The Best Villas and Vacation Rentals to Book in St Simons Island, Georgia

Settle down for a night in the airy living room at 4209 8th Street by Hodnett Cooper | Courtesy of 4209 8th Street by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

Kylie Madry

2 November 2021

View

Welcome to the midway point between Savannah and Jacksonville – big-city residents have been flocking to the Golden Isles, and St Simons Island in particular, for decades. Known for its miles of flat beaches, stretching marshlands and only-in-St-Simons wildlife, the island is the perfect getaway if you’re looking to hole up for a long weekend or if you’re one of the snowbirds escaping harsher winters up north. In fact, up to one-third of the island’s housing is seasonal, including vacation rentals. With such a saturated market, it can be hard to cut through the noise – read on for our carefully curated list of the best villas and vacation rentals to book in St Simons Island, Georgia – through Culture Trip, it’s a cinch.

1012 Sherman Avenue by Hodnett Cooper

A cosy but modern living room at 1012 Sherman Avenue

Courtesy of 1012 Sherman Avenue by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

This beachy-blue townhouse, set amid carefully manicured grounds, is only a few blocks from the shore and just around the corner from Ocean Boulevard, where St Simons’ clapboard cottages and bungalows gaze wistfully out to sea. The three-bed, two-and-a-half-bath home has free self-parking and sleeps up to eight – perfect for groups or large families. Step outside and at the back there’s a pool for cooling dips. Alternatively hang out on the two-story balcony or get grilling: there’s a barbecue on the patio.

617 Beach Drive by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 617 Beach Drive by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

Five blocks back from the shore, this three-bedroom seaside cottage has plenty of attractive classic elements – think high-up wainscoting, a pair of wrought-iron twin beds, a covered patio and a white picket fence. While the interiors are cozy, with cushy couches, tall fireplaces and towering headboards, the exterior – with its outdoor shower, firepit and grill – is the perfect place to settle in for the evening after a busy day on the beach. The back porch even has dining furniture.

4209 8th Street by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 4209 8th Street by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

On a corner lot in a residential neighborhood, this two-story home is smack-dab between a handful of very popular beaches. The property was renovated with large groups in mind – the extended driveway has plenty of room to pack in the whole caravan, and while it’s officially billed as four-bedroom, it can actually sleep up to 10. The open-concept kitchen is a great place to hang out. Load up the cooler before heading out to the beach, but allow plenty of lounging time while you’re home – the views from the dining area and adjoining outdoor balcony are to-sigh-for.

11908 Old Demere Road by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 11908 Old Demere Road by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

Keep the camera handy – rambling trees and hanging Spanish moss greet you at the entrance to your new temporary home. Not only photogenic, it’s also close to the shops and restaurants in downtown St Simons. You’re also just down the road from the municipal airport and the Bloody Marsh Battle Site, which commemorates a conflict between Spanish and British forces on 7 July 1742 – the latter won, thwarting Spain’s claims to the Georgia territory. The historic 11908 Old Demere Road has plenty of age-old elements: wooden shutters, stained-glass windows and built-in fireplaces. With numerous living areas and amenities including an ensuite washer and dryer, you’ll be cocooned in comfort.

Shiphouse 3 by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of Shiphouse 3 by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

This luxury penthouse is part of the Shiphouse complex, which, as the name suggests, was built to resemble the hull of a vessel. It’s right on the beach, with stellar views, shorefront access, a rooftop patio and a cool pool. There are touches of luxury throughout the space – elegant rugs on polished floorboards, chic wicker dining-room furniture – while thoughtful extras include a wine cabinet and wet bar, a standalone tub and, best of all, concierge service, which can help with the likes of trip-planning, grocery shopping and coordinating reservations.

2204 Ocean Road by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 2204 Ocean Road by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

Rocking chairs and a tangerine-jazzy front door welcome you into this four-bed, three-bath cottage, a leisurely two-block amble from the beach. With carefully made queen beds and rust-red rugs, the bedrooms are cozy cocoons, with room for up to 10 guests. There’s also plenty of space to spread out, inside and out – the living room, covered in tongue-and-groove paneling, has masses of seating and leads to the outdoor patio. In the backyard, you can drift away as you float in the swimming pool, hidden among the greenery.

425 Magnolia Avenue, Unit B by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 425 Magnolia Avenue, Unit B by Hodnett Cooper / Booking.com

Pops of color abound in this unit a few blocks from the Village – a rainbow rug, a barn-red desk and a pale-green bathtub lend cheer to the two-bed, one-and-a-half-bath townhome. Start the day with breakfast at Mallery Street Cafe a block away – the Eggs McIntosh, served with crab meat and hollandaise, are a favorite – or head to the park for a round of tennis. You’ll also be close to one of the island’s most well-known landmarks, the picturesque St Simons Island Pier. Head down at sunset to see the orange hues glimmering off the water.

Shiphouse 5 by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of Shiphouse 5 by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

This place is the whole package – or rather, the whole ship. The boat-shaped property – three condos in total – is just the ticket for large groups fancying a holiday house party, with a total of 12 bedrooms that can sleep up to 30 guests. You can move with ease between floors as there’s an elevator. Living areas have 180-degree access to the Atlantic Ocean, and the open rooftop patio delivers 360-degree views. As premier guests, you can consult the Shiphouse management on matters such as pre-trip planning, restaurant reservations and even tee times.

4323 13th Street by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 4323 13th Street by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

Up to 10 can fit into this four-bedroom beach cottage, which also comes handily with two single-car garages as well as covered parking. Welcome touches include an open-concept kitchen, a games room on the ground floor and a large screened porch for relaxed communal evenings. And when you want to be alone? Try the soaking tub or head to the loft or the reading nook. You’re also not far from two beach access points – and just to make things really straightforward, a beach cart is included in the cost of your stay.

762 Oglethorpe Avenue by Hodnett Cooper

Courtesy of 762 Oglethorpe Avenue by Hodnett Cooper / Expedia

This three-bed, second-story townhouse is coveted for its unbeatable ocean views and beach access, not to mention its amenities: take a leisurely dip in the shared pool, hang out on the deck or take the elevator right up to your condo, with its broad open living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish cornicing. Each of the rooms – these sleep up to six in total – have an en-suite bathroom, including the galley-style bath with soaking tub in the main suite. Walking out of the condo, you’ll have beach entries on either side of you, while the St Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and pier are just a few minutes’ stroll away.

These recommendations were updated on November 2, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

Give us feedback