About
With a name from Roman mythology, an infamous fire, and family-friendly amenities, Neptune Park has something for everyone.
We'll begin our journey in 1928 when an impressive wood pavilion was built over the water. While it was called a St. Simons Casino, it was very different from its counterparts worldwide. Casinos in this era didn't offer gambling; instead, they were community hubs where families gathered to dance, celebrate, and socialize.
Tragically, a fire destroyed the casino in 1935. Using insurance money and assistance from President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration, a brick casino was built in 1937. Today, it borders Neptune Park, renting its spaces for weddings, concerts, and special events.
While "Neptune" conjures images of Roman mythology, the name honors Neptune Small, enslaved by the King family at Retreat Plantation. During the Civil War, Neptune Small became known for his courage and loyalty. When King lost his life at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Neptune crossed the battlefield to recover his body and bring him home to St. Simons Island.
While these stories will pique the interest of history buffs, they won't satisfy parents looking for a fun place for the kids. Rest assured that Neptune Park has you covered!
The green space, pool, playground, and mini golf will keep children entertained (and cooled off!) for hours. Its location near Pier Village Market means shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
Visiting Neptune Park on your Golden Isles vacation is a no-brainer!
Neptune Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the coolest features, both literally and metaphorically, is the Fun Zone Pool. The swimming pool makes a splash with lap lanes for strong swimmers and a zero-entry area for younger ones. Add the water gym, concession stand, and shaded lounge areas, and you may find yourself returning to the pool frequently! Safety is paramount, which is why Red Cross-certified lifeguards are on patrol. You can also sign up for swimming lessons.
Next to the pool is an 18-hole miniature golf course. Each hole comes with playful obstacles, making every game a friendly contest. Palmettos dot the course, offering some shade on hot days. All the while, the views of St. Simon's Island Lighthouse Museum remind you that you're in the heart of the Golden Isles.
The two playgrounds will be a hit with the little ones. The one near the water is fenced in with wood chips to help prevent scrapes and bruises from climbing, swinging, and sliding. The other playground is not fenced but does feature wood chips.
The picnic area is beside the first playground, making it easy to combine a meal with playtime. Live oaks, draped in Spanish moss, guard this area like sentinels, providing much-needed shade on a hot Georgia summer.
The park's connection to the St. Simons Pier and access to East Beach add another dimension of fun. Fishing off the pier, watching local crabbers at work, or dolphin spotting brings a laid-back vibe.
While it's not part of the park, the public library is steps away, connecting you with books and events. You'll also find public restrooms on its eastern side.
A trip to Neptune Park blends recreation with a sense of tradition. Pool swims, mini-golf, playground adventures, and time at the pier all come together in one stop. For anyone building the perfect St. Simons Island itinerary, Neptune Park checks all the boxes!
Local Tips
- Check the event calendar for outdoor movie and concert nights.
- The $60 10 Punch Pass is a cost-effective way to visit the pool and miniature golf repeatedly.
- Arrive early during summer weekends to avoid the crowds.
- Bring a picnic, but remember that food isn't allowed in the pool zone.
