Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island
Discover the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island, Georgia
Uncover one of the island’s most enchanting treasures — the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. Hidden among centuries-old live oak trees, these intricate carvings were created by local artist Keith Jennings and his son, Devon. Each hauntingly beautiful face appears to emerge naturally from the wood, symbolizing the souls of sailors and seafarers who were lost at sea.
Embark on a self-guided Tree Spirits tour across St. Simons Island to find these masterpieces tucked into parks, courtyards, and quiet corners throughout the island. Along the way, you’ll experience the island’s rich maritime history, artistic spirit, and timeless coastal charm.
Plan your visit and explore the mystery, craftsmanship, and history that make the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island one of the Golden Isles’ most unforgettable attractions.
Experience the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Tour on St. Simons Island, GA
Step aboard the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat, one of the most unique and educational attractions on St. Simons Island, Georgia! Once a fully operational working shrimp boat, the Lady Jane now invites visitors to experience the Golden Isles’ shrimping heritage up close through hands-on tours and interactive marine excursions.
Guests can watch live shrimping demonstrations, learn about Georgia’s coastal ecosystem, and even hold or observe marine life caught fresh from the waters surrounding SSI. The Lady Jane’s knowledgeable crew shares fascinating stories about the island’s fishing history and local wildlife, making this tour both fun and educational for all ages.
Whether you’re a seafood lover, nature enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable coastal adventure, the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Tour is a must-do experience during your visit to St. Simons Island.
Explore St. Simons Island with the Historic Trolley Tour
Hop aboard the St. Simons Island Trolley Tour for a fun and fascinating ride through the island’s rich history, southern charm, and coastal beauty! This vintage green trolley—one of the South’s most acclaimed tours—offers an unforgettable way to see the best of St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Your narrated journey includes stops and stories at iconic landmarks like the St. Simons Lighthouse, Bloody Marsh Battlefield, Fort Frederica National Monument, Retreat Plantation, and Christ Church, where you’ll walk among centuries of island history. Along the way, your guide shares entertaining stories, local legends, and insights into the people and events that shaped the Golden Isles.
Why You’ll Love It:
-Comfortable, guided trolley tour with live narration
- Perfect for families, history buffs, and first-time visitors
-Learn about the island’s historic sites, lighthouses, and coastal culture
-Beautiful ocean views and photo opportunities along the route
-Tours run at select times and often sell out—book tickets in advance to secure your seat!
Tip: You can purchase tickets online or at local visitor centers. Public and private group tours are also available year-round.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for the week, the St. Simons Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to experience the island’s heart, heritage, and hospitality.
Fort Frederica National Monument
Explore Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, GA
Step back in time at Fort Frederica National Monument, one of the most fascinating historic sites on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Founded in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe, this British military outpost was built to defend the young Georgia colony from Spanish forces in Florida.
Today, visitors can explore the archaeological remains of the colonial town of Frederica, including the fort’s earthworks, barracks, and magazine, along with the foundations of homes, taverns, and shops that once formed a thriving 18th-century community. Walking the scenic grounds offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and settlers who helped shape Georgia’s early history.
Perfect for history lovers, families, and nature enthusiasts, Fort Frederica National Monument combines rich heritage with the natural beauty of St. Simons Island — making it a must-see attraction during your stay in the Golden Isles.
Explore the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
No trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia is complete without a visit to the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum — one of the island’s most beloved and historic landmarks. Built in 1872, this 104-foot-tall lighthouse still stands proudly on the southern tip of the island, guiding ships safely through St. Simons Sound and offering visitors a window into the area’s rich maritime history.
Inside the restored Keeper’s Dwelling, the museum showcases fascinating exhibits about the lighthouse’s construction, the lives of its keepers, and the Golden Isles’ nautical heritage. Visitors can climb the 129 spiral steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Jekyll Island, and the Georgia coastline — a picture-perfect spot for photos and sightseeing.
The museum is part of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, which also operates the nearby World War II Home Front Museum, making it easy to enjoy a full day of local history and island exploration.
Explore Cannon’s Point Preserve on St. Simons Island, GA
Tucked away on the north end of St. Simons Island, Cannon’s Point Preserve is a breathtaking 600-acre natural sanctuary filled with maritime forest, salt marshes, and sweeping river views. This protected area offers miles of peaceful hiking and biking trails, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the untouched beauty of Georgia’s Golden Isles.
Along the trails, visitors can explore historic ruins, including remnants of a 19th-century plantation home, slave cabins, and Native American shell middens dating back thousands of years. These preserved sites offer a powerful glimpse into the island’s layered past — from its Indigenous roots to its colonial history.
Managed by the St. Simons Land Trust, Cannon’s Point Preserve combines conservation, education, and recreation, making it one of the most meaningful outdoor experiences on St. Simons Island. Guests are encouraged to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and take their time exploring this serene coastal treasure.
Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center
Discover the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, GA
A short, scenic drive from St. Simons Island, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is one of the most inspiring and educational attractions on the Georgia coast. This state-of-the-art rehabilitation, research, and education facility is dedicated to the rescue, care, and conservation of sea turtles and other coastal wildlife.
Visitors can tour the interactive exhibits, observe turtles undergoing rehabilitation, and learn about the center’s ongoing conservation work that helps protect Georgia’s marine ecosystem. The experience is both fun and meaningful — perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in ocean life.
Throughout the year, the center hosts educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and seasonal turtle releases, where rehabilitated turtles are returned to the ocean — an unforgettable moment for guests of all ages.
Take Flight with High Tide Aviation on St. Simons Island, GA
See the Golden Isles like never before with a thrilling aerial tour from High Tide Aviation — St. Simons Island’s premier provider of scenic flights and sightseeing adventures. Step aboard a state-of-the-art aircraft and soar above the island’s most breathtaking landmarks, from the historic St. Simons Lighthouse to the shimmering Atlantic coastline and the winding marshes of coastal Georgia.
Each flight offers breathtaking views, professional narration, and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating your family to a one-of-a-kind adventure, or simply looking for a new way to experience the beauty of St. Simons Island, High Tide Aviation delivers an unforgettable perspective of the coast.
