Your Guide to Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island (2025)

Recently updated on December 20th, 2024

Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach is a unique and beautiful beach destination located on the Georgia coast. With its sun-bleached driftwood and dynamic landscape, it offers visitors a one-of-a-kind beach experience.

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Overview and Location

Driftwood Beach is located on the north end of Jekyll Island, a barrier island just off the coast of Georgia. It sits on the Golden Isles of Georgia, a chain of picturesque barrier islands between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL off the coast of Brunswick.

The exact location of Driftwood Beach is on North Beachview Drive on the northern end of Jekyll Island. You’ll find it between the Clam Creek Picnic Area / Jekyll Island Campground and Driftwood Bistro.

How Driftwood Beach Georgia Was Created

Driftwood Beach wasn’t always the windswept beach lined with weathered, bone-white tree trunks that it is today. It used to be a full maritime forest before years of erosion from oceanic waves gradually washed its sands away, exposing the skeletons of the live oak trees.

Now the beach exists in a constant state of change, as seasons and tides continue to shift its sands and add to its cache of driftwood. The contrast of driftwood against the beach’s powdery sand makes for an unforgettable backdrop.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island is during low tide, which provides expanded areas to walk and photograph the entire beach. Be sure to check the Jekyll Island tide chart before planning your visit.

Early in the morning and later in the afternoon are good times to go to avoid the hot midday sun. Sunrise and sunset also offer optimal lighting conditions for photographers.

While the beach is accessible year-round, the best months are probably March through November when the higher temperatures make beachcombing more comfortable, but we have certainly been there in the winter, too!

What to Do There

There is nothing better than a day of exploring driftwood beach. Whether you’re here to take photos, stare in awe at the eerily beautiful beach, or stargaze, there is just something magical about Driftwood Beach.

• Beachcomb for extraordinary driftwood photo ops along the shoreline.
• Photograph the contrast of driftwood sculptures against the sea oats, sand, and sea.
• Walk the sands north to Jekyll Point or south to explore more secluded areas.
• Do some birdwatching—the beach is excellent for sighting seabirds and shorebirds.
• Stay late to enjoy stargazing on the beach—it’s open 24 hours a day!

Accessing Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach is located inside Jekyll Island State Park, for which there is a daily entrance fee of $10 per vehicle.

The “boneyard beach” has two boardwalk access points—a northerly one from the beach parking lot on N. Beachview Dr. and a southerly one accessed from the picnic area parking lot.

Beach access points make it easy to take a short walk to the beach. Golf carts, bikes, and pedestrians can also access Driftwood Beach via the paved bike path along N. Beachview Dr.

Jekyll Island has several bike rental companies, making a bike the perfect vehicle for exploring Driftwood Beach and other parts of the island.

Nearby Attractions

You’ll find tons to do on Jekyll Island in addition to checking out this incredible beach. Here are some of our favorite things to do on Jekyll Island:

• Check out the other Jekyll Island Beaches: St Andrews Beach (the best sunset spot on the island), Great Dunes Beach Park, and South Dunes Beach Park are some of the best beaches on Jekyll Island. Be sure to check out our post to find other great beaches nearby. 
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center: We had so much fun on our visit to the Sea Turtle Center! You’ll see rehabilitation in action and can explore the interactive exhibits. Best of all, your entry fee goes to support the rehabilitation of their patients!
• Go on a dolphin cruise: This is one of my favorite activities on Jekyll Island. It’s really affordable and you’ll see not only dolphins, but also other local wildlife and the beautiful scenery. Make your reservation here.
• Summer Waves Water Park: Located on the opposite end of the island, Summer Waves is a must-visit if you’re there during the summer.
• Go to the National Historic Landmark District: Once known as the “richest, most inaccessible club in the world,” this 240-acre site is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. From elegant “cottages” to churches and an infirmary, you’ll love exploring the history here.
• Check out nearby St. Simons Island: For our full list of the best things to do on St. Simons Island, check out the post!
• Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum: This is the perfect place for history buffs to learn all about the island’s rich cultural and natural history.
• Walk along the Wanderer Memory Trail: Found alongside the Jekyll River, this trail tells the story of America’s last known slave ship, the Wanderer, which docked here 160 years ago.
• Eat some fresh local seafood: Be sure to check out our post on the best seafood restaurants near Jekyll Island to get some of the fresh Georgia seafood while you’re here!

Be sure to check out the whole article for more fun things to do on Jekyll Island!

Getting Married on Driftwood Beach

This is a popular spot for wedding for several reasons. Not only is it considered one of the most romantic beaches in the world, but it is also totally free! The public beach is first come first served, so you won’t be able to reserve your spot, but you don’t need any permits to get married at Driftwood Beach.

Here are a few things to remember:

• Remember to check the Jekyll Island Tide Chart when planning your wedding.
• There are no fires allowed on the beach. Fireworks and sparklers are only allowed with a permit from the fire marshall.
• Please only use real flower petals for scattering during your ceremony.
• If you want to get married at night, you might want to think again- only sea turtle friendly lights are allowed (dim, red lights) and no fires are permitted.

Where to Stay Near Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island is the perfect place for any type of traveler because there are so many different options for places to stay!

For hotels, you can’t get any swankier than the Jekyll Island Club Resort in the historic district or the Jekyll Ocean Club on the beach. These hotels are the center of life on Jekyll, so they’ll make it easy to rent bikes, arrange excursions, and pamper yourself.

Looking to use some hotel points? You’ll also find some super nice chain hotels right on the beach like:

• The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island
• Courtyard by Marriott Jekyll Island
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island
• Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

If a private vacation rental is more your style, go for one of the many cottages for rent like:

• Garden Cottage 14 – This condo is right on the beach. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and sleeps 6 with access to the fire pit and the pool!
• Anchors Away – This adorable home is pet-friendly! It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fire pit and Is just a 5-minute walk to the beach.
• Whelks – This luxury home is perfect for a big family! Oceanfront with a private pool, this home has 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and sleeps 16 people!

Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Jekyll Island, you’ll want to check out our other articles about the area! Here are some posts you’ll find helpful in planning your trip:

• Jekyll Island Tide Chart
• The Ultimate Guide to Jekyll Island Camping (2025)
• Best Seafood Restaurants Near Jekyll Island, GA (2025)
• 10+ Best Beaches Near Brunswick, GA (2025)
• Pet Friendly Jekyll Island – 2025
• Top 16 Jekyll Island Things To Do (2025)