Guide to Jekyll Island

Nestled along the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Jekyll Island unfolds as one of the state’s most treasured barrier islands. Part of Georgia’s celebrated Golden Isles, the island is framed by sweeping marshland and tidal creeks that glisten beneath wide southern skies. Hammocks rise gently from the wetlands, and broad beaches stretch toward the Atlantic, creating a landscape that feels both expansive and quietly secluded.

Getting There & Entry Info

• The island is accessed via the Jekyll Island Causeway off U.S. Route 17.
• Parking/Entry Fee: A daily parking permit is required for vehicles entering the island (fee used for maintenance & conservation). Annual passes are available.

Must-See Areas & Activities

• Driftwood Beach - Probably the most iconic stop on the island. A windswept beach of sun-bleached tree skeletons perfect for photos, sunrise walks, and tide-aware exploring. Best visited around low tide for maximum space and scenic views.
• Biking - Jekyll Island has over 20 miles of paved bike trails that loop through forests, beaches, and historic areas. The paths are flat terrain and makes it easy for all ages.
• Historic District: Features Gilded Age homes, museums, and carriage tours (great for rainy days).
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center: A rehabilitation and education facility, perfect for kids and marine lovers.
• Wanderer Memory Trail: Tells the powerful story of the African captives brought by the Wanderer ship.

Beach Access 

The beaches of Jekyll Island feel distinctly their own, shaped by wind, tide, and time. Ten miles of wide, unspoiled shoreline stretch along the Atlantic, offering room to wander, breathe deeply, and settle into the rhythm of the coast. Thoughtfully maintained access points and nearby amenities make it easy to spend an afternoon by the water, whether you seek quiet reflection or a sunlit day beside the sea.

• Corsair Beach Park: Sits between the Jekyll Ocean Club and the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island at the southern edge of the Beach Village. The park offers an ADA accessible bathhouse, picnic pavilions, outdoor showers, landscaped grounds, and ample public parking for easy beach access.
• Oceanview Beach Park: Located mid-island, offers Atlantic views and easy beach access. It features an ADA-accessible crossover with overlook, showers, picnic pavilions with grills, and EV-equipped parking.
• St. Andrews Beach Park: A short walk from Jekyll Point. Features a two-story viewing platform perfect for bird watching and spotting dolphins. 
• South Dunes Beach Park: The perfect place for the family to relax! The park has open-air and screened-in picnic pavilions, picnic tables, grills, and a freshwater pond. 
• Glory Beach: Located on the south end of the island by the soccer complex. 
• Great Dunes Beach Park: The most popular beach for families. It offers shoreline access, picnic pavilions, play areas, and bocce and volleyball courts. Visitors also enjoy ample parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
• Driftwood Beach: One of Jekyll Island’s most iconic and photogenic spots. Known for its weathered, sun-bleached tree trunks scattered across the sand, the beach feels both wild and serene. Sunrise and sunset cast dramatic light across the driftwood, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Dining 

Jekyll Island offers a variety of dining experiences, from relaxed oceanfront spots to elegant historic settings. Beach House Restaurant & Taproom provides casual coastal fare with ocean views, making it a perfect stop for seafood, burgers, and craft beverages. For modern Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist, Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar offers an inviting atmosphere and dishes inspired by local ingredients.

The Wharf combines riverside scenery with fresh seafood and classic Southern favorites, while Salty's delivers a laid-back beachfront experience with casual bites and cocktails. For Southern Lowcountry cuisine in a cozy setting, Willet's Lowcountry is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

For a refined dining experience steeped in history, the Jekyll Island Club Resort Grand Dining Room serves elegant meals beneath high ceilings and classic architecture, evoking the grandeur of the island’s Gilded Age past. Whether you’re seeking casual beachside bites or a sophisticated evening, Jekyll Island’s restaurants offer a taste of coastal Georgia for every mood and occasion.

Places to Stay

Jekyll Island offers accommodations that suit every style of visit, from casual beach getaways to historic luxury. Beachview Club Hotel provides a cozy, ocean-adjacent retreat perfect for families or small groups, while Home2Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island offers modern suites with kitchenettes and convenient access to the island’s attractions.

For travelers seeking comfort and value, Seafarer Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island provide well-appointed rooms, easy beach access, and family-friendly amenities. Those looking for a historic experience can stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, where grand architecture and elegant surroundings evoke the island’s Gilded Age charm.

Jekyll Ocean Club offers oceanfront rooms with contemporary comforts, perfect for a relaxing coastal escape, while The Westin Jekyll Island provides upscale accommodations, resort amenities, and scenic views of the beach and marshlands. Whether you’re seeking historic elegance, modern convenience, or beachfront relaxation, Jekyll Island has a stay to match every traveler’s vision.