Jekyll Island
Part of the Golden Isles, nestled along the Georgia coastline, Jekyll Island is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality with laid-back beach vibes. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, it's no wonder that Jekyll Island is quickly becoming a popular destination for families and travelers of all ages. During our recent trip, we fell in love with the island’s charm and beauty. At the time of writing this the cost to drive onto the island is $10.
Relaxing amidst the serenity of Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island. Embrace tranquility with scenic ocean views and weathered driftwood sculptures.
Pedaling Through Paradise:
Jekyll Island boasts more miles of bike trails than roads and exploring them was at the top of our to-do list. With 24 miles of trails you can access nearly every point on the island (view map here). There are 3 main bike rental spots around the island, Jekyll Island Bike Barn, Beachside Bike Rentals, and Jekyll Wheels, or you can bring your own bike. Our e-bikes were the perfect way to get around. The trails wind through maritime forests, past serene marshes, along the picturesque coastline, through the Beach Village, and along the historic district. There were plenty of places to stop and take in the views, grab a bite to eat, or pop into a shop. For me, this is unequivocally the highlight of the Island.
Taking a scenic break on the bike trail to soak in the view.
Driftwood Beach: Nature's Work of Art
One place we stopped again and again was Driftwood Beach. Located on the north end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood beach is a hauntingly beautiful landscape of weathered trees that have been sculpted by the elements over time creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. It is equal parts beautiful and eerie and is a must-visit location for photographers or anyone who appreciates natural beauty. In Trip Advisors “Travelers’ Choice Awards - Best of the Best Beaches” Driftwood Beach was voted 8th best beach in America!“
Discovering the natural beauty of Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island. A serene coastal landscape adorned with weathered driftwood sculptures.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center: A Haven for Healing
Our kids absolutely loved the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This world-renowned facility is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles. It serves as a hospital for sick and injured turtles with the goal to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. Visitors can take a guided tour, learn about the different species of sea turtles, and observe the dedicated staff caring for these gentle giants. Check out how you can help and other information like admission costs here.
Jekyll Island Campground: Camping Under a Canopy of Oaks For our stay we opted for a more rustic experience and booked a site at Jekyll Island Campground. This no-frills campground provided the basics of what we needed in a beautiful setting. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss created a stunning canopy over the campground and provided some much needed shade. While the campground may have been light on amenities, its natural beauty and convenient location more than made up for it.
Crafting delicious pizza in a rustic campground setting. Embrace outdoor cooking adventures with homemade flavors under the open sky.
A Note on Seasonal Openings While we thoroughly enjoyed our visit in March it's worth noting that some attractions like the Summer Waves Water Park , which we heard is fantastic, are closed during the off-season. This just gives us something to look forward to on our next visit.