If the idea of sharing your trip with crowds of people doesn’t appeal to you and you’re looking for a relaxing trip, you’re in luck. St. Simons Island, Georgia is a gorgeous, under-the-radar beach town you’ll love. Let’s go off the beaten path…
When ranking the top beaches in the U.S., the stunning coast of Hawaii almost always tops the list.
But did you know that in 2018, a whopping ten million people visited Hawaii? Clearly, the secret is out, and people are flocking to visit.
Under-the-radar travel destinations are the BEST! It’s so fun to explore somewhere new. Let’s opt out of the over-crowded, overrated tourist traps. Why not go somewhere uncommon but still awesome? Little-known destinations = unique and memorable experiences.
Georgia Has Islands?
Yes, it’s true! There are 15 barrier islands off the coast of Georgia, several of which are remote and undeveloped, and a few that could be the next on your list of places to visit!
The “Golden Isles” are beautiful and serene, but also have a rich history, tons of things to do, and of course a dose of southern hospitality.
My first trip to coastal Georgia was as a baby. I was only three years old when my parents took me with them on a church trip to St. Simons Island GA.
They love to tell the hilarious story of how I somehow ended up taking off my swimsuit and running naked down the beach. Sheesh!
Needless to say, over the years (after countless trips back to the island), our family has collected many funny stories and great memories of our time there.
We fell in love with St. Simons Island and continued to go back year after year. It started to feel like a home away from home, somewhere familiar and cozy. To this day my parents talk about moving there (and I hope they do!)
It’s a great, under-the-radar beach town that you need to experience for yourself! Here’s why…
What’s Unique About St. Simons Island GA
Have you ever traveled somewhere and thought to yourself, I wonder who’s actually from here? Where are the locals?
Unlike many popular beach destinations that are primarily composed of tourists, over 12,000 people actually live on St. Simons Island.
It makes such a difference!
When the only people around are visitors, it’s hard to get a real sense of what a place is actually like. That’s one thing that feels different at St. Simons Island.
It’s relatively small in size, and it’s a friendly place, the kind of place where people say hello to one another. There aren’t any freeways on the island (in most places the speed limit doesn’t exceed 35 mph) so it’s common to see golf carts on the roads along with cars and bikes.
Everywhere you go, you’ll see massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss that really add to the charm of the island. If you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of one of the “tree spirits” carvings.
Legend has it that they immortalize sailors lost at sea while on board ships carved from St. Simons oak trees. There are over 20 on the island and add a whimsical touch.
There’s no shortage of peaceful beaches and great cozy restaurants to choose from. Some of my favorites are in “the village” on the south side of the island, near the water and the lighthouse. The village is a great place to walk around and explore, all while soaking up the sun and feeling the breeze off the water.
Over the years, St. Simons Island has grown in popularity. In fact, at one point it was named “America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Yet somehow, even among changes over the years, has maintained its under-the-radar, relaxing vibe.
Ways To Explore The Island
You can’t take a trip to St. Simons without renting bikes, kayaks, or paddle boards! There are so many ways to be active and enjoy the environment.
Not only do you have the ocean, but St. Simons Island GA also has numerous marshes and inland waterways to explore on your own or with a guide.
One of my best memories was a sailing trip we took as a family. It was a reasonably-priced private charter, where we went out for a few hours and just relaxed on the water. We even spotted a few dolphins! There are tons of options for boat rentals of all kinds.
A few other recommendations are to explore the lighthouse, go horseback riding on the beach, check out the golf courses…
And don’t forget to visit Fort Frederica, a national monument that dates back to the 1700s. Very cool and interesting. Also of historical significance is Christ Church, a stunning chapel and cemetery that played a role in the Civil War and has been home to many key figures throughout history.
Planning Your Visit To The Golden Isles
Now that you’re in the know of this under-the-radar super fun beach town, let me share a few travel tips so you can plan your trip.
When it comes to getting there, the closest major airports are Savannah and Jacksonville. While the island does have a small airport, it’s reserved for private planes.
In my opinion, the best time to visit is off-peak times, like late spring or early fall. (By the way, have you heard about how to use shoulder season to save money on travel?)
The weather is still nice but the crowds are thinner. My family always visited right after school was back in session, in late August, and it was a perfect time.
There are numerous places to stay, ranging from simple to fancy. And of course some great Airbnb options too. If you haven’t tried Airbnb yet, you need to! And if you’re wondering how does Airbnb work? I’ve got you covered.
Off The Beaten Path
I hope you’re feeling inspired to see St. Simons Island GA and the Golden Isles for yourself!
There are so many great, undiscovered places to explore in the U.S. So don’t limit yourself to only the popular and well-known travel destinations. In my experience, little-known destinations = unique and memorable experiences!
To help you prepare for your trip, be sure to grab a copy of my FREE Travel Essentials packing list below. You don’t want to get to St. Simons Island and realize you left your swimsuit at home, do you? Get the checklist here:
Comment below and let me know if you’ve traveled to St. Simons Island Georgia and what your favorite part was.
If you haven’t been (but love undiscovered locations like me), let me know where I should travel to next! Writing this post reminded me how much I love finding unique spots! Let’s find some new ones to explore…
