This is a great park on SSI, in a prime location to see sunsets, and enjoy views of Jekyll Island's northern tip, as well as the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The park spans the little coast at the southern tip of SSI. It runs from the SSI Lighthouse, to the SSI Pier, with a trail parallel to the water, and sporadic beach access points for low tide (at high tide, water floods up the seawall and it's like harbor). They have various benches, picnic tables, a playground, and a "Fun Zone" public pool, open seasonally. The park itself is free, but the pool is a modest fee. Dogs are allowed in the park on leash.
Unless you want to be at the public pool all day, or lounge and read a book, this is not an all day destination kind of park. It's a beautiful break in the congestion that is the built-up part of SSI, but it's not acres of land for hiking or anything like that. If you want that kind of park, head to Cannon's Point, or Guale Preserves at the northern part of the island (also free). Neptune Park is a great place to rest after walking the town, or use as a base to enjoy some of the nearby food, get some time on the beach at low tide, have a fun dog walk, or let your kids enjoy the playground. The pier is definitely worth a walk too, especially in the evening when the live music is happening! But definitely make sure kids are strapped into strollers on the pier, because the railings are not the safest, and there are huge gaps where kids can fall. The park and pier are both completely handicapped/stroller accessible, however, I did not see a ramp to the beach, just stairs.
At the time I visited (for a month) there was a cargo ship carrying cars, that had capsized in the St. Simons Sound, and a huge yellow crane had been working to recover the wreckage for over a year. And at this moment, as I write this, breaking news tells me that same Golden Ray cargo ship caught fire, and crews are working to put it out in St. Simons Sound. I truly wish they can get that mess cleaned up asap. It is horrible for wildlife in these protected areas.
Of course, the cargo atrocity has nothing to do with the park itself. It's just noteworthy because the crane has been there so long by now, it's part of the scenery, and visitors (like me) will wonder what it is.
But this is a very well-thought-out park, done in a scenic way with quality materials, and consideration for everyone who wants to visit. It's a key destination on your visit to SSI. read more