Time has stood still on the honeyed shores of Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles. For those looking to calm their minds and tune out city life for a few days, Jekyll Island offers the quietude needed without the frills or crowds of other beach escapes. Instead, you find yourself amidst a simpler setting – from the historic cottages of the Jekyll Island Club Resort to the desolate sands of Driftwood Beach.
My family and I traveled to Jekyll Island for a weekend in October to celebrate my birthday. It was one of the few tourist destinations around Georgia that we still hadn’t visited for a weekend trip, and since we had loved our visit to Hilton Head Island so much, we thought Jekyll Island, another of Georgia’s barrier islands, would make for a relaxing stay.
Only a one-and-a-half drive from Savannah, Jekyll Island, which is owned by the State of Georgia, gives visitors an immersion into nature— from marshy swamplands to isolated beaches, and live oak forests abundant with coastal wildlife.
Note: Jekyll Island is state-managed park where conservation of local wildlife is a priority. There is a $10 daily parking fee to be paid upon entry.
Where to Stay
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is the THE place to stay on the island.
Here, you can vacation like some of the richest American families in history who comprised one-sixth of the world’s wealth — from J.P. Morgan to Joseph Pulitzer and John D. Rockefeller.
While we were unable to book here due to availability, we booked at the Home2Suites which was spacious and appropriate for our family stay with two small children.
What to Do
Tour the Historic District by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Travel back in time to hear about the cultural and financial movers and shakers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, who came down to Jekyll Island for a respite from city life in the North. Along the isolated coasts of Georgia’s barrier island, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Here, an exclusive group, identified only by first name, drafted the beginning of the nation’s federal bank, the Federal Reserve. Ensconced in the quiet chambers of the historic district’s clubhouse are volumes of U.S. history.
Ride on Horseback Along Driftwood Beach
Scamper through the Maritime Forest and along the beach by majestic horseback. For a romantic rendezvous, traipse the trails by sunset or moonlight to experience the foamy waves lapping the sandy shores against the dramatic backdrop of wind and water-weathered wood.
Paddle through the island’s waterways from the 4H Tidelands Nature Center
Operated by the University of Georgia Extension, 4-H promotes the development of youth through learning-by-doing, immersive education.
The 4H is a youth program built on the foundation of four values: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. At Jekyll Island, 4-H runs a wildlife center housing animals such as alligators, horseshoe crab, snakes and more, which visitors can view with a $5 entry fee. Also from the center, visitors can rent canoes or take guided nature walks or kayak tours to learn about the local ecosystems and wildlife.
Know Before You Go
- All guided tours require reservation
- Nature walks are only available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- For kayak tours, children between 8-12 years old must kayak with an adult in tandem, while children under 18 must be accompanied on the tour with a guardian
Paint Like a Pro With Classes from the Jekyll Island Arts Association
Whether you’re a novice or expert, you can take one of the non-profit artist group’s art classes in the historic district’s Goodyear Cottage. Within the cottage, patrons can view and purchase artwork such as oil paintings, pottery, and handmade jewelry, but they can also learn additional crafts such as wet felting, rug weaving, gentle djembe drumming and heddle loom, hosted in the cottage or en plain air on its lawn.
Bike the Grounds of the Jekyll Island Resort
Whether you’re looking for a workout or a relaxing ride, you can explore any of the 21.4 miles of trails by 2- or 3- wheel cycles, or 4-wheeled surreys.
Know before you go
- Children under 18 must have an adult sign bike rental agreement
- Bikes are not allowed on the beach or asphalt roads
Test Your Gator Knowledge at Horton Pond
From April to September, join a guide to go gator watching in the marshes of Georgia’s southeastern coast. Gatorology is a hands-on experience hosted by the Jekyll Island Authority dispels common misconceptions about the American Alligator while teaching visitors about its history, biology and conservation efforts.
Get Up Close & Personal With an Endangered Species
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center at Jekyll Island is the state’s sole educational and rehabilitation for sea turtles. Visitors can learn about a variety of sea turtle species and the extensive conservation efforts. Young and adult turtles are nursed back to good health after having suffered diseases or injuries.
Go Stargazing on the Beach
Since it’s lights out after dark from May to October to protect hatchling turtles from getting confused by artificial light, Jekyll Island is an ideal place to scan the skies for stars. Just slather on bug spray before you go as the mangroves by the sea attract mosquitos and other flies.
Where to Eat
The best meal we had over the three days was dinner at Fox’s Pizza Den Downtown in Brunswick.
For a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion, Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar at the Jekyll Ocean Club is ideal. While I found the flavor of food to be a bit lacking, this would be perfect for people who prefer subtler European flavors. The stuffed mushroom appetizer is an excellent choice for vegetarians. The staff are attentive and the ambiance is elegant. The dessert, a warm bourbon pecan pie, was phenomenal.
For a casual non-Italian meal, lunch at Indigo Coastal Shanty is an easy pick.
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