August is always a busy month for both locals and visitors alike as families try to get in some last-minute vacation time in before school starts back up. August on St. Simons Island is also HOT! But that never stops us from enjoying outdoor activities here. The secret to true enjoyment is in the timing of those outdoor activities. My mom used to say nothing good happens after midnight, but luckily, the days are longer in August, so there’s plenty of time to “play outside” late into the evening before it’s even dusk. Here are a few suggestions of fun things to do later in the day when it’s cooler outside to help you enjoy August on the island.
Try flipping your normal beach day into a beach night! Instead of going to the beach during 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when it is hot outside, enjoy lunch at one of our many wonderful local restaurants followed by some shopping at our many retail shops and boutiques. You’ll get a great meal, a great deal, AND you’ll stay cool! Maybe catch an afternoon matinee at the movie theatre. Start your beach “day” with an early dinner, then hit the beach around 6:00 p.m. By then, the crowds have left, and you’ll practically have the beach all to yourself! With it staying light until almost 9:00 p.m., you can get three hours of prime beach time. After 6:00 p.m. is also a great time to ride bikes, walk around the Village and pier area, play putt putt or maybe even a game of pickleball.
Another idea is to hit the beach in the late afternoon and then go out to dinner later in the evening. It’s a lot easier to get a table at most local restaurants on a Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. rather than trying to be seated during the earlier dinner hours. That hour and half you’re sitting or standing waiting for a table could be better spent at the beach! Show up at 8:30 p.m. and there’s a good chance you’ll be seated immediately!
Squeezing in that last summer vacation is a family tradition. The key is to not end up like the Griswold family!
