St. Simons Island Map

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Description:

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St. Simons Island is the largest of Golden Isles of Georgia, situated along the state's southeastern coast. Covering approximately 17.5 square miles (45 sq km), this barrier island lies in Glynn County and is part of the Brunswick Metropolitan Statistical Area. The island is accessible via the F.J. Torras Causeway from the mainland city of Brunswick. According to the 2020 census, St. Simons Island has a permanent population of approximately 15,000 residents, though this number increases significantly during tourist seasons.

The island has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows Native American habitation as early as 2000 BCE. European contact began in the 16th century with Spanish explorers and missionaries. The island was part of the Spanish mission system until the early 18th century when it came under British control. In 1736, James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica to protect the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish Florida. The ruins of Fort Frederica National Monument remain a significant historical site today.

The main communities on St. Simons Island include The Village, the island's primary commercial district featuring shops, restaurants, and the St. Simons Lighthouse; Redfern Village, a shopping and dining area; and East Beach, a residential area with beach access. A centerpiece of The Village is the historic St. Simons Island Pier, which extends into St. Simons Sound and serves as a popular gathering spot for fishing, crabbing, and watching spectacular sunsets. The pier area includes a waterfront park with swings, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a focal point for community activities and events throughout the year. The island is also home to several historic sites such as Christ Church, Frederica, built in 1884 on the site of a church originally established by John and Charles Wesley in 1736, and the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, which houses a functional lighthouse first established in 1810 and rebuilt in 1872 after being destroyed during the Civil War.

St. Simons Island offers several public beaches including East Beach, the island's main beach area; Massengale Park, a family-friendly beach with picnic facilities; Gould's Inlet, popular for bird watching and fishing; and Coast Guard Station Beach, known for its historical Coast Guard facility. All public beaches on the island feature distinctive hard-packed sand that allows for biking along the shoreline at low tide.

The island's ecosystem includes maritime forests, salt marshes, and beaches that support diverse wildlife. The Maritime Center provides educational programs about the local ecology. Golf is a major recreational activity with several courses, including the Sea Island Golf Club, which has hosted PGA Tour events. Annual events include the Georgia Sea Islands Festival celebrating Gullah Geechee culture and the St. Simons Food & Spirits Festival. The island's economy relies primarily on tourism, with hospitality services, retail, and real estate development being major industries.

The Facts:
State: Georgia.
County: Glynn.
Population: ~ 15,000.
17.5 sq mi (45 sq km).

Main sights: A.W. Jones Heritage Center, Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum and Library, Avenue of the Oaks, Bloody Marsh Battle Site, Cannon's Point Preserve, Cassina Garden Club Slave Cabins, Epworth By The Sea, Fort Frederica National Monument, Gascoigne Bluff, Remains of Fort Frederica, Lovely Lane Chapel, Maritime Center, St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.