The Ultimate St. Simons Island Summer Bucket List
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The Ultimate St. Simons Island Summer Bucket List
Summer on St. Simons Island is all about slowing down, soaking up the coastal sunshine, and discovering the charm that makes Georgia’s Golden Isles a favorite vacation destination year after year. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a full beach getaway, there are endless ways to experience the island like a local.
From scenic bike rides beneath moss-covered oak trees to waterfront sunsets and unforgettable seafood, here’s your ultimate St. Simons Island summer bucket list for 2026.
Ride a Bike Around St. Simons Island
One of the best ways to explore St. Simons Island is by bicycle. The island offers more than 30 miles of paved bike paths connecting beaches, shopping districts, restaurants, parks, and historic landmarks.
Popular biking routes include:
East Beach
Neptune Park
Pier Village
Frederica Road
Riding through the island’s famous canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss is an experience visitors never forget.
Local Bike Rental Options:
Zoom Bike Rental St. Simons Island
111 Center St, St Simons Island, GA 31522https://zoombikerental.com/
Ocean Motion Surf Co
1300 Ocean Blvd, St Simons Island, GA 31522 https://www.oceanmotionssi.com/
Best Time to Ride
Early mornings and evenings are ideal during summer months, especially from June through August when afternoon temperatures can rise quickly.
Search for the Famous Tree Spirits
One of the most unique attractions on St. Simons Island is the famous Tree Spirits.
Created by local artist Keith Jennings, these carved faces hidden in ancient live oak trees have become a beloved island tradition. Each spirit is inspired by island legends, sailors, and local folklore.
Visitors love turning the Tree Spirits into a self-guided family scavenger hunt while exploring different parts of the island.
Popular Tree Spirit Locations Include:
Near the St. Simons Library
Around Redfern Village
Frederica Road area
Village Creek Landing
Helpful Resource:
Here is the Official Tree Spirit Map. This is one of the best free family-friendly activities on St. Simons Island.
Climb the Historic St. Simons Lighthouse
The St. Simons Lighthouse is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see during your summer vacation.
Originally built in 1872, the lighthouse still stands as an active navigational aid along Georgia’s coast. Visitors can climb 129 steps to the top for panoramic views of:
The Atlantic Ocean
St. Simons Sound
Jekyll Island
Sidney Lanier Bridge
The Golden Isles coastline
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
610 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Summer Hours (Typically)
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PMSunday: 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Admission
Adults: Approximately $12Children & Seniors: Discounted pricing available
The lighthouse grounds are also one of the most photographed spots on St. Simons Island.
Walk the Pier & Catch Sunset Over Sidney Lanier Bridge
No summer evening on St. Simons Island is complete without a walk along the St. Simons Pier.
Located in the heart of The Village, the pier is one of the island’s favorite gathering places for locals and visitors alike. During summer evenings, you’ll find:
Families fishing
Live music nearby
Dolphin sightings
Ice cream shops
Waterfront dining
Incredible sunset views
As the sun sets behind the Sidney Lanier Bridge in nearby Brunswick, the sky lights up with vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple.
St. Simons Pier Village
100 Mallery Street
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Shop Local at Redfern Village
Looking for boutique shopping on St. Simons Island? Redfern Village is one of the island’s premier shopping destinations.
Visitors love Redfern Village because it’s walkable, shaded beneath beautiful live oaks, and full of unique local businesses you won’t find in big shopping centers. It’s the perfect place to cool off after the beach, grab coffee, browse boutiques, and discover local island style.
Popular Shops & Boutiques in Redfern Village
Two Friends - One of the island’s favorite boutiques for women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, gifts, and coastal-inspired style.
Viola's Market - A charming local shop featuring antiques, Southern-made foods, home décor, gifts, candles, and unique coastal treasures.
Learn more by visiting redfernvillage.com
Eat Where the Locals Eat - Wolf Island Oyster Co.
After a full day of exploring St. Simons Island, there’s no better place to unwind than Wolf Island Oyster Co, conveniently located in Redfern Village.
Known for its bold surf & turf menu, tableside marsh views, and incredible bar service - Wolf Island Oyster Co. has quickly become one of the best local restaurants on St. Simons Island.
Whether you’re craving oysters on the half shell, shrimp, seafood platters, burgers, or handcrafted cocktails, the menu delivers something for everyone.
Why Visitors Love Wolf Island Oyster Co.
Fresh oysters and seafood
Casual coastal atmosphere
Family-friendly dining
Local favorite happy hour
Great location near island attractions
Indoor and outdoor seating
Wolf Island Oyster Co.
260 Redfern Village Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Best Times to Visit
Summer evenings and weekends are popular, especially during sunset hours.
For the best experience, arrive early during peak summer travel weekends - or secure your table with a reservation:
Plan Your Perfect St. Simons Island Summer Vacation
From biking scenic island trails and discovering hidden Tree Spirits to climbing the historic lighthouse, shopping local boutiques, and enjoying fresh seafood, St. Simons Island offers the perfect coastal summer getaway.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable beach vacation, make sure Wolf Island Oyster Co. is part of your St. Simons Island summer bucket list.
Good food, beautiful sunsets, and laid-back coastal memories are waiting for you on Georgia’s Golden Isles.
Follow Our Social Media Channels
Instagram: @wolfislandco
Facebook: Wolf Island Oyster Co.
Explore More from Our Blog
Read our latest insights on The Oyster Bed Blog
Contact Us
Phone: 912-955-7331
Email: info@wolfislandoysterco.com
Location: 260 Redfern Village St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Find us at Redfern Village. Get Directions.
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