Food and Restaurants, Local Community, Recipes, Things To Do

Your St. Simons Island Winter Weekend Itinerary

November 13, 2024

While St. Simons Island is enjoyable anytime, winter is particularly magical. Mild temperatures make for pleasant days and afternoon outings filled with new discoveries. Fewer wait times at popular restaurants make dining out even more fun, and you’ll more than likely save a few dollars when visiting in the off-season!

With cozy accommodations, quiet beaches, and friendly locals ready to welcome you, St. Simons is the perfect place to unwind and recharge over a winter weekend. Not sure what to hit first? Lucky for you, we’ve whipped up a 3-day itinerary with some of our favorite winter activities on St. Simons Island!

Day One – Check-in Late Afternoon

Once you arrive, you’ll more than likely want to get out and explore, so we might suggest hitting some of the island’s most popular attractions. A great place to start is the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Browsing through the exhibits and artifacts offers a little bit of history about our coastal communities, and it’s a nice way to ease into the winter weekend. If you have time, the World War II Homefront Museum is a short drive away and worth the trip. As one of eleven sites across the state on the World War II Heritage Trail, the museum, located in the historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station, offers lots of interesting history, immersive galleries, and interactive displays the whole family will enjoy.

After a fun-filled afternoon, grab dinner at Frederica House and chat about everything you just learned. This popular eatery has been serving locals and visitors delicious seafood and steaks for decades, and it’s a cozy spot to unwind on your first day!

Day Two – A Full Day of Fun

Saturday Morning

So much to see and do, but first things first, and that means a warm cup of joe and a hearty breakfast! We can’t think of a better place than Palmer’s Village Cafe. The menu is packed with unexpected delights, each dish prioritizing only the freshest, local ingredients prepared in-house daily. Every dish is unique, and you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu. A few highlights include the maple glaze and bacon French toast, the Coastal Delight omelet, and the Surf Squared, a delicious combination of crab cakes, hollandaise, arugula, and poached eggs topped with pickled onion.

Saturday Afternoon

A little stroll might be in order, and fortunately, you’ll be in a great location. Take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and beautiful weather at Neptune Park, just a short walk away. If you have kids in tow, they’ll love spending time on the playground while you take in the incredible views of St. Simons Sound. When you’ve sufficiently worn the kiddos out, head to Pier Village for some early afternoon fun. Browse the shops for books, clothing, jewelry, and maybe a few souvenirs to take back home. The Village is filled with wonderful restaurants and ice cream shops, so you can grab a quick bite or settle in for lunch. If you’re craving barbecue, it’s worth the short drive to Southern Soul, a local favorite. Family-friendly restaurants are popular with locals and residents alike!

No winter weekend itinerary would be complete without exploring the beauty of the island on bikes. You’ll find several options, but Ocean Motion and Monkeywrench Bicycles will get you on the road in no time. The kids will enjoy being outdoors, and it’s a great way to see the sites. Ride North, you’ll find other places of interest, including Fort Frederica, Christ Church, Frederica Park, and Cannon’s Point Preserve, or set up a sunset tour with Anchor Excursions.

Saturday Evening

After all that exercise, you’ll be ready for a delicious dinner, and you’ll find no shortage of options. We’re thinking some fresh seafood might be in order which means a stop at Crab Daddy’s is an absolute must. Order some crab cakes and grouper fingers for the table while perusing the menu, then take your pick from chicken, pasta, steak, and a variety of seafood dishes sure to delight. If the kids are in the mood for pizza, try Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion, take it up a notch at Georgia Sea Grill. Either way, you’re guaranteed a fantastic meal! Afterward, stroll on the St. Simons Island Pier and catch a spectacular sunset while the kids watch the fishermen reel in their catch.

Day Three – Departure

The weekend may be coming to a close, but there’s still so much to explore! If you’re looking for a quick breakfast to grab and go, try Sweet Mama’s or Sandy Bottom Bagels for delectable handhelds. If you have the time to sit and linger, Dulce Dough is a popular spot, offering a changing seasonal menu. The doughnuts are incredible, and with a divine savory menu, it’s a lovely place to recap your winter weekend.

Crafts in the Village is open on select weekends throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar—you just might get a chance to browse the booths! Even if you miss the crafts, Postell Park is a beautiful place to stroll under the mossy oaks and dream about your next winter weekend in St. Simons. If you’re still looking for more to do, check out the Golden Isles calendar for other fun winter activities in the area. Want to grab a bite on your way out of town? Cafe Frederica offers a casual, family-friendly environment with delicious soups and sandwiches for a hearty meal before heading home!

Spend Your Winter Weekend with Hodnett Cooper

Of course, you’ll need a place to stay during your winter weekend, and Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals has plenty of cozy retreats to make you and your family feel warm and snuggly. Offering everything from vacation homes to condos to luxury vacation rentals, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect place to call your home away from home!