Crossing the bridge onto Jekyll Island can feel as though you are stepping back in time. The barrier island off the coast of Georgia once served as an exclusive retreat destination during the Gilded Age. In the late 1880’s, America’s wealthiest families, with names like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Pulitzer, spent their winters hunting and socializing at the Jekyll Island Club.
The upscale resort continues to offer premier lodging and accommodations for those visiting the island. The historic Jekyll Island Club’s 159 rooms and suites seamlessly blend nineteenth-century-inspired decor with modern amenities. Visitors can also stay in the resort’s three Island Cottages surrounding the original clubhouse.
Once checked in, guests may choose to remain on the resort’s riverfront property to lounge by the pool, go to the spa, or play croquet on the front lawn. Shopping is available a short walk from the clubhouse at the Pier Road Shops, featuring apparel boutiques, a coffee shop, a confectionery, and a year-round Christmas store.
The Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum is worth a visit for those interested in learning more about the island’s rich history. Take a guided trolley tour of the 240-acre Historic District, one of the largest restoration sites in the Southeast. Along the way, you’ll see glimpses of 34 historic structures from the late 1800s, shaded by ancient Southern live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
Nature Retreat
Jekyll Island offers 10 miles of beaches for visitors to enjoy. The most picturesque spot on the shoreline lies on the northern end of the island. Its sands scattered with weathered trees and branches, Driftwood Beach is the perfect tranquil setting for seaside picnics and sunrise walks.
Maritime lovers will also enjoy the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the island’s education and rehabilitation facility for sea turtles. Jekyll Island serves as a popular nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, which typically hatch from August through October.
Biking around Jekyll Island is a popular pastime and a great way to explore more of the island. Guests staying at the Jekyll Island Club can walk over to Jekyll Wheels to rent a bike for the day and ride along the island’s 24 miles of scenic trails.
See the island from a different perspective via a sunset cruise from Jekyll Island Boat Tours. Enjoy the salty air as you navigate the coastal waterways, looking for bottlenose dolphins and other sea creatures.
Jekyll Island Experiences
What to Eat
The Wharf – A casual riverfront restaurant offering coastal cuisine and live music. 371 Riverview Dr.
Jekyll & Tide – Upscale seafood and steak dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. 1175 Beachview Dr.
Tortuga Jacks Jekyll – A local favorite for Baja Mexican cuisine with beachfront views. 201 Beachview Dr. N.
Founder’s Social – An outdoor bar in the Historic District serving Georgia craft beer and casual bites. 9 Pier Rd.
The Pantry – Coffee, fresh pastries, deli sandwiches, and ice cream are sold at this all-day cafe. 371 Riverview Dr.
What To Do
Jekyll Island Golf Club – Book a tee time for one of the club’s three golf courses. The new Great Dunes Golf Course is set to reopen this fall after undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. 322 Captain Wylly Rd.,
Jekyll Island Arts Association – Free art exhibits are on display in Goodyear Cottage, located in the Historic District. The association also hosts monthly programming and classes. 321 Riverview Dr.
Where To Stay
Jekyll Island Club Resort – The luxury resort consists of the Jekyll Island Club and Cottages in the Historic District and the Jekyll Island Ocean Club overlooking the Atlantic. 371 Riverview Dr., jekyllclub.com
Beachview Club Hotel – This oceanfront boutique hotel encompasses 38 guest rooms. 721 Beachview Dr. N., beachviewclubjekyll.com
October Event
The Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival is a highly anticipated event in the Golden Isles. The annual festival will be held October 24 and 25 in the Historic District. Attendees enjoy a variety of shrimp and grits dishes along with live music, an artisan market, and a fireworks display.
