All About the Avenue of the Oaks on St. Simons Island
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Discover the magic of St. Simons Island’s Avenue of the Oaks. Explore the iconic tree-lined pathway, learn about its fascinating history, and experience the breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem in Georgia.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been enamored with the live oak trees on St. Simons Island. Their old, gnarly branches telling stories of centuries gone by. The elegant Spanish moss blowing softly in the wind, protecting their long-kept secrets. The golden light filtering through moss and limbs, giving them that dreamy and enchanting feeling that I love so much. And one of my favorite places to soak in the magic of these old beauties is the island’s breathtaking Avenue of the Oaks.
This spectacular tree-lined pathway is truly a sight to behold. Walking beneath the canopy of deep green leaves, enveloped by the vast networks of twisting limbs, is an experience you won’t want to miss. Especially during the morning and evening golden hours of the day.
But the history surrounding these famous trees might surprise you. Read on to learn all about this antebellum plantation turned photographer and nature lovers’ paradise.
Plan your trip with my favorite resources!
— Reserve accommodations here: Booking.com
— Book day tours here: Viator.com
— Secure a rental car here: DiscoverCars.com
— Buy an airport lounge membership here: PriorityPass.com
— Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing.com
What Is The Avenue Of The Oaks?
The Avenue of the Oaks is a magnificent double row of centuries-old live oak trees that marks the grand entrance to the renowned Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, one of the nation’s oldest golf clubs. Originally, the driveway to the club, traffic has since been redirected around it, creating a one-of-a-kind display of the island’s famous oaks.
Here you’ll often find photographers and artists hard at work trying to capture the charm of these trees on film or on canvas. It’s also a must-see destination for historians and tourists and a popular local spot for a family picnic, a long run, or a casual stroll.
But beyond the beauty of this tree-lined pathway, you can feel a palpable connection to the past. Walking through the scenic oak tunnel beneath the trees’ intertwined branches, you can’t help but feel a reverence for the passage of time and the natural beauty that has remained seemingly unchanged throughout hundreds of years in the old South.
WHAT KIND OF OAK TREES ARE ON ST SIMONS ISLAND?
St. Simons Island is known for its enormous Southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana), which are native to the Southeastern USA. One of the reasons they are called live oaks is that, unlike other deciduous oak trees that shed their leaves annually, the leaves of live oaks remain almost evergreen and look “live” all year long.
These massive trees are a protected and beloved part of St. Simons’ landscape, which you’ll find in parks and along roads all throughout the island.
How old are the live oaks on St. Simons Island?
The live oaks on St. Simons Island are hundreds of years old. Many of these majestic trees date back to the early 1700s, making them some of the oldest living things in the region. In fact, the Lover’s Oak, located in nearby historic Brunswick, is estimated to be over 900 years old!
What Is The History Of The Avenue Of The Oaks?
Originally known as Retreat Plantation, this beautiful stretch of land on the southern tip of St. Simons Island was once one of the Lowcountry’s most prosperous plantations. From 1760 until the start of the Civil War, this area experienced a thriving era of cotton and rice plantations, and Retreat Plantation became known worldwide for growing high-quality Sea Island cotton.
Then in 1826, a woman by the name of Anna Page King inherited the land and took it upon herself to plant the renowned Avenue of the Oaks. Legends speak of Anna’s gorgeous gardens and her remarkable ability to cultivate an abundance of flowers on Retreat Plantation, with the flowers’ fragrance reaching sailors before the island shores came into view.
Nearly 200 years later, these trees now stand at attention to welcome visitors to the Sea Island Golf Club. A stroll through the magnificent tree tunnel, formed by the intertwining of ancient branches draped in Spanish moss and covered with local flora, is a sight that will absolutely take your breath away.
Where Is The Avenue Of The Oaks?
Saint Simons Island’s famous Avenue of Oaks is located between Retreat Avenue and Canary Drive at the grand entrance of the Sea Island Golf Club.
To visit this special Georgia landmark, you can take a scenic walk or drive towards the Lodge at the Sea Island Golf Club and then follow the route back. Note that you cannot go past the gate at the end of the park without a club membership.
Is St. Simons the Only Place with an Avenue of the Oaks?
In addition to St. Simons, there are a number of other places in the southern United States known for their beautiful oak tree-lined streets. Some of the most popular include:
- Beaufort, South Carolina
- Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Coffin Point Oaks Plantation in St. Helena Island, South Carolina
- Mobile, Alabama
- Pike Road, Alabama
- Floral City in Citrus County, Florida
- Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia
What’s The Best Time To Visit The Avenue Of The Oaks, St. Simons Island?
Because it sits between two active golf courses, you should plan your visit accordingly. I recommend going during off days and off times (as well as during the off-season if you have the choice!). Weekends and golden hours tend to be the busiest times, so keep that in mind because although parking is free, it’s extremely limited.
No matter what time of the day or year you visit, make sure to stay alert! It’s easy to get lost in thought as you wander through this stunning pathway of old live oak trees, but be careful (and keep a close eye on your kiddos!) because cars are consistently entering and exiting the club via the roads on either side of the path. Not to mention the occasional stray golf ball that may come flying your way!
Avenue of the Oaks Photos
The Avenue of the Oaks in Georgia is a photographer’s dream offering endless opportunities to photograph the beauty of this iconic spot. For the best shots, I recommend visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the trees, creating a magical effect.
To capture the full essence of the Avenue, consider taking wide-angle shots to emphasize the expansive canopy. Close-up photos of the textured bark and the delicate strands of moss also make for striking images. And don’t forget to experiment with different perspectives — try lying on the ground for a unique angle or shooting upwards to highlight the towering height of these ancient trees.
If you’re planning a photoshoot, just remember to respect the area and its visitors. Keep an eye out for cars and golfers and be extra mindful not to disturb the natural environment.
Directions To The Avenue Of The Oaks
Although the address of the Sea Island Golf Club is 100 Retreat Ave., I suggest entering “Avenue of the Oaks, Canary Drive, St. Simons Island, GA” into your mapping app for accurate directions.
Canary Drive leads to the golf club, while Retreat Avenue leads away from it. Despite the different names, these streets are actually the same location, which can sometimes cause mapping mishaps. I know this from experience as Google Maps led me on a wild goose chase the first time I plugged in “Avenue of the Oaks!”
Visitor Info
To help you plan your visit to the Avenue of Oaks, here are some important details to note:
- LOCATION: 100 Retreat Avenue / Canary Drive
- GOOGLE MAPS: Avenue of the Oaks, Canary Drive, St. Simons Island, GA
- HOURS: Open all day, year-round
- PRICE: Free
- PHOTOS: Priceless!
Make the Most of Your Golden Isles Visit
For more ideas on what to do while on the island, make sure to check out my guide to the 37 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ST. SIMONS ISLAND. And if you’re interested in exploring or learning about other popular attractions in the area, here are some articles that may be helpful:
- A GUIDE TO THE GOLDEN ISLES: Where are the Golden Isles and what are they known for?
- SIDNEY LANIER BRIDGE: The history and construction details of this iconic Georgia bridge
- DRIFTWOOD BEACH: All about this otherworldly Jekyll Island destination
- ST. SIMONS LIGHTHOUSE: The story behind this prominent Georgia landmark and what makes it so special
- TABBY CEMENT: What exactly is this historic coastal concrete?
Avenue Of The Oaks Georgia: The Wrap-Up
One of the most beautiful historic sites on Saint Simons Island, the Avenue of the Oaks is more than just a scenic pathway. It’s a place of history. A place of wonderous natural beauty. And perhaps most importantly, a place that reminds us of the importance of taking a moment to pause, to breathe, and to embrace the simple beauty that surrounds us.
So if you find yourself on St. Simons Island, make sure to carve out some time to take a leisurely stroll amongst these old live oak trees. I promise it will leave you with a reminder of the island you won’t soon forget!
Have You Visited the Avenue of the Oaks?
Tell me in the comments below! I’m curious if this special St. Simons hidden gem left a lasting impression on you as it has on me.
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This article was originally published in June 2023 and has been updated with additional information.
A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she aims to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
Allie holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from American University and, for more than a decade, has worked as a freelance travel, food, and drinks journalist for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When not out exploring the world in search of the next story to tell, she calls her beloved St. Simons Island, Georgia home.
Disclosure: Articles throughout Parched Around the World may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using one of them, I may earn a small commission for sharing items I personally use and love. This comes at no cost to you, but it helps support Parched and allows me to keep this website running! For more information, please see my full Privacy Policy.
Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m an Italian-German-Southerner with a deep passion for food, drinks & travel. After 15 years in NYC as a Certified Sommelier & cocktail creator, plus a stint in New Zealand learning how to make wine, I’m now back home in Georgia where I blend my love for culinary arts & travel into my work as a writer & photographer. Thank you so much for joining me here at Parched where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip & adventure at a time!
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This story is so beautifully written and photographed. Well done, Allie!
I can’t thank you enough for this kind comment, Ashley! I love this hidden gem on St. Simons Island and always enjoy meandering amongst these old, beautiful oaks. I will definitely take you here whenever you come visit!
Oh my, these photos are stunning! They are such beautiful gnarly trees already, and it almost looks like they have been decorated with tinsel!
I couldn’t agree more, I just love how the moss “decorates” them! I have been obsessed with these trees since I was a little girl. Both mysterious and romantic, you can feel their wisdom whenever you walk amongst them!