St. Simons Island Rainy Day Activities

December 12, 2024

St. Simons Island and the surrounding Golden Isles are known for warm, sunny weather and endless coastal charm. But if we know anything about coastal weather, it’s that pop up showers and the occasional rainy day are bound to pause beach plans from time to time.

Rain, shine, or in between, don’t let a change in the weather dampen the fun. We’ve curated a comprehensive list of family-friendly indoor activities to keep everyone entertained until the sun returns. From movies and golf to museums and more, St. Simons offers countless rainy day activities for visitors of all ages.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Make the most of a rainy afternoon with a visit to the affordable and family-friendly Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Explore the engaging exhibits and learn about these amazing reptiles and conservation efforts to protect their habitat. You can also observe sea turtles in the rehabilitation area and, if lucky, witness the dedicated team of volunteers in action as they care for injured or ill turtles.

St. Simons Island Movie Theatre

Catch the latest blockbusters at St. Simons Island Movie Theatre, centrally located on St. Simons. With morning, afternoon, and evening showtimes, it’s the perfect rainy day escape for movie lovers of all ages.

Local Museums

Turn your next rainy day into a cultural experience by visiting a local St. Simons museum. It’s a great opportunity to explore and learn about local history, art, and culture while staying comfortable indoors—and there are several great options nearby!

Visit the Lighthouse Museum on the south end of St. Simons in the charming Pier Village. Climbing the iconic lighthouse tower for stunning views, then step into the Keeper’s Dwelling to explore fascinating exhibits. Inside, you’ll find rare artifacts and historical photographs that bring the island’s rich maritime history to life.

Another must-visit is the World War II Home Front Museum located at East Beach. This engaging museum showcases Coastal Georgia’s remarkable contributions during World War II through immersive exhibits and interactive displays. Meanwhile, Mosaic Gallery on Jekyll Island tells the story of the island’s storied past with stunning visuals and audio that even kids will enjoy!

Indoor Golf

The Golden Isles is known for its incredible golf courses, but when stormy weather disrupts your outdoor plans, indoor golf is a fantastic alternative. Top Golf Swing Suite offers a virtual golf experience where you can choose from 84 golf courses. If you’re in the mood for something different, the suite also features other virtual games like baseball pitching, soccer, zombie dodgeball, and carnival games!

Meanwhile, Fitted Fairways is another indoor golf facility that caters to golfers of all levels. You can work on your swing with simulators, play a round of golf, get custom-fitted clubs, or take a lesson with expert instructors.

Breakout Adventure Escape Room

If you’re looking for a thrill, Breakout Adventure Escape Room offers an immersive escape room experience in the heart of St. Simons Island. Choose from four exciting escape room games that will challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork. It’s a perfect rainy day activity for family and friends looking to enjoy an adrenaline-packed indoor adventure.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a great way to stay active, and you can even do it indoors when you’re on vacation in the Golden Isles! Head to Brunswick Rocks, an indoor climbing gym just a short drive from St. Simons Island. With various climbing walls suitable for all skill levels and an option to take a climbing class, it’s a great way to challenge yourself and have a good time, rain or shine!

Local Shopping

Shopping on St. Simons Island is always a nice way to spend your time, no matter the weather. Pier Village is the center of St. Simons Island’s coastal shopping scene. Here, you’ll find everything from local boutiques, art galleries, and cozy local shops filled with handmade jewelry, stylish apparel, and home décor.

The Shops at Sea Island offer an upscale shopping experience, with high-end boutiques selling luxury accessories, stylish apparel, and home goods. In Redfern Village, Viola’s Market is the spot for antiques and vintage treasures.

If you have a sweet tooth, stop by St. Simons Sweets for handmade candies, gourmet chocolates, and artisanal treats that capture the flavor of the island. For gourmet cooks and home enthusiasts, Uncle Don’s Market is the go-to destination for spices and gourmet gifts.

Throughout the year, St. Simons Island hosts a variety of craft fairs and seasonal events where you can discover even more unique local goods.

Dining, Tastings, & More

Rain or shine, noshing around St. Simons is always a good idea. Local flavors and unique culinary experiences are a hallmark of any St. Simons vacation, and rainy days are a great excuse to enjoy all the area offers.

Our favorite kid-friendly restaurants include Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria and Tramici for Italian cuisine; The Half Shell and Iguanas Seafood for enjoying fresh local catch; and Frosty’s Griddle and Shake for a variety of kid-friendly choices like burgers, fries, and hot dogs.

Traveling without kids? Hitting the area’s tasting rooms is a great way for adults to enjoy a rainy day at the beach.

Silver Bluff Brewing Company in Brunswick is a spot to taste locally crafted brews, including beer flights that let you sample a variety of flavors. It’s a relaxed venue that offers a variety of craft beers that highlight the Southern region’s finest hops and flavors.

Richland Rum is known for small-batch rum made locally in Georgia. They offer a range of rich and smooth spirits, from signature expressions to unique seasonal blends. Enjoy a tour and learn about the rum-making process while sipping on some of the finest spirits in the South.

For a non-alcoholic option, visit Biron Tea Factory in historic downtown Brunswick. Here, you can explore an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, tour the factory, taste different blends, and discover the art of tea making!

Plan Your Stay

As you can see, while St. Simons may be known for its mild weather and sunny beaches, rainy day activities are hardly in short supply. No matter the weather or season, there’s always a good time waiting for you and your crew on St. Simons Island! Book your stay with Hodnett Cooper today.