St. Simon’s Island, Georgia has long been a favorite retreat for families but it’s also ideal for spending a weekend with friends who don’t need traditional tourist attractions.
Less than five hours from Atlanta and two from Savannah, visitors can stay near the beach and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Where to Eat on St. Simon’s Island
Despite the town’s relatively small size, you’re never far from a delicious meal.
Breakfast
Sandy Bottom Bagels– Enjoy New York-style bagels at this strip mall restaurant. They use kosher and local ingredients, including serving Wake Up coffee.
Sweet Mama’s– This brunch spot offers homemade baked goods like biscuits, cookies, pastries, and surprisingly good “pork pops,” their specialty.
Wake Up Coffee Company– The local roaster has two cafes in town to fuel you up for the day. They serve cold brew and other coffee drinks along with light bites.
Lunch
Sammies– Grab a quick sandwich before heading to the beach from this cute cafe. They have meat and cheese on fresh bread with soft drinks and chips.
Sea Salt Healthy Kitchen– The health-conscious will enjoy this cafe’s offerings, which include soups, wraps, bowls, and salads that are gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and keto.
Southern Soul Barbeque– The former gas station is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, as well as the state, for its barbecue sandwiches, Southern sides like Brunswick stew, and vintage sodas.
Dinner
Echo– The King and Prince Resort overhauled its restaurant a few years back and opened this restaurant with indoor and patio dining. The menu includes burgers and shrimp and grits.
Fiddlers– Enjoy fresh, local seafood at this restaurant, which serves Brunswick stew, seafood po boy sandwiches, and Asian-inspired rice bowls.
Porch– If you’ve had your fill of seafood, this eatery near the pier serves Nashville-style hot chicken, sandwiches, and frozen rose cocktails.
Where to Drink on St. Simon’s Island
St. Simon’s Island isn’t a “party town” but there are places to grab a drink. But if you want to drink on Sunday, stop by the liquor store in advance.
Barrier Island Brewing– St. Simon’s first craft brewery serves house-made beer along with a menu of salads, sandwiches, and shareable bites.
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge– As the island’s only rooftop bar, this is a popular spot to grab a drink before sunset. They also have a full menu if you get peckish.
Richland Rum– Cross the causeway to visit the tasting room of this South Georgia rum distillery in downtown Brunswick. Sample the varieties or bring home a bottle.
Silver Bluff Brewing– Located right across the street in Brunswick, this sprawling craft brewery has a beer for every palate and plenty of outdoor space.
Ziggy Mahoney’s– Not your typical nightclub, this spot has been open since 2000 and has tiki-inspired decor, a small dance floor, pool tables, and two bars.
Relaxing, Beauty, Fitness on St. Simon’s Island
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
East Beach Yoga– Take a yoga class with this shop, either virtually or in-person for all experience levels, and browse for clothing and fitness-related products at their shop.
Island Day Spa– Pamper yourself with a treatment at this spa. Offerings include facials, massages, waxing treatments, hair styling, and nail care.
One Love Organic– Another option is this organic beauty product shop and spa that offers face and body peels, light therapy, and natural brow shaping.
Paddleboarding and kayaking– Southeast Adventure Outfitters is one of many local outfitters that offers guided trips with paddleboards and kayaks.
Shopping on St. Simon’s Island
There’s no shortage of places to shop in St. Simon’s, between the shops of Redfern Village, those near the Pier, and the many shopping centers on the northern side of the island.
Cloth + Label– The sister stores in Glynn Haven sell upscale women’s clothing and accessories along with designer furniture and home decor.
Rahab’s Rope– Sourcing from makers around the world, this store near the pier supports women and children in the fight against human trafficking.
Righton Books– The island’s best bookstore has a wide variety of new books including a large section on travel and regional focus as well as cookbooks.
Savannah Bee Company– The Savannah-based honey company has a storefront in town selling its artisan honey, cookbooks, and kitchen wares. The founder comes from the island.
The Vine– This garden market is from the folks behind the island’s most stylish Airbnb rentals. The store sells decorative accessories, books, gifts, and planters.
Viola’s Market– Browse for farmhouse-style home decor and gifts at this Redfern Village shop. There’s also a great jewelry section.
Sightseeing on St. Simon’s Island
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
Christ Church Frederica– Built on the grounds of a congregation formed by John Wesley, the current church was built in 1884. It’s now open for tours and the cemetery features the graves of well-known Georgians.
Fort Frederica National Monument– Built starting in 1736, the fort was the original site of the settlement by James Oglethorpe. Over 600 British troops were stationed here to protect against Spanish Florida. Today it has trails and information panels.
St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse– This historic lighthouse is one of five in the state with its restored Fresnel lens. It still operates in guiding ships and visitors can climb over 100 steps to the top. There’s also a museum on the island’s history.
World War II Home Front Museum– Learn about the Golden Isles’ role in protecting America from attacks during World War II at this museum in the former Coast Guard station.
Tours– Hop aboard one of the trolley or boat tours of the island and surrounds. Cap Fendig runs trolley tours and boat tours. String of Pearls also runs sunset tours.
Where to Stay on St. Simon’s Island
Visitors to St. Simon’s Island can choose between rental homes and a handful of hotels. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
Hotel Simone– The stunning adults-only hotel is the first to be built on the island in decades. Guests enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and parking. Read our review here.
The Park SSI– This stylish micro-hotel is inspired by Palm Springs with five vacation rentals that share a pool. They come with coffee makers, full kitchens, and beach towels.
Inn at Sea Island– While it’s a part of the Sea Island complex, this property is actually on St. Simon’s. Rooms contain modern coastal furnishings with access to daily breakfast, an outdoor pool, rental bikes, and shuttle service to Sea Island.
Rentals– Choose from one of many rental properties on the island, whether you’re looking for a condo or a full house. Airbnb has many options like The Fig House, a midcentury home with a pool, or Captain’s Loft, a maritime home on the marsh.
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