Spend the day biking along miles of gorgeous trails, wandering through historic ruins, or relaxing on the beaches that are usually free from crowds. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, Jekyll Island invites you to slow down and savor Coastal Georgia.
- Location: Golden Isles, southeastern Georgia
- Vibe: Relaxed, coastal, nature-focused
- Accessibility: About 1.5 hours from Savannah or 1 hour from Jacksonville; easy to explore by bike, golf cart or car.
How to get to Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island sits just south of and off the coast from Brunswick, Georgia — a short drive off I-95 via the Jekyll Island Causeway (GA-520). A reasonable entry toll ($10 as of this writing) helps preserve the island’s natural beauty and infrastructure.
The nearest airport is Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), about 30 minutes away. You can also fly into:
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) – 1.5 hours
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – 1 hour
Once on the island, rent a bike or golf cart to explore the 20+ miles of paved paths, beaches, and historic sites at your own pace.
You can also fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) or Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and rent a car to drive the rest of the way. There are services that will pick you up from either airport if you have access to a car on the island or plan to get around by bike or golf cart once there.
Best time to go to Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is beautiful year-round, but spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Spring: Perfect for biking and beachcombing; wildflowers in bloom.
- Fall: Warm but comfortable, plus smaller crowds and gorgeous sunsets.
- Winter: Quiet, peaceful, great for birding and long beach walks.
- Summer: Hot and humid, but perfect for families and beach time.
Things to take into account:
- Toll fee: $10 per vehicle per day to access the island.
- Hurricane season: Officially June to November but especially August to October you’ll want to monitor forecasts.
- Mosquitos: Pack bug spray, especially at dusk or near marsh areas.
- Protected environment: Jekyll is a state park with strict conservation efforts.
- Always keep your eye on the tides. A Jekyll Island tide chart is found here.
How long to stay
A long weekend lets you see most highlights, but spend 4-5 days if you want to dive deeper into the island’s history, nature, and beaches.
Things to Do
The details are covered in this Things to Do at Jekyll Island article, but here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Driftwood Beach: Walk on this “other worldly” beach. This is the most “Instagramable” spot on Jekyll. A full guide to Driftwood Beach is found here.
- Historic District: Tour the elegant “cottages” of the Jekyll Island Club era.
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center: Visit rescued turtles and learn about their rehabilitation and release back into the sea.
- Biking: Over 20 miles of scenic trails connect beaches, forests, and landmarks.
- Beaches: Relax at Great Dunes, Glory Beach, or South Dunes Park.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore tidal creeks and wildlife habitats.
- Mosaic Museum: Discover the island’s fascinating Gilded Age history.
- Golf & Mini Golf: Choose from 63 holes of championship play or casual fun. The golf courses at Jekyll Island are included in this article about golf at St. Simons Island.
- Jekyll Island Boat Tours – You’ll find everything from dolphin watching to fishing expeditions to eco tours.
- Attend an event. Jekyll Island has a full calendar of events all year long. The best way to keep updated is to subscribe to our short, but informative newsletter or follow us on Instagram.
- Summer Waves Water Park – open during the summer months only.
Where to stay
From elegant historic cottages (part of the Jekyll Island Club Resorts) to family-friendly beach resorts, Jekyll offers something for everyone:
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- Jekyll Island Club Resort – Timeless luxury in the heart of the Historic District
- The Westin Jekyll Island – Oceanfront modern comfort (connected to conference facilities)
- Holiday Inn Resort – Great for families
- Camping: The Jekyll Island Campground offers shaded sites under massive oak and the camping guide gives you all the details.
- Along the beach adjacent to the conference center are several beautiful hotels like the Residence Inn and Marriott Courtyard.
- If bringing your fur baby be sure to check out Pet Friendly Jekyll Island.
Where to Eat/Drink
You’ll find everything from casual seafood spots to fine dining. Several restaurants at Jekyll offer amazing waterfront views – among our favorites are 24 Coastal Grill and The Beach House.
Part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort is a new collection of shops named “The District Shops” and Founders Social is a fun open air bar and grill. You’ll also find the Wharf with beautiful sunset views over the water in the same area.
A favorite of ours is Wee Pub Beach and it’s found in the Beach Village near the Westin. Don’t miss the bread pudding – it’s award winning yumminess.
Hidden Gems and Local Tips
- Faith Chapel: Stunning Tiffany glass windows in a serene setting located in the historic village.
- Jekyll Island Trail System: Rent a bike and circle the entire island. It’s a small island and quite doable for most everyone.
- Glory Beach Boardwalk: Peaceful views and a filming location for the movie Glory.
- Sunsets at the Wharf: One of the best sunset spots on the Georgia coast.
- Horton House Ruins: One of Georgia’s oldest tabby structures. Another instagrammable spot.
- Download the Jekyll Island app or pick up a map at the Visitor Information Center near the causeway entrance.
Plan your Jekyll Island trip
All of the articles about Jekyll Island are listed here in one place:
- Jekyll Island Boat Tours
- Driftwood Beach Guide
- Best Seafood Restaurants near Jekyll Island
- Jekyll Island Campground Guide
- Things to Do at Jekyll Island
- Pet Friendly Jekyll Island
- Jekyll Island Tide Chart
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