Goulds Inlet(15th street beach, fifteenth street beach, Gould's Inlet Public Beach Access)

St. Simons Island offers a diverse culinary scene near Goulds Inlet, blending Southern comfort food with coastal flavors. Porch stands out for its Nashville hot chicken and Southern sides in a casual setting with outdoor seating, while Barbara Jean's specializes in crab cakes and seafood classics in a homey diner atmosphere. For fresh catches, The Half Shell SSI serves oysters and seafood in a laid-back nautical-themed space, and Georgia Sea Grill elevates local seafood with a refined, seasonal menu. Southern Soul Barbeque delivers oak-smoked meats and hearty BBQ in a converted gas station-turned-community hub.

These restaurants emphasize outdoor dining, Southern hospitality, and seasonal ingredients, with many offering live music and waterfront views. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly seating and parking are common, catering to a broad range of visitors.

Nearby accommodations cater to both luxury seekers and budget-conscious travelers. Ocean Lodge Resort provides Tuscan-inspired rooms with ocean views and a rooftop restaurant, while The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort features historic charm, golf courses, and multiple pools. Ocean Inn & Suites offers Mediterranean-style rooms with marble bathrooms near the beach, and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club delivers butler service and waterfront luxury. Saint Simons Inn By The Lighthouse provides cozy, individually decorated rooms with free breakfast.

These properties emphasize proximity to Goulds Inlet, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, pools, and golf access. Several are LGBTQ+ friendly, and most prioritize accessibility with wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Goulds Inlet Park provides basic amenities, including benches and a water hose for rinsing off sandy feet. While restrooms and showers are not available directly at the inlet, nearby East Beach facilities may offer more comprehensive services. The park’s simplicity aligns with its low-key vibe, encouraging visitors to bring their own supplies for picnics or beachcombing. Portable amenities like picnic baskets and coolers are recommended for extended stays.

Local businesses near the inlet do not provide rental equipment, so visitors should bring their own chairs, umbrellas, or fishing gear. The absence of commercial vendors preserves the area’s secluded atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking an unplugged coastal experience.

Birdwatching dominates the Goulds Inlet experience, with over 50 species spotted annually, including black skimmers and Caspian terns. Fishing is popular along the shoreline, where anglers cast for trout and flounder. Shell collecting thrives here due to the inlet’s abundant coquina and whelk deposits, while photographers capture stunning sunrises over the shifting sandbars.

Hiking trails through adjacent maritime forests provide opportunities to explore Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. While swimming is less common due to currents, kayaking in nearby Postell Creek offers a tranquil way to observe dolphins and marsh wildlife. The beach’s calm waves make it suitable for paddleboarding, though equipment must be brought independently.

Goulds Inlet Park lacks formal ADA-compliant facilities, but the flat, compacted sand near the parking area allows limited wheelchair access. Benches throughout the park provide resting points with views of bird activity. No beach wheelchairs or ramps are available onsite, so visitors with mobility challenges should plan accordingly.

Nearby restaurants and hotels, including Porch and Ocean Lodge Resort, offer wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. The St. Simons Island Trail System, featuring paved paths, provides alternative accessible nature experiences nearby.

Goulds Inlet has a small free parking lot at 2300 Bruce Drive, which fills quickly during peak seasons. Early arrival is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays. Street parking along Bruce Drive is available but limited. No fees or permits are required, and the lot operates 24/7, though overnight parking is discouraged.

The compact parking area reflects the beach’s secluded nature, with most spaces within a 2-minute walk to the shoreline. Accessible parking spots are not formally designated but can be found near the park entrance. During high tide or storm events, certain areas may become temporarily inaccessible.

Goulds Inlet’s sandbars are part of Georgia’s largest barrier island system, which moves up to 100 feet annually due to tides. The inlet was named after early 19th-century plantation owner James Gould. During winter, endangered piping plovers use the area as a critical stopover on their migration route.

The beach’s lack of permanent vegetation results from constant sediment shifts, creating a rare “living shoreline” studied by coastal geologists. Local lore claims Blackbeard once navigated these waters, though no verified pirate artifacts have been found. The inlet’s tides expose fossilized shark teeth, remnants of prehistoric megalodons that once patrolled these waters.

The St. Simons Island Pier, a 10-minute drive south, offers panoramic views and seasonal festivals. Neighboring Sea Island features the Cloister Resort’s spa and golf courses, while the historic Christ Church Frederica provides insight into Georgia’s colonial past. Nearby Gascoigne Bluff showcases centuries-old oaks and a dock once used for timber exports.

East Beach’s bike paths connect to the island’s network of trails, perfect for exploring maritime forests. The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, a short drive away, combines history with panoramic views from its 1872 tower. For nature enthusiasts, Morningstar Marinas offer dolphin-watching tours departing nearby.