One of my favorite family vacations so far was our trip, to St. Simons Island, just off the coast of Georgia. We happened to travel during a beautiful week, weather wise. The temperatures were in the mid eighties during the day, with the evenings cooling down, comfortably, into the seventies range, which is just right for relaxing at the beach, while the kiddos played.
Our Stay
The charming island had plenty of outdoor recreation to keep us busy, however our stay at the historic ocean front King and Prince Resort made this family vacation extra special. The view of the ocean from our room was spectacular. After a long day at the beach it was amazing to head back to the room and watch the waves slap against the sand, in the glistening moonlight.
Southern Hospitality
The Southern hospitality of the resort staff was like no other. They were incredibly kind, and happy to tend to our needs, though we did not have many, as the resort is kept tidy and well stocked. From the tricky 18 hole golf course, to the oceanfront pools, tennis courts, fitness center, oceanfront restaurant and the rooms. Even the bellman had a contagious smile on his face each time we left to embark on our adventures.
Accommodations
Our room was quite comfortable for the four of us, I loved that we had the double beds, plus a sofa bed. I also loved the the fact the bathroom was larger than normal resorts. The icing on the cake was the balcony, just being able to walk out and view the incredible Sunrise or Sunset I will never forget.
Amenities
Yes, you read that correctly. I said oceanfront pools. The King and Prince Resort has multiple pools to relax in. Each one of them offering ample seating to lounge around, while gazing off into the waves of the ocean. In fact, it was hard to decide whether to head down to the sandy beach, or take a splash in the pool, but I would say we spent ample time enjoying both!
Dining
I particularly enjoyed dining at ECHO, overlooking the beach, you can dine both inside or outside. I recommend sitting outside at night, the weather was perfect, the menu is very ample for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are a few of our favorites!
St. Simons Island
Now that I have mentioned some of my favorite things about the resort, I want to tell you about our adventures on St. Simon’s Island. As I mentioned before, the weather was perfect, which was good news, because most of our time on the island was spent enjoying some of mother nature’s finest views.
During low tide, the beaches gained some extra yardage, but we had to be sure our most extravagant sand castles were built further back, so they would not get washed away when the high tide came in. When the high tide came in, it was game on for body surfing!
Neptune Park
We were happy to see numerous places to rent bicycles, as they were a great way to get around the island. On one of our bike rides we stopped at St. Simons Pier Village. The district is home to Neptune Park, where we were able to partake in a little bit of miniature golf, and then relaxed on the benches under the large oaks, while we watched fishermen reel in their catches, off the pier. I have been told they hold events at the bandstand throughout the year, but we did not happen to catch anything going on while we were there. They also have a public swimming pool, but we saved swimming for the resort pools!
Pier Village
While Neptune Park was a wonderful place to take a bit of a breather on the island, that is not what makes Pier Village a popular spot. Pier Village is also home to numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Of course, you will find seafood to be plentiful at the restaurants, as well as delicious southern cuisine. If neither of those get your taste buds going, not to worry, as you will also be able to find mouthwatering burgers, soups and deli sandwiches, and Italian dishes, among many other original foods.
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Don’t forget to swing into the St. Simon Lighthouse Museum. It is also located on Pier Village and full of history. We learned that this beautiful lighthouse was originally constructed in 1807, and later reconstructed in 1872, after being destroyed by the Confederate forces in 1862. If everyone in the family is feeling up to it, you can even climb all 129 stairs to the pinnacle, you will not regret the sights! Even the kiddos agreed it was worth the climb up, and back down.
Fort Frederica
History buffs will also appreciate exploring the ruins of Fort Frederica and the site of the Bloody Battle Marsh. In the mid 1700s the British defended the island against a Spanish invasion here. We were not able to visit Fort Frederica, but it is definitely worth the stop.
While there is so much more to do on the St. Simons Island, like kayaking, charter fishing, and driving to nearby Jekyll Island, these were just a handful of the highlights from our trip. If you can remember to request a room with an ocean view if you stay at the King and Prince Resort!
Colonial Trolley
Oh, and one more thing! If you get the chance, make sure you do the Colonial Trolley! We had so much fun, as a family, taking this trolly! This is seriously one of the best ways to see the Island, and a way to learn the overall history of St. Simons island.
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