USA & Canada · Best Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Sea Island and St. Simons packing list for families
Sea Island and St. Simons are classic Southern beach islands, made for bike rides, wide beaches, and long family dinners. The tides, gnats, and resort dress codes are what to pack around.
Photo by Philip Arambula on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Sea Island & St. Simons
- The Georgia coast has big tides, so the beach looks totally different from morning to afternoon. Low tide brings wide, hard-packed sand that's great for bikes, tide pools, and long walks.
- Bikes are the best way to get around St. Simons and the resort. I bring helmets for little ones and plan rides for the morning, before the heat.
- Some evening dining rooms at the resort have a dress code. I pack one nicer outfit for each of us, plus long sleeves for gnats at dusk in spring and fall.
Best timeApr–Jun, Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Sea Island & St. Simons
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Kids' dress-up outfitFor dinners with a resort dress code.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Adventure1
Kids' bike helmetKristina's pickBiking is the main way to explore the island.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things22
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Bucket and net for tide poolsLow tide leaves pools full of tiny crabs and shells.
Shell collecting bagFor sand dollars and shells on long beach walks.
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Bug repellent for gnatsTiny biting gnats show up at dusk, especially in spring.
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Sea Island & St. Simons weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F 16°C | Mild, cool days with chilly nights and a cold sea | |
| February | 64°F 18°C | Mild, cool days with chilly nights and a cold sea | |
| March | 70°F 21°C | Warm and pleasant, with gnats and pollen in spring | |
| April | 76°F 24°C | Warm and pleasant, with gnats and pollen in spring | Mild weather for biking and tide pooling before summer crowds |
| May | 83°F 28°C | Warm and pleasant, with gnats and pollen in spring | Sea turtle nesting season on Georgia beaches Mild weather for biking and tide pooling before summer crowds |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting season on Georgia beaches |
| July | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting season on Georgia beaches Turtle hatchlings head to the sea |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting season on Georgia beaches Turtle hatchlings head to the sea |
| September | 85°F 29°C | Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Turtle hatchlings head to the sea |
| October | 78°F 26°C | Warm and comfortable, then cooling in November | Turtle hatchlings head to the sea |
| November | 70°F 21°C | Warm and comfortable, then cooling in November | Pro golf comes to Sea Island for a PGA Tour event in November |
| December | 63°F 17°C | Mild, cool days with chilly nights and a cold sea | Holiday decorations and seasonal events at the resort |
Questions families ask
Sea Island & St. Simons with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Sea Island & St. Simons with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Warm and pleasant, with gnats and pollen in spring
What's the weather like in Sea Island & St. Simons?
Typical daytime highs range from about 61°F (16°C) in January to about 90°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Sea Island & St. Simons?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Sea Island & St. Simons?
None. Sea Island & St. Simons uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Sea Island & St. Simons with kids?
The Georgia coast has big tides, so the beach looks totally different from morning to afternoon. Low tide brings wide, hard-packed sand that's great for bikes, tide pools, and long walks.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.