How to Spend the Perfect Day on Jekyll Island 

Start your morning bright and early with a sunrise turtle walk, an experience unique to the Golden Isles. During the months of May through August, sea turtles flock to the shores of Georgia’s coast for nesting season. Spend the morning patrolling the beach for turtle activity and taking inventory of new turtle nests. You may even see a turtle hatchling! Join an upcoming turtle walk.

A loggerhead sea turtle hatchling makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean in Golden Isles, Georgia

If your getaway doesn’t align with sea turtle season, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at any time of year to get a glimpse into the lives of Loggerhead Sea Turtles and meet the patients in the rehabilitation pavilion. 

Grab breakfast with a view at Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar. Let the ocean air relax you as you enjoy bottomless bellinis, and a menu full of breakfast classics with a Southern twist. Delight in rich, coastal flavors and order the Ocean Club Benedict with poached eggs and skillet honey cornbread, or the Breakfast Hash, featuring andouille sausage and spicy aioli. 

Now that you’re all fueled up, it’s time to embark on a journey to explore the island and all its attractions! Rent a bike and discover over 20 miles of pathed trails, winding through maritime forest and under canopies of towering live oaks. For ideas on how to spend a complete day biking the island, view our Jekyll Island Biking Itinerary

Biking on Jekyll Island

If you’re up for some time in the sun, St. Andrews Beach is a popular spot for birding and shelling and also provides frequent dolphin sightings as they feed along the currents.  

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Tortuga Jack's for tasty Mexican cuisine you can enjoy from under the only oceanfront tiki on the Georgia Coast. The whole family will love their sizzling fajitas, or eat like a local and order their most popular items on the menu, the Big Boy Burrito and the Jack’s Chimi! 

Burrito at Tortuga Jack's on Jekyll Island

After lunch, bring out your competitive side with a round of mini golf! All ages and skill levels will enjoy two 18-hole courses, one for beginners and the other more challenging for advanced players. For three full-size 18-hole courses, visit the Jekyll Island Golf Club.  

Plan your visit during the summer season to beat the heat and make memories at Summer Waves Water Park. Relax on the lazy river circling Turtle Creek and be amused by the high-speed thrill down Pirate’s Passage. Not to mention, this waterpark has stunning views of the Jekyll River! 

Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island

Get a taste of the Lowcountry and have dinner at Driftwood Bistro. Serving the locals and visitors of Jekyll Island for 12 years, Driftwood Bistro is known for its Southern flavors, locally caught sweet Georgia Wild Shrimp, and classic signature sides created from old family recipes like squash casserole and bread pudding. For more dining options, check out the 8 Best Restaurants on Jekyll Island.  

Grab an after-dinner sweet treat from Fuse Frozen Yogurt located in the Jekyll Island Beach Village, and head to the Jekyll Island National Historic District to watch the sunset and jump back in time. Home to 33 historic structures, these former Jekyll Island Club grounds make up an important piece of American History.  

A couple enjoys the sunset along the Jekyll River in the Jekyll Island Historic District

End the night stargazing at the iconic Driftwood Beach, taking in the beauty of the weathered driftwood under the moonlight and letting the sounds of the ocean soothe your soul.