You’re standing on the edge of the green, the Atlantic breeze is kicking up just enough to mess with your line, and your seven-year-old is currently doing a victory dance because they somehow banked a neon-orange ball off a concrete planter and into the hole. This isn’t the Masters. It’s better. Honestly, if you haven’t spent an hour dodging toddlers and laughing at your own terrible aim at putt putt st simons, have you even really "vacationed" in the Golden Isles?
Most people think mini golf is just a side quest. A way to kill time before a dinner reservation at the Half Shell or while waiting for the sun to lose its midday bite. They’re wrong. On St. Simons Island, that little 18-hole stretch at Neptune Park is basically the town square with more obstacles.
The Neptune Park Reality Check
If you’re looking for the kind of "Putt-Putt" with giant rotating windmills and fiberglass gorillas, you’re in the wrong place. Putt putt st simons—specifically the course at the Neptune Park Fun Zone—is a different breed. It’s classic. It’s understated. It’s $8 a person, which, in 2026, feels like a clerical error in your favor.
The course sits right at 550 Beachview Drive. You’ve got the lighthouse towering over you on one side and the pier just a stone's throw away on the other. It’s scenic. Like, actually beautiful. You’ll find yourself staring at the massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss instead of focusing on your par.
Don't let the "Fun Zone" name fool you into thinking it’s a chaotic carnival. While there is a public pool and a massive playground right there, the golf course manages to feel somewhat tucked away.
What to Expect When You Tee Up
- The Price Tag: It’s usually $8 per round. If you’ve got a big crew (20+ people), you can sometimes snag a group rate of $6.
- The Vibe: It’s strictly 18 holes. No "pro" course, no blacklight caves (unless you drive to Myrtle Beach, but why would you?).
- The Surface: Think standard green felt, subtle breaks, and bricks. Lots of bricks.
The holes aren't impossible, but they aren't "gimme" shots either. There are enough slopes to make you question your depth perception. You'll see locals here just as often as tourists. It's the great equalizer of the island.
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Why the Location Matters (A Lot)
Most mini-golf places are shoved into a strip mall next to a pancake house. Not this one. Because it's part of the Neptune Park complex, you’re in the heart of the Pier Village. This is crucial for your logistics.
You can drop the teenagers at the mini-golf course, walk 200 feet to the pier to see what the fishermen are catching, and meet back up for ice cream at Moo Cow in twenty minutes. It’s that kind of layout.
Actually, the wind is a factor. People forget that. Since you’re right on the water, a stiff gust can and will move a lightweight golf ball. It adds a layer of "coastal difficulty" that most people don't prepare for. Sorta adds to the charm, doesn't it?
The "Speedway" Alternative for the Serious Putters
Wait. You want something fancier?
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If the public course at Neptune Park feels a bit too "family reunion" for you, there’s another option nearby that nobody calls "putt putt." It’s the Speedway Putting Course over at Sea Island’s The Lodge.
Now, listen. This isn't your average miniature golf. It was designed by Davis Love III and Mark Love. It’s an 18-hole putting course on real grass. It’s professional. It’s meant to mimic actual green conditions. You won't find a single plastic obstacle here. Instead, you get professional-grade undulations and the kind of views that make you want to buy a linen suit and a cigar.
It’s right off the back veranda of The Lodge. If you’re staying at Sea Island, it’s a must. If you aren't... well, it’s a bit more exclusive. But it’s worth noting because it represents the two poles of the St. Simons golf experience: the local, salty-air fun of Neptune Park and the high-end, "I might see a PGA pro" atmosphere of the Speedway.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid the Meltdown
Georgia heat is no joke. If you try to play putt putt st simons at 2:00 PM in July, you’re going to have a bad time. The course has some shade from the trees, but not enough to save you from a 95-degree humidity spike.
The move is to go late.
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The course usually stays open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM depending on the season. Playing under the lights as the air finally starts to cool down? That's the pro move. The shadows make the breaks harder to read, but the lack of heat stroke makes the game much more enjoyable. Honestly, the atmosphere in the Village at night is just better. You’ve got the sounds of the ocean, the distant chatter from the restaurants, and the lighthouse beam sweeping across the sky.
Quick Logistics for the Road
- Call ahead: (912) 279-3720. Hours change. Sometimes there’s a shortage of staff, or they close for a private event. Don't be the person who promises the kids golf only to find a "Closed" sign.
- The Punch Pass: If you’re staying for a week, get the 10-punch pass for $60. It works for the pool too. It saves you $20 over ten rounds, which is basically three extra scoops of ice cream.
- Parking: It’s the Village. It’s tight. If you can’t find a spot right at Neptune Park, look toward Mallery Park and walk over. It’s a five-minute stroll through some of the prettiest streets in Georgia.
The Secret Nearby Contender
If you’ve played the St. Simons course three times and you’re craving a change of scenery, hop the bridge to Jekyll Island. Their mini-golf setup is right across from Great Dunes Park. They actually have two courses: one for beginners and one that’s a bit more advanced.
It’s a bit more "classic" in its design—lots of geometric shapes and tricky angles. It’s also $8. The drive over the Sidney Lanier Bridge is worth the price of admission anyway. Just keep in mind you have to pay the parking fee to get onto Jekyll Island.
Actionable Steps for Your Island Round
If you're heading out to play today, here is how you actually do it right:
- Check the Radar: Coastal storms pop up in twenty minutes and disappear just as fast. If it looks grey, wait thirty minutes. The sun will probably be back out and the course will be empty.
- Wear Real Shoes: Flip-flops are fine for the beach, but the concrete around the holes can be slippery if it’s recently rained.
- Don't Rush: There’s usually a group of kids or a slow-moving family in front of you. That’s just the pace of the island. Embrace it. Grab a drink from the concession stand and just relax.
- Dinner Strategy: If you're playing in the evening, put your name in at a restaurant in the Village before you start your round. By the time you sink the 18th hole, your table will likely be ready.
Putt putt st simons isn't about the score. It’s about the fact that you’re playing a game in one of the most beautiful spots on the Georgia coast. Keep your head down, follow through, and don't let the seagulls distract you on the back nine.