Escape to Tranquility on St. Simons Island

Poet and former Confederate soldier Sidney Lanier immortalized the Marshes of Glynn in his 1878 literary works.

The stunning coastal salt marshes were our first glimpse of St. Simons Island and a sign that we were in for one incredible experience. One of five Golden Isles nestled along Georgia’s southeast Atlantic coast, St. Simons is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.

It’s a unique combination of a laid-back vibe, breathtaking beaches and natural beauty. Add in pristine golf courses, fascinating historical landmarks and exceptional cuisine, and St. Simons becomes an unforgettable visit.

Oceanfront Accommodations

Southern hospitality reigns supreme at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Their oceanfront setting bathed in sunshine and sea breeze provides plenty of opportunity for play and relaxation. But the resort, with its myriad of well-deserved accolades, is so much more.

The King and Prince became a member of the Historic Hotels of America in 1996. Its storied tale began in 1935. Photos and memorabilia throughout the resort provide guests a glimpse of its history and the role it played during World War II and throughout the years.

Accommodations range from oceanfront rooms and suites to beachside villas and resort residences—many with commanding ocean views. The resort with its tranquil island setting boasts five oceanfront swimming pools and beach access to a gorgeous stretch of sand. Guests can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, paddleboards, kayaks and even sailboats.

A great way to explore the island is renting bikes from Ocean Motion Surf Company just around the corner from the resort. There was nothing more fun than pedaling past expansive salt marshes, magnificent moss-draped oaks, and picture-perfect parks.

Golfers love the King and Prince’s meticulously-manicured award-winning course with emerald fairways, ancient forests, marshes, and a picturesque lake.

Bottom line, everything about the resort and its amenities makes this the perfect place for couples, families, reunions, and girl getaways. There were a lot of happy faces during our visit and it’s easy to understand why.

Must-See Island Landmarks

There are many historical and fascinating places to visit on the island, but here are a few of our favorites.

Few destinations can claim an operational lighthouse. St. Simons Island not only can, but also permits visitors to climb its 129 steps for breathtaking views of neighboring Jekyll Island and the surrounding area.

The original lighthouse, built in 1810, was destroyed by Confederate forces in 1862 to prevent use by Federal troops. The current lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling were constructed in 1872. One of only five surviving light towers in Georgia; it remains a navigational beacon for vessels entering St. Simons Sound.

Strolling down the St. Simon’s Island Pier, located in Pier Village next to the lighthouse grounds, is a real treat. Fisherman young and old have poles and traps poised hoping to the tap the bounty of these rich coastal waters.

The wooden pier is also an ideal location for spotting whales from December through March. You can see dolphins feeding along the coast year-round.

On our evening stroll, we were treated to melodious tunes from a local violinist while an artist at the end of the pier was capturing the magnificence of the dusk-laden sky on her canvas.

One of the most serene places on the island is Christ Church, Frederica. It was on this very site John and Charles Wesley preached a sermon before returning to England to found the Methodist Church. Though the original structure built in 1820 was also destroyed in the Civil War, the Gothic-style church was rebuilt in 1886—making it the third oldest Episcopal parish in the country.

Its stained-glass windows depict biblical stories. The church’s cemetery, a resting place for the island’s earliest and most notable residents, spreads serenely under ancient moss-draped oaks.

Island-Inspired Dining

Food on St. Simons Island is simply divine.

To experience the only oceanfront restaurant and bar on the island, ECHO, located at The King and Prince Resort, is a must. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves spectacular Southern coastal cuisine with stunning ocean views.

Specialties include seared scallops, shrimp and grits, braised short ribs and a list of rotating fresh daily coastal catches. How appropriate to have selected an Atlantic rainbow trout for dinner right after a stunning double rainbow appeared following a thunderstorm. Truth be told, I’ve never had trout this good—EVER.

Save room for dessert as ECHO has some heavenly creations—like warm Georgia Pecan and Peach Bread Pudding topped with vanilla ice cream. We had to. After all, it’s Georgia.

Georgia Sea Grill has been an island fixture for more than 20 years. And throughout those years, the menus have changed to reflect their strong philosophy of hook and farm-to-table concepts.

Everything about this elegant but casual restaurant is magical to its diners, including live music in the piano bar. Service is impeccable, menus change seasonally and there are always five to seven fresh-catch daily specials due to the abundance of seafood from the surrounding coastal waters.

Choosing an entree can be challenging due to the extensive menu that features not only seafood, but also includes a full range of meat entrees like local beef, chicken, bison, and more.

Georgia Bison Carpaccio was a magnificent creation unlike anything we’d ever tasted before. The Seared Local Red Snapper accompanied by locally-grown veggies and finished with a Georgia honey peach vinaigrette was delectable.

Dessert was another local specialty—Georgia Pecan Pie topped with vanilla sorbet. It was almost indescribable.

It’s no wonder American author Eugenia Price, best known for her historical novels set in the American South, fell in love with St. Simons Island and eventually settled there.

There’s a timeless tranquility about the island that’s very seductive. One visit and you never want to leave.