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Jekyll Island is one of Georgia's Golden Isles, a barrier island of maritime forest, marsh and beaches owned by the state and managed with strict limits on development. From the late 1800s it served as a winter retreat for some of the country's wealthiest families, members of the private Jekyll Island Club, and that era left behind a remarkable historic district.
The turreted Jekyll Island Club Hotel is the centerpiece, surrounded by the millionaires' cottages, several open for tours, and the small Faith Chapel with its stained glass. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center nearby treats injured turtles and explains their nesting on local beaches. Driftwood Beach, on the north end, is famous for bleached trees lying in the sand, and the tabby ruins of Horton House and the du Bignon Cemetery recall the island's earlier plantation history. Clam Creek Picnic Area and its fishing pier draw anglers, while Great Dunes Park and the Beach Village hold the main shops and an easy beach access point. Glory Beach's boardwalk crosses the dunes, and St. Andrews Beach includes a memorial to people brought ashore from the Wanderer, one of the last ships to carry enslaved Africans to the United States.
Bicycles are the ideal way to get around on the island's paved paths. It suits families and couples seeking a quiet, natural coast rather than nightlife.
WiserMap travel guideJekyll Island Georgia Driftwood Beach and Sea TurtlesPlan a Jekyll Island trip: Driftwood Beach, the Club era Historic District, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, bike trails, Horton House and quiet southern beaches.Read the guide
The 1887 clubhouse of the Jekyll Island Club, a winter retreat for families such as the Rockefellers, Pulitzers and Morgans, now a historic resort hotel in turreted Queen Anne style. Visitors can see the lobby, dine in the grand dining room or have a drink on the wide verandas. It is the centerpiece of the historic district.
A small chapel built in 1904 for members of the Jekyll Island Club, with a stained glass window signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and another by Maitland Armstrong. It is still used for weddings and is part of the historic district tours. Check opening hours, and look for the carved gargoyles on the roof beams.
A 240-acre district of grand winter cottages built by members of the Jekyll Island Club, including Indian Mound, the Rockefeller cottage, and Mistletoe Cottage. Guided tram tours from the Jekyll Island Museum visit several restored interiors. The grounds, shaded by live oaks, are free to walk at any time.
The ruins of a two-story tabby house built by Major William Horton in the 1740s, one of the oldest standing structures in Georgia, set by marshes on the island's north side. Across the road is the small du Bignon family cemetery. It is free to visit and makes a good stop on a bike ride around the island.
A sea turtle hospital and education center in the historic district, where visitors can see injured turtles being treated in the rehabilitation pavilion and learn about loggerhead nesting on Georgia beaches. In summer, guided night walks look for nesting turtles. Book these walks ahead, as space is limited.
A beach on the north end where erosion has left dozens of bleached, uprooted trees scattered across the sand, creating one of the most photographed spots in Georgia. It is best at sunrise and at low tide. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, and high tide can cover much of the beach.
A beach park in the middle of the island's ocean side, next to the Beach Village with shops and restaurants and the convention center. It has boardwalks over the dunes, a playground, restrooms and showers. It is a convenient family beach, and the nearby Beach Village has ice cream shops and bike rentals.
A long wooden boardwalk crossing high dunes to a quiet beach on the south end, built for the 1989 Civil War film Glory, which filmed scenes here. The walk through the dunes and maritime forest is lovely, and the beach is usually uncrowded. Bring water and sun protection, as there are no services.
A quiet beach at the south end facing St. Andrew Sound, with a picnic area and a memorial to the Wanderer, which illegally landed some of the last enslaved Africans brought to the United States here in 1858. Exhibits explain the history. It is also a good spot to watch for dolphins.
A picnic area on the north end with a long fishing pier over the mouth of the creek, popular for fishing and crabbing. It is also the starting point for the trail to Driftwood Beach. Watch for shorebirds and wading birds in the salt marsh, and bring bug spray at dusk, when insects come out.
An 11-acre water park on the island with water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a play area for small children. It is open from late spring to early fall. Bring sunscreen and arrive at opening on hot summer days, as it fills up quickly. Combine it with a bike ride on the island trails.
More than 20 miles of paved bike paths loop around the island, passing the historic district, marshes, maritime forest, Driftwood Beach and the beachfront. Bikes can be rented at several spots, including near the Beach Village and the historic district. The island is flat, so the full loop is easy for most riders.
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