by Sharon Cullars

Created on: June 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Off the shores of Georgia's Atlantic coast lies an island of golden beaches that stretch for miles, with green marshes and grasslands that serve as a natural habitat to a variety of shrimp, fish, oysters and crabs. Sandy beaches and succulent seafood are just two of the many attractions that St. Simons Island has to offer. Whether you love adventure, nature, history, culture - or just want to bathe in the sun - St. Simons is the place for you.

One of the famous Golden Isles that also include Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island is a natural wonder. Over 400 years ago, Spanish explorers came to the islands searching for gold. Instead they found golden beaches, warm breezes and waters teeming with fish, as well as exotic birds and animals. Christened "San Simone" by the awed explorers, the island has changed very little in the 400 years since the explorers landed. The weather is still warm, the sands still golden, the animals still teem. Sand dunes overlook the Atlantic, where fishing boats, windsurfers and kayaks dot the cool waters.

If you want to travel along those cool waters, St. Simons' many marinas offer boaters maritime services that provide access to the Intracoastal Waterway as well as tidal creeks and rivers. For adventure lovers, there's canoing and kayaking tours to explore the surrounding islands. Surfers can ride the pristine waves while sand bars and tidal pools along the beaches offer kids fun diversions.

History buffs will want to view St. Simons Lighthouse that has stood since 1872. Built as a replacement to the original lighthouse that was destroyed by the Confederate Army in 1862, the current lighthouse, built by Georgia's renown architect Charles Cluskey, is a white conical tower that fronts the Atlantic and is attached to a small white cottage that used to house the lighthouse keeper. The cottage is now a museum and host jazz concerts on its lawn on select Sundays.

Golf is a sport of choice for many who choose to come to the island. At the entrance of one of these courses stands the famous Avenue of Oaks planted by Anne Page King in the 19th century.

In the central village where moss-draped tress line the streets, restaurants, cafes and bistros serve a variety of menus that include delicious Japanese, Mexican, Southwestern and American dishes. Of course, seafood is a must-have on the island, and any place you turn, you will find somewhere to grab a surf and turf, crack open some crab legs, or suck up succulent oyster meat - of course, followed by chilled glasses of wine.

For art lovers, visit galleries around the island that represent artwork from local and regional artists. Colorful portraits and landscapes, folk art, glazed pottery, carvings, and fine art - art collectors will have a hard time deciding what to buy. Other shoppers can find boutiques offering everything from antiques, books, clothing to handmade crafts.

Tours, spas, sports and wine-tastings complete a roster that will keep you busy for days. Unless, of course, you just want to stretch out on the beach and bask in the sun. No matter what you do, it's all good.

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