Jekyll Island, GA
Georgia’s coast is defined more by its barrier islands than by the handful of sandy shores that cover them. Rather than sun and surf, Georgia beaches are known for their ancient live oak trees sprawling overhead with Spanish moss hanging from every limb.
Time almost seems to move slower out here. The natural environment politely forces you to relax.
As you travel east toward the ocean, the southern farmland turns into coastal plains and marshy wetlands, eventually fading into the ocean. The landscape here is wilder and less developed. The smell of salt and the buzz of insects fill the air as birds call in the distance.
Jekyll Island is often referred to as a crown jewel of the Southeast. It’s the perfect embodiment of Georgia’s coastal character. The island is a popular vacation destination for good reason, and you can expect it to be a little more polished than your average beach trip.
Georgia’s coast is full of historical character, with even the architecture cluing you in on its storied past. Old cottages are plentiful, especially in Victorian and Queen Anne styles.
Coastal Southern homes with wrap-around porches and metal roofs are practical in this environment. The way of living here is shaped by history and the landscape.
For a barrier island, Jekyll Island isn’t large—roughly seven miles long—but it doesn’t waste an inch. It features a loop road—about 15 miles if you take it all the way around. Consider it a perfectly condensed tour of the Georgia coast. A ride around the island will show you just about everything.
One minute you’re tracing the ocean, catching glimpses of surf through dunes. The next, you’re tucked into a corridor of live oaks that later opens up into wide marshland where still water reflects sky.
You can ride it in under an hour, or you can turn it into a full-day drive with all the coffee shops and beautiful overlooks. The road is the perfect option for a ride to sneak in while on vacation and fit for any time of day, allowing you to admire ocean-facing sunrises and marsh-facing sunsets.
Driftwood Beach offers the most iconic scenes on Jekyll Island, with its scattered skeletons of weathered trees resembling a coastal sculpture garden. Sunrises here are unforgettable.
A little farther down, Sharktooth Beach, named for the promise of finding shark teeth, as well as other fossils that wash ashore. It’s also a great viewing point for sunsets. On the island’s southern end, South Dunes Beach Park features wide, classic stretches of beach covered with dunes.
Jekyll’s quieter, more polished side reveals itself in its past when the island operated as an exclusive retreat for some of America’s most powerful families. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, names like Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt arrived here for seclusion, forming what became known as the Jekyll Island Club. Their winter cottages still stand today, tucked beneath the same moss-draped oaks.
There’s a quiet elegance to Jekyll Island. The wide porches, manicured grounds, and architecture feel intentionally frozen in the past. It’s easy to see why the elite chose Jekyll Island as a getaway.
There’s something unique in the air and water. Jekyll doesn’t separate itself from nature but leans into it.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Horton House
- Driftwood Beach
- Jekyll Island Club Resort
- Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
Nearby Roads
The loop road of Jekyll Island is a must, as it is really the only road on the island. Its 15 miles do a great job of offering unique scenes in a short amount of time, so ride at any pace.
Across the bridge on mainland Georgia, US 17, also known as the Coastal Highway, runs just six miles east from Jekyll Island. To the north, it will take you to Savannah; to the south, to Amelia Island, FL. Also to the south is US 1, which stretches all the way from the Georgia border to Key West. A parking pass is required upon entering Jekyll Island and can be purchased in advance online or at the entry gate upon arrival.
Food & Dining
Jekyll Island is a tourist destination, so expect good food (including fresh seafood) and nice accommodations. The Jekyll Island Club Resort offers it all. In addition to luxury accommodations, its restaurant and bar, The Wharf, sits on a pier overlooking Jekyll Creek, offering unbeatable sunset views and live music.
The resort also offers an open-air, oceanfront dining experience at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar. The menu is a perfect sampling of Coastal Empire cuisine.
Best Time to Travel
Spring is an ideal time to visit Jekyll Island, as the temperatures are still bearable. It’s less humid and less crowded, too. The greenery is in full effect, everything is alive and in bloom, and the daylight hours are long.
Fall is a fine time to travel here, too. The crowds are gone and the air has cooled off but is still warm enough for the beach during the day. However, you’ll want to bring a jacket for the evenings. Avoid summer rides due to the heat and crowds.