If you’re looking for an exciting and relaxing place to spend your Labor Day, look no further than St. Simons Island.
With its beautiful waters, excellent food, and a wide variety of attractions, there are a ton of reasons to visit Georgia’s coast– and especially the picturesque Golden Isles. As the largest barrier island within the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island has so much to offer the eager traveler. With everything from resorts to museums to hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and new experiences waiting around every corner.
Weekday & Weekend Festivities
One of the best parts about visiting St. Simons Island is that there are lots of events and opportunities for new adventures located all around the island.
In late August, you can visit the St. Simons Island Sounds by the Sea event, where guests can enjoy the music of regional and local artists while relaxing near the water. The 2021 event features Michaele and the Ambiguous, with music starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children between 6-12, and free for children under 6. Due to COVID-19 accommodations, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.
On Mondays, you can also enjoy afternoon tea from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This relaxing event includes food and tea for two, including desserts, appetizers, and finger sandwiches. Tickets are $15, and reservations are required, so check out their website for more info.
Another great option is the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, which is open seven days a week. Built in 1872, this fantastic piece of history was created to replace the original 1810 lighthouse, which was destroyed in the Civil War. Adventurous guests can climb all 129 steps to the scenic views at the top of the lighthouse, where you can see from St.Simons Island to Jekyll Island and even into Brunswick.
To explore the Lighthouse Museum and Keeper’s Dwelling, stop by the ticket office before 4:30 pm so you can check out the artifacts, period rooms, and interactive exhibits. Admission costs $12 for adults, $6 for children between 6 and 12, and is free for children under six and members of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society.
Outdoor Adventures
Summer is also a great time to experience St. Simons Island’s beautiful natural areas, including the 600-acre Cannon’s Point Preserve. This vast green space is home to many native plant and animal species, and you can even find the ruins of a plantation hidden within the preserve.
While you’re wandering around the lush green areas, you may find a handsome face– or perhaps something even more mysterious?– carved into the trees around you. The best part of St. Simons Island’s natural spaces for many children– and adults– are the Tree Spirits and treasure hunting opportunities that wait in the forests. Whether you like admiring hand-carved, nature-inspired art or looking around for secret items, the many wooded trails are fun to explore.
St. Simons Island is the perfect place to visit if you want a unique water-based experience. Thanks to Georgia’s intriguing marshlands and ocean access, there is a myriad of aquatic adventures to try out. If you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful, tranquil float through the marshes, kayaking is a great way to see the water and wildlife quietly.
You can also check out Little St. Simons Island, which has a seven-mile deserted beach dotted with bird-watching towers where you can spot some of the 300 unique bird species living in the area. You may even be lucky enough to spot Norm, the island’s favorite pond-dwelling alligator mascot.
COVID-19 Info
The Welcome Center has been reopened and has made accommodations to follow the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing, which includes closing the center on I-95 to visitors (though phone lines remain open).
In addition, you can visit the Virtual Visitor’s Center for ideas on outdoors and socially distanced activities, as well as live webcams and pictures to give you an image of what the Golden Isles are like before your visit.
The Golden Isles’ website also offers a few recommendations, including reminders to keep six feet apart, wash your hands often, wear a face-covering in public settings, and to stay home if you feel unwell. If you have any questions, you can call the state of Georgia’s COVID-19 hotline at 844-442-2681.
Visiting St. Simons Island for Labor Day
Whether you’re looking for a lively city scene with live music and fantastic food, or a quiet trip through untouched wilderness, St. Simons Island is a great place to visit this summer.
