A cozy little island off Georgia’s east coast, Jekyll Island is an underrated destination known for its vast beaches, wild nature and unparalleled luxury. Perfect for a winter escape or fun under the summer sun, there’s never a bad time to visit this domestic hidden gem. Is Jekyll Island on your travel wish list? Here are a few activities in the area that aren’t to be missed.
Go Golfing
Attracting big names like Donald Ross, Walter Travis and Joe Lee, golf is a big deal on Jekyll Island. While the modern iteration of the game can trace its roots to 15th-century Scotland, the pastime got its start on Jekyll Island in 1898 when members of the Jekyll Island Club created the destination’s first golf course. Today, the island is home to four spectacular courses — Pine Lakes Course, Oleander Course, Indian Mound Course and Great Dunes Course — that allow players to toe the line between sport and sightseeing with opportunities to immerse themselves in some of the region’s most spectacular natural areas (think lakes, marshes and forests), where they often encounter the fascinating creatures that live there like gators, osprey and deer.
Visit the Beach
Boasting 10 miles of expansive, unspoiled shoreline, Jekyll Island is a haven for beach lovers. Whether they’re looking to relax and soak in views of the Atlantic Ocean at places like Oceanview Beach Park and Great Dunes Park or are hoping to encounter a few feathered friends at St. Andrews, there’s a sunny stretch of sand fit for every type of traveler. While every beach has something unique to offer, Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach, with its twisted and toppled collection of ancient oak and pine trees, is by far the most intriguing. And, as an added bonus, Driftwood Beach makes for the perfect backdrop for an otherworldly photo op.
Take a Trolley Tour
Did you know Jekyll Island once acted as the summer vacation spot for nearly one-fifth of the world’s wealth? Welcoming names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt and Pulitzer, during its heyday, Gilded Age greats flocked to the region each year, vacationing in swanky cottages and putting the iconic Jekyll Island Club Resort on the map. Today, memories of the island’s past are ever-present, and visitors can learn all about its unique history when they attend one of Jekyll Island Authority’s Landmark Trolley Tours. Upon hopping aboard a covered red trolley, visitors begin their journey through the island’s 240-acre Historic District where they’ll spot old-timely mansions, catch a glimpse of the exclusive Jekyll Island Club Resort and more before going inside a historic cottage for a hands-on tour.
Rent a Bike
With over 24 miles of scenic coastal trails to explore, biking is the perfect mode of transportation for travelers looking to take in all that Jekyll Island has to offer. At seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide, ambitious visitors will find they can bike the entire island in one day, while others may be content with a shorter adventure to popular sightseeing spots like Horton House, Horton Pond, Driftwood Beach, St. Andrews, Glory Beach and more. Bikes can be rented from a variety of places including Jekyll Island Bike Barn, Beachside Bike Rentals and Jekyll Wheels. No matter what they decide, breezing beneath dramatic canopies of ancient live oaks, weaving between historic cottages and rolling over well-maintained boardwalks certainly makes for a memorable experience.
See the Sea Turtle Center
Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility, since opening its doors in 2007, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has helped over 3,000 sick, stranded or injured patients. And the work doesn’t stop there, as long as there are animals in need, the center will continue its mission of education, research and rehabilitation. Visitors wanting an up-close-and-personal look at all the action can do so when they visit the center any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inside, museum-goers will discover interactive exhibits designed show the different species of sea turtles and the challenges they face and have the opportunity to visit the on-site turtle hospital where they can observe and read about current patients seeking treatment.
Grab Some Grub
From succulent, fresh seafood and American classics to homemade southern fare and so much in between, visitors to Jekyll Island will never go hungry with so many delicious options to choose from. From scrumptious meals by the sea at fan-favorite eateries like Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, The Wharf and Beach House Restaurant to quick bites and snacks at places like Fuse Frozen Yogurt, Sunrise Grille and Jekyll Market, a tasty treat is always on the horizon. And don’t forget the drinks! Tortuga Jack’s, Wee Pub Beach and Salty’s Oceanside Bar & Grill are favorite watering holes among locals and visitors alike.
Attend an Event
There’s always something to celebrate on Jekyll Island, no matter the time of year travelers plan their visit. A few standout events include the Turtle Crawl in April, the impressive Independence Day Fireworks in July, the Shrimp & Grits Festival in October, Paulk Cup Classic in the fall, Holly Jolly Jekyll from November through December and the Cold-Stunned Plunge in November.
Stay at Jekyll Island Club Resort
Last, but certainly not least, a visit to Jekyll Island is instantly elevated when travelers opt to stay at Jekyll Island Club Resort, the beating heart of this domestic island escape. Situated at the center of it all, this historic property acts as a great homebase for travelers looking to take in everything Jekyll Island has to offer. Dating back to 1888, guests of Jekyll Island Club Resort can indulge in the life of luxury as they walk the same halls frequented by Gilded Age greats and the many notable guests who have come before them. With a decor style described by the property as a “coastal eclectic vibe while honoring the past,” history-buffs and those with a penchant for southern charm will love admiring the resort’s intricate woodwork, cozy shared spaces and recently refurbished suites and guest rooms.
About the Author
comments