#5 Jekyll Island Beach
The beach on Jekyll Island (overlooking the St. Simons Island Sound) is just about as perfect as you get. Bordered by dunes and wild grasses, the sand is fine and stretches far out to the sea. I love flying kites with my boys and building sand castles. Our favorite trip to the beach even included an impromptu bbq using the grills near the parking lot for hot dogs and s’mores. Yum!
We always joke that no matter the temperature (too hot, too cold) the weather is perfect at the Jekyll Island Beach. The bright sunshine warms up a too cold day and the breeze off the water cools down a hot and humid August afternoon. Another plus for this beach? Excellent seashell collecting. Parking (and restrooms) conveniently located next to the dunes for an easy afternoon with kids.
#4 Neptune Park
Located on St. Simons Island in the Pier Village, Neptune Park features big ole live oaks, a mini-golf course, and a great public pool. The location of this park is awesome. You can easily walk to the restaurants and shops in the Pier Village. We’ve been known to stop off for a fro-yo and then wander down the pier to watch the tug boats lead the big car carriers through the Sound, or to watch the huge pelicans dive for food.
#3 Summer Waves Water Park
A family friendly water park on Jekyll Island that my kids love. They’ve got slides, two splash zones, a lazy river, and a wave pool. If you’re visiting in August (like my family often does), this is a great time to stop by. Local kids are back in school and the water park isn’t very crowded.
#2 Fort Frederica
A National Park on the north end of St. Simons Island, this is a great spot to visit. The visitor center has a movie that explains the history of the fort (and how St. Simons was settled) and then you can walk out onto the expansive grounds. Ruins from the old fort and houses that were built here still stand, along with the cannons near the marsh’s edge. It’s a beautiful spot with an interesting history.
Fort Frederica National Monument website
#1 Saint Simons Lighthouse and Museum
The Lighthouse, owned and operated by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, is still operational. My family has taken countless photos outside but this summer will be my son’s first trip up to the top. (He’s been asking to go for years and even wrote about it for a school project!) I love the museum store, a great collection of gifts available for purchase.
Saint Simons Lighthouse website
Rachelle Paige Campbell 