Nature Activities in St Simons Island

Q: What are the best hiking trails in St Simons Island?

Difficulty varies from easy riverside walks to challenging ridge hikes. Check trail conditions and allow extra time in poor weather.

Q: When's the best time to see wildlife in St Simons Island?

Early mornings and dusk are prime viewing times. Seasons matter—migratory birds, marine life, and land animals peak at different times.

Q: Can I kayak or paddle in St Simons Island's natural areas?

57 waterways offer kayaking for all levels. Guided tours teach navigation; go solo once you know the waters.

Connect with nature in St Simons Island. 57 hiking, wildlife, and eco-friendly activities.

Closed

FREE

Earth Day Nature Trail-Brunswick

4.3

The Earth Day Nature Trail in Brunswick, Georgia is a short, easy half-mile loop that winds through salt marsh, tidal creek, and maritime forest habitats. Along the way, interpretive signs highlight local wildlife and ecosystems, making it both educational and scenic. With its flat boardwalks and gentle path, the trail is family-friendly and accessible for all ages.

Open 24 Hours

John Gilbert Nature Trail

4.2

The John Gilbert Nature Trail is a peaceful half-mile path that winds through maritime forest and along the marsh on St. Simons Island. Visitors can enjoy shaded boardwalks, birdwatching, and views of a centuries-old live oak known as “John’s Oak.” Open daily, the trail offers a quiet escape into the island’s natural beauty.

Free

Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park

Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park is a scenic coastal park in Brunswick that offers one of the most breathtaking views of Georgia’s iconic salt marshes. Overlooking the landscape that inspired poet Sidney Lanier’s famous “Marshes of Glynn,” the park provides a peaceful setting to experience the natural beauty of the Golden Isles. The park features a fishing pier, picnic tables, and an educational pavilion, making it a great spot for both relaxation and learning about the local ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of marsh grasses, winding waterways, and abundant wildlife including birds, fish, and crabs. Known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park is a favorite for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and take in the quiet beauty of the coast. Whether you’re stopping for a quick view or enjoying a peaceful picnic, it’s one of the most underrated scenic spots in the Golden Isles.

Closed

$$$

Compass Kayak Tours

5.0

Compass Kayak Tours offers a peaceful, guided paddling experience through the scenic marshes and waterways of Jekyll Island. Led by experienced local guides, these tours combine outdoor adventure with education, giving guests a unique perspective of the island’s coastal ecosystem. Guests glide through calm tidal creeks and salt marshes, often spotting dolphins, coastal birds, and other wildlife along the way. The tours are designed for all skill levels, making them perfect for beginners, families, and nature lovers alike. With a focus on small groups and personalized experiences, Compass Kayak Tours delivers a relaxed, immersive way to explore the natural beauty of the Golden Isles. Why travelers love it: Up-close wildlife encounters, peaceful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a fun, easygoing adventure on the water.

Closed

$$$

4-H Tidelands Nature Center

4.5

At 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, you can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the tidal creek ecosystem and its inhabitants. The center features touch tanks where visitors can get hands-on with creatures like horseshoe crabs and sea stars, offering a close-up look at coastal wildlife. Guided nature walks and educational programs highlight the unique environment of the Georgia coast. This spot is ideal for families and anyone interested in learning about coastal habitats in an engaging way. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, making it easy to fit into a daytime outing on Jekyll Island.

Closed

Free

Frederica Park

4.5

Frederica Park on Saint Simons Island offers a peaceful blend of outdoor recreation and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for families, nature lovers, and active visitors. Spanning approximately 20 acres, the park features open playfields for sports like soccer and lacrosse, along with a paved walking trail, playground, picnic pavilions, and a dedicated dog park. A highlight of the park is the Alice Richards Botanical Trail, where visitors can explore native coastal plant life, wooded paths, and unique features like a labyrinth and interactive nature displays. With its combination of wide-open spaces, scenic trails, and family-friendly amenities, Frederica Park provides a relaxing and versatile outdoor experience for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the natural side of the island.

Free

Goulds Inlet

4.9

Gould’s Inlet on Saint Simons Island is a scenic coastal spot located at the northern end of East Beach, where the ocean meets tidal creeks and salt marsh. Known more for its natural beauty than swimming, it’s a favorite destination for birdwatching, fishing, and peaceful walks along the shore. With expansive views, shifting sandbars, and a rich coastal ecosystem, the area attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including shorebirds, dolphins, and seasonal sea turtles. It’s especially popular for sunrise views, nature photography, and enjoying a quieter, less crowded side of the island. Blending untouched scenery with outdoor recreation, Gould’s Inlet offers a unique glimpse into the natural coastal environment that makes Saint Simons Island such a special destination.

Open 24 Hours

Free

Clam Creek Picnic Area

4.6

Clam Creek Picnic Area on Jekyll Island offers a scenic coastal escape located at the island’s northern end, surrounded by salt marsh, tidal creeks, and beautiful water views. Featuring shaded picnic tables, grills, and a large fishing pier, it’s a perfect spot for relaxing, fishing, or enjoying a casual outdoor meal. With easy access to Driftwood Beach, walking and biking trails, and nearby wildlife, it provides a peaceful setting to experience the natural beauty of the Golden Isles.

Closed

Altamaha Regional Park-Brunswick, GA

4.5

A 40 min drive from SSI. Unwind at Altamaha Park in Brunswick—enjoy scenic riverside trails, kayak rentals, picnic areas, fishing pier, and family-friendly outdoor adventures along the tranquil Altamaha River.

Closed

Dolphin Tours of Jekyll Island

Dolphin Tours of Jekyll Island offer a memorable, fully narrated coastal adventure that takes guests through the scenic waterways of the Golden Isles to observe wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. These guided tours typically last around 90 minutes and provide an up-close look at dolphins feeding, playing, and swimming while sharing educational insight into their behavior and the surrounding ecosystem. Departing from the historic Jekyll Wharf, the tours travel through salt marshes, estuaries, and along barrier island shorelines, where guests can also spot wildlife such as sea turtles, birds, and other marine life. With comfortable, Coast Guard-certified boats and experienced captains, Dolphin Tours of Jekyll Island combine sightseeing, wildlife education, and coastal exploration into a fun, family-friendly experience that highlights the natural beauty and rich ecosystem of the Georgia coast.

Free

Glory Beach

Glory Beach on Jekyll Island offers one of the most scenic and peaceful coastal experiences in the Golden Isles, known for its wide, unspoiled shoreline and natural sand dunes lined with sea oats. Located on the island’s south end and accessed by a long wooden boardwalk, the beach gained its name after scenes from the 1989 film Glory were filmed there. This quiet stretch of beach is a favorite for visitors looking to escape the crowds, offering a tranquil setting for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying coastal wildlife. The surrounding ecosystem includes dunes, marsh areas, and nesting habitats for shorebirds and sea turtles, adding to its natural beauty and ecological importance. With its expansive views, peaceful atmosphere, and unique blend of history and nature, Glory Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a more relaxed and scenic side of Jekyll Island.

Closed

$$$

Anchor Excursions

4.9

Anchor Excursions on St. Simons Island offers guided 2-hour boat tours exploring the history, ecology and wildlife of the Golden Isles, sunset cruises with hibachi dinner and live music, and ferry rides between St. Simons and Jekyll Islands

Closed

$$$

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

4.6

Explore a wide range of animal habitats and beautifully maintained gardens at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. You can see playful orangutans, watch the giraffes during feeding time, or stroll through the Butterfly Garden to spot vibrant species. The zoo also features the African Savanna exhibit, where you can get close to zebras and rhinos. This zoo is a great outing for families and anyone interested in wildlife and plants. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers plenty of shaded paths and picnic areas for a comfortable visit.

$$$$

Billy Bee's Family Charters

Offers unforgettable, educational inshore fishing and dolphin‑spotting adventures for families aboard the “Billy Bee.”

Closed

Guale Preserve

4.2

The Guale Preserve is a 258-acre natural sanctuary on St. Simons Island with nearly three miles of trails winding through maritime forest, dune ridges, and pine stands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, and peaceful views along the waterfront. With a boat launch, fishing platform, and educational pavilion, it’s a perfect spot for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails in St Simons Island?

When's the best time to see wildlife in St Simons Island?

Can I kayak or paddle in St Simons Island's natural areas?