Jekyll Island. The name conjures up images of pirates, prisoners, and planters. Once claimed by the Spanish, the French, and the English, the island later became a private playground for millionaires, boasting exclusive names like the Rockefellers, the Morgan, and the Vanderbilt families.

This idyllic island, located off the Georgia coast was established as a state park in 1947. While the island is small, with a land area of a little over 17.3 miles, Jekyll beckons nature lovers, golf enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a quiet escape from reality.

Jekyll Island, Georgia, Activities

No matter whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or a girlfriends’ getaway, Jekyll Island has activities for everyone.

Family Friendly Activities

We discovered Jekyll Island as newlyweds and have visited with our family for years. One of the big draws for us is the abundance of family-friendly activities. Here are some of our favorites.

Bike Riding– Several shops and most hotels rent bikes for either, hourly, half-day, or daily excursions.  With almost twenty-five miles of level paved bike trails, you can explore the island at your own pace. Along the way, stop by the South Dunes area.  You might catch a glimpse of an alligator, deer, squirrel, or other wildlife.

Beaches– With seven beaches to choose from, you’ll find one each member of the family can enjoy.
St. Andrews Beach, located facing toward the Marsh, is one of the least crowded. You may see people crabbing, walking the beach, or wading, but usually much less activity than one of the main beaches. This is also the beach where you’ll find the Wanderer Memory Trail and a 2-story Wildlife Viewing Tower.
Pro-tip: To walk along the shore you need to check the tides before walking along the shoreline as much of the shore is covered with driftwood and water.

Clam Creek, located on the opposite end of the island from St. Andrews, and also facing the marsh, has a fishing pier, nature trails, and is only steps away from beach access. Horseback beach and trail rides also start at this point.

If you’re looking for wide-open spaces and frolicking in the Atlantic, chose one of the following;

• Oceanview Beach Park– This park, located on the shore mid-island, offers quick access to the beach and a large public parking area. It’s also close to the Shops on Jekyll and ADA accessable.
• South Dunes– nestled among the trees, is quiet, shaded, and the perfect spot for a pre-beach picnic. Follow the trail located in the left corner of the park to find over 20 feet of boardwalk leading to the beach. This section of the beach is usually less crowded than Oceanview Beach Park.
• Great Dunes– With 20 acres to explore, you’ll find plenty of activities in this beachfront site, along with ADA beach access. Tired of the beach? Check out the play areas, bocce ball, and volleyball courts.
• Corsair Beach– Another site overlooking the beach, you’ll find easy access to the shore, along with changing rooms, outdoor showers, and ample public parking.

Driftwood Beach– is perhaps the most famous beach on the island. Driftwood dots the shore but doesn’t impede walking. Located along the intercoastal waterway, this is the spot to gaze at passing ships or sneak a peek at the St. Simons lighthouse across the waves.

Nature Trails– Take a hike on one of the 30 nature and urban trails. Choices range between paved bike/walking paths through the forest or marsh, shore trails, and a few sandy roads. No matter how you choose to explore, you’ll probably catch glimpses of shorebirds, deer, raccoons, or other animals that make their home on the island.
Pro-Tip: Pick up a free trail map at the Welcome Center located on the left side of the island entrance road prior to reaching the toll booth.

4-H Tidelands Nature Center– offers kayak tours, coastal ecology programs, island nature walks, and an exhibit featuring live species from the Georgia coast.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center– the only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility in the state of Georgia, they offer educational programs for all ages.

Summer Waves Water Park– Open seasonally, this site includes eleven acres of water fun. Summer Waves is the home of several covered and uncovered water slides, a lazy river that’s exactly my speed when I’m on vacation, the Frantic Atlantic Wave Pool, and Shark Tooth Cove, a play area for the little ones. When the kids were younger, we opted for the Night Splash, which offers discounted admission after 4 PM. It gave the kids plenty of time to enjoy the water park, tired them out before bed, and saved me money. Definitely a definite winning combination for me. Unfortunately, Night Splash is not being offered for the 2021 season.

Golf & Mini Golf-Golf enthusiasts will enjoy one of the four Audubon-International-Certified-Sanctuary Golf Courses allowing players to golf amid pristine marshes, forests, and lakes. Animal sightings are common. Keep an eye out for deer, osprey, or alligators!
Younger players and families will enjoy the mini-golf course located near the Great Dunes parking area. Try either of the two courses; one for beginners and one for more advanced players, while catching glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

Shopping– Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a souvenir, Jekyll Island has something for everyone. Stop by the historic district to browse the Pier Road Shops featuring hand-made artisan products. Beach Village, located mid-island and facing the Atlantic, offers everything from clothing, sunscreen, and souvenirs, to gourmet goodies.

Restaurants:

• The island has a limited number of stand-alone restaurants.  Most of these restaurants are located in the Beach Village.
• We recommend The Love Shack, located in the back left corner of Jekyll Market. With huge portions and fresh local seafood, you’ll want to go early in the day as they sometimes run out of items before closing. This was an accidental find on our part, but we enjoy it so much we return whenever we visit. Our recommendation?  The Shrimp and Oyster platter. It’s large enough for two! 
• In the mood for dessert? Jekyll Market prepares homemade pies, cakes, and candies, along with ice cream. 
• Want classic Southern fare? Stop by the Beach House for a dish of their award-winning Shrimp and Grits. Save room for dessert. The salted caramel pie is to-die-for.

For full transparency, we received passes to the Jekyll Mosaic Museum, the Trolley Tour, and a dinner at the Beach House restaurant. All other activities were on our own.

St. Andrews Beach on Jekyll Island.

Not sure the island is for you?  Don’t miss the outdoor activities and water sports like boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, bird watching, horseback riding, and tennis.

Historical Activities:

Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark– For history buffs, the Jekyll Island historic district is a 240-acre site that gives a glimpse into the lives of millionaires like J. P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William K. Vanderbilt. These men, along with other wealthy patrons, purchased the island in 1886 and built the Jekyll Island Club or “small winter cottages” for their own private entertainment. Today, many of these shops have been transformed into museums or charming shops. We’re partial to the Sweets Shoppe, with their homemade fudge in yummy flavors like peanut butter, mint or double chocolate.

Horton House – After stopping by the historic district, take a quick bike ride or stroll to the Horton House, the ruins of the oldest tabby house in Georgia. This house, built by William Horton and his indentured servants in 1743, replaced his first house which was destroyed in an attack by the Spanish. Mr. Horton was granted the island by the trustees of Georgia in 1935. His family lived on the island until it was sold to the Dubignon family in 1790. The Dubignons’ lived in the home until the mid-1800s.

Jekyll Island Mosaic Museum – This newly-redesigned museum takes you through the history of the island. Beginning with the Guale (Native American Tribe), one of the first inhabitants of the island, through the colonization and millionaire eras, and up to the present, you’ll discover the rich past and the influences that have shaped the island. Trivia fact: St. Andrew’s Beach was the first public African American beach in the state of Georgia.

Jekyll Island Trolley Tours – This 1 ½ hour trolley tour explores the history of the 240-acre Historic district and the millionaire era. Along the way, you’ll visit two “cottages” and Faith Chapel. This is where you’ll find all the trivia and details of the rich and famous who inhabited the island. Fun fact: Only a few of the “cottages” had kitchens because members were expected to dine at the Jekyll Island Club. Dinners started at 8 pm and often lasted until 3 am. One caveat-only people 16 years or older could eat in the main dining room so children had their meals delivered from the dining hall by their servants.

The Wanderer Memory Trail– Slavery left a sordid path everywhere it touched and Jekyll Island is no different. This trail tells the story of The Wanderer-a luxury yacht turned cargo ship-which brought the last ship of slaves into America. Although importing slaves had been illegal since 1808, the Wanderer landed on Jekyll Island in November 1858 with 500 people aboard. Helped by the DuBignon family, Captain William Corrie hid the slaves until they could be sold at auction. He fled Brunswick in December when slave-trading evidence was found on his ship.

The trail is a tribute to the Africans who were brought to America and tells of their journey from their homeland through slavery and into emancipation. Because many of the captives aboard the ship disappeared, the trail highlights the lives of the few known survivors.

Things to Know Before You Go:

*A parking fee, used to maintain the island, is required before entering. For anyone staying several days, if you plan to leave the island to visit the many area attractions, a multi-day pass is cheaper.

The best part about Jekyll is how serene it is no matter when you visit. Although it’s become more popular and can be crowded, it doesn’t have the cramped feel of some beaches. I’m able to take plenty of nature shots, and the kids are able to play mini-golf, bike, hike, and play in the ocean. Bryan can walk along the shoreline without worrying about bumping into someone. It’s tranquil, relaxing, and fairly quiet. And, that’s saying something because we’ve been on the island during cheerleading competitions and teen youth retreats.

Have you visited Jekyll Island? What is your favorite thing to do on the island?

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