Formerly a private getaway for the rich and famous, the southernmost of the Golden Isles is now a relaxed retreat with beautiful beaches and wildlife encounters.
Experience the laid-back lifestyle of Jekyll Island, a former playground for some of the country’s most powerful families. Today, explore Jekyll Island’s sugar-white sandy beaches, rolling golf courses, rich ecosystems and historic sites. Discover the enchanting landscapes of this barrier island, including marshland, pristine shorelines and maritime forests.
Jekyll Island’s beaches are among its most prized features. Explore the island’s 10-mile (16-kilometer) sandy shoreline to find fun-filled swimming beaches, perfect picnic spots and waterfront dining areas. Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Driftwood Beach, strewn with windswept old trees on the island’s northern tip. Wander between pieces of gnarled driftwood and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean vista.
Picnic at the waterfront pavilions in Great Dunes Park or splash with the family at the Summer Waves Waterpark. Jekyll Island’s beaches are ideal for long strolls, water sports and relaxing on soft sands. The northern section, Jekyll Island State Park, has a picturesque campground. North of the island, gaze across St. Simons Sound. You might spot North Atlantic right whales that visit annually in the winter, as well as dolphins playing and feeding in the channel. Go on a wildlife-watching boat tour for close-up views of these creatures. Make a trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to meet some of the sick and injured turtles being rehabilitated on the island.
Jump on a bicycle and explore some of Jekyll Island’s 20 miles (30 kilometers) of bike trails. Look for historical landmarks, such as the colonial-era Horton House. Ride horseback or play golf at four different courses. Jekyll Island’s well-heeled heritage means that numerous magnificent old villas line the island’s riverfront. Stay in a sumptuous heritage hotel or enjoy a grand dining experience in a 19th-century mansion.
Jekyll Island is the southernmost of Georgia’s beautiful Golden Isles. Reach the island within a 20-minute drive from Brunswick. Alternatively, fly into Jekyll Island Airport. With its year-round warm weather, Jekyll Island is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure.