goes on.
Best Things to Do in October on St. Simons
There are so many fun activities to do on your St. Simons Island October getaway. From outdoor adventures to historic sites to beachview spots, there are endless things to do and places to discover on this island.
1. Play a Round of Golf
St. Simons Island is a premiere golf destination, and there’s no better month to hit the golf courses than October. There are three main golf courses available to the public in Saint Simons Island. The most popular is King and Prince Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course with challenging holes and incredible scenery. Two PGA instructors are available for lessons if desired.
Sea Palms Resort and Sea Island Golf Club are both excellent options as well. Both world-class golf courses, and they offer a range of challenging holes, water elements, and views that are unique to coastal Georgia. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a first-timer.
Fun fact: Sea Island Golf Club hosts the RSM Classic each year, with local PGA champion Davis Love III as the host.
2. Tour Local Historic Sites
SSI is brimming with American history. The island is full of historic sites and monuments for visitors to explore, and October is the perfect month to do so.
We recommend starting in Pier Village at St. Simons Lighthouse, one of only five remaining lighthouses in the state of Georgia. The lighthouse is still used as a navigation aid for incoming ships, but it is now home to St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. The immersive exhibit invites guests to dive into the history of the lighthouse and coastal Georgia as a whole.
From there, head to the WWII Homefront Museum at the Coast Guard Station at East Beach. The museum pays homage to Coastal Georgia’s contributions in WWII through immersive experiences, exhibits, and more.
Finally, you can’t visit St. Simons Island without touring Christ Church and Fort Frederica National Monument, both staples in the local community.
3. Go Bird Watching
St. Simons Island is a birding paradise year-round, but especially during migration season from September to November.
During this time, the many bird species that migrated north during the Spring return to Georgia, giving you the chance to spot multiple varieties. In fact, more than 300 species of birds have been recorded along the Georgia coast, making this a must-do activity for the bird enthusiast.
You have a few different options for birding. The first is the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, which runs from Jacksonville to Savannah. You can access this trail at Gould’s Inlet, the northernmost point of the St. Simon Island beaches.
For a day trip centered around wildlife, we recommend heading to Little St. Simons Island. The privately-owned island hosts birding tours through uninhabited marshes to give you an upfront view of the many local species.
4. Explore Neighboring Islands
There’s nothing better than a road trip with beautiful views on a crisp fall day. Lucky for you, St. Simons Island is surrounded by neighboring islands and towns that make for easy, fun day trips.
The closest options is the town of Brunswick, a quick 15 minute drive from St. Simons Island. Brunswick is known for its Downtown square, many historic sites, and delicious eateries.
Jekyll Island is about 30 minutes away and offers a completely different vibe. We recommend checking out Driftwood Beach, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and Jekyll Island State Park.
Other day trip options include Sea Island (15 minutes), Savannah (1 hour), and Jacksonville (1 hour).
All in all, there are so many unique towns and islands to explore along the Georgia coast.
2024 October Events on St. Simons
Not only does October bring mild weather, it also brings fun local events for visitors to enjoy.
1. St. Simons Island Wine Festival
- Location: King and Prince Resort
- Date: October 18th-October 19th, 2024
St. Simons Island Wine Festival is a two-day festival featuring a mix of wine, art, and community. Attendees will get the chance to taste wines from around the world, enjoy live music, eat delicious food, and appreciate a variety of art exhibits.
2. St. Simons Island Antique Show
- Location: Postell Park
- Date: October 5-October 6, 2024
If you’re an antique enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the St. Simons Island Antique Show. Vendors come from all over the South, featuring a variety of art, furniture, jewelry, glassware, and more. The event is located under the Spanish live oak trees of Postell Park off of Mallory Street.
Packing for Your October Trip
At this point, you might be wondering what you should pack for your St. Simons Island October trip. With the mild weather and endless outdoor activities, we want to make sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable trip.
We recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers for the changing weather
- Golf equipment and gear if playing
- Beach items
- A mix of casual and nice outfits
Stay on St. Simons Island in October
The month of October on St. Simons Island is magical. The weather is finally cooling down, making it the perfect time to enjoy the island’s many outdoor activities.
From golf courses to touring historic sites to exploring neighboring islands, the options are endless when you visit in October. There are plenty of adventures to be had before coming back and cozying up at your Lighthouse Vacation rental.
We hope our guide gets you excited about your October St. Simons Island getaway.
