11 Fun Things to Do on St. Simons Island & Jekyll Island

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If you’re wondering what the best things to do on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island are, you’re in for a treat! These two stunning coastal gems in Georgia are perfect for a relaxing getaway full of history, nature, and beach vibes.

St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island were our first stops on our epic 2-week road trip! Both islands are known for their lush landscapes, charming small-town feel, and laid-back atmosphere.

While our time there was a bit of a whirlwind (this was just a pitstop before our weekend in Savannah!), we packed in plenty of fun and found some unforgettable spots to check out. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, these islands have so much charm packed into every nook and cranny!

Things to Do on St. Simons Island

1. Wake Up Coffee Company

First things first, grab yourself a coffee at Wake Up Coffee Company! This adorable little spot is the perfect way to kick off your day. The vibe here is so cute, it’s definitely the kind of place you’ll want to hang out at if you have the time.

Grab yourself a delicious vanilla cappuccino while soaking up the cozy atmosphere – it’s the ultimate chill spot! And don’t even get me started on their merch. I may or may not have wanted to buy everything! If you have a few extra minutes in the area, definitely settle in and enjoy your coffee break here!

2. Southern Soul Barbeque

Now, let’s talk about lunch – and if you’re a fan of BBQ, Southern Soul BBQ is an absolute must! You won’t even need to walk far to get there, and trust me, one bite of their sandwich and you’ll understand why it’s one of the top things to do on St. Simons Island.

The restaurant is actually an old gas station (how cool is that?), and we snagged a spot to enjoy our meal outside by their vibrant mural. Coming from St. Pete, I really appreciate a place with fun murals!

I was in BBQ heaven with their pulled pork, brisket, and potato salad. It was so good, it might just make you want to plan your next trip to St. Simons around this spot!

3. Golden Isles Olive Oil

If you’re a fan of all things delicious and unique, make sure to swing by Golden Isles Olive Oil. I’m talking so many options, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store! Think bacon-infused olive oil, white truffle, blood orange – I mean, seriously, how cool is that?

And don’t even get me started on the balsamic vinegars: lavender, dark chocolate, blueberry… I could’ve tried them all. I ended up choosing Sicilian lemon white balsamic and Tuscan herb olive oil – yum! If you still have room (we didn’t thanks to our BBQ coma), they’ve also got a wine bar and charcuterie boards.

4. St. Simons Lighthouse

St. Simons Lighthouse is one of the most iconic things to do on St. Simons Island! Not only is it a stunning piece of history, but it’s also one of only five surviving lighthouse towers in Georgia that’s still actively guiding ships today.

When you first step inside, you’re greeted by a charming museum filled with island history and artifacts. But the real magic happens when you climb those 129 steps to the top. The panoramic views of St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island are absolutely breathtaking, and you’ll feel on top of the world!

Make sure to get there before 4:30 PM to catch the last ticket of the day! Admission for adults is $12.

5. Tree Spirits

If you’re a fan of quirky, offbeat sights, one of the most unique things to do on St. Simons Island is find the Tree Spirits! In the 1980s, local craftsman Keith Jennings started carving faces into the island’s majestic oak trees, bringing their spirits to life.

He only created 20 of these unique “tree spirits,” but over time, more have appeared! Each tree has its own personality, with faces carved based on the tree’s spirit. We found a few during our visit (one was right near the lighthouse!), and they were so fun to discover!

If you want to track down more of these tree carvings, you can take part in the Tree Spirits Treasure Hunt!

6. Echo Restaurant

Now, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a drink with an unbeatable view, Echo is the spot to be on St. Simons Island! This is the only oceanfront restaurant and bar on the island, so naturally, we had to check it out.

While we were still full from lunch, we couldn’t resist trying a couple of their refreshing cocktails! I went for the White Peach Sangria and the Peach & Blackberry Muddle—both were so light and fruity, the perfect way to cool off on a warm day. They also have seasonal cocktails, and as I’m writing this, I’m already dreaming about their Pumpkin Spice Martini. I might have to channel my inner bartender and try to recreate it at home— it sounded that good!

7. The Half Shell SSI

Alright, oyster lovers, you’ve got to make a pit stop for an oyster shooter at The Half Shell SSI before leaving St. Simons Island for Jekyll Island.

They’ve got four different options, so whether you prefer tequila, vodka, or beer they’ve got you. If you are going during the week, they don’t open until 5 PM. We got there right at five because we were ready to head to the next island, but couldn’t leave without trying the shot!

I went for my classic Bloody Mary Shooter, which is basically my go-to wherever I go. It’s vodka, Bloody Mary mix, an Old Bay rim, and of course, an oyster to top it off. Remi, on the other hand, got a little wild with the South of the Border shot—tequila, Tabasco, and an oyster. He loved it, so if tequila’s your thing, you’ve got to try it!

Things to Do on Jekyll Island

8. Driftwood Beach

Okay, I’ll admit it— for a hot second, we almost skipped Jekyll Island and went straight to Savannah, but after seeing pictures of Driftwood Beach, I knew we couldn’t pass it up.

We went around sunset, and though it was a little overcast, it actually made the vibe of Driftwood Beach even more magical. Imagine a surreal graveyard for trees—gnarled, twisted branches scattered across the shore, giving it an eerie yet beautiful feel. It was like stepping into another world, and honestly, this stop alone made the whole Jekyll Island detour so worth it!

9. Horton Pond

Now, we didn’t get the chance to check out Horton Pond, but if you’ve got the time and the weather’s on your side, I highly recommend it! It’s a wildlife viewing area with gorgeous scenery, a super cute .7-mile trail (the Tupelo Trail), and plenty of wildlife to spot in their natural habitat. If you’ve got a few hours and love being in nature, this is definitely one to add to your list!

Related read: Check out the ultimate road trip packing list!

10. Horseback Riding on the Beach

If you’re lucky enough to have more time on Jekyll Island, you can make a stop at Golden Isles Carriage and Trail at Three Oaks for some unforgettable horseback riding along the beach.

The sunset ride is the way to go! There’s nothing like galloping through the Maritime Forest, taking in the salt marsh, and then riding back toward Driftwood Beach.

11. The Wharf

The Wharf was such a vibe! Located on the Jekyll Island Historic District Pier, it has stunning waterfront views, live Southern country music, and amazing food. We went at sunset (highly recommend!) and loved the atmosphere—perfect for a vacation evening.

I had their crab cakes, and wow, they were packed with lump crab meat and so delicious. If you’re visiting, definitely call ahead for reservations, as it gets busy. Between the views, music, and food, this spot is a must!

Where to Stay on Jekyll Island

We didn’t stay overnight on St. Simons or Jekyll Island since we headed to Savannah for the night, but there are plenty of great hotel options in the area to explore! You can check accommodation options for your dates here.

If you’re just making a pit stop like we did and planning to stay in Savannah, I highly recommend The Brice Hotel! It’s usually pretty affordable during the week, has a stunning design, a prime location, and even offers free wine during their nightly happy hour.

Check out my complete Savannah guide here!

Are you ready to experience the best things to do on St. Simons Island + Jekyll Island?!

I hope you enjoyed this post on the best things to do on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island! Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or just here for the vibes, I hope this guide inspires your own coastal getaway! Let me know what you’re most excited to check out in the comments.

If you want to read about some other stops on our two-week road trip check out how to spend a weekend in Chattanooga, a complete Asheville guide, or some things to do in Helen, Georgia!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other road trip blog posts:

New England fall road trip itinerary

Utah Mighty Five road trip

Arizona road trip