10 Stops for Your Own Self Guided Tour of St Simons Island
This self guided tour of St Simons Island covers history, nature, and scenic beauty, giving you a well-rounded experience of St. Simons Island. Enjoy your adventure! 🚗🌅
Click here for Google Map link with stops already added for you.
Important Tips
- Begin at the stop furthest or closest to you, ensuring that you make the most efficient route possible.
- Have limited time? The drive with all of the 10 stops takes approximately 1 hour, so budget your time accordingly at each stop along the way, or simply skip any stops that do not interest you!
- Be sure to check current hours before visiting, as they may vary by season, holidays, or special events. Some locations are not open every day of the week. It’s always a good idea to confirm in advance to ensure access to your desired stops!
1. Cannon’s Point Preserve
- Address: 560 Cannon Point Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (Follow signs and continue past this point to the parking area.)
- Phone: (912) 638-9109
- Website: sslt.org/cannons-point-preserve
- Why It’s Interesting: A 600-acre wilderness preserve with historic ruins, maritime forests, and salt marshes. Docents are on hand at the building near the parking lot. They give you some great history, plus useful tips for your visit.
- What to Know: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring bug spray. Look for remnants of the old plantation era, including tabby ruins. We could have spent the ENTIRE day here!
2. Bloody Marsh Battle Site
- Address: 11806 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Website: Bloody Marsh (U.S. National Park Service)
- Why It’s Interesting: The site of the 1742 battle where British forces successfully defended St. Simons against Spanish invasion.
- What to Know: A small park with historical markers detailing the battle’s significance. It’s a very quick but meaningful stop.
3. Fort Frederica National Monument
- Address: 6515 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 638-3639
- Website: nps.gov/fofr
- Why It’s Interesting: Established in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe, this fort was crucial in defending the British colony against Spanish forces. The site includes archaeological remnants and informative exhibits.
- What to Know: Visitors can explore the archaeological remnants and learn about the 1742 Battle of Bloody Marsh. Also, visit the museum to learn about the 1742 Battle of Bloody Marsh. The live oaks surrounding the fort add to the site’s beauty.
A Deeper Look at St. Simons Island’s History
Exploring St. Simons is even more meaningful when you understand the history behind the places you’re visiting. From early Native American settlements to colonial battles and beyond, the island has a fascinating past that shaped what you see today.
Recommended Read: “St. Simons Island: A Summary of Its History“
This book gives a well-rounded overview of the island’s history, covering everything from its role in early Georgia colonization to local landmarks you can still visit today. Whether you’re reading it before your trip or flipping through it after visiting places like Fort Frederica or Christ Church, it’s a great way to connect with the island beyond just the scenery.
4. Christ Church, Frederica
- Address: 6329 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 638-8683
- Website: christchurchfrederica.org
- Why It’s Interesting: One of Georgia’s oldest churches, dating back to 1808, with a beautiful cemetery and ancient oak trees. It played a key role in the island’s early history.
- What to Know: The church was rebuilt in 1884 after being nearly destroyed in the Civil War. Take time to explore the churchyard, where many notable figures are buried.
5. Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum & Epworth By the Sea
- Address: 100 Arthur J Moore Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 638-4050
- Website: epworthbythesea.org/museum
- Why It’s Interesting: A museum dedicated to the history of Methodism and John & Charles Wesley’s time on St. Simons Island.
- What to Know: Take a peaceful stroll through the retreat grounds, which overlook the scenic Frederica River.
6. Cassina Garden Club Tabby Slave Cabins
- Address: 1195 Arthur J Moore Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 638-9808
- Website: Cabin Tours — Cassina Garden Club
- Why It’s Interesting: Two historic tabby slave cabins from the 1800s that provide a glimpse into the island’s plantation history.
- What to Know: The cabins are preserved by the Cassina Garden Club and serve as an educational site. Tours inside the cabins are quite limited, so be sure to check the specifics! If you are unable to tour these cabins, check out the Tabby House shop, as it’s in a restored Tabby slave cabin (and it’s an awesome shop!)
7. Gascoigne Bluff Park
- Address: 1000 Arthur J Moore Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Website: A Visitor’s Guide to Gascoigne Bluff
- Why It’s Interesting: Historically significant as a shipping port and later a hub for lumber mills.
- What to Know: Enjoy riverfront views, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. The ancient live oaks here add to the scenic charm.
8. Avenue of the Oaks
- Address: Canary Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Why It’s Interesting: A stunning canopy of live oak trees planted in the 1850s, originally leading to Retreat Plantation.
- What to Know: This picturesque spot now serves as the entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club. It’s a perfect place for photos and a serene drive. To actually walk on the path you would need to park and walk.
9. St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum
- Address: 610 Beachview Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 638-4666
- Website: coastalgeorgiahistory.org
- Why It’s Interesting: This iconic lighthouse dates back to 1872 and still serves as an active navigational aid.
- What to Know: Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the coastline. Visit the museum to learn about lighthouse keepers and maritime history. (No need to get in your car for the next stop – the lighthouse parking area is right next to Pier Village, your next stop!)
See St. Simons Up Close with a High-Powered Monocular
Why It’s Useful: Whether you’re spotting birds and wildlife at Cannon’s Point Preserve or taking in the fine details of the St. Simons Lighthouse from a distance, a good monocular lets you see it all with incredible clarity—without the bulk of full-size binoculars.
Recommended Product: Wingspan Optics Explorer High-Powered Monocular
This waterproof, fog-proof monocular is perfect for outdoor adventures, giving you a wide field of view and crisp image quality, even in low light. It’s compact enough to toss in your bag, so you’ll always be ready when a dolphin pops up near the pier or a great blue heron wades through the marsh.
I have found the monocular to be incredibly easier to see through than binoculars. Everyone is different, but I hope you have the same ahhhh feeling I did when I first looked through the monocular.
Pro Tip: Bring this along if you’re visiting early in the morning or near sunset—wildlife is most active then, and you’ll get some amazing close-up views!
10. Pier Village
- Address: 550 Beachview Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (OR – walk over from the Lighthouse parking area!)
- Website: Explore Simons Island – Pier Village
- Why It’s Interesting: A lively waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and a scenic pier.
- What to Know: Walk out onto the pier for great ocean views, watch local fishermen, or enjoy an ice cream while taking in the breezy coastal atmosphere. If you’re here at the right time, you’ll want to watch the sun do its setting while you watch peacefully on the pier.
Bonus Stop!
If you are fortunate enough to still be out and about when it’s time for the sun to set, THIS is spectacular!
11. East Beach (Sunset at Gould’s Inlet)
- Address: Near 10th St & Bruce Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Website: A Visitor’s Guide to East Beach
- Why It’s Interesting: A peaceful inlet with stunning sunset views over the marsh and ocean. A perfect way to end the tour.
- What to Know: Bring a blanket or chair and watch the sky light up over the water. You may see shorebirds and dolphins as the tide changes. It’s a local favorite for unwinding at the end of the day
- Alternative: Although this is the spot people most rave about, you may also view the sunset from the Pier you visited in stop #9!
Relax in Comfort While Watching the Sunset (or Anywhere You Want to Sit and Soak It All In)
Why It’s Useful: St. Simons Island is full of gorgeous spots to just sit, relax, and take in the view—whether it’s watching the sunset at Gould’s Inlet, enjoying the ocean breeze at Neptune Park, or taking a peaceful break under the ancient oaks at Christ Church, Frederica. A comfortable, portable chair makes those moments even better.
Recommended Product: WORKOOT Folding Camping Chair with Footrest & Storage (currently showing a coupon – not sure how long it will last.)
This lightweight but sturdy chair has a built-in footrest and storage pockets, making it perfect for kicking back by the water, enjoying a snack at Gascoigne Bluff, or just taking a quiet break along your self-guided tour. It folds up easily, so you can toss it in your trunk and bring it out whenever you find the perfect scenic spot.
Pro Tip: Bring it along to Gould’s Inlet for sunset—set up your chair, stretch out your legs, and just watch the sky change colors over the water. It’s the perfect way to end your St. Simons adventure!
