Summary
- St. Simons Island offers refined elegance and a quieter escape compared to Tybee Island.
- Tybee Island is compact and attracts a younger crowd with its quirky character and adrenaline-boosting water sports.
- Both islands have must-see landmarks that honor their rich heritage and offer a variety of activities and sites to explore.
Exploring the sandy beaches along Georgia, USA's coast unveils Tybee Island as a favored destination renowned for its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Its allure is heightened by its proximity to Savannah, making the island spot an ideal choice for a Georgia day trip. Yet there is an alternative: St. Simons Island stands out as a prominent option, situated on the southeastern coast near the captivating Jekyll Island.
Despite sharing a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, Tybee and St. Simons Islands each boast distinctive characteristics that differentiate them. These unique attributes cater to diverse tastes and preferences and both destinations make up part of the mesmerizing beach landscape of Georgia.
St. Simons Island Radiates Refined Elegance, While Tybee Island Buzzes With Energy
St. Simons Island is the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles
St. Simons Island in Georgia
With Brunswick as the nearest city, St. Simons offers a quieter escape compared to Tybee, which is only a 20-minute drive away from Savannah. St. Simons boasts a varied landscape steeped in history, featuring moss-draped oak trees, nature trails, historic plantations, and distinctive Southern architecture that collectively enhance its refined allure.
The island has earned acclaim as a premier golf destination, featuring world-class courses with breathtaking coastal views that draw golf enthusiasts worldwide.
- The King and Prince Beach Golf Resort: This is one the most popular choices for golding on the island ($135 +tax per person, including the cart)
- Sea Island Retreat: Nestled amidst majestic Georgia longleaf pines, serene native oaks, and lush greens, golfers of every skill level can enjoy this course. (starting $105 for 9 holes)
- Sea Palms: More than just a golf course, this is also a hotel offering spacious suites furnished in a modern and luxurious style (Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort, starting at $69 for 9 holes)
East Beach, located on the Island's eastern side, is notably prized for its serenity, tide pools, and birdwatching spots.
Stretching just over 3 miles, Tybee is compact compared to St. Simons
Sunset at Tybee Island in Georgia, USA
Tybee provides a classic seaside experience. The quirky character of this small barrier island attracts a younger crowd. The town is perfect for sunbathing, playing beach games, swimming, and practicing adrenaline-boosting water sports:
- Jet Skiing with Tybee Jet Ski and Watersports ($139 per hour for a 60-minute tour)
- Surf Lessons with Tybee Surf School($90 per session for a private individual lesson)
- Kayaking with Sea Kayak Georgia ($65 per person for a 3-hour tour)
- Paddleboard Tours with East Coast Paddleboarding ($50 per person for a 2-hour tour; gear included)
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St. Simons And Tybee Both Feature Must-See Landmarks That Honor Their Rich Heritages
St. Simons offers historical, religious, and cultural attractions
A white lighthouse sitting next to a tree in St. Simons, Georgia, USA
There is an array of activities to do and sites to visit on St. Simons.
- St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum: A prominent landmark, the lighthouse offers panoramic views, while the museum showcases the island's maritime history and its role during the Civil War (Admission fee: $12 for adults, free for children under 6. Open every day until 5 p.m.)
- Christ Church, Frederica: Dating back to the 18th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. The picturesque chapel is an iconic symbol of the island's historical significance.
- Bloody Marsh Battle Site: Located on the island's northern end, the site commemorates the historic 1742 conflict between British forces and Spanish invaders. This pivotal clash serves as a poignant reminder of the island's rich colonial history. Admission to the site is free.
- Avenue of the Oaks at Gascoigne Bluff: This is a historic site with a picturesque avenue of oak trees leading to the waterfront. It was a gathering place for Native Americans and early settlers. The site hosts events and festivals throughout the year and provides a scenic spot for picnics and relaxation.
- Wesley Memorial & Gardens: Located in the village area, Wesley Memorial & Gardens is a beautiful memorial with over 60 varieties of native oak trees. The site is dedicated to John and Charles Wesley and situated next to the Wesley United Methodist Church (Service at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
The Pier Village on St. Simons Island is the community's vibrant center, offering shops, restaurants, and boutiques. The Village Pier, a favorite for fishing and strolling, extends into St. Simons Sound, providing stunning sunset views. Next to the pier, Neptune Park is a family-friendly spot with playgrounds, mini-golf, and a pool.
Tybee Island pays tribute to its military and maritime heritage
Venturing beyond Tybee's sun-kissed shores, these cultural sites offer a harmonious contrast.
Lighthouse and white and brown concrete building near green grass field during night time at Tybee island, Georgia, USA
- Tybee Light Station & Museum: This iconic place stands as a testament to the island's rich maritime history. Climbing to the top of the lighthouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding area ($12 for adults, free for children 5 and under. Closed on Tuesdays)
- Fort Pulaski National Monument: Just a 10-minute drive from Tybee Island, this landmark is a dream for history buffs. It was ranked one of the “most spectacular harbor defense structures” in the US during the Civil War era ($10 per adult for a 7-day pass. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Tybee Island Memorial Park: This park honors Tybee Island residents who served in the military. It features memorials, plaques, and a monument paying tribute to those who have served their country.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit St. Simons Island And Tybee Island?
The peak season to visit the islands is during the summer months, from late May to early September
While summer is the most popular time, many prefer to schedule their trip to Tybee Island during the mild and less crowded spring season, with temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit.
St. Simons Island unfolds its charm in the delightful fall, featuring pleasant weather in the 70s Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, winter proves to be an excellent time, unveiling Georgia's beaches in an even more stunning light.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June to November, so it's wise to monitor weather forecasts if planning to visit during that period.
Whether the goal is to find a casual beach retreat with thrilling activities or a more upscale escape in a historically rich island, Georgia's coastal gems have something special to offer for everyone.
