Jekyll Island

Tucked into Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island beckons with a quiet elegance that stands in contrast to the hurried pace of everyday life. Once the exclusive winter retreat of America’s wealthiest families, this coastal haven now welcomes all who seek a harmonious blend of nature, history, and laid-back recreation. With its ancient live oak canopies, skeletal driftwood beaches, and storied landmarks, Jekyll Island delivers a travel experience both grounded and extraordinary.

A Coastal Escape Framed by Nature

As you enter Jekyll Island, the iconic turtle crossing signs signal a place where wildlife and people thrive side by side. The scent of salt mingles with the earthy aroma of oak and pine as the maritime forest reveals a lush network of trails and pathways. Every turn leads to another sensory reward: sunlight flickering through branches, palms swaying in the wind, the distant call of a seabird.

One of the most striking features is Driftwood Beach, where gnarled tree trunks lie twisted along the sand like natural sculptures. This otherworldly shoreline is one of the island’s most photographed sites and a compelling backdrop for sunrise walks or peaceful afternoons. Farther south, Great Dunes Beach Park and St. Andrews Beach Park offer family-friendly picnic areas, easy access to the water, and wide stretches of sand perfect for flying kites or simply relaxing under the Georgia sun.

Rich Layers of History

Jekyll Island’s past reads like a historical novel filled with privilege, vision, and preservation. The Jekyll Island Historic District preserves a cluster of late 19th and early 20th-century buildings that once hosted the nation’s elite. Grand estates and clubhouses whisper stories of lavish lawn parties, horse-drawn carriages, and exclusive gatherings.

Sites like Faith Chapel, with its Tiffany stained-glass windows, and Horton House, a tabby ruin dating back to the 18th century, offer a sense of timelessness. Moss Cottage, small yet immaculately preserved, is another window into the lives of early residents. Whether you choose a guided walking tour or explore at your own pace, the island’s layers of culture and architecture are engaging and tangible.

Adventures on Land and Water

Beyond the beaches and historic district, Jekyll Island is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Jekyll Island Trail System, a nearly 25-mile loop of paved paths, invites visitors to bike beneath moss-draped oaks, past sand dunes, marshlands, and golf courses. Bike rentals, including electric models and family-friendly surreys, are widely available through Red Bug Motors.

On the water, dolphin-watching tours offer a front-row seat to marine life. The sight of a pod breaching beside the boat never fails to draw gasps and grins from guests young and old. Captain Phillip’s Red Fish Tours and Historic Wharf Boat Tours provide excursions that combine sightseeing with local knowledge and charm.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is one of the island’s proudest assets. This working rehabilitation facility educates visitors on conservation while allowing an up-close view of injured turtles undergoing treatment. The center is especially popular with families and curious minds of all ages.

Places to Stay: From Classic to Contemporary

Jekyll Island’s accommodations cater to every style, from stately resorts to casual beachfront escapes.

• Jekyll Island Club Resort blends Victorian charm with upscale comforts. Surrounded by live oaks and located in the heart of the historic district, this resort delivers old-world ambiance and attentive service.
  
• The Beachview Club sits oceanfront with beautifully landscaped grounds, a tranquil pool, and serene views. Its refined yet relaxed style makes it a favorite among couples and travelers seeking a quiet stay.
  
• Jekyll Ocean Club, a modern boutique hotel, places guests steps from the beach with stylish suites, excellent dining, and breezy balconies.
  
• Best Western Plus, The Westin, and Days Inn & Suites provide additional options for families and travelers seeking modern amenities with coastal charm.

Dining with Coastal Flavor

Dining on Jekyll Island is an experience that fuses Southern hospitality with creative flavor profiles. Local seafood dominates many menus, and the atmosphere is as important as the cuisine.

Top recommendations include:

• Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar: Sophisticated coastal dishes served in a sleek setting. Their menu caters to vegan and vegetarian guests as well.
  
• Grand Dining Room: Located at the Jekyll Island Club, this elegant establishment offers a fine-dining experience with historical flair.
  
• Sunrise Grille and Zachry’s Riverhouse: Casual favorites for seafood, grilled fare, and relaxed outdoor seating.
  
• Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird: A flavorful take on regional barbecue, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
  
• Tortuga Jack’s: A colorful Mexican eatery with breezy beach vibes and generous plates.

For quick bites, The Pantry and Jekyll Market serve up baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and beach snacks to go.

The Spirit of the Island

There’s a quiet rhythm to Jekyll Island that encourages you to slow down and pay attention. It’s in the way sea turtles crawl ashore at night to nest, the way history lives through preserved buildings and tales, the way ocean breezes stir conversations around a fire pit.

This is a place built for both discovery and ease, where no experience is rushed and every moment feels anchored in authenticity. Whether you’re walking the beach at sunrise, biking through the forest, or listening to the splash of dolphins in the sound, Jekyll Island offers more than a getaway. It offers a return to something essential.