Destination: Jekyll Island, Georgia

With wide-open beaches, salt marshes stretching to the horizon, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Jekyll Island is a step back in the best possible way. Natural beauty and quiet luxury coexist here, inviting groups of all sizes to slow down and enjoy the unhurried pace on this 7-mile barrier island, a treasured part of the Golden Isles. From biking beneath the canopies of stately oaks to sunset strolls along the shore to horseback riding at sunset, Jekyll Island delivers a coastal escape that’s equal parts peaceful and unforgettable.

Where is Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island is the southernmost of Georgia’s Golden Isles, located between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia. As a designated Georgia State Park, it remains protected and intentionally undeveloped in many areas. Visitors pay a $10 entry fee, which helps support conservation efforts, thereby preserving the natural beauty of this majestic island.

If you’re coming by car, the island is just off I-95, making it a perfect for a road trip from cities like Orlando, Charleston, and Atlanta, all about 4-5 hours away. Prefer to fly? The closest airports are the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), about 40 minutes north, the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), about 1 hour south, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), just over an hour north, all offering rental car options for a smooth trip to the island.

Things to do on Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island perfectly balances its serene natural setting with activities to entertain the whole family, from historic landmarks and boutique shops to family-friendly attractions and local eateries. Plan every stop, or wander and discover something new around each corner!

Water Activities on Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island’s calm, gentle waterways set the tone for a more relaxed coastal adventure. Kayak through quiet salt marshes, try paddleboarding along the Intracoastal Waterway, or book a guided boat tour to spot dolphins and other coastal wildlife. Prefer to keep your feet in the sand? Hunt for sand dollars or simply soak up the sun on one of the island’s wide, uncrowded beaches.

Driftwood Beach is famous for its hauntingly beautiful landscape, with weathered, sun-bleached trees, while Shark Tooth Beach offers a chance to find prehistoric shark teeth and other ocean fossils. For a quieter nature experience, explore the shoreline near Horton Pond or visit St. Andrews Beach, a peaceful spot visited by shorebirds and dolphins just offshore.

Historic Tours in Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, Georgia, located just south of St. Simons Island, is a State Park and Nature Preserve highlighted by wide swaths of sandy beaches, public golf courses, a state-of-the-art convention center with excellent accommodations, a family water park, and a fascinating historic district. Known now for its abundant natural beauty and interesting varieties of wildlife, Jekyll Island was the former playground of the Carnegies, Rockefellers, Pulitzers, and some of the wealthiest families in the country. Historians estimate that one-sixth of the world’s wealthiest people were members of the Jekyll Island Club in the early years of the twentieth century. Visit their homes in Jekyll Island’s historic district.

Weather on Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island experiences mild weather year-round. Warm spring days offer ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. Summer brings plenty of sunshine and coastal breezes, perfect for beach days and fun adventures. In fall, cooler temperatures create the perfect backdrop for hiking and biking, while winters remain mild and festive, filling the air with seasonal celebrations!

Book your Jekyll Island vacation today!

Family-Friendly Activities On Jekyll Island

From mini golf and bike rides to nature walks and trolley tours, Jekyll Island is full of kid-approved fun!

Biking on the Jekyll Island Trail System

The island features over 20 miles of paved trails that wind through beaches, marshes, historic landmarks, and maritime forests. Whether riding solo or with the whole family, the Jekyll Island Trail System offers a scenic and fun way to see it all.

Summer Waves Water Park

Offering thrilling waterplay for family members of all ages, Summer Waves Water Park is another way to beat the heat, with a lazy river, a wave pool, inner tube slides, and more.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Learn how injured sea turtles are rescued, treated, and released back into the wild at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. With interactive exhibits and daily programs, it’s an interesting and educational stop highlighting the importance of coastal conservation.

Bike Rentals on Jekyll Island

Don’t have your own wheels? No problem! Jekyll Island has convenient rental options to get you rolling in no time!

Monkey Wrench | 1708 Frederica Road | (912) 634-5551
Bike Jekyll | 100 Great Dunes Lane | (912) 635 – 4116

Mosaic Museum

The Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum is a fantastic place to explore the island’s storied history, from its natural origins to the Gilded Age. For a deeper dive into the island’s grand past, you can also join one of the historic tours departing from the museum.

Trolley Tours

Jekyll Island offers a variety of Trolley Tours, including sightseeing, history, and ghost tours. It’s a great way to see the island without worrying about driving or navigating, making it easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Golf, Tennis, and Mini Golf

Whether you’re looking to hit the courts or the greens, Jekyll Island has you covered. Play a round at one of several scenic golf courses, serve up some fun at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, or keep it casual with a family-friendly game at Jekyll Island Mini Golf.

Where to Eat on Jekyll Island

From grab-n-go picnic fare to chef-inspired coastal cuisine, Jekyll Island’s dining scene delivers the goods. Here are a few of our favorites:

Breakfast

Sunrise Grille – open for three squares a day, and serving everything from breakfast plates and pancakes to fresh seafood and burgers.
Tortuga Jack’s– start with chips and queso dip, then move on to the Mexican street tacos with a margarita. Kick back and enjoy the oceanfront views on the outdoor patio.

Dinner

Beach House – featuring delicious shareables, handhelds, salads, and more. Seafood is the star of the show here, and you’ll find everything from crab cakes and fish and chips to shrimp boils and crispy skin salmon.
Driftwood Bistro – for Southern cuisine with a twist and family recipes that never get old, like fried okra, squash casserole, and bread pudding.

Lunch

The Jekyll Market – for everything you could possibly need, including a gourmet grocery, a gift shop, ice cream, beer, wine, deli sandwiches, and more.
Zachry’s Riverhouse – for fresh seafood, homemade favorites, craft cocktails, and incredible sunsets. It’s a great place for a fried shrimp po’boy or crab cake sandwich.

Jekyll Island Events

From art festivals under the oaks to seasonal celebrations by the ocean, Jekyll Island’s laid-back setting offers plenty to enjoy, and it’s just a short hop to a host of other events on St. Simons and Brunswick!

Jekyll Island Arts Festival

Celebrate creativity in full bloom at the Jekyll Island Arts Festival, a spring weekend filled with local art, live music, and hands-on activities set against the island’s natural beauty.

Tortuga Jack's Summer Concert Series

Tortuga Jack’s Summer Concert Series brings the island vibe to life with live music from local favorites every week at the beachfront tiki bar.

Shrimp and Grits Festival

A celebration of Southern flavor, the Shrimp and Grits Festival serves this iconic dish in creative styles from multiple vendors, alongside live music and local art in the island’s Historic District.

Holly Jolly Jekyll

Get into the holiday spirit with the Holly Jolly Jekyll, a family-friendly celebration packed with festive activities, live entertainment, holiday shopping, and seasonal treats. From tree lightings to visits with Santa, this annual event transforms Jekyll Island into a winter wonderland filled with joy for all ages.

Island Treasures

The annual Island Treasures event transforms Jekyll Island into a hide-and-seek adventure as participants search for glass globes inspired by vintage fishing floats, each redeemable for a handcrafted glass treasure.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon

Lace up for a good cause at the Turtle Crawl Triathlon, featuring a 10K, 5K, and 1K fun run, all supporting sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation on Jekyll Island.

Fourth of July

Celebrate the Fourth of July with an incredible fireworks show over the ocean, best viewed from one of Jekyll Island’s scenic beachside parks.

Paulk Cup Classic

Held annually at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, the Paulk Cup Classic honors the legacy of Georgia golf icon Johnny Paulk with a tournament that celebrates his lifelong contributions to the game.

Cold-Stunned Plunge

Brave the chilly Atlantic for a good cause during the Cold-Stunned Plunge. This frosty fundraiser supports the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s efforts to rehabilitate sea turtles affected by cold-stone events each winter.

Explore the Island

Activities

Explore area activities for you and your family. Take a walk on the beach and see the historic Light House on St. Simons Island, or maybe take a day trip to Jekyll Island and visit Driftwood Beach. Historic sites, entertainment, shopping, and restaurants..the Golden Isles has it all!

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