Coastal Getaways: Best of Jekyll Island

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

Jekyll Island, renowned as a treasure hunt, is an excellent getaway as a border island on Georgia’s coast, dotted by Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah. It is a family-favourite destination as it has something to suit everyone’s taste. You can relax on the stunning sandy beaches, bask in the sun, or visit the Pine Lakes Golf Course and the Georgia Sea Turtle Centre for an unforgettable day out.

Since the State of Georgia restricts the development to just 1,675 of its 5,000 acres, the island maintains its natural uniqueness. You can wander around and enjoy the natural beauty of tall dunes and lush trees. You will definitely be making family memories for a lifetime experience.

About Jekyll Island

You can make the most out of your trip by staying at the Jekyll Island Club Resort since it has something to suit every type of traveller. We recommend spending a sunny day on the enchanting beach and basking in the sun. Additionally, You can explore driftwood monuments at Driftwood Beach.

As the island extends only 7 miles long, it’s ideal for renting a bike and cycling alongside the many trails in the islet’s central. You will pass past historical homes, under moss-covered oak trees, and by shorebirds. Or put on your swimsuit and enjoy colourful water slides at Summer Waves Water Park. After a long day full of activities, enjoy dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants, such as Driftwood Bistro, Red Bug Motors Pizza, Zachry’s Riverhouse, and The Wharf.

How to Get to Jekyll Island?

There are varied ways to reach Jekyll Island, whether by car, flight, or ground transportation. Brunswick (BQK) Airport is the closest airport which is 21.1 kilometres away. You can take the bus from Jacksonville (JAX) to Jekyll Island via JRTC Bay J, Jacksonville, and Brunswick in nearly 3h 35m.

What is the Best Month to Visit Jekyll Island?

The best time to visit Jekyll Island is during the months of September, October, and November. You can experience chilly mornings and evenings with fantastic weather during the day. These months do not see much rain. If you want to bask in the sun on the beaches, then visiting the island from April through October is your best option.

Events on Jekyll Island

There are many events to enjoy on the island, no matter when you decide to visit. From Fourth of July festivities to other annual and weekly events and festivals, you are sure to have a blast with your family and friends. You can check the official website of Jekyll Island to check for any updates or sudden cancellations.

Weekly Events

Here are Jekyll Island’s weekly events to help you plan your visit to the island.

• Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: Nature Walks
• Third Tuesdays: Attend Eco Lecture Series at Village Creek Landing
• First Friday: Historic Brunswick Downtown Promenade

Annual Events on the Island

• Island Treasures: January and February
• Turtle Crawl: April
• Independence Day Fireworks: Fourth of July
• Paulk Cup Classic: October
• Shrimp & Grits Festival: November
• Holly Jolly Jekyll: November through December

Jekyll Island’s Haunted Resort – Jekyll Island Club Resort

General Lloyd Aspinwall, one of the club resort’s founding members, was intended to be the club’s first president. Unfortunately, he passed away on 4 September 1886, more than a year before the official opening of the club. Oddly enough, certain members have revealed in some letters written just a few years later that every year, on 4 September, they could see the general with his hands clasped behind him in a military manner, walking the Riverfront Veranda around dusk time. This weirdly interesting incident gave the veranda’s sunroom the name the “Aspinwall Room.” This is not the end of the ghostly incidents at the club resort.

Guests have reported that they find their morning coffee sipped and traces that their morning paper was read. This ghostly ritual seems quite similar to that of Samuel Spencer, president of the Southern Railroad Company, who used to lodge at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. His ritual came to an end when he was tragically killed in a train accident in 1906, but it seems that his soul still keeps up with that routine. Many guests who stayed in his room found that their morning paper was disturbed and their cup of joe was sipped on in their absence.

To add to the club resort’s notorious spirit, many guests have inquired about the mysterious bellman at the hotel. The bellman in question is said to wear a cap and a suit that gives off the vibe of the 1920s movies. He gently knocks on the soon-to-be-grooms’ doors, mainly on the second floor, and gives them freshly pressed suits. It is safe to say that if you visit Jekyll Island during Halloween, the Club Resort has to be your go-to accommodation.

Things to Do on Jekyll Island

There are numerous things to do and see on the island. In addition to the activities and events we mentioned above, you can enjoy more family activities or a romantic vacation with your partner while gazing at the Atlantic Ocean per our recommendations.

Fishing Pier

• Location: N. Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Facility Amenities: Picnic Area, Public Restrooms, Rentals Available, Self-guided Tours

Jekyll Island Pier lies in the Clam Creek Picnic Area on Jekyll Island. It is an excellent spot for fishing and crabbing. It conveniently lies next to the Jekyll Island Fishing Centre, where you can buy bait, ice, gear, and fishing books. 

You can also find public restrooms, grills, and picnic tables a short walk from the pier. The pier is also great for enjoying a walk, exploring wildlife, and seeing ocean views. 

Jekyll Island Pier is among only three ocean piers on the Georgia coast. The other ocean piers are St. Simons Island Pier and Tybee Island Ocean Pier.

4-H Tidelands Natural Center

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• Location: 100 S. Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Phone: (912) 635-5032
• Facility Amenities: Parking on Site, Public Restrooms, Rentals Available, Self-guided Tours
• Categories: Attractions, Wildlife Viewing

4-H Tidelands Nature Centre presents hands-on marine science and environmental programs to educational groups and the general public. You can see a young loggerhead sea turtle and subscribe to explore the marsh, maritime, and beach forest. 

Look at barrier island dynamics and the incredible organisms on the beach. You can experience a 3-hour guided kayak tour offering you a crab’s-eye view of Jekyll’s tidal streams.

Clam Creek Picnic Area

• Location: Clam Creek Rd., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Phone: (912) 265-0620
• Facility Amenities: Free Parking, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Public Restrooms
• Categories: Viewing

Clam Creek Picnic area is among three picnicking facilities on the island. Clam Creek Road is just in front of the campsite on the island’s North end and winds down via a mixed oak-saw palmetto forest. On one side is Clam Creek, while on the other is the salt marsh giving you captivating views along the way to the fishing pier. The bike trail heads you down Clam Creek Road and then takes you through the marshland on one of the most breathtaking sites on the island.

Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

• Location: 366 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Phone: (912) 635-3152
• Facility Amenities: Free Parking, Parking Site

Enjoy Dolphin Tours of the Golden Isles of Coastal Georgia. The tours include Private Group Tours, Wine Cruises, Shrimping ECO Tours, and Sightseeing Tours. The boats are US Coast Guard Certified with a capacity of 6 to 49 passengers with fully narrated tours. 

There are two restaurants on the Wharf, Latitude 31 and the famous Rah Bar.

Goodyear Cottage

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• Location: Riverside Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Phone: (912) 635-3920
• Facility Amenities: Free Parking, Gift Shop, Self-guided Tours

Goodyear Cottage is a gift shop, art gallery, and museum featuring varied items produced by Jekyll Island Arts Association. It lies on Riverside Drive, in the Landmark Historic District.

If you want to spend your vacation attending unique events and festivals while keeping you busy with a plethora of activities, then your ideal destination is Jekyll Island. For inspiration for your next American-themed vacation, check out our top US travel destinations to carefully plan your stay.