Between Jacksonville And Savannah Is Georgia's Scenic Island Park With Disc Golf, Fishing, And Boating

The stretch of American coastline through Georgia and Florida provides spectacular natural destinations on the Atlantic Ocean. While Florida has world-famous beaches, Georgia has some pretty islands that shouldn't be overlooked. One of these, St. Simons Island, brings Southern charm, sandy beaches, and coastal activities all together. But it's the small, picturesque Gascoigne Bluff Park on St. Simons that's become a favorite spot for locals and visitors over the years. Located on the island's western side, 83 miles from Savannah and 75 miles from Jacksonville, it offers relaxing activities in a scenic setting.

One of Gascoigne Bluff Park's most prominent features is its forest of oak trees draped in Spanish moss synonymous with St. Simons Island. These atmospheric trees crowd around the walking paths and grass, letting dappled sunlight fall around your strolling feet. They pair well with the park's riverside location — the view of the Frederica River through the oak branches and dangling Spanish moss is quite a sight. The park even has a special Spirit Tree, one of 20 found on St. Simons Island. It's essentially an oak tree with a face carved into its trunk, reminiscent of Grandmother Willow from Disney's film "Pocahontas."

Gascoigne Bluff Park's natural beauty and serenity coax many visitors into lingering, either for a picnic, leisurely walk, or even to play disc golf. That's right, you can play a 10-hole course through the oak trees, which is mostly beginner-friendly par-three holes. Vines and branches push players to switch up their throws, and the nearby marsh and river provide a beautiful backdrop for leisurely rounds. "Great place for disc golf, the oaks and sand [make] interesting obstacles," one player writes in a Google review.

The underrated St. Simons Island boasts serene, breathtaking beaches, but its inland waterways aren't too shabby either. Frederica River flows beside Gascoigne Bluff Park, providing great river fishing from the shore, the concrete fishing area, or the long pier with a covered picnic pavilion at the end. People often fish here for whiting and croaker, while those who prefer crabbing might be able to snag some blue crabs, too. One local even recommends Gascoigne Bluff Park as one of the island's best fishing spots on Facebook. The river views from the shaded pavilion are also beautiful (particularly at sunset) whether you're catching anything or not.

The park also has a public marina where you can launch or dock your boat, as well as purchase gas and bait. It's easy to get out on the water here and explore the nearby waterways, marshes, and Saint Simons Sound, which spills out into the Atlantic Ocean. Boating adventures can also take you up Mackay River to Little St. Simons Island, a pristine barrier island with dazzling beaches and scenic marshes. The Mackay River is also calm enough for paddling in a kayak or canoe. This way, you can explore its adjoining tidal creeks and tributaries.

You can drive to Gascoigne Bluff Park in 1.5 hours from Savannah, or just over an hour from Jacksonville. You can easily combine the park with some of St. Simons Island's other attractions. Pier Village, a chic hub of boutique shops, is only 10 minutes away. You can also walk from Gascoigne Bluff to the Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins to learn more about this area's dark history with slavery. Those wanting to spend longer on the island can stay at various hotels, resorts, cottages, and inns on the island's southern coast.