East Beach
East Beach, Saint Simons Island: Address, East Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
East Beach
East Beach
4.5
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
92 within 3 miles
Barrier Island Brewing
66
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
ECHO St. Simons
549
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Crabdaddy's Seafood Grill
1,504
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
The Crab Trap
589
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options
Fiddlers
91
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Beachcomber BBQ & Grill
225
0.7 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Barbecue
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge
532
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Georgia Sea Grill
1,974
1.6 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Healthy
Porch
291
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Gluten Free Options
Palm Coast Coffee, Cafe and Pub
617
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
35 within 6 miles
World War II Home Front Museum
109
0.3 miMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
Maritime Center at Historic Coast Guard Station
104
0.3 miMilitary Museums
St. Simons Island
667
1.6 miIslands
Massengale Park
32
0.6 miParks
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
1,065
1.5 miSpeciality Museums
Fishing Pier
754
1.7 miPiers & Boardwalks
Golden Isles Welcome Center
123
1.6 miVisitor Centers
Fort Frederica National Monument
1,157
Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
Driftwood Beach
3,012
Beaches
Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island
80
1.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
171 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
51
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Nancy G
Boyne City, MI311 contributions
My husband and I first visited East Beach in January and it quickly became our favorite beach on the island. Unspoiled, not crowded, the land and waterscape change dramatically with the tides and the weather. A great spot to walk, walk your dog, very clean and other residents and visitors very kind and friendly. Only drawback is there are no public restrooms at the 15th street entrance. Be prepared to drive back to the Worl War II Museum beach entrance to use the faciities.
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lbjacobs2016
Dallas, TX6 contributions
Solo
Pleasant place. St. Simons is an island off the Georgia coast. It’s known for its salt marshes and sandy stretches like East Beach. A museum traces the history of St. Simons Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1872 after it was destroyed in the Civil War. Anglers fish off nearby St. Simons Pier, which offers views of Jekyll Island and migrating whales.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sunny H
Douglasville, GA225 contributions
The beach itself is great, very wide at low tide. What freaked me out though was a fisherman standing in the surf who caught a 3 1/2 foot long shark, then let it go back into the water. That was it for my wading! When I walked farther down the beach and saw a lady with her young daughter in the water I told her what I just witnessed and she said it was nothing new...that they catch sharks there all the time!
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elle16
Georgia141 contributions
Pretty beach with tide pools. There are lots of minnows, and I saw 2 types of crabs. It was fairly crowded on a bright weekend afternoon, but if you walk far enough, there are more secluded areas to set up. We saw a couple of surfers out on a point. In the evening, large V shaped formations of pelican flew overhead. They were beautiful.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert P
Dunwoody, GA211 contributions
This is a large (wide and long) beach with minimal crowds. The water is shallow for a long distance, making it a good fit for kids to play in the ocean. The sand is flat and well-packed for a considerable width, making it a good place to run or bike. The only draw-back is that the waves are not too big, so boogie-boarding or body surfing are not the best.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2deer
Atlanta, GA165 contributions
Have visited this beach for over 30 years. Always seem to find sea life here. And it varies. Recent trip was marked by hermit crabs. Hundreds of them. Other times we have found dozens of horse shoe crabs, the next time it was sand dollars, another visit it was star fish. Great place for kids and those who just want to lounge around in the calm waters.
Parking can be an issue.
Parking can be an issue.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sphynxlovers
Dalton, GA100 contributions
We packed our things to stay the afternoon and evening at this beach and were not disappointed. Our vacation was during an uptick of the Corona virus in the area; but the beach had people on it but it wasn't crowded at all. It was breezy, quiet and beautiful. I have been to many beaches and was surprised by the color of the water. It is rich in nutrients for the ocean dwelling creatures so the water is very brown in color. It wasn't off-putting to me but I thought I would mention it if you were expecting white sand beaches with crystal clear blue water. We brought snorkels not knowing about the water color and left them in the car. Another thing that was nicely surprising is the amount of sand dollars on the beaches. I had never seen so many sand dollars in one place! This is a great beach to take a stroll. Lifeguards are on duty until 5 p.m. Alcoholic beverages are allowed outside of glass containers, floats are also allowed. Bring your own chairs and umbrella.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Todd W
Wheeling, IL73 contributions
Family
Makes for a nice enjoyable day with the family at the beach . You’ll see pelicans, fish, crabs , jellyfish ( and feel ouch!), and dolphins. Also a a vendor going up and down the beach selling Italian ice. Take and umbrella, chairs, snacks / drinks and make a day if it . There are no changing facilities or restrooms. Bring a separate bag to put your garbage in as there are no garbage cans on the beach only at the parking lot entrance.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura L
Georgia146 contributions
Family
We visit St. Simons multiple times each year, and I used to live here as well. East Beach at the old Coast Guard station is my no. 1 beach! First of all, it's wide enough that there is still some beach left at high tide. Second, dogs! Even when I don't bring my own dog, I love seeing dogs on the beach. Third, good amenities including a nice bathhouse, a concession place, and plenty of sand-washing-off spots. However, be aware that on holiday weekends, spring break, and sometimes just summer Saturdays, the parking lot fills up by 11:00 and the cars are lined up on the streets beyond the parking lot. Try to get there by 10 or earlier on such days or go later in the afternoon.
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FNPtravels
9 contributions
Family
We come to this beach every summer. It is not as crowded as Tybee Island on most weekends. The only thing I would change is the making the tarp longer to enter the beach..the sand is very thick at the entrance which makes it hard to walk and pull a wagon.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matt N
Senoia, GA28 contributions
Can you bring alcohol onto the beaches at St. Simons Island as long as they are not in glass? Also, are there any rules about bringing canopy tents onto the beach?
Matt N
Senoia, GA28 contributions
I’m going to answer my own question now that we’ve visited the beach last weekend. I can confirm that the beach allows alcohol (no glass) and tents. I originally asked because when we vacationed in Myrtle Beach last year, they have an ordinance about how far back tents must be and also how they are anchored to the ground.
beckbark
1 contribution
Is there any other public pools other than Neptune? It will not be open when we are there except on the weekends... We are coming for Sunday through Friday in May!
springfield21
Ball Ground, GA50 contributions
Not that I'm aware of on the Island, but you can head to Summer Waves on Jekyll! Fabulous fun for the day!
Is the water generally warm enough in October to swim in? Our beach trip has been pushed back this year.
springfield21
Ball Ground, GA50 contributions
Absolutely. It's still warm on the Island during the day and a bit cooler in the evenings!
Jgeptp
Coral Springs, FL246 contributions
Is there a charge for parking
michelewave04
Narragansett, RI867 contributions
No charge.
160shelleyn
Omaha, United States1 contribution
What part is the best part for elderly semi handicap people
helmetheadgranny
Saint Simons Island, GA29 contributions
I think the beach by the coast guard station would be best. It has restrooms and the entrance to the beach has a mat with a firm surface which would support a walker, cane or crutches.
Amber D
Atlanta, GA29 contributions
When we were there in June 2017 there was a large stagnant tide pool that did not change with the tides. Stinky too, it was not there in years past. Can anybody tell me if it is still there?
Jim O
Saint Simons Island, GA51 contributions
The topography of that area changes sometime daily. For example, there used to be a wide inlet (Gould's Inlet) that is totally gone now. The tidal pools to which you refer may stay there for a few days or until some disturbance out to sea or a full moon or some other natural event changes the depth of the tide which changes the ground again.
mcdrescher
Augusta, GA34 contributions
Anyone local or recently visited know if the beach was affected by Irma?
Jim O
Saint Simons Island, GA51 contributions
The beaches on St. Simons were not directly impacted by Irma with the exception of high tides.
abkrystal1
fl7 contributions
Are there any grills and/or pavilliansat this beach? and an ear by park for kids to play?
Jim O
Saint Simons Island, GA51 contributions
If you go to The Village on St. Simons to the pier area you will be at Neptune Park, a huge park with swings, miniature golf and public pool for which you pay an entrance fee and there are man old and massive oaks and several grills for public and free use.
KentuckyDave
kentucky6 contributions
Can you rent beach chairs and umbrellas at East Beach
Jim O
Saint Simons Island, GA51 contributions
No, not at East Beach but next to East Beach is the Coast Guard Station which has a very wide beach and you can rent beach chairs, etc there and there is a pavilion there with restrooms and concessions.
Frequently Asked Questions about East Beach
- Hotels near East Beach:
- (0.21 mi) 2 BR/2BA Oceanfront Condominium
- (0.23 mi) Oceanfront Cottage just steps from the beach, stunning Oceanviews!
- (0.24 mi) Beach Lawn Cottage - Magnificent Oceanfront Escape - Heated Pool
- (0.25 mi) Dauntless Cottage - Family Friendly Coast Cottage
- (0.26 mi) Oceanfront cottage w/view, balconies & shared pools, walk to parks
- Restaurants near East Beach:
- (0.70 mi) Barrier Island Brewing
- (0.71 mi) Crabdaddy's Seafood Grill
- (1.55 mi) Georgia Sea Grill
- (0.62 mi) ECHO St. Simons
- (0.74 mi) The Crab Trap