The Hidden Gem on Georgia's Coast: St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island Lighthouse: This is one of the best preserved, yet still active, lighthouses in Georgia. With the current iteration completed in 1872, the lighthouse and nearby keeper’s cottage is open for tours to the public, and, even though it is automated, the light is still in use today. Watch out for roving bands of school children, but definitely go and see the lighthouse!

Fort Frederica: When the English arrived on the island, St. Simons was a territory in dispute. Both the English and the Spanish claimed it, but James Oglethorpe, in 1736, was the English governor to decide to set up a fortification on the island. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the nearly three-hundred-year-old fort and imagine what life was like there for settlers, Native Americans, and the soldiers who defended the outpost. For history buffs (like me!), this is a must-see attraction.

St. Simons Island Pier: The St. Simons Island Pier is still one of my favorite places to visit on the island. There is always something going on there. From frolicking dolphins in some months to fishermen hauling in their catches to mini golf overlooking St. Simons Sound, the pier is the place to go! Lining the street leading to the pier, there are many shops and restaurants, and all of them are fun to visit. If you’re traveling with kids, it is fun to grab an ice cream and sit on one of the pier benches and watch for the waves and the fish.

East Beach: There are several wonderful beaches on St. Simons, but my favorite is East Beach. It’s a wide beach with lots of soft sand to lay out and enjoy! On any given warm day, there are plenty of people out fishing, building castles, shelling, kite boarding and so much more. Conveniently placed near the beautifully built Coast Guard Station, there is also a large restroom and shower area to wash off the sand from the day’s activities. Out of all of the beaches I have been to, this one is my sentimental favorite!

Historic Hamilton Plantation Cabins and Grounds: One of the local garden clubs on St. Simons Island found and restored two slave cabins on what had once been Hamilton Plantation. Here, for free, visitors can visit the homes of those who worked one of the many cotton plantations on St. Simons. It is important to be able to see all facets of life on the island. From these beginnings, people can see how the African American community has evolved into a thriving cultural beacon.

Within walking distance of The King and Prince, there’s a great restaurant called The Crab Trap. It’s a casual dining place that specializes in locally caught seafood. Last time I visited, I had a bowl of their amazing crab soup and a combo platter of their shrimp and scallops, and it was all delicious! Popular with both locals and tourists, if you go near meal time, be prepared to wait for a table!

The Half Shell is a place I found because it is one of my mom’s favorites! Located near the pier, The Half Shell is a small restaurant, but it definitely serves up tasty, locally sourced seafood. My mom and I normally polish off two dozen raw oysters, but I am also addicted to their BBQ Shrimp & Grits!

While staying at The King and Prince, my husband and I decided to have a cocktail before dinner and discovered Echo. Echo is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each meal looks absolutely delectable! However, my husband and I decided to split an order of their evening's special, parmesan truffle fries, and wow! They promise quality with all of their orders, and, if the fries are any indication, then each meal will be amazingly delicious!

If you’re looking for classic southern food, then you need to check out Barbara Jean’s Restaurant & Bar! There are a few of these dotting the coast from Savannah, Georgia, south to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The one on St. Simons, though, is one of my favorites! I still think about their awesome squash casserole, and I plan on going back for that and more Gritters Fritters!

For anyone that wants more than seafood on the menu, try Ember! This restaurant uses a wood-fired oven to cook everything from pizzas, desserts, to, of course, seafood. The peanut butter pie is to die for!