About
One of the most popular attractions in the Golden Isles is the St. Simons Island Pier. Located at the end of Mallery Street, it's the pulse of the island, as we'll explain.
The first pier was built in 1810 as a landing for cotton, lumber, and passengers traveling between the island and the mainland port of Brunswick. As maritime traffic increased, it became a vital commercial gateway and a social gathering place.
During the Civil War in 1862, Confederates dismantled the pier to prevent Union use. After the war, wealthy patrons visited St. Simons for vacation, and in 1872, the city built a new pier to serve them.
In 1941, a wooden casino building and lighthouse museum area near the pier enhanced its role as the island's social center.
But the years weren't always kind, as the pier has endured its share of hurricanes. Most notable are those in 1898 and 1899, and Hurricane David in 1979. No matter what the sea dished out, the community united and rebuilt the structure.
Today's pier, reconstructed and reinforced in the 1980s, is a beloved symbol of St. Simons Island. Here, locals and vacationers take sunrise walks, enjoy casual fishing, and share family stories along its railings.
Its location along the waterfront puts it close to other key landmarks. The Pier Village Market is within walking distance, as are the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and Neptune Park. Also close by is the southern tip of East Beach, making it easy to combine surf time with fishing at the pier.
From the pier's edge, you're front and center for the arrival of massive cargo ships making their way to and from the port of Brunswick. Watching these ships traverse the channel is dramatic and gives insight into the work of maritime crews.
St Simons Island Pier is as iconic to the Georgia coastline as the Empire State Building is to New York City. Add it to your itinerary and discover all it has to offer.
St. Simons Island Pier: Fun Facts & Cool Features
While most vacationers visit in the spring and summer, winter offers a rare natural wonder. From December to March, the North Atlantic Right Whales visit the pier area to give birth to calves. Visiting during these chilly months offers the chance to spot a mother and her calf surfacing.
No matter when you visit the pier, be sure to check the tide charts! Water levels along the Georgia coast shift by six to nine feet, so if you visit at low tide, you'll see exposed sandbars and oyster beds. This natural phenomenon attracts nature and photography lovers, as well as crabbers and anglers.
Speaking of fishing, the tides bring a variety of fish close to the pier, making every cast of your lure an adventure. Additionally, there are even cleaning stations and running water for cleanup.
The pier lines up perfectly with the St. Simons Sound Lighthouse that uses a traditional Fresnel lens to send a beam out 23 miles out to sea. It's also a favorite spot for photos, since you can get both the pier and the lighthouse in one shot.
When you get hungry or thirsty, you're only steps from the area's top restaurants. Spots like the Porch, Barbara Jean's, and The Half Shell offer fresh seafood, American classics, and ice-cold beverages.
Spending time at St Simons Island Pier adds something special to any Golden Isles trip. The pier connects you with the ocean and St. Simons Island, making for a profound discovery.
Local Tips
- Arrive early in the morning or just before sunset to secure the best parking spots near Mallery Street.
- Bring a folding chair if planning to fish or crab, as bench seating is limited.
- Pack sunscreen and water, as there's minimal shade.
- Purchase a Georgia fishing license to try crabbing and fishing!
