East Beach
Vacation Rentals on
St. Simons Island
Like, what’s so special about East Beach anyway?
Looking for the kind of vacation rental that makes you question whether you ever need to leave? Welcome to East Beach—a pocket of St. Simons where locals go to disappear (in the good way). This isn’t a resort. It’s better. Think wide beaches with room to breathe, boardwalk paths tucked between dune grass, and streets quiet enough to bike barefoot. East Beach is where you bring the family, the dogs, or the just-married humans who haven’t unpacked their blender yet. And our vacation homes here? They come with the good stuff—private heated pools, fenced yards, firepits, outdoor showers, porches made for late-night storytelling, and yes, high tide beach access.
Whether you’re looking for a five-bedroom showstopper with space for ten, or a tucked-away retreat for two (plus one spoiled golden retriever), this is the spot. Every home is professionally managed, locally owned, and optimized for maximum hammock time.
Our East Beach Vacation Homes
We’ve grouped our East Beach listings by what actually matters to travelers—private pools, pet perks, and personality. Whether you’re here for cannonballs, leash-free mornings, or just the homes that have a little extra soul, we’ve got you.
Private heated pools
Backyard bragging rights included. These East Beach rentals come with private pools, optional heat, and firepits for when the day isn’t quite done. Many are just a few blocks from the beach, so you can cool off in the ocean and still be home in time for a sunset swim.
Great for families, friend groups, or anyone who travels with extra swimsuits.
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Rewind on 11th - 2032 Bruce Drive
5 Beds • 3.5 Baths • Sleeps 12
Private Heated Pool • Dogs Allowed -
Tabby on 12th - 4227 12th Street
4 Beds • 4 Baths • Sleeps 9
Private Heated Pool
Pet-Friendly Picks
Dogs love East Beach—and it loves them back. These homes come with fenced yards, tile floors, and easy access to Gould’s Inlet, where the early mornings are quiet and the beach is leash-optional in the off-season.
There’s nothing quite like watching your pup sprint into the surf while you sip your coffee barefoot in the sand.
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Jack's Place - 1824 Bruce Drive
4 Beds • 2 Baths • Sleeps 8
Fenced Yard • 4 Houses to Beach -
The Surf Shack - 1828 Bruce Drive
3 Beds • 2 Baths • Sleeps 8
Free Golf Cart • Dogs Allowed -
Mary's House - 1729 Bruce Drive
3 Beds • 2 Baths • Sleeps 6
6 Houses from Beach • Dogs Allowed -
Bide-A-Wee - 1729 1/2 Bruce Drive
2 Beds • 2 Baths • Sleeps 6
East Beach Efficiency
Emmons Favorites
If we could bottle up East Beach and turn it into a house, this would be it. Coast Cottage at 41 Clover Marsh sits in a beloved oceanfront community with marsh breezes, private beach access, and an oceanfront community pool—heated seasonally or by request. Each bedroom opens to its own outdoor space, and a private boardwalk delivers you to the sand, even at high tide.
You’re just steps from the Coast Guard Station beach entrance, with restrooms, showers, and seasonal vendors that make beach days easy. Mornings on the balcony. Evenings under stars you haven’t seen since you were a kid. Gould’s Inlet has a way of bringing them back.
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Coast Cottage - 41 Clover Marsh
3 Beds • 2 Baths • Sleeps 6
Oceanfront Community Pool
Why Guests Love East Beach
Steps from the sand—easy walk to Gould’s Inlet or Coast Guard Beach
Quiet residential neighborhood with shady oaks and wide bikeable streets
Pet-friendly rentals with fenced yards and access to dog-friendly beaches
Private heated pools, firepits, and spacious homes for families and groups
Close to local seafood spots, beach parks, and nature trails
Local Favorites Near East Beach
East Beach doesn’t have bars or boutiques—and that’s kind of the point. But when it’s time to leave the hammock, here’s what’s actually worth putting on real clothes for.
Crab Trap & Crab Daddy’s – Two East Beach legends. The Trap is casual and crunchy (fried shrimp, cold beer, kids in swimsuits). Daddy’s is dimly lit and date-night approved. Walkable from the southern end.
Gould’s Inlet Overlook – Sunrise coffee. Leash-free dogs. Shorebirds. Dolphins if you're lucky. There’s a reason locals show up here before the rest of the island is awake.
Ocean Motion Surf Co. – Bikes, boards, and beach carts. They'll even drop paddleboards at Gould’s Inlet for you. Great people. Local-owned.
WWII Home Front Museum – A legit little museum inside the historic Coast Guard Station. Worth it for the architecture alone—bonus if you're a history buff or it rains.
Massengale Park – Shady picnic tables, restrooms, a quiet playground, and a short path to the beach. Great for families with kids or anyone needing a low-key access point.
Southern Soul BBQ – Not technically in East Beach, but close enough to smell it. Brisket that sells out, ribs that don’t need sauce, and a patio full of happy people.
Golden Isles Olive Oil Market & Wine Bar – Hidden in plain sight. Great lunch spot, fantastic charcuterie, and flights of wine or balsamic. An upscale surprise in a strip mall.
Barrier Island Brewing – Local beer brewed on-site, with a menu that’s way better than it needs to be. Burgers, flatbreads, poke bowls—and yes, kids are welcome.
Bike Ride to the Pier Village – It’s an easy cruise from East Beach along Ocean Blvd. Grab ice cream, shop for souvenirs, or catch a breeze on the fishing pier.
Sunset on Bruce Drive – At the marsh end, not the beach. Locals know this is where the golden light actually hits. Quiet, beautiful, and usually empty.
East Beach Area Guide
This isn't a beach lined with shops and condos. It’s better. East Beach runs between the ocean and the marsh, just north of the Coast Guard Station. Quiet, walkable, and lined with mossy oaks and breezy porches, it’s a neighborhood in the truest sense.
The beach here doesn’t disappear at high tide, so you can plan your day around sunscreen—not a tide chart. At the north end, Gould’s Inlet offers sunrise views, shelling, birdwatching, and paddleboarding. The south end connects to Coast Guard Beach, the main public access with parking, restrooms, and lifeguards in summer.
In between, it’s all laid-back island life: bikes instead of cars, porches instead of balconies, and homes that feel like they’ve been part of the neighborhood forever.
FAQ
How close are these homes to the beach?
Every rental in East Beach is within a few minutes’ walk to the sand. Many are just steps from dune walkovers like 13th or 9th Street, or near the Coast Guard Station beach entrance.
Are these homes pet-friendly?
Many of them are. You’ll find a large number of pet-friendly East Beach rentals with fenced yards—plus Gould’s Inlet is known for being one of the island’s best beaches for dogs.
Do all pools have heat?
Several homes offer optional pool heat, which can be added to your stay. If that’s a must-have, just look for it in the listing or reach out and we’ll point you to the right homes.
Do any homes have firepits?
Yes—some of our most popular East Beach homes include firepits for evening hangs and marshmallow duties. Great for fall and spring stays, or just making your vacation feel more like a campfire story.
What makes East Beach different from other areas?
This isn’t a resort zone—it’s a real neighborhood. No high-rises. No hotels. Just well-loved homes, bike-friendly streets, and a swimmable beach that sticks around at high tide. It’s the place locals tried to keep a secret.
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