Discover the wild beauty and rich history of St. Simons Island with our Golden Isles Explorer Sale, available exclusively at The Inn by Sea Island. Inspired by Georgia’s iconic golden marshes, which make up nearly one-third of all marshland on the East Coast, enjoy 30% off your stay when you book between April 16–29 for travel through August 31, 2025. Whether you walk the grounds at Fort Frederica National Monument, climb the historic St. Simons Lighthouse, or bike through a forest of ancient oaks at Cannon’s Point Preserve—St. Simons Island is perfect for those who crave natural exploration and a deep connection to the past.
In 1736, three years after the founding of Savannah, James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica to protect his southern boundary and by the 1740s Frederica was a thriving village of about 500 citizens. Today, the archeological remnants of Frederica are protected by the National Park Service. Ranger-led tours and soldier/colonial life programs throughout the year recall life in Georgia’s second town.
The Lighthouse was built in 1872 and is one of only five surviving light towers in Georgia. The Keeper’s Dwelling is a two-story Victorian structure that was the home of lighthouse keepers from 1872 until the 1950s. In addition to climbing the lighthouse, visitor experiences interactive exhibits highlighting rare artifacts, and period rooms that reveal the history of the life of a lighthouse keeper.
At the Bloody Marsh Battle Site on July 7th, 1742, an outnumbered force of British troops ambushed and defeated Spanish troops, halting a planned attack on Fort Frederica. Markers and information panels at this outdoor observation site explain the battle, which once and for all ended Spain’s claims to the Georgia territory. This site is managed by the National Park Service as part of Fort Frederica National Monument.
The Home Front Museum tells the story of an important chapter in Georgia’s history when residents of small communities like Brunswick and St. Simons worked together and sacrificed for the greater good. More importantly, it tells the story of America – of the brave men and women on the home front who supported those on the battlefields in the fight for freedom and democracy.
Cannon’s Point Preserve is a 644-acre greenspace at the north end of St. Simons Island open for public exploration. It features wild native species, beautiful mature maritime forest, and six miles of marsh-upland interface. The preserve is also linked to the lower Altamaha River delta which is one of the most biologically rich systems. There are numerous middens on site dating back to 2500 BCE as well as plantation ruins dating back to the 19th Century.
On the site of Christ Church, John and Charles Wesley preached before returning to England to help found the Methodist Church. Christ Church is constructed of wood in the cruciform design with a trussed Gothic roof and steeple. The grounds contain a cemetery with graves of early settlers and many famous Georgians. One famous Georgia author, Eugenia Price, who wrote many novels including a series on St. Simons is buried here.
A short drive from The Inn lies Jekyll Island with its storied history stretching from the colonial era to the 1800s where it served as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world.” The names of Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Cranes, Morgans, and Goodyears signed the register when the Jekyll Island clubhouse opened in 1888 and was to later build residences on the grounds. Many of these homes remain today for viewing in the Georgia State Park.
Tour the chapel which Club Member Frederic Baker wanted to be “worthy of the island.” Delight in the architectural whimsy of its animal carvings, terra cotta gargoyles, and Tiffany and Armstrong stained glass windows.
The Horton House tabby ruins stand as a sentinel to the founding of Fort Frederica. A top aide of Oglethorpe’s, Horton had under his command the troops garrisoned at Fort Frederica, on St. Simons, and received Jekyll Island from the colony’s trustees. With the completion of his home in 1743, Horton farmed and supplied Frederica with hops and barley for Georgia’s first beer, in addition to his military duties.
