Whether you’ve been here for years or you’re vacationing with your honey and want a special night out, these date night spots on St. Simons Island are just what you need!
We’re including romantic restaurants on St. Simons Island, but that’s not all! You’ll also find creative ideas for romantic things to do while you’re here. We think this island is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast, so it’s not hard to infuse a little romance into just about anything!
Romantic Restaurants on St. Simons Island
The Nest
We absolutely love date nights at The Nest! This tapas bar has the most creative dishes, the freshest seafood, and the prices are some of the best on St. Simons Island. The portions here are a bit larger than your usual tapas, so a couple can easily make a meal off of just 3 of them.
I highly recommend the drunken mussels with collard greens and andouille sausage, the seared tuna tataki, and the patatas bravas with manchego. Pair any of your tapas with a bottle of wine or a Georgia peach julep, and you’re going to be in date night heaven.
Georgia Sea Grill
This is one of our go-to date night spots on St. Simons Island. Located right in the village, their food has been consistently amazing since they opened back in 1997.
We like to start our meal with a dozen oysters on the half shell (get the Tybee Salt Bombs if they have them!) or the crab-stuffed hushpuppies. From there, you can’t go wrong with the catch of the day prepared any way you like it (I prefer to get mine cajun-spiced with andouille and crawfish etoufee) or the roasted lamb chops.
Halyards
We love Halyards for a romantic dinner on St. Simons Island, especially when it’s patio weather. If you and your date are wine lovers, you’ll be impressed by the extensive wine list here.
The menu changes seasonally since they use local produce and seafood, but at the moment my faves are the tuna tartare, the bleu crab bisque (you can’t go wrong with this!), and the blackened shrimp and grits.
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge
If dinner with a view is important to you when choosing a date night spot, you can do no better than the rooftop at Ocean Lodge! The chef here is a James Beard Award nominee, so you know this food is as incredible as the view.
There are actually two distinct restaurants here at Ocean Lodge. If you really want a romantic setting, The Rooftop Grounded is your spot for an intimate fine dining experience. You’ll find elevated menu options here like a coffee-crusted, hand-cut filet au poivre, lobster ravioli, and duck confit.
If you want the very best view but don’t care about the fanciest setting otherwise, I love The Rooftop Beach Pub. A floor above The Rooftop Grounded, this is one of the best views on St. Simons Island. The food is just as delicious here, but with simpler menu options like beer-battered softshell crab and a smash burger with pimento cheese and bacon jam.
If you want the best of both worlds, show up early for your reservations and have a drink and a starter with a view before heading down to dinner! This option is what makes Ocean Lodge one of my favorite date night spots on St. Simons Island.
King City Kitchen
For a romantic restaurant on St. Simons Island with a casual feel, King City Kitchen is the way to go! You’ll find them right by the pier in the village.
We love KCK for their happy hour – it makes the perfect spot to stop for an afternoon pick-me-up after a day date or before going out for the evening. They have super affordable shareables on the menu Thursday – Saturday from 2:00-5:00, like mini crab cakes, blackened tenderloin tips, and truffle fries.
Insider tip: Looking for more happy hour deals on St. Simons Island? Check out the whole article!
Ember
Ember is really the perfect place for a date night on St. Simons. The menu is pretty extensive – you can opt for one of their delicious entrees (we’re wild about the scallops) or make a whole meal off of their shareable plates like lamb lollipops, duck drumettes, and oven-fired brie with homemade bread and jam.
Their wine and cocktail list is impressive, too. We love the Sweet Heat cocktail with jalapeno and ginger, and finishing our dinner with a glass of port.
Especially cool about this location is that their lounge side, Mas, is a much more casual atmosphere with live music on Friday nights. After dinner, pop over for a nightcap, a game of pool, and some tunes!
Romantic Things to Do on St. Simons Island
If you’re like me, a date doesn’t always have to be a meal. When I’m looking for a date night spot on St. Simons Island, I might be looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset or the coziest place for stargazing. These are my favorite romantic things to do on St. Simons Island:
Picnic on the Beach
This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.
One of our favorite low-key date ideas is loading up the snacklebox with all our favorite charcuterie goodies, grabbing a bottle of wine (or a water bottle filled with something delicious), and heading to the beach.
We love Gould’s Inlet for this, especially if you’re not planning to swim. If you want to take a dip, head down to East Beach or check out our St. Simons Island Beach Guide for more beach options!
Go on a Dolphin Tour
The waters off the Georgia coast are teeming with bottlenose dolphins, and this tour that leaves from Jekyll Island is the most fun way to find them – you’ll cruise through coastal waterways, salt marshes, and past wild beaches while your guide points out dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and sea birds along the way.
Be sure to get there early, because the boat fills up fast and you’ll want your pick of seats!
Horseback Riding on the Beach
This one is equal parts romantic and unforgettable – The Stables at Frederica takes you on a two-mile ride through the dunes and along the gorgeous Sea Island beachline that you will not stop talking about for days.
Sunrise or Sunset at the Beach or Pier
For sunrise, Gould’s Inlet is absolutely magical – pack a picnic, bring a tripod for a little photo shoot, or just show up with your coffee and soak it in.
For sunset, the pier is our go-to, and a slow walk out to the end of it with your person is honestly one of the most romantic things you can do on this island for free.
Go on a Sunset Hibachi Cruise
Board the Emmeline with Anchor Excursions and sail the Golden Isles’ coastal waterways at dusk for a live hibachi-style dinner, dolphin sightings, and a glowing Georgia sunset. It’s a dinner and a show all in one! Honestly, this one is hard to top for a truly special night out.
Take a Kayak or Paddleboard Tour
Paddling through the marshes of St. Simons Island is one of our all-time favorite things to do here, and it’s just as dreamy on a date. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, Golden Isles Paddle Company has you covered. Their sunset to after-dark tours with LED-lit kayaks and paddleboards are all you need for a next-level date.
Visit Lover’s Oak
This massive, 900-year-old live oak in Brunswick gets its name from a Native American legend about it being a secret meeting place for young lovers – and honestly, standing beneath it, you can feel why. After your visit, head over to 1509 Brunswick for dinner or drinks on their rooftop, one of the best restaurants in Brunswick.
Romantic Stays on St. Simons Island
Planning a romantic getaway to St. Simons Island? You’ll want to find the right stay with all the romantic vibes. Here are my favorite spots for a staycation on St. Simons:
Hotel Simone
Hotel Simone is St. Simons Island’s first newly built independent boutique hotel in decades, with 24 gorgeous island-inspired suites, a rooftop pool, and a location just steps from the beach. It’s also adults-only, so if you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic escape with zero chaos, this is your spot.
Village Inn
The Village Inn & Pub is a charming adults-only inn is built around a 1930s beach cottage with some of the best vibes on the island – plush rooms, a courtyard pool, and a gorgeous mahogany bar with a stone fireplace where you can settle in for live music and a nightcap.
King & Prince
If you want full-on resort luxury on the beach, King & Prince is the move. This iconic, historic property has been a St. Simons Island landmark since 1941, and with oceanfront rooms, a spa, multiple pools, and the island’s only waterfront restaurant, Echo, it really does have everything.
Private Vacation Rentals
Sometimes the most romantic option is total privacy – your own space, your own pool, romantic dinners at home without a reservation in sight.
Browse vacation rentals on VRBO to find the perfect home away from home for your getaway!
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
More articles about St. Simons Island
- St. Simons Island Bike Rental Guide
- The Art Scene in Georgia’s Golden Isles: Art Galleries, Classes, & Events
- Your Guide to Happy Hour on St. Simons Island
- Eat Like a Local on St. Simons Island
- Where to Play Golf on St. Simons Island
- My Favorite Breakfast Spots on St. Simons Island
- 12 Best Seafood Restaurants on St. Simons Island
- St. Simons Island Locals’ Beach Guide
- Best Places to Stay at St. Simons Island
- Our Top 15 Things to Do on St Simons Island
- 14 Best Bars on St Simons Island (from a Local)
- 20 St. Simons Island Restaurants You Need To Try
Leave a Reply