Welcome to winter in the golden isles and st simons island
The Golden Isles of Georgia, consisting of St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island, offer a variety of activities that make for a memorable winter getaway. Book a St Simons vacation home and enjoy the milder winter climate. Here are some winter activities you can enjoy on St Simons Island, Georgia.
beach walks and coastal views
While the weather may be cooler in winter, the beaches of St. Simons Island remain beautiful. Take a quiet walk along the shore, enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean, and witness stunning winter sunrises or sunsets. St Simons has 4 miles of beaches that are perfect for walking, shelling, and birdwatching.
Visit the st simons island lighthouse
Climb to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waterways. It’s less crowded in winter, making it a peaceful experience and great exercise! Make sure and stroll through the museum to learn about the rich history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
wildlife watching and birding
Winter is a great time for birdwatching in the Golden Isles, with migratory birds visiting the area. The Gould’s Inlet on St. Simons Island is a prime location for seeing shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors. Take a nature walk or guided tour through the marshlands of the Golden Isles. The winter months are a great time to witness wildlife and enjoy the serene landscape of the coastal marshes.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Winter weather on St Simons Island is often mild, which makes it a great time to explore the waters by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of the marshes and estuaries are ideal for paddling, and you may see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. Coastal Backwater Adventures, Southeast Adventure Outfitters, and Turtle Tides Kayak Tours and Rentals are great places to visit if you are interested in guided tours and/or kayak rentals.
golfing
The Golden Isles are known for their world-class golf courses, such as the Sea Island Golf Club and The King and Prince Golf Course. In the winter, the courses are less crowded, offering a peaceful setting for a round of golf.
spa and wellness
Treat yourself to some relaxation and pampering with a visit to one of the local spas. The Cloister at Sea Island offers luxurious spa treatments and winter wellness retreats, perfect for unwinding during a winter visit. Spas on St Simons Island include Island Day Spa, Athena Spa by the Sea, and Refresh and Refine.
dining
St. Simons Island offers a variety of dining options, ranging from seafood, pizza, and barbeque to upscale restaurants. Many local establishments are more relaxed in winter and have less waiting times. Some of our favorite winter restaurants are The Crab Trap, Southern Soul BBQ (recently featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), and Frederica Café.
explore historic fort frederica
Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island is a historical site where you can explore ruins from the 18th century. It’s less crowded in the winter months, so you can enjoy the historical significance and beautiful surroundings at a relaxed pace. Start your tour at the Fort Frederica National Monument visitors center and make sure and watch the park film in the theater to learn about the rich history of the area.
Winter in the Golden Isles offers a slower pace and a more peaceful environment to enjoy nature, history, and coastal beauty without the summer crowds. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, relaxation, or holiday festivities, there’s plenty to do during the winter season. Come stay at one of our St Simons Island vacation rentals and enjoy all the winter activities the Golden Isles has to offer!
