Once an exclusive winter retreat for the wealthiest Americans, Jekyll Island is now a family resort with ten miles of public beaches. The island is rich in history, influenced by Native Americans, Spanish missionaries, English settlers, French planters, and millionaires – making it the perfect place for a modern American family to explore!
Location
Where is Jekyll Island? It is situated off the coast of Georgia, a barrier island within the Golden Isles, midway between Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. It is just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and the City of Brunswick.
Directions to Jekyll Island
The island is accessible by car, just minutes from I-95. From Savannah, the distance is just over 90 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Jacksonville, the distance is slightly shorter with only 70 miles to go.
The nearest public airport to Jekyll Island is Brunswick’s Golden Isles Airport, which is only a 30-minute drive from the island. Flights leave daily out of Atlanta. If you are flying internationally or prefer to land in a larger hub and drive the rest of the way, Savannah and Jacksonville are your best options. Private pilots can arrange to use Jekyll Island Airport.
Things to Do
When you arrive on Jekyll Island, there is something to do for everyone. Outdoor activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, are popular ways to explore the coastline. Horseback rides on the beach or a horse-drawn carriage tour of the Historic District are romantic options or something that will entertain the kids. Golfers will be pleased to find 234 holes of golf on 16 different courses, and Jekyll Island Mini Golf is the perfect option for kids wanting to join in on the fun.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a must see. The center offers fun exhibits and interactive learning experiences, which yes, do mean children can touch a baby sea turtle! Guests are also allowed to view sea turtle nests as part of guided tours, evening walks, or science Saturdays. You can visit the center daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 214 Stable Road.
For more family-friendly fun, Summer Waves Waterpark is a major highlight. Kids will not be satisfied to leave Jekyll Island without making a stop! The waterpark is huge and features both big and small rides from the Frantic Atlantic Wave pool to the Shark Tooth Cove kids’ play area. The park is ideal for all ages – even parents will find themselves having a good time! Admission costs $19 per person, and the park is open from 10 a.m. (11 a.m. on Sunday) to 6 p.m. Drop by at 210 S Riverview Drive.
Plan Your Next Stay
Jekyll Island is often referred to as “The Gem of Georgia.” Stay with us in our Jekyll Island cottages, and we are sure the experience will live up to your expectations!
Of course, no trip to Jekyll Island is complete without ample time spent at the beach. Driftwood Beach is a romantic local favorite; it gets its name from a collection of ancient driftwood settlements, which give the place a unique ambiance. Near the northern tip of the island, it is more secluded than most beaches and receives less foot traffic. Other popular beaches include the Great Dunes Beach Park, busy and family-friendly, and Sharktooth Beach, where one can search for washed-up shark teeth. For the full experience, it’s worth a visit to every beach!
Where to Stay
All our Jekyll Island vacation rentals offer luxury and comfort. Cottages are a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with a two-story open floor plan. All feature comfortable outdoor living spaces; some have large upper balconies, fenced courtyards with paver patios, grills, and gas log fire pits. Beach and ocean access are conveniently located at the Cottage Clubhouse, which all guests have access to, in addition to amenities such as a zero-entry pool, fitness center, and community fire pit.
