St. Simons Island: History and Coast

St. Simons Island is the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles. Historic sites, coastal scenery, and outdoor activities give the destination a range of different highlights. When looking for a hotel on St. Simons Island, you can plan your trip around the kind of experience you want: Are you especially interested in architectural and church history, coastal wildlife, or activities such as kayaking and cycling? The sites and activities offer specific points of reference to help you choose.

History and Architecture

St. Simons Lighthouse was built between 1868 and 1872. Fort Frederica was established in 1736 to protect the British colonies from Spanish Florida. The construction dates provide two points of reference from different periods: Fort Frederica dates to the 18th century, while the lighthouse dates to the 19th century.

The history of Christ Church, Frederica, through the missionary work of Charles and John Wesley, dates back to 1736. The church building, however, was completed in 1885 and consecrated in 1886. The dates therefore refer to different aspects: the missionary history and the building’s construction history.

Christ Church, Frederica is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the cemetery is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Check visitor hours and cemetery access before your visit.

The World War II Home Front Museum features immersive galleries and interactive experiences. It is housed in the historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station, built in 1936. The museum complements the historic buildings with its own approach, featuring galleries and interactive formats.

Nature, Coast, and Activities

Cannon’s Point Preserve is connected to the lower Altamaha River delta and includes one of the last largely intact maritime forests on St. Simons Island. Visitors can hike, cycle, watch birds, kayak, and explore historic ruins there. The activities range from observing nature and enjoying outdoor recreation on land and water to exploring historic ruins.

Gould’s Inlet is a good place to observe coastal wildlife. East Beach has a broad shoreline, with sandbars visible at low tide. St. Simons Island Pier is a historic fishing pier. Visitors can watch anglers bring in their catch, ships pass along local waterways, and the sun set. The things to observe differ: coastal wildlife, a shoreline shaped by the tides, or views of fishing and maritime traffic.

St. Simons Island has more than 20 miles of paved bike paths that lead to a variety of restaurants, attractions, and historic sites. These destinations range from restaurants and attractions to historic sites, offering different points of interest for a cycling trip.

Planning Your Visit

At Fort Frederica, a flat path about a quarter-mile long leads from the visitor center along Broad Street to the fort; it is mostly covered in grass. The approximate length, route, and surface provide practical information to help you plan this part of your visit.

Explore other destinations: Sea Island, Brunswick, Jekyll Island, Country Club Estates

For the main travel overview: Glynn.