Are you thinking about visiting Saint Simons, Georgia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Saint Simons worth visiting?
This island is a good place to visit for two to four days. St. Simons is one of the most developed of the Golden Isles, off the Georgia coast. The island has beaches and marshland. There's also a small town with restaurants and shopping. Visitors enjoy golfing, swimming, or fishing off one of the piers. We first visited in 2014 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with laid back atmosphere and beachfront setting.
St. Simon's Island, Georgia
Reasons to Visit Saint Simons
Food
There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.
Beaches
There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.
Shopping
You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.
Resorts
There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.
Hiking
There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.
Is Saint Simons worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Saint Simons is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Saint Simons is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the small town charm, and the hiking. Also, you'll be able to relax at a resort.
Summer Weather in Saint Simons
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Is Saint Simons worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Simons, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, take a hike, and savor the small town atmosphere.
Autumn Weather in Saint Simons
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| November | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 13°C (56°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Saint Simons worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Saint Simons. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants.
Winter Weather in Saint Simons
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 12°C (53°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| February | 13°C (56°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| March | 17°C (62°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Saint Simons worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Simons. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm.
Spring Weather in Saint Simons
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (74°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| June | 27°C (80°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Saint Simons
Museums: Saint Simons isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Saint Simons with a lively nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Saint Simons might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Saint Simons here or see if Saint Simons is expensive here.
Related
What is Saint Simons most famous for?
Saint Simons is most famous for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. The island is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping. It is also known for its great resorts and hiking. It is often described as relaxing, laid back, and scenic.
What is the most famous sight in Saint Simons?
The most popular sight in Saint Simons is East Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Saint Simons on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for East Beach and other attractions here.
How touristy is Saint Simons? Is it a popular island to visit?
Saint Simons is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Saint Simons?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Saint Simons is two to four days. Since Saint Simons has activities such as dining, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Saint Simons?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Simons?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Saint Simons?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.