I'm trying to talk my husband into this destination for our summer (late may) vacation this year. I love the beach and would be content to sit there for a full week, however he (and the kids) like to get out and do other things too - I really want to go somewhere different this year (usually do Myrtle Beach or Florida) and wanted your opinions on St. Simons, Jekyl Island, etc. as far as a good (cheap) family place to stay, activities, etc. ANY help, suggestions, tips, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks for reading!

Daphne,
don't know for certain - but I believe St Simons & Jeckyl Islands are pretty expensive ... you may want to try the south end of Nags Head, NC (outer banks). We stayed there with our children a few summer vacations - laid back atmosphere and quiet beach - yet lots of things to do nearby. We always stayed at the Manor Motel - not ritzy - very family-ish and right on the ocean with good rates. The owners are great people - let you borrow anything/everything ...such as crabbing equipment.

I'd recommend staying at the Georgia coast. It's still pretty much uncrowded. I'm interested in geography in general and noticed that Savannah is not too far away from the coast. Maybe go inland some or go a little north to Charleston.

I don't know anything about these Islands except that we had friends who are golfers and they used to go to Jekyl. I would vote for the Outer Banks. Have a search engine pull up "Outer Banks" and then email a few realtors requesting brochers of rentals. We always rented a house with a walkway from the back porch to the ocean as sometimes there are large sand dunes.. (The houses are on stils)

Jekyll is the pits. Lots of convention kids during the summer. NO good food.

I live a couple of hours from Jekyll and St. Simons. Jekyll is the pits except for the historic Jekyll Inn which isn't even on the beach. The Island is made up of houses and hotels from the 1950s and 60s and there are only a few restaurants such as Huddle House, etc. St. Simons is more residential, upscale, with several shops, restaurants, etc., and a couple of decent, pricey hotels on a beach with muddy water. If you've been to Florida, you will probably be disappointed in both Jekyll and St. Simons. It may be a little cheaper than other locales but no much and not worth it.