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Voted the No. 1 U.S. island in the 2026 World’s Best Awards survey, Georgia’s Golden Isles are anchored by St. Simons Island, home to bike paths, golf courses, and a luxe reader-favorite hotel.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
- Stay at The Lodge at Sea Island, a perennial favorite among golfers, Travel + Leisure readers, and any traveler with a penchant for luxury hotels.
- Stop for the all-day breakfast at Palmer’s Village Cafe, followed by lunch or dinner at Southern Soul Barbeque.
- Stroll across East Beach, a stunning stretch of golden sand with several different access points.
- Traverse the 30-plus miles of bike paths on a beach cruiser (the best way to see the island).
- While summer draws beachgoers, visit in the fall to discover the quieter, but just as beautiful, shoulder season.
It only takes one trip—it doesn’t even need to be longer than a day or two—for Georgia’s Golden Isles to make a grand impression. One bike ride beneath the Spanish moss-laden oaks. One sunset at the beach. One plate of the kind of barbecue you dream about for the rest of your life. It’s perhaps this very reason Travel + Leisure readers named the coastal region the top island destination in the continental U.S. in this year's World’s Best Awards; it also landed at No. 11 on the list of the best islands in the world.
While the Golden Isles comprises a few barrier islands that deserve attention, St. Simons Island is one of the most accessible (both Sea Island and Little St. Simons Island are privately owned). Plus, it’s one of the best beach towns in Georgia.
Favored in the summer by beachgoers and families searching for a vacation spot that caters to groups of all ages and interests, St. Simons delivers on several fronts. Along with all of the pristine natural beauty associated with this part of Georgia, it’s rich in charming shops, walkable waterfronts, golf courses, highly rated hotels, and some of the most pleasant spring and fall weather you could ask for.
Here’s how to plan a trip to St. Simons Island.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-top-100-hotels-in-the-world
Best Hotels & Resorts
The Lodge at Sea Island
The less flashy sibling of Mediterranean-style resort The Cloister (located on adjacent Sea Island), The Lodge is a 43-key property that brings the luxe Sea Island experience to St. Simons. A frequent winner in the World's Best Awards—this year, it landed at No. 10 on the list of best resorts in the South—The Lodge continually impresses T+L readers and editors alike with its charm and location; the Golf Club at Sea Island courses are right next door, and the main building overlooks the ocean. Although it’s a popular choice among golfers—there’s a golf performance center and a putting course, too—the hotel is also ideal for anyone looking for some rest, relaxation, and high-end country club aesthetic.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
If you’re after a classic beachfront getaway, look no further than The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. The only resort on St. Simons that provides direct beach access, the historic property has been renovated and expanded over the years to ensure it meets the standards of its guests. There's a variety of accommodation options, so you're bound to find one that suits your needs, whether you choose an ocean-view premium room with a private balcony or a standalone one to five-bedroom residence.
Best Things to Do
Enjoy a beach day.
“An early morning walk on East Beach near Gould’s Inlet is one of my favorite activities,” says Lindsey Tilley, a realtor and St. Simons property owner. “The beach is dog-friendly before 9 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and dogs are allowed anytime the rest of the year.” If you don’t have a dog in tow, you can participate in other beach activities—shelling, kiteboarding, or simply relaxing in a lounger as the sun goes down.
Learn more about the island’s past.
“One of the most meaningful places to visit on St. Simons is the Historic Harrington School, which stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the island’s African American community,” says Jennifer Rooks, an events and fundraising contractor with the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition. “Once a one-room schoolhouse, it provided education to Black children during segregation and later served as a gathering place for the community. Today, it shares the powerful story of the Gullah Geechee people and their lasting impact on the island’s culture.”
She also recommends the school's mobile tour that highlights other historic spots, including former plantations on St. Simons; Ibo Landing on Dunbar Creek (“a site tied to the 1803 Igbo people who resisted enslavement,” she says); and Neptune Park, which honors “a formerly enslaved man, Neptune Small, who became a beloved community leader.”
Explore St. Simons Pier Village.
There’s plenty of family-friendly entertainment on St. Simons, especially if you find yourself down near Pier Village, which both Tilley and Rooks recommend checking out. “St. Simons Island Pier is a favorite spot for fishing, crabbing, and watching dolphins, making it a relaxing stop for the whole family. Neptune Park Fun Zone is where the entire family can have a little fun, [thanks to] playgrounds, mini-golf, and swimming in the pool during the summer months,” says Rooks. “Together, these experiences make St. Simons a destination that blends history, culture, and family fun in unforgettable ways."
While in the area, stop for a photo op at the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse and pop into the museum to learn more about the history of the Golden Isles.
Best Restaurants
Palmer’s Village Cafe
For a filling breakfast on St. Simons, it’s nearly impossible to beat the nostalgic charm and expansive menu at Palmer’s Village Cafe. The most important meal of the day is served until 2 p.m. daily, so you have lots of time to make your way over for a full stack of Buddy's banana pudding pancakes or biscuits and gravy.
Southern Soul Barbeque
Tilley describes Southern Soul Barbeque as “no-frills, award-winning barbecue located in the center of the island.” Co-owned by Griffin Bufkin and Harrison Sapp, the beloved barbecue restaurant has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives multiple times, and it makes repeat appearances on “best of” barbecue lists across the South. While the pulled pork and brisket tend to be the menu’s main characters, they’re supported by a host of mouthwatering sides, including fried okra, hush puppies, potato salad, and collard greens.
Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
Tilley calls Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar the “perfect place for a date night or girls night out,” thanks to its “Asian-inspired menu with a carefully curated cocktail list and sophisticated ambience.” Named for chef and owner Daniel Auffenberg’s maternal grandmother, the restaurant has both a happy hour and a dinner menu full of delicious bites, including a double smash patty, shrimp ceviche, and a chocolate chip cookie with homemade ice cream.
Mr. Shuck's Seafood
“Shuck’s is another great choice. It’s a locally Black-owned restaurant that has a great atmosphere and plenty of blue crab, shrimp, and fish dishes to choose from,” says Rooks. The original location is in Brunswick, but, as of summer 2025, St. Simons residents and visitors can now enjoy the seafood spot a bit closer to home (or their hotel).
Dulce Dough
If you’re craving what Tilley calls “the most delicious brioche doughnuts on the island,” you’ll need to head to Dulce Dough. Don’t let the line dissuade you—she says it's worth the wait. The local-approved spot also whips up various seasonal versions of the doughnuts, which you can find on its Instagram.
Best Shopping
Two Friends
At the top of Tilley’s shopping list is Two Friends, a lifestyle store located in Redfern Village, where you can find a collection of local boutiques and specialty shops. “It’s the kind of store [that makes] you walk in and say, ‘I want everything,’” she says. Women’s clothing brands in store include Lilla P and Oliphant, and homeware runs the gamut from candles and fragrances to barware and cookbooks.
Cutie Patooties
“Cutie Patooties is my favorite stop for the cutest children’s clothes,” says Tilley. Also located in Redfern Village, the family-owned and -operated outpost is where you go to stock up on adorable smocked bubbles, sweet rompers, and family photo outfits for the littlest ones in your crew.
The Market at Sea Island
Need a hostess gift or something to nibble on before dinner? The Market at Sea Island will have you covered. “I love coming here for fresh specialty food items; they also have a great selection of gifts and home accents,” says Tilley. Expect to leave with a bag filled with pimento cheese, made-to-order sandwiches, and a bottle of wine.
G. J. Ford Bookshop
What happens when you accidentally zoom through all of the beach reads you brought for your trip? Well, you drive to G. J. Ford Bookshop, a reader’s dream bookstore that has been around since 1995. Along with its collection of bestsellers and old favorites, the store hosts a variety of author events as well as a monthly book club.
Best Time to Visit
Both Tilley and Rooks agree there’s technically no bad time to visit St. Simons. “The island offers beauty and activities in every season, whether you’re interested in history, the beach, or family fun,” says Rooks. Summer is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular seasons to visit, when temperatures in the 80s and low 90s draw people to the island's stretch of public beach. But spring and fall have their own appeal, especially for those who prefer milder temperatures (averages range from the high 60s to the low 80s). “I love St. Simons most in the early fall. The weather is so pleasant, and the island is less crowded after the Labor Day holiday,” says Tilley.
“The only thing I suggest is to be mindful of hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November. Other than that, St. Simons has something to offer year-round, making it a wonderful destination whenever you choose to visit,” adds Rooks.
How to Get There
St. Simons is typically a little over an hour's drive from Florida’s Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and about 90 minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). From either hub, you’ll need to rent a car or arrange for a private shuttle to complete the final leg of your journey. Delta offers direct flights through Endeavor Air Delta Connection from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), which is about a 25-minute drive from downtown St. Simons.
How to Get Around
Having a car is helpful to get around St. Simons and explore the Golden Isles, but it’s not the only transportation option. St. Simons' Pier Village district is incredibly walkable, and you can also explore the barrier island on two wheels. The St. Simons Island Trail System has more than 30 miles of bike paths that weave beneath the Spanish moss-covered oak trees, through charming neighborhoods, and along the tidal river, ocean, and marshland. Bikes can be rented from Zoom Bike Rental or Seaside Bikes & Carts.
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