Jekyll Island Day Trips: Jekyll Island to St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island Aerial View

Georgia’s Golden Isles offers a scenic escape to some of the East Coast’s most beautiful and historically rich islands. Among these, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island are two popular destinations, each with its own unique charm. If you’re staying on Jekyll Island and want to explore St. Simons Island, this guide will help you plan your trip, including how to get there and things to do in St. Simons Island.

How to Get to St. Simons Island from Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island are separated by just a few miles of coastal waters, making it relatively quick and easy to travel between the two. 

  • By Car: The drive to St. Simons Island is just a 30-minute ride. To get to Jekyll Island by car, we recommend taking the Jekyll Island Causeway (GA-520) to the mainland and then merging onto US-17 North. You’ll follow signs to the F.J. Torras Causeway, which will lead you straight to St. Simons Island. The drive offers beautiful views of the marshes and waterways, making it a lovely, scenic drive.
  • By Boat: While there is no direct ferry service between Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, you can charter a boat or take a scenic tour that stops at both islands. This option provides a unique perspective of the coastal environment and allows you to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Golden Isles.

Things to Do on St. Simons Island

Once on St. Simons Island, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your day. Check out these things to do on St. Simons:

Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse: One of the island’s most iconic landmarks, the St. Simons Lighthouse offers stunning views from the top and a glimpse into the history of Coastal Georgia. The Keepers Dweller houses colorful exhibits, interactives, and historical photographs so you can dive into the lighthouse’s history and how it came to be.  

St. Simons Lighthouse

 

Explore St. Simon’s Historical Landmarks: From the Frederica National Monument to the World War II Front Museum, the Hamilton Plantation, and the Bloody Marsh Battle Site, there is no shortage of history on the island. Fill your day exploring these very important landmarks and how they shaped St. Simon to be what it is today.

Picnic at Massengale Park: After visiting some of St. Simons’ historical landmarks, you’ll surely have built up an appetite. Take a to-go order from a local eatery and head to Massengale Park for a serene picnic under the oak trees. The park also offers a playground, restroom facilities, grills, outdoor showers, and two public accesses to East Beach.  

Massengale Park St. Simons Island

Visit Christ Church, Frederica: Christ Church is one of the island’s most famous landmarks. Rebuilt in 1884, its architecture is still admired today. Surrounded by ancient oak, holly, and cedar trees, the church is one of the most photographed landmarks on St. Simons. Tours are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors are allowed to walk the grounds for free, but please be mindful and try to avoid visits during service hours.

Go on a Tree Spirit Scavenger Hunt: Go on a little adventure and search for the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. Legend has it that the carvings on the majestic oak trees represent the faces of sailors who boarded sailing ships made from St. Simons Island oak. Now, there are 20 tree spirits scattered throughout the island. While some tree spirits are on private property, several can be accessed publicly. Download the map from the Golden Isles website and head out on your adventure!

Tree Spirits St. Simons Island

Eat Your Way through St. Simons Island: The best part of a trip is the local cuisine, and one of the things that St. Simons does best is food. Hit up these local and tourist favorites to satisfy your taste buds: 

  • Southern Sol BBQ—A former gas station, Southern Sol BBQ is home to some of the tastiest BBQ. Enjoy oak-fired staples like slow-smoked pig or beef brisket, and top it off with side dishes such as mac and cheese, potato salad, and hushpuppies. Don’t forget about the banana pudding!  
  • Georgia Sea Grill—For a fine dining experience, Georgia Sea Grill is a popular choice amongst locals and visitors. For a fresher, healthier, and tastier experience, all ingredients in GSG’s menu are sourced from the local region. With a variety of dishes that include salmon, braised ribs, and vegetarian options, there is something for everyone.    
  • Half Shell—For a laid-back vibe, visit Half Shell. The menu focuses on local seafood and American dishes made with local ingredients. You can’t go wrong with options like the Georgia Shrimp Ceviche, Blue Crab Cakes, and Half Shell Burger. 

A day trip from Jekyll Island to St. Simons Island allows you to experience the rich history, natural beauty, and communities of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying local cuisine, St. Simons Island has something for everyone. 

So, book your Jekyll Island vacation rental, take the scenic drive, and discover what these charming islands have to offer.

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