A trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia
If you’re looking for a charming, family-friendly destination where you can relax and have fun with your little ones, then St. Simons Island, Georgia, is the place to be. This coastal gem offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, kid-friendly activities, and some seriously delicious eats. So, pack your bags and make some memories!
TAKE THE TRIP – it will be hard but it will be worth it! We are trying to make all the memories before Chris deploys for a year. we LOVED our time at St. Simon Island this weekend!
Things to do
Exploring nature’s playground
1. **St. Simons Lighthouse & Museum**: Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse. While climbing all the way to the top might be a bit much for the little ones, they’ll love exploring the surrounding grounds, which feature a museum and picnic spots.
2. **Neptune Park**: This park is a fantastic place for kids to run around and play. It boasts a playground, a pool, miniature golf, and even a charming little train that takes you on a scenic tour around the island.
3. **Beach Days**: Of course, a trip to an island wouldn’t be complete without some beach time. East Beach is a popular spot with calm waters, making it perfect for toddlers to splash around. Remember to pack buckets and shovels for some sandy fun!
4. **Turtle Sanctuary on Jekyll Island**: Take a short trip to nearby Jekyll Island to visit the Turtle Sanctuary. Here, you and your little ones can learn about the conservation efforts to protect sea turtles, including a chance to see these fascinating creatures up close. It’s an educational and heartwarming experience for the whole family.
When the sun starts to set, and you’re looking for more indoor activities, there are some cool places to visit:
5. **Island Dive Center**: Explore the fascinating underwater world without getting wet. The Island Dive Center has a virtual dive experience that’s sure to captivate the kids.
6. **Golden Isles Olive Oil & Wine Bar**: Yes, it’s a wine bar, but it also offers an array of gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars that the little ones can sample too. A unique and fun stop for the family.
7. **Island Cinema**: For a low-key evening, catch a family-friendly movie at Island Cinema. It’s a small, cozy theater perfect for a relaxing night out with the kids.
These family-friendly activities on St. Simons Island and nearby Jekyll Island offer a delightful blend of outdoor exploration and educational experiences for your young adventurers. Enjoy your island getaway!
Where to eat
A FEW tasty bites!
1. **Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill**: Treat your taste buds to some fresh seafood while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. They even have a kids’ menu with all the classics.
2. **Fiddlers**: Offering a diverse menu, Fiddlers is a fantastic choice for families. Whether you’re craving seafood, burgers, or salads, you’ll find something to please everyone in your crew.
3. **The Porch**: This cozy eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of Southern-inspired dishes. It’s a great spot for a family dinner.
4. **La Plancha**: If you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine, La Plancha is the place to go. They have a kids’ menu, and their flavorful dishes will satisfy both adults and little ones.
5. **Skippers in Darien**: While not on St. Simons Island, Skippers in Darien is worth the short drive. Known for its seafood, it’s a local gem where you can enjoy a delicious meal with the family.
6. **Palmers**: Offering upscale Southern cuisine, Palmers is a lovely choice for a special family dinner. Their menu features a variety of dishes sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
7. **Frederica Cafe**: Known for its excellent breakfast options, Frederica Cafe is the place to go if you’re craving the “best French toast” on the island. Their breakfast menu has plenty of kid-friendly choices too.
A FEW MORE TO CONSIDER-
8. **Crab Trap**: For more seafood delights, don’t miss Crab Trap, known for its seafood boils and fresh catches of the day.
9. **Iguanas**: If you’re in the mood for Mexican and Southwestern flavors, Iguanas is a family-friendly restaurant with a colorful atmosphere and tasty dishes.
10. **Barrier Island Brewery**: For parents who enjoy craft beer, Barrier Island Brewery is a great spot to sample local brews while the kids enjoy a meal.
11. **Del Sur**: Del Sur offers Latin American cuisine with a fusion of flavors. It’s a unique dining experience for the whole family.
12. **Mullet Bay**: A waterfront dining option where you can enjoy seafood with a view. Mullet Bay is a great place to relax and unwind with the family.
13. **Gnat’s Landing**: A casual, family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, and Southern comfort food.
14. **Red Barn**: If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Red Barn serves up mouthwatering smoked meats and classic Southern sides that both parents and kids will love.
With this expanded list, you’ll have plenty of dining options to explore and savor during your family getaway to St. Simons Island. Bon appétit!
Where we stayed
the perfect spot!
As for accommodations, there are various options to suit your family’s needs. You can choose from beachfront resorts, vacation rentals, or cozy cottages. Look for accommodations that offer amenities like kitchens and play areas, which can be a lifesaver when traveling with little ones.
We stayed at @turtle_cottage_ssi ! It was perfect for our big group and was close to everything! Perfect location, very comfortable with upgraded amenities. I saved all the trip details to a highlight on my IG! And don’t forget to check the car organization + traveling with kids blog to help you pack!
We rented beach and baby/ toddler gear from @babyquip! I LOVE this service!!!
my tips – Save this if you are planning a trip there.
1. Go to East beach, 1st street access is wheelchair/ stroller accessible and has bathrooms!
2. For a less crowded beach (even though 1st street wasn’t very crowded IMO) opt for 5-6th street access
3. Go to Mallory Square for shopping and restaurants!
4. Make sure you walk to the end of the strip to check out the fishing pier
5. Walk to the lighthouse it also has a nice park for kids (perfect to do before or after dinner)
6. Go to Gascoigne Bluff Park to see all the gorgeous trees! Great photo opp place
**Pro tip: The tide comes in pretty fast so put your umbrellas closer to the dunes or else you will have to move it 1000 times 🤣. Waterproof beach bag definitely a necessity**
Food picks :
Southern Soul BBQ
Iguanas (free ice cream with dinner)
Fiddlers
Crabdaddy’s
Porch
Dolce dough (donuts)
Moo cow (ice cream)
Barrier Island Brewery
What I wore
This bathing suit is Summersalt and its amazing! It is so flattering, stays in place and there are tons of colorways! It is thick but not too thick. I went with a 10, it was just a tad more comfortable than the 8 for me. I also loved this oversized summer to fall sweater, I used it as a coverup and also with shorts as an outfit!