Hangouts, Hamlets, and Hidden Gems - An Islander’s Guide to St. Simons Spots for Summer Fun

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Summer on-island is super charged and full of energy. Day-trippers, weekenders, and those in town for longer stays, flock to our slice of paradise to discover what we year-rounders know and hold dear: St. Simons Island is magical. 

Every season brings unique colors, sounds, and rhythms, somewhat like the rising and waning tides around this barrier island, roughly the size of Manhattan. New go-to spots pop up next to cherished institutions in hamlet-like island neighborhoods. Shopping, dining, and gathering places appear and people arrive, drawn to sunny vibes. 

Here are just a few from our EIL rolodex—old and new—for guests and SSI old timers to explore and enjoy. 

PIER VILLAGE

The Heart & Soul of St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island’s cherished heart and soul – our answer to small town America. Where the 4th of July parade happens, where Santa Claus comes on a firetruck at Christmas, where we grow up, where we go to eat ice cream, fish, and admire views of the ocean in any weather, including hurricanes. (Yes, we all drive around “The Village” in rainstorms and rare snowstorms.) Go to the Pier Village to eat, shop, stroll, or simply people watch. 

EAT & DRINK: Mullet Bay

SSI’s answer to Key West, with large porch, swaying palms, and bright umbrellas. Owner Judah Lynch of Brunswick’s Indigo Coastal Shanty fame has upped the ante on food and fun, drawing islanders and tourists alike for inspired seafood dishes, frozen drinks, and music. 512 Ocean Boulevard, 912.634.9977, mulletbayrestaurant.com. 

SHOP: St. Simons Bait & Tackle

Step inside to rows of gear and hats arranged on shelves, accessed by an old-school sliding ladder from Grandpa’s day. (No, you may not get on the ladder!) Go for a cup of Joe, rods, reels, rigs, and an assortment of “curated” bait.  St. Simons Bait & Tackle, 202 Mallery Street, 912.634.1888, ssibaitandtackle.com

STROLL: The Pier

Older than any of us, the St. Simons Pier was built in the late 1880s and renovated again in the late 1990s. It's one of the places we cherish most while living on a barrier island off the Georgia coast. Go to the Pier to stroll and watch the waves – and dolphins – glide by. Mallery Street

ICON: J. C. Strother Hardware Company

Time travel in the best way. Relatively unchanged since 1947 when the company moved to the current location, walk into J.C. Strother Hardware Company for everything: lumber, building supplies, BBQ grills, T’s, and beachy gear. Be sure to look up at the magnificent ceilings when you do. J.C. Strother Co., 212 Mallery Street #C, 912.638.8601

OCEAN BOULEVARD

Surf Town Vibe at the Crossroads

Some of us remember the “Ocean Boulevard” moment: it was the rocking 70s and a couple of restaurants with hopping bar scenes opened near the quiet intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Arnold Road. (W.G. Fotts, anyone?) Crab Trap was one of them, setting a new and totally fun standard for dining on-island. The restaurant’s revolutionary “hole in the middle” dining table for discarding shrimp peels and oyster shells has rocked this island for decades.

Now an established go-to destination for dining, drinking, and shopping, “The Ocean Boulevard Scene” continues to rise, attracting new players and setting standards for cool beachy vibes.  

SHOP: The Southern Peach Artisan Market

Opened by Amy Kreamer in September 2025, this is a one-stop shop for artisan finds, community connection, and shelves of utterly adorable must-haves. From trendy threads to sourdough breads, they have it all. 1226 Ocean Boulevard, #2.

COFFEE: Coastal Coffee

Located inside The Southern Peach Artisan Market, Coastal Coffee offers guests the opportunity to sip bold brews, grab a sweet treat or a bite to eat while browsing Kreamer’s irresistible selection of local goods and gifts. Inside The Southern Peach Artisan Market, 1226 Ocean Boulevard #2

COCKTAILS: East Beach Yacht Club

East Beach Yacht Club is the newest hot spot and talk of the town. Stop by for craft cocktails, dogs, unique bar snacks, pimento cheese, cake, and maybe, if you’re lucky, meet legendary local owner Griffin “Griff” Bufkin. (The guy with the really cool hair and threads. Tell him we sent you.) 1201 Ocean Boulevard, 912.434.1171

ICON: The Crab Trap

Hands down. Without question. All Hail to the Chief. The Crab Trap is an island institution. Opened in 1975, The Crab Trap holds many a heart of adoring islanders and visitors alike from childhood to adulthood – this writer, included. (You win, Charlie. We love you.) 1209 Ocean Boulevard, 912.638.3552, thecrabtrapssi.com

MID to NORTH ISLAND

Hamlets Under Live Oaks

When you want a break from sun and sand, head North to explore bustling island life under Live Oaks and Spanish moss. Discover hamlets of communities with thriving arts, dining, and shopping, or keep going to explore the undisturbed natural wonders of Cannon’s Point Preserve. 

SHOP: Julep Gallery

Instant mood improvement. We challenge you not to smile upon entering this colorful gallery that also offers home décor and giftware. Owner-artists Chris and Dawn Newbern have curated a collection of art, both local and regional, that reflects everything bright and sunny about island life. Julep Gallery, 600 Sea Island Road, Suite 17, 229.356.1243, julepgallery.com

FOOD & FUN: La Plancha

Park yourself under the oaks for tacos, ’ritas, and inspired Mexican and Latin American dishes. Chef and island restaurateur Dave Snyder opened La Plancha in 2017, inspired by his late mother, the fabulous “Bert,” a native of Bogota, Columbia. This tiny gem is our go-to for bowls, burritos, salsa, salt rims, and super nice servers. 3600 Frederica Road, 912.434.6100, laplancharestaurant.com

COCKTAILS & DINING: Halyards

St. Simons standard for delicious dining -- and a favorite bar! The first of Dave Synder’s restaurants, Halyards continues to deliver. Sweet tea fried chicken with pimento cheese grits is just one delectable menu item. Snyder says, “When you come here, we want you to feel like you are coming home.” 55 Cinema Lane, 912.638.9100, halyardsrestaurant.com

EXPLORE: Cannon’s Point Preserve

Discover a wonderland of island nature. Walk, stroll or bike along maritime forest and salt marsh permanently protected by the St. Simons Land Trust. Head out in a kayak to encounter birds, fish, and even manatee. Fall in love with St. Simons’ majestic natural beauty! 560 Cannon’s Point Road. To see all St. Simons Land Trust properties, visit sslt.org.