St. Simons Island Beaches
Explore Georgia's Coast and Natural Splendor
View map of St. Simons Island Public Beach Access Points »
The beaches of St. Simons Island take you back to a time when nature's beauty was undisturbed and miles of pristine coastline was your own personal treasure to enjoy. Development is still moderate and it is possible to get away from it all and explore the sandy seashore and natural setting much as it was many years ago. Low tide exposes sand bars and tidal pools along the beach that the kids always enjoy playing in. Kitesurfing is a popular attraction, as is bicycling, sandsculpting, and just plain lying in the sun!
The most popular beach is
East Beach at the Historic Coast Guard Station, with public parking and beach access, restrooms and seasonal concessions. Be sure to view our live
Tides Chart and UV index before heading out, and beware of strong rip currents that are common -
swimming safety is paramount at all times.
Shrimp boats dot the Atlantic horizon, while outdoor adventure-seekers populate the
catamarans,
windsurfers, and
kayaks closer in to shore. Dolphins are not uncommon here and many varieties of sea birds and sea turtles can be spotted along the St. Simons Island beaches.
East Beach: East Beach is the most popular and largest public beach on St. Simons Island. It stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and features wide sandy shores, dunes, and beautiful ocean views. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.
Massengale Park Beach: Located adjacent to East Beach, Massengale Park Beach offers a more tranquil and family-friendly setting. It provides picnic areas, shaded pavilions, and convenient beach access points. The beach is known for its scenic views and calm waters.
Coast Guard Station and Beach: Situated on the southern tip of St. Simons Island, Coast Guard Beach offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. It's accessible via a short trail through the maritime forest. This beach is less crowded and ideal for those seeking a more serene beach experience.
Gould's Inlet: Gould's Inlet is a picturesque beach located on the northern end of the island. It's a favorite spot for birdwatching and fishing, and it provides stunning views of the marshes and tidal creeks. The beach is also popular for nature walks and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
The King and Prince Beach: Adjacent to The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, this beach offers public access and a peaceful atmosphere. It's known for its clean sand, rolling dunes, and beautiful ocean views.
All of these beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying the island's natural beauty. It's important to note that beach conditions, such as currents and tides, can vary, so it's advisable to follow any posted signage and take necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable beach experience.
Swimming Safety on St. Simons
- Lifeguards are present from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily at Coast Guard and Massengale beaches.
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
- Rip currents are common. If caught in a rip current, do not fight it, swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current.
- Do not swim to the visible sand bars. The tide changes quickly and will submerge the sandbar, stranding swimmers in deep water.
- View the NOAA tide charts for St. Simons Island or click here for live local weather.
- From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a Warning Flag system in place to notify visitors of hazardous conditions. The warning flags can be viewed here.
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St. Simons Island Beach Rules
- Dogs are prohibited on the beach from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, except between Beach Access Points 1-6. During allowable times and in non-summer months, dogs are allowed on any portion of the beach but must be within close proximity and under the immediate control of the owner/handler. If handler is unable to control pet via voice-command, a 10' leash is required. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Vehicles are prohibited.
- Fires are prohibited, without a permit from the Glynn County Fire Dept.
- Glass and hard plastic containers are prohibited.
- For a full listing of beach rules, read the Glynn County Code of Ordinances pdf.
St. Simons Dog and Pet Rules
- Dogs are prohibited on the beach from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, except between Beach Access Points 1-6. During allowable times and in non-summer months, dogs are allowed on any portion of the beach but must be within close proximity and under the immediate control of the owner/handler. If handler is unable to control pet via voice-command, a 10' leash is required. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Dogs or any animals are NOT permitted on the Pier.
Dog lovers, be sure to visit
Island Dog at 410 Mallery St. near the Pier Village. Large selection of Dog collars, Harnesses and Leashes. Choose your theme: Beach, Novelty, Collegiate or Training. Teacup to Dane sizes available. Toys, toys and more toys! Specialty treats, bandanas, clothing and gifts.
Wildlife
- Jellyfish - most of the jellyfish you will encounter are Cannonball jellyfish, which are harmless. If you do suffer a jellyfish sting from another species, lifeguards are equipped with the first aid treatment for stings.
- Sea Turtles - All species are protected by state and federal laws. The following are some tips on what you can do to help protect Georgia's sea turtles:
- Do not use lights on the beach at night
- Never disturb a sea turtle that is crawling to or from the sea.
- Once a sea turtle has begun nesting, observe her only from a distance.
- Do not shine lights in a sea turtles eyes or take flash photography.
- Do not touch or disturb nests or hatchlings.
- To report a dead or injured turtle, or sea turtle harassment, call 1.800.2.SAVE.ME. (If the sea turtle is tagged, please include the tag color and number in the report if possible.) For more on sea turtles, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources webpage.
- For more information, visit our full site: www.glynncounty.org/recreation
Marshes of St. Simons Island
The marshlands of St. Simons Island begin to lose their summer green color by late Fall of each year. By mid-winter, the grasses have turned dormant and are almost completely brown. Spring rains and warmer temperatures will bring the marshes alive as Mother Nature begins her cycle anew. Made famous by poet Sidney Lanier, these natural treasures are the first thing you'll see as you cross the marshes approaching St. Simons Island. Read Sidney Lanier's tribute to the Golden Isles -
The Marshes of Glynn.
The salt marshes of the St. Simons Island and Georgia's Golden Isles also contribute to the area's multi-million dollar seafood industry and play a vital role in the local economy. The radiant energy from plentiful sunshine and the nutrients from the area rivers are soaked up by the marsh and area grasslands, which makes for a natural habitat that is a perfect home for shrimp, fish, oysters and crabs. The salt marshes also provide a home to critters like otters, raccoons, marsh wren and rabbits. The marshes also provide a natural buffer from strong storms and winds, protecting the fragile coastline and sand dunes along the beaches.
Postell Pointe on St. Simons Island offers ocean front living at its best. Enjoy dinner or cocktails on the deck with the soothing sounds of ocean waves in the background and sunsets that are sure to capture your imagination. Availilable for sale or rental, Postell Pointe can be a vacation to remember or a place to call home.
Adjacent to all local attractions Postell Pointe offers a variety of things to do. Enjoy local golf, dine at one of the many fine local restaurants or get lost in the night life of St. Simons Island.
Enjoy the combination of history and charm in a beautiful island setting. Adjacent to Savannah,
Brunswick and Jacksonville airports as well as Amtrack service into Jacksonville, the magic of island living begins at Postell Pointe.
Massengale Park
Features a shaded picnic area and children's playground situated along East Beach, with plenty of parking available. For information on operating the seasonal concession facility, contact
912.554.7780.
Address
1350 Ocean Blvd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Amenities
Beach access with ADA accessible mats
Restroom facilities
Picnic tables
Grills
Playground
Coast Guard Station / East Beach
One of St. Simons Island's most popular beaches, featuring the widest beach area and plentiful parking and facilities. For information on operating the seasonal concession facility, contact
912.554.7780. The Historic Coast Guard Station is now home to the
World War II Home Front Museum, preserving the story of how the Golden Isles played an important part of our nation's WWII effort, protecting our coast from German submarines, building Liberty Ships to supply our troops overseas, and much more.
Address
4100 First St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Amenities
Beach access
Restroom facilities
ADA Accessible Beach Access
Seasonal concession facility
St. Simons Island Public Beach Access Map
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online store for a variety of quality apparel and accessories for men, women and kids featuring our exclusive St. Simons Island designs.
St. Simons Accommodations
Visitors to St. Simons Island have a variety of
luxury hotels,
vacation homes,
bed and breakfasts,
condos and rental units,
historic inns and
oceanfront accommodations that will fit most any need or budget.
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St. Simons Land Trust
Home to more than 12,000 full-time residents, St. Simons is known for its stately live oaks, abundant salt and fresh water marshes, meandering creeks and rivers, and rich history. Spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder and tarpon are bountiful in the creeks and near shore waters. And, just offshore is the calving ground for the North Atlantic right whale - one of the world's most endangered large whale species. Not surprisingly, St. Simons is also a favorite destination for vacationers.
Like so many coastal areas, St. Simons experienced a population boom in the 1990s. Recognizing that the uniqueness of this barrier island would continue to attract new residents and thus be heavily impacted by development, the St. Simons Land Trust was born. Recognition is given to the vision of local leaders such as Ben Slade III, Frances McCrary, and Jim and Jeannie Manning who were the Land Trust's founding members, and the organization's first Executive Director, Catherine Main, who operated the Land Trust out of her home until 2001 when an office was opened on Frederica Road.
The St. Simons Land Trust has become a community institution entrusted with an extraordinary responsibility: to protect our scenic and historic treasures and to preserve the beauty and charm of our island for generations to come.
Since those early days, the Land Trust has preserved more than 1,000 acres (and another 200 acres in a nearby county). We also hold over 300 acres in conservation easements. We are guided in our work by our most recent strategic plan for land conservation on the island that has established target areas for our work and priorities for transactions.
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