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.
Golden Isles Beach Guide
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 runs from the Coast Guard Station down to Gould’s Inlet along the Atlantic shore. Because the shoreline is so wide, you will always find room to spread out, whether you want a quiet spot to read or an open space for beach games.
Several public paths wind through the East Beach neighborhood, so you can easily walk to the sand if you are staying nearby.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Out of all St. Simons Island beach activities, going to the beach never gets old. Our 100 Collection 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 to enjoy the beach and less time spent worrying about logistics.
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 offer you an extraordinary vacation experience, with gorgeous, chef-ready kitchens, spacious living areas, 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.
Known as Villa Dal Vel, 234 Myrtle Street is a luxury St. Simons Island home with four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and room for up to 16 guests. The spacious living, dining, and kitchen area opens to panoramic ocean views, and every bedroom comes with its own en suite bath. A private elevator, plunge pool, wine bar, and outdoor gas grill round out the amenities, with the King & Prince resort and beach just steps away. Guests also get personalized assistance from a Premier Concierge for a seamless stay.
Also known as The Pelican Perch, 2309 Ocean Road sits in the East Beach neighborhood and sleeps up to 14 guests across five bedrooms. This pet-friendly home features a zero-edge swimming pool with marsh views, a wood-burning fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, and a private dock with two kayaks for exploring the surrounding waterways. A bonus room with bunk and trundle beds makes it a great fit for families, and beach gear credits are included with your stay.
Set right on the sand, 8 Stewart Lane is a restored beachfront retreat on Jekyll Island with five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and space for up to 10 guests. The main level features a full kitchen, dining area, and living room that flows out to a spacious deck for sunrise views and al fresco dining. The four upstairs guestrooms open to balconies overlooking the beach and ocean, and the home is pet-friendly with the option to heat the pool. Downtown Jekyll Island is 3.5 miles away, and Driftwood Beach is an easy 1.5-mile bike ride or walk.
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These St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island vacation rentals will have you speechless upon arrival, making sure you never want to leave the beach. Many 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!
