This Southern Island Is the Perfect Year-round Getaway-With Award-winning Hotels, Soul Food, and a Historic Lighthouse

"It only takes one trip-it doesn't even need to be longer than a day or two-for Georgia's Golden Isles to make a grand impression: One bike ride beneath the Spanish moss-laden oaks. One sunset at the beach. One plate of the kind of barbecue you dream about for the rest of your life. While the region comprises a few different barrier islands that deserve attention, St. Simons Island is one of the most accessible (both Sea Island and Little St. Simons Island are privately owned)."

"Favored in the summer by beachgoers and families searching for a vacation spot that caters to groups of all ages and interests, St. Simons delivers on several fronts. Along with all of the pristine natural beauty associated with this part of Georgia, it's rich in charming shops, walkable waterfronts, golf courses, highly rated hotels (even a past World's Best Awards winner), and some of the most pleasant fall weather you could ask for."

"The Lodge at Sea Island The less flashy sibling of Mediterranean-style resort The Cloister, The Lodge at Sea Island is a 43-key property that brings the luxe Sea Island experience to St. Simons. A past World's Best Awards winner, it's impressed both T+L readers and editors alike with its charm and location; the Golf Club at Sea Island courses are right next door, and the main building overlooks the ocean."

St. Simons Island in Georgia's Golden Isles delivers memorable short trips with beaches, bike rides beneath Spanish moss, sunsets, and standout barbecue. The island is one of several barrier islands in the region, with Sea Island and Little St. Simons privately owned, making St. Simons the most accessible. The destination appeals to families and groups of all ages with charming shops, walkable waterfronts, golf courses, and highly rated hotels. The Lodge at Sea Island provides a luxurious, golf-adjacent stay with ocean views and club-style amenities. The King and Prince Resort and Club offers classic beachfront accommodations with direct beach access and historic character.

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