A Conference, Retreat & Vacation Center

Epworth and the Golden Ray

Welcome to Epworth by the Sea

Our gorgeous riverfront campus on St. Simons Island, Ga., is a celebrated destination for groups, couples, and families in search of a peaceful environment and a chance to rediscover what’s truly important.

Ideal Setting For Your Next Gathering

Epworth is known for its natural scenic surroundings, complete retreat accommodations, state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of food service options. Among America's most popular Christian retreat and conference centers, Epworth is one of the most beautiful and graceful vacation spots in the magnificent Golden Isles.

  • Amazing Vacations

    Just minutes from the beach, Epworth’s extensive accommodations and beautiful coastal setting are ideal for family vacations or weekend getaways. Reconnect with the ones who matter most at Epworth By The Sea.

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  • Perfect for Groups

    Epworth By The Sea is a beautiful sanctuary for groups of all ages, sizes and missions. Gather in the shade of live oaks and coastal palms to experience meaningful connections and ground-breaking fellowship.

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  • Diverse Accommodations

    While visitors praise our breathtaking surroundings, Epworth is also known for its complete retreat package, which includes accommodations, modern conference facilities and wide range of food service options.

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Activities to Excite

With more than 220 sunny days each year, visitors to our island sanctuary have access to all types of outdoor recreation activities. Many groups choose to build teamwork and other skills at the on-site Adventure Challenge Ropes Course. Youth groups revel in the opportunity to splash in the seasonal outdoor pool, shoot hoops on the covered basketball court, play ball on wide open grass fields and kick back by a nighttime bonfire. Vacationers take advantage of the bike rentals, using two wheels to explore the more than 30 miles of St. Simons Island’s bike paths. Other guests seeking more relaxing pursuits will fish or lounge on our two piers along the Frederica River. Whatever level of activity gets you excited, we have it here at Epworth By The Sea.

  • This pandemic is a global crisis which challenges our understanding of how the world works.  It creates an unsettling doubt in our mind and soul.  As we begin to emerge from this crisis we need more than ever to reconnect with our heritage.  We need to revisit our sacred spaces.  
    Over the past 70 years, Epworth has become a sacred space for hundreds of thousands of people who have walked these grounds.  This is a holy place.  For over five decades, this sacred place has molded and shaped me.  I will forever be connected to it in a sacred way.  Now more than ever, it needs me and I need it.  Come experience if for yourself and you will understand what I am saying.

    < Jay Hanson - Senior Pastor, The Chapel Ministries

  • For almost a decade, Living Science has thoroughly enjoyed taking the annual Spring Science Expedition to Epworth by the Sea. The staff calmly welcomes our group of approximately 200 middle schoolers, high schoolers and adults for an entire week. Our campers love the fellowship of cabin life, RAVE over the food, (now that's saying something!) totally enjoy the sports amenities and the large Auditorium for big group activities. We look forward to returning to this truly magnificent setting each Spring. Thank you, Epworth Staff, for your excellent service and Godly responses to all of our needs. We will see you next year, if the Lord wills!

    < Lance and Penney Davis

  • Epworth By The Sea is a special place that I love to visit when needing a place to escape from the stresses of everyday life. When going through the entrance under the arch, a peace and contentment is immediately felt. The beauty of the grounds and prayer chapel, incredible sunsets and rocking on the front porch with friends are my favorite things about this wonderful place.

    < Karen Forrester

  • Epworth By The Sea offers guests a peaceful and spiritual retreat. The atmosphere always leaves you feeling good and is a great place to hold meetings. The worst part about Epworth By The Sea is when you have to leave. But knowing that you will return makes it okay again.

    Keith Pritchard >

  • I first came to Epworth in 1998 to work summer staff on the Leadership Team. Little did I know this "summer job" was leading to a career as a Camp Director. I'm grateful to continue my ministry in one of the most beautiful places in the world where my children – both my real ones and my summer ones – can experience God in a new way every time they come to camp.

    < Suzanne Akins

  • God led me to Epworth by the Sea 45 years ago, and after discovering this sanctuary of God's earthly beauty, I continue to return every spring. After passing through the historic arch, a feeling of spiritual peace, joy, and excitement is immediately experienced. There are numerous ways in which Epworth touches my soul. The beauty of nature, especially the majestic live oaks, is a perfect illustration of God's handiwork. The prayer chapel by the Frederica River is a wonderful quiet place in which to experience personal spirituality. I thank God for this Christian mission by the water's edge.

    < David Wortham, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

  • I have been coming to Epworth for over 60 years as a camper, counselor, chaperone and adult. The feeling of being on Holy Ground is always present with me no matter where I am.

    < Gloria Morgan

  • Epworth by the Sea is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. More importantly, as soon as I step on the grounds, I feel the Lord’s Presence.

    < Charlie Walker - First Love Ministries of Perry, Georgia

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