Where you'll find moss-covered oaks, windy shores, and a close-knit community ready for you.
Along Georgia’s 110-mile stretch of coastline, you can discover marshy coves, Spanish-moss-covered oak avenues, tight-knit seaside towns, and windy barrier islands. Indeed, Georgia boasts a stunning coastal area that is particularly enchanting for those of us with childhood memories tied to such locales. Among these, St. Simons Island—recently topping our newly unveiled list—is notable. 2025: Top Beach Towns in the South listed alongside three additional nearby enterprises featured in our guide South’s Best Beach Bars and South’s Best Seafood Dives Perhaps categories resonate with me the most at a heartfelt level.
This is the type of seaside town nestled within an 18-square-mile barrier island that offers a soothing breeze filled with sea-salt for much of the year and comes alive during certain times. Having visited this place twice across twenty years, I can attest to what makes "SSI" deserving of its high ranking as voted by readers.
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What Gives Saint Simons Island Its Unique Charm?
What I love most about this relaxed island is how it has embraced every phase of my life, and I believe many southerners share similar feelings. The island isn’t exclusive to adults, children, college students, or families; instead, it adapts over time to suit each traveler’s desires. My recollections are brimming with those perfectly met expectations.
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Inhaling Its Centuries-Long Past
With its "modern" history extending over 300 years, St. Simons Island invites exploration. I've hurriedly climbed the 129 spiral stairs to reach the top. St. Simons Lighthouse , dating back to 1827 and still standing as one of just five surviving lighthouses in the state. I have strolled through the grounds covered with moss. Christ Church Frederica , dating back over two centuries and still standing as one of the oldest religious structures within the state. Its exterior, with its whitewashed wooden slats, combined with its intimate interior, exudes charm. Additionally, the adjacent cemetery holds historical significance and can be intriguing, though somewhat eerie, for visitors.
Enjoying Bingo at Sea Island Resort
During those laid-back days spent exploring the shallow, sandy shores, my friends and I would frequently play bingo as well. Sea Island Resort With my brothers, sisters, and grandparents—at least once each evening, my grandmother would manage to win despite insisting it wasn’t fixed. Although technically not located on St. Simons Island (as it occupies its own small piece of land), the Sea Island Resort has an almost nostalgic charm that I yearn for even now. Additionally, it’s near enough to town to provide a peaceful retreat yet close enough to easily head into town when desired. Fiddlers for peel-and-eat shrimp platters as the sun sets.
Participating in the Georgia-Florida Game Weekend
During my time at the University of Georgia, St. Simons Island transformed in significance for me from being just another spot for childhood beach vacations to becoming synonymous with the excitement of the annual Georgia-Florida football game weekend. This period saw throngs of students converging on St. Simons Island not only for leisure but also because it offered easy access to the big match happening in nearby Jacksonville. Upon arrival, we'd squeeze into our buddies' places—luckily staying there came without charge—and immediately make our way over. Brogen's For an extended afternoon filled with hamburgers and watching football, following nights of staying up late, we'd feast on pulled pork. Southern Soul Barbecue , enjoying the pleasant autumn temperatures.
Appreciating the Local Community
Once I reached an age where I could resume my visits to SSI as a young adult, weekends became less about the typical chaos of college students and more focused on enjoying meaningful moments with friends. We would spend our time exploring the locally-run stores at Redfern Village and Pier Village, popping into various boutique shops. Gnat’s Landing For the notorious $8,000 Margarita (named after the sumRobert "Boz" Bostock invested in developing its recipe),
We would taste flavored oil at Golden Isles Olive Oil and feast on seafood at The Crab Trap , because even when we're grown-ups, there's still an appeal to a casual seafood place rather than a sophisticated dinner. This is one of the things St. Simons Island excels at.
Our Handbook for Exploring St. Simons Island
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Read the initial article on Southern Living