leeam

Hi, my family - husband and myself in our forties, one daughter 12, sister and brother in law in their early fifties and our parents seventies are considering renting a home by the water this summer on St. Simons Island. We are "beach people" and it looks great to us.We have found some great homes to rent close to the beach.
We do not need any type of nightlife but what else is there to do besides the beach? I see Savannah is not to far North and that interests us for a day trip as well as Cumberland Island for a day trip. Does anyone know anything about this new public waterpark that is open there? Are there any "must sees" for this area. We love to dine out but will cook in a few times at least. We love seafood also. Thanks for any and all of your help!

starrs

St Simons is a nice relaxed place to spend time. Good restaurants to choose from. Some shopping. Savannah and Cumberland Island would be good day trips. I like Jekyll Island and if anyone is interested in kayaking they offer a great marsh option. Visiting the "cottages" in the historic district on Jekyll would be nice too. St Simons is a great option for a quiet, lazy beach getaway - but there really isn't a lot else to do there. A friend has moved back "home" (after living in the city) and I envy her Facebook status messages (walked the beach at sunset, etc) but there isn't a lot going on. Which, for some of us, can be pretty much perfect

If anyone in the group is interested in historical fiction they need to read some of Eungenie Price's books before the trip -
http://www.gacoast.com/hightide/ep.html

cgenster

It has been a very long time since I've been to St. Simons or Jekyll, but we thoroughly enjoyed both.

At St. Simons we toured an old church and cemetery. It was very interesting until the horseflies came out and attacked us.

At Jekyll we rode bikes around the island and if I remember correctly it was a very scenic path that circled the island.

Sorry I can't give any other suggestions, but it has been more than 20 years since I was there.

cgenster

Forgot to mention the name of the church on St. Simons it is Christ Church. Here is a link. http://www.christchurchfrederica.org/

Here is a link about Jekyll and the bike paths.
http://cruises.about.com/cs/northamerica/a/jekyll_3.htm

longhorn55

We regularly vacation at Jekyll Island and I would recommed it as well for a day trip from St. Simon's. Take a tram tour of the Historic Area and visit the fun shops there. Drive around the island (or rent bikes) and see some of the other historic sites--old graveyard, Horton House ruins, etc. Eat a picnic lunch at Clam Creek Picnic area and then walk over to picturesque Driftwood Beach. Play a round of minigolf. Do the "Night Splash" (3-6pm) at Summer Waves waterpark at a reduced rate (and 3 hours is long enough for this small waterpark.)

ChiDad

We took a family vacation to St. Simons Island for a week and had a great time. There are enough restaurants on the island to keep you happy for a week. Savannah is a nice day trip and Jekyll is wonderful. Driftwood beach is amazing. Go early in your visit in case you decide to go back. The Turtle Center is also cool on Jekyll and worth a visit. They also do night time turtle walks that are fun.

St. Simons has a nice mini golf course right in the commercial area that is fun to play at night. There is a lot of golf and tennis played on the island, too.

We thought about a day trip to see the Okeefenokee (sp?) swamp but were having too much fun on St. Simonds to follow through.

leeam

Thank you for all of the info. so far - I feel more confident in picking this place for our vacation! Keep the info. coming! Any restaurants that we CANNOT miss please let me know. Thank you to all!

CoastalGaView

Hi -- I am a St. Simons area "local." Based on the family ages you mentioned and your interests I think St. Simons Island sounds perfect for you.

One of the things you will like most about St. Simons Island is the Village/Pier/Neptune Park/Pool/Lighthouse area that is essentially tied together and within very easy walking distance of each other. Park once and you can enjoy dinner and do all of these things.

The new pool is gorgeous (opened in May 2009), nestled under the Lighthouse, and combined with the playground area and min. golf (all new, too). Between the Pier and the pool is Neptune Park where older family members can relax under the live oaks or in the white rocking chairs on the porch of the Casino - all while enjoying the shrimp boats going by on St. Simons Sound. There's a library in the Casino and wi-fi, too.

There isn't much nightlife BUT it has gotten better in the past couple of years. Try Palm Coast Coffee in the Village for music as well as the Village Pub. There's also Ziggy Mahoney's where the locals go to shag dance on Tuesday nights. The local Brunswick newspaper always has a nice list of night activities for the area in the Thurs. or Fri. paper.

Depending on how long you are staying, the Glynn County Art Society (located in the Village) has great programs for children during the summer (some one-day, one-week activities). Also check for activities for kids on Jekyll (Sea Turtle Center, etc.) Fourth of July is BIG on SSI - very family oriented, fireworks over the water, etc.

Where I Take My Guests: SSI Village area; SSI Lighthouse; concerts at the SSI Lighthouse two Sundays a month during the summer; Jekyll Island Historic District; Georgia Sea Turtle Center; day trips to Savannah; Ft. King George and a look at the shrimp boats in Darien; wine tastings at the Waterfront Wine and Gourmet shop in Darien on Thursdays; Cumberland Island; Sapelo Island; water taxi from St. Mary's to Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach; Mighty 8th Museum (for any with WWII/Army Air Force interest); tour from the Lady Jane shrimp boat out of Brunswick; kayaking; for a drive by the Victorian houses in downtown Brunswick; 1st Fridays in downtown Brunswick; many old forts between Jacksonville and Savannah to explore; Okefenokee Swamp at Folkston, GA; Jacksonville Zoo. Bring your bikes. There are tons of bike paths on SSI and Jekyll Island.

Where the Locals Eat: Barbecue - Beachcomber, Southern Soul - both on SSI; Pizza - Sal's on SSI, Arte Pizza in downtown Brunswick; Seafood - Mudcat Charlie's on US 17 between Brunswick and Darien; BJ's - Darien; Desserts and comfort food - 4th of May on SSI. These are all cheaper, very local, very family oriented. There are more upscale seafood places, too. Crabdaddy's is probably my favorite. There's plenty of good seafood to be had, ask other locals for their fav's once you get here.

Re. renting a house on SSI. There are two especially good areas: The Village area and the East Beach area. The Village area has all of the great things to do as mentioned above - but the beach is only accessible for part of the day due to tides. East Beach area has the best beach on SSI for swimming and sunbathing. Jekyll Island is my favorite beach and is an easy drive.

Bottom line: If you enjoy the outdoors and are not looking for the Disney World frantic pace experience - you will love it here.

Hope this helps you some in your decision. Have a great vacation.

starrs

I've visited in the last year (for a quick business trip) but my best friend goes down yearly for a "girls trip" (the "girls" are in their 60s). A single friend in her early 30s just moved back "home". The following are our favorites -

Without a doubt, the younger friend's favorite is the (relatively new) Coastal Kitchen -
The food is great. The view is of the marina and the boats. The bartenders are friendly and it's just a really good place to try.
http://www.coastalkitchenandrawbar.net/

My older friend has tried all of the classic SSI restaurants and their new favorites is Gnat's Landing -
http://www.gnatslanding.com/

The new place I "discovered" was a casual, small sandwich place on Ocean Boulevard with great sandwiches, soups, desserts. It would be a great place to bike or walk to while you are there - Boulevard Cafe
http://www.yelp.com/biz/boulevard-ca...-simons-island

The classic casual seafood place is the Crab Trap -
http://www.thecrabtrapssi.com/

Tried and true SSI favorites -
The Fourth of May - http://www.4thofmay.net/st-simons/

Barbara Jean's - http://www.barbarajeans.com/

Crabdaddy's - http://www.crabdaddysseafood.com/


This is a (small) chain, but one of my favorite restaurants when on the road. Good menu, great drinks -
http://www.bonefishgrill.com/

On my "to do" list is trying the Brunswick stew at Frannie's Place. If you go, let me know how it is

If I were going for a week, those would be my choices.
Actually, I'd go back to the Coastal Kitchen as often as my budget would allow. The scallops we had there were incredible.

psaylorssi

These are wonderful endorsements and I hope you'll consider St. Simons Island. Here are a couple of other sources of information that you might find useful:

http://www.ComeCoastAwhile.com

http://brunswickandthegoldenislesnews.blogspot.com/

Patrick Saylor
St. Simons Island, GA

leeam

I am so thrilled with all of your suggestions! Everyone has been so informative, I really, really want to go now! My parents and older sister and family whom I am planning on going with are on a cruise right now, will be back tomorrow for dinner at my house and to go over all of this information!!! I can't wait to show them everything. Thank you so much - it does sound like our type of vacation (originally being from Cape Code we adore the beach). Thanks again.

rfrank1031

Hello There,
Sorry to jump on this thread, but we too are considering a trip to SSI this summer. We are a couple in our mid-30s with a 5 year old girl and 3 year old boy. Would you still recommend this destination for us or would you instead recommend Jekyll which also sounds wonderful?
Also, from a logistics standpoint, we'd be flying in from NY and I suppose renting a car(?) to get to the island? Do we need a car? How does one get around...are things within walking distance? Are there cabs?

Any other generic info would be much appreciated! Thx.
P.S. Yes, we are looking for a relaxing family time spent by beach/pool with some sightseeing, biking, exploring. No hectic pace here!

starrs

You will need to rent a car for both/either island.
My preference is Jekyll Island. The hotels were all about the same age and a bit "tired" but the new Hampton Inn has just opened up on Jekyll.

On Jekyll, you can bike around the whole island on bike trails on rental bikes and/or use little surries -
http://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/biking.asp

hmmm

I've been going to the golden isles, including St. Simons, for more than 40 years. The beaches on Jekyll are far superior to those of St. Simons, but that's about it for Jekyll. Accommodations on Jekyll tend to dowdy motels and hotels, though there are one or two exceptions. Never seen a "cab" on Jekyll. Jekyll is way quieter and less developed than St. Simons.

Three of our favorite restaurants on St. Simons (on Jekyll, we have no favorites): Crabdaddy's and Crab Trap, principally seafood, a stone's throw from the King & Prince, and Bennie's Red Barn in the interior, a 50+ year old local institution, which has a great barnlike atmosphere (really), serving steaks and chops, among other things. The pier/village is great fun, with lots of shopping, dining, people watching. The beaches on St. Simons, by and large, tend to be slivers. The beach in front of its most famous hotel, the King & Prince, vanishes at high tide.

You might wish to tour the site of Fort Frederica, which dates to at least our revolutionary war.

Enjoy your vacation. The area is wonderful.

SandyBrit

book marking

french0626

St Simons Island is a wonderful destination for a low-key, relaxing summer break. While East Beach is great during the day, you might consider renting a home close enough to either the Pier Village or closer to the airport off of Demere or Frederica Roads near Redfern Village so you can walk to dinner at the nearby restaurants. Places to eat: Georgia Sea Grill; Gnat's; Bennie's Red Barn; new breakfast/ lunch place next to Village Pub whose name escapes me. Things to do: Find "The Three of Us" playing locally at Village Pub or other places on the island. Email "[email protected]" to subscribe to their Golden Isles Music Scene weekly newsletter. Also summer music at the Lighthouse. The new pool/ Neptune Park is FABULOUS!!! Check out the summer day camps for kids: Sea Turtle Camp on Jekyll Island; Frederica Academy has programs too. Do Yoga at Sabine's in Redfern Village or run with the Golden Isles Track Club. Ride your bikes, discover the areas preserved by The St. Simons Land Trust - along Frederica and also way out on the north end of the island. Depending on what shopping you want: lots of cute boutiques and such on the island; Target, TJMaxx in Brunswick (also Publix supermarket); GREAT shopping in Jacksonville (Louis V, Apple, etc. in St Johns Town Center (I think that's the name)) which I would choose over Savannah if shopping is the destination. For history, go to Savannah. Check out historical sites by googling the State of Georgia Historic Sites and State Parks. Don't forget the areas in North Florida that are not very far away but would offer a different experience and are worth a night or two if you are spending the summer - everything from Amelia south towards Cape Canaveral (Palm Valley Fish Camp in Ponte Vedra is a can't miss for dinner if you spend a night in the area; also the Ponte Vedra spa; Daytona speedway; Space Shuttle and NASA at Kennedy Space Center). Final tips: take your bug spray, be ready for humidity, and buy your gin (or adult beverage of choice) on the mainland.

My son is 5 and we cannot spend enough time in the summers - it is idyllic! Hope this is helpful and that you all have great times on SSI this summer!

french0626

Couple of things:
If you are going to SSI primarily for the beach itself, then you may be disappointed. It is not a wide and long beach with tons of waves. Shelling is also not really the thing, unlike northern Florida beaches.
SSI is a place to "veg out." Typical day with my son: breakfast on the screen porch or somewhere we ride our bikes to; pack a little snak and ride for most of the morning; if the tide is out, check out the marsh areas and let him explore the crabs, keep riding, find a playground, then ride to lunch. Nap if it works out, then head to beach for rest of day. Clean up, walk to dinner (he has even ridden his big wheel with me walking beside him) come home, lights out.
Last year my son went on the fishing boat/ dolphin watch tour with his Grandad and had the best time. Other nature things to do: rent a boat at Two-Way Fish Camp near Darien and tour the Altamaha River (better yet, try to find a guide, maybe from DNR who is off duty and you could pay to guide you). Stop by Coastal Resources Division of Ga. DNR (just before the bridge from SSI to Jekyll). If you can find it, buy "More Fun than Heaven" an old book about SSI.
There are also ghosts and all sorts of folklore in the St. Simons - Jekyll area. Check out the Jekyll Island Club for dinner, stroll down the right (or wrong depending on how you look at it) and you'll find a ghostie or ten.

NY family: you and your children will love love love it! You are going to need a car; maybe a jeep would be perfect! I would really encourage you to consider staying somewhere in the vicinity of the Pier Village or neighborhoods bordered by Demere/Frederica Roads. If you want to be able to walk to dinner, you are going to want to be in one of those two areas. Our family home is in the Demere/Frederica area near the end of the airstrip. (Noise is really not a problem.) Location has great access to Larry's subs, the yogurt store, Redfern Village and its restaurants but is still close enough for bikes to the beach. During the weekends, especially around the 4th, you will want to only use your bike and not drive on or off the island because of the massive influx of visitors that week.

My husband and I love it, are so blessed to have family with a home there. Fortunately my job allows me to work remotely during large chunks of time in the summer so we are able to let our son "grow up" on SSI.

Kay2

Just wanted to add that we were recently in Jekyll and St Simons. If you want to see all the buildings possible on Jekyll, I would suggest avoiding Saturday. When we were there 3 weddings were taking place, so some areas were closed and the wedding parties were noisy. We also found the Clam Creek picnic area overrun on Saturday. We could get away from folks walking around the bend on driftwood beach.

On SSI we had a nice seafood dinner at Frederica House in the interior. We felt like the only outsiders.

stsimons05

Although the surrounding areas of St. Simons Island are beautiful you can find enough to keep you busy right on St. Simons. Depending on where you are flying into and what you plan on doing you may need to rent a car. If you are flying into Jacksonville, FL you will want to rent a car and drive to the island. If you are flying into Brunswick, GA you can get a taxi to the island. The Golden Isles Airport is a little more expensive, however, it is a wonderful little airport and you can save money by not renting a car. You can stay in the pier/village area and find plenty to do. It has the pool, park & miniature golf, the lighthouse, the shops lots of local restaurants, the pier for fishing & crabbing and the trolley. We found the trolley to be very informative with a lot of history of the island and it stops at The Christ Church & Cemetary. You can also rent bikes, golf carts and such to get around the island. The golf cart or taxi can take you to the swimming beaches, not too far away. You just have to know the tide tables. There are nice waves when the tides are coming in, however, you may want to set up towards the back to allow for the tide. At low tide the water is still and there is plenty of beach space. It doesn't get overly crowded unless you come on a holiday weekend. The island also has a fort called Fort Frederica which is not only part of history but has beautiful live oak trees. There is also the Avenue of the Oaks, and the tree spirits. I think they still do ghost tours if that's of interest. You can also rent kayaks or other watercrafts. Whatever you decide to do, St Simons has a lot to offer...just don't forget your sunscreen and bugspray. Enjoy!!!