In the quiet of the Golden Isles on Georgia’s southern coastline, about an hour north of Jacksonville and an hour and a half south of Savannah, St. Simons Island feels a world apart. Perhaps it’s the streets lined with Spanish moss-draped oak trees. Or the pristine beaches. It could be the island’s southern charm and hospitality. With all of this, and plenty of activities that appeal to everyone, there’s plenty to recommend St. Simons Island to meeting planners and their clients. 

 

Why St. Simons Island 

  • The island has an average year-round temperature of 68 degrees F. 

  • The barrier island has a village feel. 

  • St. Simons Island is 20 minutes from Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), and about an hour from both Jacksonville (JAX) and Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) international airports. 

 

What’s New in St. Simons Island 

  • Georgia’s Golden Isles, in which St. Simons Island is found, have been named the No. 1 Best U.S. Islands for three of the past five years by Travel + Leisure. 

 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in St. Simons Island, as well as places to grab a bite to eat. Here are a few spots to pique your interest and help ensure your clients will enjoy their time in the Golden Isles. 

 

SEE 

 

St. Simons Island Lighthouse 

Built in 1872, the St. Simons Lighthouse has been guiding ships to safe waters for more than 150 years; its light can still be spotted more than 20 miles out at sea. Climb the 129 steps to the top for panoramic views of the island, not to mention Jekyll Island and the mainland. Back on ground level, a museum is housed in the two-story Victorian lightkeeper’s home which was lived in until the 1950s. Self-guided group tours are available. 

 

Avenue of the Oaks 

Thoughts of a charming southern town likely conjure up images of Spanish-moss draped trees. That’s just what you’ll find when you drive to the Sea Island Golf Club. One hundred years ago Anna Page King planted an impressive double row of oak trees on the southern end of St. Simons Island, now known as the Avenue of the Oaks.  

 

Cannon’s Point Preserve 

Photo: Drive Brand Studio

 

At the north end of St. Simons Island is Cannon’s Point Preserve, more than 600 acres filled with maritime forest, salt marsh and shoreline that’s home to myriad wildlife, including birds, fish, oysters and manatees. The preserve is also rich in history, with shell middens dating back to 2500 BCE, and remains of a plantation home and slave quarters from the 1800s.  

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

DO

 

Get Outside

Photo: Drive Brand Studio 

 

Leave the meeting room behind and take advantage of all the outdoor activities St. Simons Island has to offer, from golfing and biking to horseback riding and kayaking. Of course, there’s always a stroll on the beach, or simply sitting back and watching the Atlantic Ocean do its thing.  

 

Seek Out the Tree Spirits 

Photo: Drive Brand Studio

 

Take your group on a scavenger hunt of sorts when you seek out the Tree Spirits found across St. Simons Island. Take a walk or hop on a bike to look for whimsical carvings in the majestic oak trees, created by local artists. Which will be your favorite?  

 

Go Fish 

Photo: Drive Brand Studio

 

Whether experienced anglers or have yet to bait a hook, St. Simons Island is a terrific spot for everyone to cast a line. The diverse ecosystems around the island and coastline make for terrific habitats for a wide range of species of fish. Try fly fishing for red fish in the marshes, or head out to deeper waters to catch kingfish, cobia, or snapper. A fishing guide will steer you in the right direction, and maybe even share their secret spots. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

EAT

 

Southern Soul Barbeque 

Photo: Drive Brand Studio: Southern Soul Website

 

If you’re looking for some good authentic Georgia barbeque, look no further than Southern Soul Barbeque, a beloved roadside joint known for its smoked meats and laid-back vibes. Open for lunch and dinner (but closed on Tuesdays), you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, ranging from sandwiches served with pickles, to plates served with two sides, of which there is plenty to choose. You can also bring the barbecue to you — Southern Soul offers full-service catering. 

 

Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar 

Photo: Dorothy's Cocktail and Oyster Bar Website

 

Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced seafood and coastal cuisine is served alongside dishes inspired by travels to Southeast Asia at Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar. Open for dinner, Dorothy’s menu changes weekly and may include bites like Hamachi Crudo with persimmon butter, citrus supremes and olive oil; Pork Katsu with persimmon aioli and a Thai crunch salad; or Fire Roasted Fish with red curry, wok seared eggplant and cucumber, and jasmine rice. The dishes are complimented by Dorothy’s impressive craft cocktail program and wine list. Private dining is available.  

 

Georgia Sea Grill 

Photo: Georgia Sea Grill Website

 

The culinary team at Georgia Sea Grill prefers to grow their own when it comes to produce, which is exactly what they do at their own Potlikker Farm. When served alongside locally sourced seafood, beef, pork, lamb, poultry and even the restaurant’s own farm-raised catfish, the flavors really stand up and shine. Start with the Smoked Fish Dip, Crab Stuffed Hushpuppies, Georgia Beef Carpaccio, or Fried Green Tomatoes before moving onto a main course of Shrimp & Grit; the fresh catch prepared three different ways, including Bronzed served with hoppin’ john, tomato cream and pickled okra; a Tomato Molasses Glazed Pork Chop served with roasted fingering potatoes, haricot verts and balsamic reduction; or a tantalizing vegetarian Farmer’s Plate. Be sure to save room for desserts like Buttermilk Pie and Georgia Pecan Pie.  

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

STAY

 

ALHI Members The Cloister at Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island, both of which are set on a private island, are ready to welcome you and your guests to Georgia’s Golden Isles. 

 

The Cloister at Sea Island 

For nearly 100 years, The Cloister at Sea Island has been welcoming guests to the southern coast of Georgia, and the storied Forbes Five Star resort is ready to welcome you, too. In addition to 265 guest rooms, suites and residences, and 23 meeting rooms spanning 33,000 square feet, The Cloister boasts a luxurious spa and three championship golf courses. 

 

The Lodge at Sea Island 

An even more intimate stay on Georgia’s southern coast is The Lodge at Sea Island. The Forbes Five Star boutique hotel has just 43 guest rooms and suites, along with a collection of cottages, each with dedicated butler service, to make your guests feel right at home. When it is time to work, five meeting rooms can get the job done. Afterwards, all of the Sea Island amenities await just outside your door.  

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member.