20 Attractions to Explore Near Little St. Simons

The Darien River is a key feature of the landscape, running through its middle as it accesses the Atlantic Ocean. The river runs southwesterly to its mouth near the coast, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Boating, swimming, kayaking and fishing are all ways to enjoy the pristine waters in its region. Darien River also offers beautiful scenery with lush marshlands that are home to many species of birds and other wildlife.

The Doboy Sound is a serene and natural landscape located along the southeastern coast of the United States. The region is home to multiple rare species of plant and animal life, including several endangered birds such as Piping Plovers and Black Skimmers. Sailing on marshes, inlets and canals across Doboy Sound provides a breathtaking experience, while outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking and birdwatching offer visitors a chance to engage with nature.

Guale Preserve is a stunning natural area that provides the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors. Mature hardwood hammocks at 44 feet high are some of the tallest trees in Georgia, providing amazing wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Picturesque blackwater creeks and marshlands interweave through the preserve, allowing visitors to view all manner of wildlife including Wetland species such as red-bellied turtle, fiddler crab, and roseate spoonbill.

Eagle Island is a unique place with beautiful beaches and lush marshlands. Its sandy beaches flank the Sapelo River, which also provides some of the best fishing in Georgia. As an island, it has protected forests that are home to diverse wildlife, including alligators. There's no shortage of activities on Eagle Island - visitors can explore the grounds by foot and bike, or take a boat tour around the island to spot even more wildlife in its untouched wilderness areas.

Fort Frederica National Monument, on St. Simons Island, Georgia, preserves the archaeological remnants of a fort and town built by James Oglethorpe between 1736 and 1748 to protect the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish raids. About 630 British troops were stationed at the fort.

Christ Church Episcopal is a beloved landmark that has stood for over two centuries. Built in 1820, the church has been a mainstay of spiritual life in the region and an important historical monument. It boasts many classic architectural details like carved wooden balconies, large fan windows, pedimented gables and an original bell tower. The church hosts frequent traditional services as well as special events throughout the year. In addition to its spiritual use.

Sapelo Lighthouse has been a beacon to passing ships since its construction in 1820. The four-story structure stands tall, announcing its presence on Sapelo Island with a black and white band of paint that still shows the wear of battling fierce coastal winds. Its Fresnel lens emits a beam that reaches 19 nautical miles into the night. This beacon of hope has helped keep mariners safe while they traverse Georgia's rugged shoreline.

Sea Island Beach is an idyllic barrier island, ideal for nature lovers and those who want to relax on a beautiful beach. The area’s superb natural environment includes the momentous St Simons Island Lighthouse, wildlife refuge and nearby islands with long periods of easygoing ocean surf. It has eleven miles of pristine shoreline where visitors can swim, soak up the sun and relax. There are also secluded pathways in the woods for peaceful strolls as well as golf courses.

The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation was a plantation on the Altamaha River, in Glynn County, Georgia. It produced rice from 1800 until 1915, when growing rice became unprofitable. Then it was primarily a dairy farm until 1942. The plantation site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and is operated as a Georga State Historic Site.[2] The Georgia Department of Natural Resources manages 1,268 acres of land and 696 acres of marsh.

Hog Hammock is a distinct community primarily inhabited by the Gullah-Geechee people, many of whom are descendants of West African slaves brought to the United States in the slavery era. This small remains largely independent with its own unique blend of African American and Caribbean culture, including language, cuisine, religion and lifestyle. It benefits from its proximity to the ocean, offering tourists delightful fishing villages pass time activities such as crabbing or boat trips.

Epworth Park is an 86-acre family park located along the Saint Simons Sound. This beloved part of the community features plenty of amenities for its guests to enjoy, with ample space for picnics, camping, fishing, and swimming. Facilities such as restrooms, showers, laundry rooms, and camp store add to the appeal of this delightful park. While in the area, visitors may also take a stroll across Blythe Island where they can explore pristine wetlands full of wildlife or go bird watching.

The Golden Isles Georgia Welcome Center provides travelers an array of services, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding area. When visitors arrive at the center, they can find a wealth of helpful information about local attractions and resources. From events and festivals to natural attractions such as parks and beaches, the Welcome Center has all the details needed in order to plan the perfect trip.

The Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins, located in Glynn County, Georgia, are an evocative reminder of the African American-led struggles toward freedom during the Civil War. The oldest cabin on the property dates to the 1820s and is one of four remaining slave cabins owned by Thomas Spalding during that time. Though never intended to be a tourist attraction, they are now treasured artifacts that present a living testament to their brave occupants.

Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve offers one of the most unique marine ecosystems in America. This 4,700 acre reserve consists of tidal creeks, salt marshes, mud flats and barrier beach islands, as well as miles of undeveloped beaches. As a research preserve it is a living outdoor laboratory utilized by students and researchers to study an intact estuarine habitat. In addition to its research purposes, It boasts many recreational activities.

Saint Simons Island, is a scenic place renowned for its unspoiled beauty. This charming barrier island includes a number of gentle hills and lush vegetation that make it a truly unique destination. The site is home to a rich maritime past, with sites like the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum adding historical interest to an already lovely area. plenty of activities such as golf courses, fishing charters and guided hikes that allow them to fully appreciate the wonders of this coastal landscape.

Gascoigne Bluff is a bluff next to the Frederica River on the western side of the island of St. Simons, Georgia which was a Native American campground, the site of a Franciscan monastery named San Buenaventura, and the site of the Province of Georgia's first naval base. This area was one of several St. Simons Island plantations owned by John Couper who lived at Cannon Point, St. Simons Island, and who donated his library of 20,000 volumes to the Library of Congress.

The Altamaha Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Spanning across 43,200 acres of land and 688 acres of water, the area is a hotspot for numerous species of fish, birds and mammals. Here you can find Marsh Wrens, American White Pelicans and Ospreys nesting among its giant Oak and Bald Cypress trees. Fishing opportunities abound thanks to its interesting topography – from hundreds of acres in shallow or submerged areas to deep depression ponds.

Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area is a stunning example of coastal nature and wildlife. Located just off the coast of Georgia, Sapelo Island covers over 4,500 acres of marshes, tidal creeks, maritime forests, sand dunes, and beachfront. There are incredible opportunities here to witness more than 200 species of birds soar across the skies and explore their habitats throughout the island.

Mallery Park, located on St. Simons Island, is a popular recreational retreat for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, the park features long serene pathways perfect for leisurely strolls along marshlands and maritime forests. This Park boasts biking trails and volleyball courts along with a playground for kids. This beachfront park also offers swimming areas and picnic tables with barbecue grills to make it a fantastic place for an outdoor gathering or family outing.

The St. Simons Island Light is a lighthouse on the southern tip of St. Simons Island, Georgia, United States. It guides ships into St. Simons Sound and warns of the many sandbars in the area.