Jekyll Island's charming landscape draws plenty of visitors each year — and for good reason. The city is a short drive from Savannah; It offers more than 10 miles of beaches; Its a national historic landmark district, and its golf courses are exquisite. Jekyll Island is so good that it was namedMoney Magazine's #1 Place to Go in the U.S. in 2019.
A popular year-round vacation destination, Jekyll Island hosts exciting events throughout the year, including festivals, holiday celebrations and a wintertime treasure hunt. Jekyll Island's beaches are pet-friendly, as are several hotels and the campground, so guests can enjoy coastal getaways with their furry friends.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of things to keep visitors entertained at any time of year.
Driftwood Beach
While there are some beautiful beaches on the Georgia Coast, Driftwood Beach might be the most iconic. Made up of sun-bleached trees worn down by storms and erosion over time, this strewn beach resembles a natural jungle gym just asking to be photographed.
Beach Village
Browse for souvenirs and goods at Beach Village, which has an eclectic range of stores and dining options.
Jekyll Island Golf Club
Jekyll Island Golf Club's63 holes on four courses provide a scenic place to tee off, whether you're an amateur or professional. Those looking for a more classic game can enjoy the Walter Travis-designed historic Great Dunes course, overlooking the ocean.
Jekyll Island Tennis Center
Tennis fans can play a few matches at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, which is an award-winning USTA facility. The 13 Har-tru clay courts are open to the public and have a pro shop, instructions and rentals for a quick game or group play.
Summer Waves Water Park
Open seasonally, the Summer Waves Water Park is a fun place to cool off with 11 acres of rides and activities. Feel the sting of the towering Man o' War, the park's newest four-slide, suit-soaking attraction. Park-goers can enjoy a variety of food options and rent a semi-private shady cabana for the family.
Jekyll Island Mini Golf & Bike Barn
Borrow a bicycle from to navigate the more than 22 miles of paths and trails along the island. This establishment also rents tricycles, tandem bikes, and surreys and even offers mini-golf among whimsical structures.
Wanderer Memory Trail
An important reminder of Jekyll Island's past, the Wanderer Memory Trail interprets the history of the Wanderer, one of the country's last known slave ships that arrived on the Jekyll River illegally 160 years ago. It brought 500 enslaved Africans whose stories are now told through exhibits along this trail, which has received a UNESCO Slave Route Project Site of Memory designation.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Learn about some of Georgia's protected coastal species at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the state's only rehabilitation hospital and educational facility of its kind. Visitors can get an up-close look at sea- and marsh-dwelling turtles in their hospital habitats, learn from interactive exhibits, and check out the marine-themed gifts at their shop, which helps support the center's mission.
Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
The Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum shares the centuries-old stories the barrier island has to offer, from the Native American and colonial eras through to the modern state era. Visitors can enjoy a historic trolley tour of the 240-acre historic district, including a stop inside many of the gilded-age residences. The museum also includes an interactive exhibit gallery with historic artifacts, including a 1940s Studebaker. The museum is located inside the island’s historic Club stables, once housing the horses of some of America’s wealthiest families.
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Places to Stay
Jekyll Island has many different types of accommodations, depending on your budget.
Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott
The newest dual-branded hotel on Jekyll Island fuses two unique brands - Courtyard and Residence Inn - and features amenities like the island's largest pool, oceanfront event space and onsite dining.
Villas by the Sea Resort & Conference Center
is the largest beach resort on the island with 17 acres. The hotel rooms, villas and condominium rentals have plenty of space and access to nature trails and the beach.
Westin Jekyll Island
The Westin Jekyll Island is next door to the convention center, making it perfect for business or leisure. With more than 180 guest rooms and 13 suites, the hotel has direct beach access and an on-site steakhouse and rooftop lounge.
Hampton Inn & Suites
The budget-friendly has features every traveler will love, like a shady boardwalk to the pool and beach, complimentary daily breakfast, a lobby bar and comfy rooms. They also have bike rentals to navigate the island.
Beachview Club Hotel
The stylish Beachview Club Hotel is an intimate, 38-room boutique hotel with refrigerators, microwaves, and even some full kitchens. There is an outdoor heated pool and hot tub as well as bike rentals.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Originally the island's private club before purchase by the state, the Jekyll Island Club Resort retains its Victorian charm with modern amenities. It includes guest rooms and semi-private cottages as well as history tours, a swimming pool, croquet, and multiple bars and restaurants.
Holiday Inn Resort
Set on the ocean, the Holiday Inn Resort has 157 guest rooms and family-style suites. The modern accommodations have easy access to the beach, an oceanfront pool and spa, an onsite restaurant and bar, and a fitness center.
Jekyll Island Campground
The Jekyll Island Campground is by far the most affordable, conveniently located near Driftwood Beach. Choose from RV and tent sites as well as amenities like free WiFi, shower facilities and onsite laundry. The campground also will offer private yurt experiences beginning in 2023.
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Where to Eat
Chow down at one of Jekyll Island’s best restaurants for every palate.
The Wharf
The Wharf, located on the historic district pier, is one ofthe island's best waterfront restaurants for watching the sunset and shrimp boats stroll by. The restaurant offers live music every week, nautical-themed decor, indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu of Southern favorites.
The Jekyll Market
The Jekyll Market is a gourmet grocery store selling specialty ingredients with multiple eateries including a deli, bakery, barbecue restaurant, and dessert shop. You can find some of the island's best fried shrimp here.
Island Sweets Shoppe
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Island Sweets Shoppe, the historic district's old-fashioned candy shop and ice cream store. Pick up freshly made fudge, fine chocolates and other treats.
The Reserve Steakhouse
Located inside the Westin hotel, The Reserve Steakhouse is a modern, oceanfront steakhouse that offers prime cut steaks, top-notch sides and an extensive wine list.
Zachry's Riverhouse
Set on a porch overlooking the Jekyll River, Zachry's Riverhouse is a great place for seafood, burgers, wings and salads.
Sunrise Grille
A short walk from the convention center is Sunrise Grille, a great local restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a full bar.
Driftwood Bistro
Locals love Driftwood Bistro for Lowcountry fare with favorites like blackened Wild Georgia shrimp and stuffed flounder, as well as pork tenderloin, specialty sandwiches and salads. Shrimp and grits is their signature dish, and the lines to get in the door confirm it.
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Events
Plan your trip to Jekyll Island around one of the annual events.
Island Treasures
The Island Treasures event honors the former tradition of fishermen using hollow glass floats as markers that would break away and float ashore for beachcombers. Spread across the island, this hide-and-seek game takes place each January and February, and provides visitors a chance to find a one-of-a-kind treasure from their visit.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center Turtle Crawl
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center Turtle Crawl kicks off the start of turtle nesting season on the Georgia coast and serves as a fundraiser to support the work of the Center. It includes a 5K, 10K, and fun run, and if a sea turtle patient is ready, participants might even witness its return back to the ocean!
Shrimp & Grits Festival
Chow down on one of the coast's most famous dishes at the Shrimp & Grits Festival. Held every fall, the event features various interpretations of the dish, along with family-friendly entertainment, an artist market, live music and craft beer.
Holly Jolly Jekyll
Celebrate the holiday season at Holly Jolly Jekyll, a season-long series ofevents that features Holly Jolly Light Tours, Peppermint Land, Fireworks, and holiday cheer. With more than a million lights, you'll want to spend every minute on the brightest isle on the coast.
