Romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA
Sunny beaches, dinners by candlelight, live oaks draped in Spanish Moss: A St. Simons Island romantic getaway has it all.
I visited the King and Prince Resort to learn about the romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA and fell in love with the island’s beauty, history and southern charm.
- Romantic Getaways in the USA
- 1. Wander the stately grounds at Christ Church St Simons Island
- 2. Take long walks on the beach
- 3. Enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight
- The Best Restaurants on St Simons Island, GA
- 4. Explore St Simons Island on bike
- 4. Sail away on a sunset cruise
- 5. Climb to the top of the lighthouse
- 6. Enjoy a day at the spa
Romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA
Of course, Saint Simons Island, Georgia has that coastal vibe that inspires relaxation simply for its beachy location. Wide, sandy beaches, balmy breezes and palm trees are enough for me.
But a St. Simons Island romantic getaway? It’s hard to beat!
Halfway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, it’s easy to get to St. Simons Island.
Once you get here, the vast number of romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA makes it a great getaway — for a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a break from everyday life!
1. Wander the stately grounds at Christ Church St Simons Island
Christ Church, Frederica, on St Simons Island, Georgia is one of the most photographed locations on Georgia’s Gold Coast, and it’s easy to see why.
Its history dates back to the mid-1700s when General James Oglethorpe laid the cornerstone to establish Fort Frederica. The Christ Church you see today was built in 1884 by Rev. Anson Phelps Dodge, Jr in memory of his wife. That alone is kind of romantic — in a slightly sad way.
The grounds at Christ Church, St Simons Island are beautiful — stately oaks draped in Spanish moss, flowering azaleas in springtime, and gardens all year long — a quiet, serene place for a romantic stroll.
Christ Church St Simons Island is open from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays. There is no charge to visit the grounds. Guided tours of Christ Church, St Simons Island, are offered to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.
2. Take long walks on the beach
What could be more romantic than a long walk on the beach with your beloved?
When it comes to romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA, it’s hard to beat strolling on the beach hand in hand!
There are no private beaches on St Simons Island, but the three main beach access points are Massingale Park Beach, Coast Guard Station Beach and Goulds Inlet.
- Massingale Park Beach is the most popular beach on St Simons Island, with a picnic area, bathhouse, and an on-duty lifeguards in summer. Parking and drinking is allowed, but no glass containers.
- Coast Guard Station Beach, also has a bathhouse, summer season lifeguards and permitted drinking, still no glass containers.
- Goulds Inlet has a fishing pier, not quite the same romantic vibe.
Be sure to catch a sunset at the Coast Guard Station Beach on your St. Simons Island romantic getaway!
3. Enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight
When looking for romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA, there are plenty of great restaurants for a relaxed dinner — without high chairs, chicken tenders or french fries! Though, you can have french fries if you want — it’s your St. Simons Island romantic getaway!
One of my favorites is Echo, at the King and Prince Resort
Echo is the only oceanfront restaurant on the island. The ambiance is incredible, and the food matches it. Cuisine is southern American classic with a twist — not too fussy, but worthy of a candlelight dinner for two.
Another of my favorite romantic restaurants in St Simons Island is Georgia Sea Grill.
The Georgia Sea Grill menu is built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients — much of it from their own farm.
Like Echo, the food is delicious and the ambiance is perfect for a St. Simons Island romantic getaway.
Be sure to save room for dessert!
Another great restaurant for a romantic evening on St Simons Island, is Tramici Neighborhood Italian.
Located at 75 Cinema Lane, “center island” so to speak, Tramici has great Italian cuisine. We enjoy the patio dining at Tramici for a romantic date night — especially in spring and fall.
4. Explore St Simons Island on bike
With miles of bike trails winding through the island under live oak trees and along the beaches, exploring St Simons on bike is easy.
And, yes, it’s worth including on our list of romantic things to do in St. Simons Island, GA!
Rent bikes for a day to find things like the “tree spirits” of St. Simons Island or to head to the St. Simons Island Pier at Pier Village to enjoy a picnic lunch from a nearby shop.
Bike rental in St. Simons Island is a great way to discover hidden spots — you know, the romantic spots in St Simons Island — not easily seen driving by in a car.
4. Sail away on a sunset cruise
You already know I think sunsets are one of the most romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA.
If you agree, then consider a sunset cruise with Cap Fendig and his crew!
The Sunset Tours, offered from February to November and departing one hour before sunset, give you sunset and twilight vistas all around St Simons Island. You can expect to see dolphins, wildlife and birds, as you “sail” both inland rivers and the calm waters along the coast.
Food and beverages, even bubbly, are allowed on the sunset cruise — so pack a picnic dinner to enjoy as the sun slips away on your St. Simons Island romantic getaway!
5. Climb to the top of the lighthouse
When looking for romantic things to do in St. Simons Island, GA a visit to the St. Simons Lighthouse should make the list.
Climb the 129 steps to the top of St. Simons Lighthouse for stunning views of the island — and the sea beyond. All along the way, windows provide changing views and a place to rest!
There’s something nostalgic and exciting about the view from the top of a lighthouse — perhaps we can blame Nicholas Sparks for that? There’s also a small garden behind the lighthouse where couples can sit and enjoy the setting.
6. Enjoy a day at the spa
There are several spas on the island offering couples massage. One of the best is at Misty’s Element, where a couples massage package is available. Whether you start your St. Simons Island romantic getaway with a relaxing massage to melt life’s tensions away or end it with a massage before going back home, a couples massage is definitely romantic!
For a couple’s getaway, it’s hard to beat St Simons Island! With so many romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA, your cares will melt away! The slower pace — whether walking on the beach or exploring by bike — lets the stress melt away. Fine dining, from local restaurants serving fresh seafood and delicious local produce, lets you forget the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
More articles on Georgia’s Golden Isles
Want to learn more about St. Simons Island and Georgia’s Golden Isles? Check out these great resources:
- The best restaurants in St Simons Island
- King and Prince Resort hotel review and tips for staying,
- Jekyll Island Vacation Ideas,
- Driftwood Beach, an otherworldly beach on the Golden Isles,
- Jekyll Island Club Tours, discover the golden era on the Golden Isles
More romantic getaway ideas
Looking for more romantic getaways? We’ve got a pretty stellar list of places to go!
- Explore Savannah, Georgia — not too far away, either!
- Romantic Charlottesville, VA — historic inns and gorgeous mountain views
- Top romantic getaways in the United States — according to top travel bloggers
- New York City for two!
Special thanks to the King and Prince Resort for hosting my stay, to Cap Fendig and Lighthouse Trolleys and to all the people who welcomed us so warmly so we could learn more about this beautiful place.