A few weeks ago we traveled to St. Simon’s Island as a family. We had been a few years ago and loved it. We couldn’t wait to return. This time we rented a house on the island. We did a few activities we enjoyed last time and checked out out some new stuff too. Here’s my pick for a St. Simons Island rental for families and a fun itinerary to enjoy.

 

St. Simon’s Island Rental for Families

When I was planning our trip back to St. Simons Island, I wanted to find a house to rent. Tom would have to work some of the time and we wanted to be able to eat some meals at home. I was also really interested in finding a house with our own heated pool. The Fig House, booked on Kid & Coe checked all of the boxes. 

I love finding our vacation rentals on Kid & Coe because I can guarantee they’re family friendly and have everything we need upon arrival. This house we rented on St. Simon’s Island was one of the best vacation rentals I have ever stayed in. There was plenty of space for our family of 7, a great kitchen, a play area off the kitchen, a swing, toys & games, pack n play and high chair and the best part: an awesome pool area.

The pool area had the perfect size pool for our family that was heated. It was plenty warm for swimming in November and the kids loved it. There was a great outdoor area around the pool too. I get nervous whenever there’s a pool because we still have one non-swimmer but I liked that this house had 2 separate doors/areas that locked to get through to get out ot the pool.

We loved all of the games at the house. We played more checkers games than I can count! There was plenty of space for Tom to have quiet while working. For sleeping there were 3 bedrooms, one of which had 2 sets of bunks so we had plenty of space.

The house was also in a perfect location for exploring the island. In just minutes you could get everywhere you’d want to go.

Here’s the link to the house: Fig House on St. Simon’s Island. You can use code Courtney250 for $250 this house or any Kid & Coe rental you book before the end of the year.

St. Simon’s Island Itinerary for Families

We spend 4 days on St. Simon’s Island and then went over to Jekyll Island for the rest of the week. (For the Jekyll Island itinerary stay tuned). It’s a perfect amount of time on the island to explore and relax but it’s also a spot you could spend a week or two as a family. It’s a magical little island with lots to offer for families.

Day 1: We flew out of Newark Airport early in the morning. It’s a quick flight so we had the whole day ahead of us. We arrived into Savannah Hilton Head Airport and rented a car. Then it’s about an hour drive to St. Simon’s Island. We drove straight to Pier Village for breakfast.

Breakfast: Palmer’s Village Cafe

This spot is perfect for breakfast: all different types of pancakes, great coffee, their famous Chicken Pot Pie omelet and paper table clothes you can color on. After breakfast at Palmer’s we spent some time walking around Pier Village and down onto the beach.

Pier Village on St. Simon’s Island is like their little downtown. It’s the older part of the island right along the water. the kids love this spot to walk around, enjoy the little shops and then run and climb along the waterfront. There are big old trees to climb, 2 playgrounds (one is under construction) and stairs down to the water.

Sunset Slush: Before we left we cooled off with some italian ice at Sunset Slush. This place is delicious and you can get classic flavors or try some of their fun combos.

Then around we stopped at the Harris Teeter on the island to grab some groceries. Since we did a big (late) breakfast in town we decided on swimming and dinner poolside. One thing I always do when we rent houses on vacation is when we grab groceries for the week I get some pre-cooked food, salad & fruit there for dinner. Then we can check into where we’re staying and settle in with an easy meal.

Next it was time to check into the house. The kids were pumped when they heard dinner and swimming was all that was in store for the night!

Day 2: Beach Day! We got up and got ready for the beach. We had breakfast at the house and swung by Wake Up Coffee Co en route to the beach for some coffee for mom and late morning breakfast treats for the kids to bring.

Massengale Beach: We love the Massengale Beach. It’s easy to get to, easy to park, bathrooms, there are lots of showers for your feet AND a playground. The beach is really big with tons of space to run around and enjoy the ocean.

Once we needed a break from the sun, we stopped by two fun stores for kids:

G.J. Ford Bookstore and Whippersnappers Toy Store. One cool thing to note about Whippersnappers is that they also have toys available to rent while you are in town. It’s right near Harris Teeter so next trip I’m planning to grab a toy or two to rent when I pick up groceries.

Then we enjoyed the pool at home until it was time to get ready for dinner out.

Barrier Island Brewing: This is a great spot for families. We loved sitting in the tent outside. Great food and drinks for the adults and excellent kids menu. The staff was friendly and welcoming and it was an overall great dinner out with kids.

The Cottage: After dinner at Barrier Island Brewing we walked a few blocks to The Cottage. It’s on the grounds of the King & Prince Resort. It’s a cute little custard and dessert shop and the outside area is AMAZING. There is a big play structure that looks like a caste, has a slide out of it… my kids didn’t want to leave. There’s also a fire pit, yard games, tables. It was such a great after dinner spot and an easy walk to and from the restaurant.

Another dinner option is to eat at Echo at the King & Prince. We ate there on our last trip and really enjoyed it. Then you are right there to try The Cottage after.

Day 3: Horses and The Lighthouse

We grabbed some more Wake Up Coffee and strolled around Pier Village in the morning.

One of the kids favorite stops: St. Simon’s Sweets. Then around lunchtime went to The Stables at Frederica. 

The Stables Frederica: If your kids like horses this place is a dream. It’s the prettiest grounds, kindest staff and tons of beautiful horses. There’s also an area in front of one of the barns that has bouncy horses to play on and miniature barns and horses. My kids could have play here all day long. Frederica Stables also offers different options for riding horses. We did a lead line ride for Maggie, Alex and Tommy. They each got a horse to ride around the lake on the property. You do have to book the rides in advance.

 

The St. Simon’s Lighthouse Museum: the lighthouse is located right along the walk in front of Pier Village. You can also drive and park over at the lighthouse. You can climb to the top and enjoy the fascinating history in the museum. You don’t need a ton of time to do it and the views at the top are cool because you can see some of the other barrier islands.

Bubba Garcia’s: We had dinner at Bubba Garcia’s. This is a great family spot where you can enjoy all different kinds of delicious tacos. We’ve been twice now and both times were really impressed and had a lot of fun.

Day 4: On our last day we enjoyed some time at the house. It really was such a neat rental with great space inside and outside. No one wanted to leave when it was time to pack up the car.

Dulce Dough: Before we left St. Simon’s Island to drive to Jekyll Island we stopped at Dulce Dough for breakfast. I think this spot wins as cutest breakfast spot we have ever visited on a trip. From the decor to the donuts, this place is a MUST if you are on St. Simon’s or nearby.

Jekyll Island makes a great day trip from St. Simon’s Island or a great spot to continue the trip. More on that to come..

And don’t forget: Save on booking the Fig House on St. Simon’s Island. You can use code Courtney250 for $250 this house or any Kid & Coe rental you book before the end of the year.