Scenic Drives Near St Simons Island

Q: What's the best scenic drive from St Simons Island for a 2-3 hour trip?

Routes through mountains, coastline, or countryside with photo stops work best—68 scenic drive routes from St Simons Island are perfect for a half-day adventure.

Q: Are there good restaurants or cafes along scenic drives near St Simons Island?

Most scenic drives pass through small towns—check ahead for lunch spots. 68 routes we list have stops worth eating at along the way.

Q: What time of year has the best scenery for drives from St Simons Island?

Fall colors, spring blooms, and summer sunsets all shine—68 scenic drives near St Simons Island are gorgeous year-round, just with different seasonal highlights.

Take a scenic drive near St Simons Island. 68 routes with beautiful views and stops along the way.

Jesup Drive-In-Jesup, GA

4.4

1 hour drive from SSI. Enjoy a nostalgic night out at Jesup Drive-In—Georgia’s oldest drive-in theater, showing double features with classic snacks under the stars.

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.

Closed

Coastal Tide Excursions

4.9

Guests are invited aboard the Lady Jane for educational shrimp‑boat tours through calm estuaries, with hands‑on marine wildlife experiences.

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

$$$$

Georgia Saltwater Adventures

4.9

Offers personalized inshore, offshore, shark, tarpon charters, plus dolphin, sunset, and eco cruises.

$$$

Slack Tide Tiki

Slack Tide Tiki offers a one-of-a-kind coastal experience aboard a private tiki-style boat, delivering a fun and relaxing way to explore the waters of St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles. This unique charter blends island vibes with scenic cruising, creating the perfect setting for everything from laid-back outings to unforgettable celebrations. Guests can enjoy morning cruises, happy hour outings, or sunset trips while taking in marsh views

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore-St Mary's

4.8

A 1 hour drive from SSI. Cumberland Island, accessible by ferry from St. Marys, offers wild horses, beaches, ruins, trails, camping, and tours. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and gear—no stores on-site. Ferry runs daily with limited access; arrive early and prepare for an unforgettable, car-free coastal adventure. Be aware there is a ferry fee and a park entrance fee, but both can be purchased at ferry office. Private boats can access island too, but will still need a park pass.

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.

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.

Free

Avenue of the Oaks

4.4

The Avenue of the Oaks on St. Simons Island is one of the most iconic and picturesque landmarks in the Golden Isles. This breathtaking tree-lined avenue features a majestic double row of towering live oak trees, many over 150 years old, their branches arching overhead and draped in Spanish moss to form a natural canopy. Originally planted in the early 1800s as the entrance to Retreat Plantation, the avenue now serves as the grand approach to the Sea Island Golf Club. Walking or driving beneath the sweeping limbs feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by centuries of history and natural beauty. Why travelers love it: A stunning, photo-worthy oak canopy, rich island history, and a peaceful, unforgettable setting that captures the timeless charm of St. Simons Island.

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

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.

$$$

Golden Isles Carriage and Trail Rides

3.8

Golden Isles Carriage and Trail Rides on Jekyll Island offers scenic horseback rides and charming carriage tours through the island’s historic and natural landscapes. Guests can explore shaded maritime forests, sandy beaches, and trails while enjoying a peaceful, guided experience. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, it’s a unique way to see the beauty of Jekyll Island from a different perspective.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best scenic drive from St Simons Island for a 2-3 hour trip?

Are there good restaurants or cafes along scenic drives near St Simons Island?

What time of year has the best scenery for drives from St Simons Island?