How To Plan The Perfect St. Simons Island Beach Vacation
The beaches of St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island welcome visitors with soft sand, rolling waves, and year-round coastal charm. From sunrise walks at Gould's Inlet to exploring the striking ancient driftwood at Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach, the Golden Isles beaches offer experiences that keep visitors coming back season after season.
Finding Your Perfect Beach Spot
Whether planning a first visit to the Golden Isles or returning for another seaside getaway, knowing the different beach access points can definitely help you get the most out of your beach vacation.
From convenient amenities to the best spots for wildlife viewing, here's what visitors can expect at each beach location on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.
East Beach
East Beach stretches from Coast Guard Station Beach to Gould's Inlet along St. Simons Island's Atlantic shore. This popular beach area features wide shorelines with plenty of space for visitors throughout the year. Multiple public beach access trails wind through the East Beach neighborhood, making it convenient for guests staying nearby to walk to the beach.
The long shoreline has plenty of space for everyone, whether you're seeking a quiet spot for reading and sunbathing, or a lively area for family beach games
Coast Guard Beach
As part of East Beach, the Coast Guard Station access point offers one of the most convenient entrances to St. Simons' shoreline. This popular spot features abundant parking, clean restrooms, and a wide wooden boardwalk that makes bringing beach gear a breeze, especially when using a cart or wagon. With its central location and full range of amenities, this access point works well for families, groups, or anyone planning to spend a full day at the beach.
Gould's Inlet
Located at the northern end of East Beach, Gould's Inlet marks where the ocean meets St. Simons Sound. Benches overlooking the sound offer the perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The inlet is particularly popular in the mornings when visitors take their dogs for walks along the shore.
Throughout the day, visitors can watch fishermen cast their lines or kayakers launching into the sound. While there is a parking area at Gould's Inlet, spaces are limited compared to other beach access points. The surrounding natural area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during migration seasons when various shorebirds make this their temporary home.
Massengale Park
Massengale Park combines beach access with family-friendly amenities including a small playground, shaded picnic areas, and clean restroom facilities. The park offers easy beach entry via a boardwalk, plus a convenient rinse station for washing away sand after a beach day. With plenty of parking spaces and a central location, Massengale Park serves as a practical access point for both short visits and full beach days.
Driftwood Beach
On Jekyll Island's northern end, Driftwood Beach stands out as one of Georgia's most distinctive coastal landscapes. Ancient fallen oak trees and weathered driftwood dot the shoreline, shaped by years of natural erosion. Multiple access points with small parking areas and boardwalks lead visitors over the dunes to the beach.
While not a typical swimming beach, Driftwood Beach draws visitors for its natural beauty and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. The beach takes on different characters throughout the day as the tide moves in and out, revealing and concealing parts of the driftwood forest.
Great Dunes Beach Park
As Jekyll Island's main beach pavilion, Great Dunes provides everything needed for a full beach day. The park features ample parking, modern restroom facilities, and outdoor showers for rinsing off sand. Multiple covered picnic areas offer shaded spots for breaks from the sun, while the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk makes the beach easily reachable for all visitors.
The beach at Great Dunes offers plenty of space for both active beachgoers and those looking to relax. The gentle slope of the shore and typically calm waters make this area particularly good for families.
St. Andrews Beach Park, Jekyll Island
Located on Jekyll's southern tip, St. Andrews Beach offers a unique view facing west over St. Andrews Sound. This beach park features a two-story wildlife viewing tower perfect for spotting dolphins and watching boats pass through the sound. Visitors often see shore birds in this area, particularly during migration seasons.
The park provides picnic pavilions and restroom facilities. A winding boardwalk system includes educational signs about Jekyll Island's wildlife and history. With its western exposure, St. Andrews Beach also offers a rare chance to watch the sun set over the water on Georgia's coast.
Beach Gear Rentals on St. Simons Island
Out of all St. Simons Island beach activities, going to the beach never gets old. Our 100 Collection's partner, Hodnett Cooper, collaborates with VayK Life to provide an included beach gear service. When you reserve your stay of 2-14 nights, you'll receive access to a private selection portal where you can choose from an array of beach essentials – from chairs and umbrellas to bikes and boogie boards.
Your selected gear arrives at check-in and disappears at checkout, all for a minimal $25 delivery fee. This thoughtful inclusion ensures you can start enjoying the beach from the moment you arrive without the hassle of packing or purchasing beach equipment.
The service includes everything you need for the perfect beach day: comfortable chairs for lounging, large umbrellas for shade, bikes for exploring the island's shoreline, and various beach toys and games to keep everyone entertained. The convenience of having your gear delivered and picked up means more time enjoying the beach and less time worrying about logistics.
Best Oceanfront St. Simons Island & Jekyll Island Rentals
Transform your beach experience by staying in one of The 100 Collection's distinguished St. Simons Island beachfront vacation rentals by Hodnett Cooper. These exceptional oceanfront homes represent coastal luxury at its finest, offering beautiful views and direct access to St. Simons' blue and white beaches. Each property has been curated to give you an extraordinary vacation experience, with gorgeous chef-ready kitchens, large living spaces, and private balconies perfect for dolphin watching!
These St. Simons Island vacation rentals will have you speechless upon arrival, making sure you never want to leave the beach! Every aspect has been considered to ensure your stay exceeds expectations and all stress walks out the door.
Many of these rentals feature private pool areas, outdoor entertainment spaces, and direct beach access, creating the perfect setting for making lasting memories with family and friends. The waves are rolling in, and the sand is warming up! And somewhere in The Golden Isles, your next great vacation story is waiting to begin.
Whether you're in dire need of a peaceful morning watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, active days filled with beach games and water sports, or relaxing evenings enjoying the coastal breeze from your private St. Simons Island beachfront balcony, The 100 Collection's beachfront properties provide the perfect for your next island adventure!
