St. Simons Lighthouse
St. Simons Island, GA
A 104-foot lighthouse from 1872 next to the village pier; climb the 129 steps for views over St. Simons Sound and Jekyll Island.
The St. Simons Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, Georgia, is a 104-foot (32 m) brick tower at the southern end of the island and a fine stop on a road trip along the Golden Isles. The present tower was completed in 1872; retreating Confederate troops had destroyed its 1810 predecessor in 1862. It is still an active aid to navigation and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.
A spiral staircase of 129 steps leads to the observation gallery. From the top you can see the Atlantic, the island's pier, salt marsh and, in the distance, Jekyll Island, best on a clear day. In the keeper's house right next door, a museum run by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society shows the keepers' lives and the coastal history; it is worth visiting before you climb. Nearby Neptune Park, with playgrounds and picnic areas, is a good place for a break. Opening hours change with the season, so check ahead.
- Nearest town
- St. Simons Island, GA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 31.1343, -81.3935
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Southern Retreat RV ParkCampsite11 mi from St. Simons LighthouseTentsCaravans
- Coastal Georgia RV ResortCampsite11 mi from St. Simons Lighthouse
- Inland Harbor RV ParkCampsite18 mi from St. Simons Lighthouse
- Cathead Creek Ranch & RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from St. Simons LighthouseMotorhomes
- A Big Wheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from St. Simons LighthouseMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Georgia Coastal RV ParkCampsite23 mi from St. Simons Lighthouse
All campsites in Georgia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is St. Simons Lighthouse?
St. Simons Lighthouse is in St. Simons Island, GA, at GPS 31.1343, -81.3935. It is about 5 mi from Jekyll Island.
Can you camp near St. Simons Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jekyll Island Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass St. Simons Lighthouse?
St. Simons Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Georgia’s Golden Isles and the Okefenokee.
What is there to see near St. Simons Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Driftwood Beach (2 mi), Jekyll Island Historic District (5 mi), Fort King George (16 mi) and Kingsley Plantation, Timucuan Preserve (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit St. Simons Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)