If you’re planning a trip to Georgia’s coast, this complete guide to Jekyll Island covers everything you need to know. Located just off the mainland, Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s Golden Isles and is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking to explore scenic beaches and interesting history, and enjoy family-friendly attractions, Jekyll Island offers a great mix of outdoor recreation and quiet charm.
How to get to Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is located 1.5 hours south of Savannah Georgia and 1.5 hours north of Jacksonville Florida. Located just 25 minutes off I-95 it very convenient to arrive from either direction.
The causeway crosses the beautiful marsh area on the backside of the island. Once you pass the toll bridge you arrive in the center of the island, in the heart of Beach Village.
Current toll prices for a regular sized vehicle is $10 per day. However, if you don’t leave the island during your stay, the pass will last your entire visit.
Where to stay in Jekyll Island
We have stayed at many different places on the island. We have rented private homes for the week, taken our motorhome with our dogs and stayed at the campground near the pier, stayed in the historic district overlooking the marsh and stayed at many different hotels along the beach.
Our overall favorite, however, is the Westin on Jekyll Island. The location, food and amenities can’t be beat.
The history of Jekyll Island
The beginning…
For most of the 1800’s Jekyll Island was owned by the Bignon family. In 1886 the island was sold to an incorporated hunting and recreational club for $125,000. Unspoiled by development , Jekyll Island’s sub-tropic weather created an ideal place for a winter resort. It was an elite club restricted to only 100 members.
They named it the Jekyll Island Club. Some of the most notables on the membership list included Pierre Lorillare, Marshall Field, J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, William Vanderbilt and Joseph Pulitzer. Over the years many of the members built lavish cottages within the club. By 1920 the club included a pool, a golf course and a grand club house.
Over the years…
Over the club’s 54 year span, several unique events took place. In 1899, President William McKinley visited the club. In 1910, a secret meeting was held in which the Federal Reserve System was created. The club participated in the first telephone call across the United States in 1915. And in 1898 a hurricane devastated the island eroding the beach and destroying the wharf and many island bridges.
World War II changed everything. The club remained open for the 1942 season. Three days after closing, on April 8, 1942, German U-boat (U-123) bombed ships off the coast of St Simons island to the north and Cumberland Island to the south. Many club members and staff were drafted. Rationing of food, fuel, and supplies made it difficult for the club to survive. During the war, the island became base to many of the military branches. The club never reopened.
Modern Jekyll…
In 1947, the state of Georgia bought the island from the remaining club members for $675,000. In 1979 the area of the island containing the clubhouse and cottages was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the clubhouse is home to Jekyll Island Club Resort. The island itself is maintained by the Jekyll Island Authority, a self-sufficient entity created by the state of Georgia.
Things to do on Jekyll Island
Tours & Museums
The Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum is a history museum located in the historic district. It’s a very interactive museum, with constantly changing exhibits. Hours of operation are 9am to 5pm every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The museum also offers many tours on Jekyll. There are historic trolley tours, bike tours, adventures in architecture, faith chapel tours, ghosts & ghouls tours and more. The gift shop in the museum offers a wide variety of books and souvenirs to remember your time on Jekyll.
Beaches & Walking Trails
Jekyll Island is home to seven different beaches, with Driftwood Beach being the most famous, especially for Instagram.
The beaches on Jekyll Island experience extreme tide changes. At high tide, there is very little to no sand, especially on the north end. At low tide the beach is very wide and spacious. The tides also vary greatly with the moon phases.
Dogs are allowed on the beach when on a leash.
Jekyll Island also has 24 miles of paved bike trails that go all the way around the island. This provides a large range of scenery from beaches to forests to the historic district and the campground. Free bike path maps are available at the Jekyll Island Welcome Center and the bike barn on Shell Road.
Nature & Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation center. Open daily from 9am – 5pm, the center offers the public a chance to learn about sea turtles and see rehabilitation in action. There are year round indoor and outdoor programs available for guests of all ages including a host of interactive exhibits and experiences. Admission is $11 for ages 13 and up, $9 for ages 4-12.
Tidelands 4-H Nature Center offers kayak tours, coastal ecology programs, island nature walks and summer school programs. Payton loves the exhibit gallery featuring live coastal species including sea turtles, fish, invertebrates, horseshoe crabs, snakes, alligators and more. She even held a snake which was too much for me.
Dolphin tours are very popular on Jekyll Island. The tour takes you through coastal waterways, salt marshes, and past wild beaches in search of dolphins as well as other wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, and sea birds. The tour is 1.5 hours long and cost $45 a person. It is available 5 times a day starting at 10am.
Waterpark & Mini-golf
Summer Waves is a fun waterpark based on the island. The park includes multiple water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a splash zone for the younger kids. Tickets are currently $28 per person [as of spring 2025]. Cabanas and lockers are available for rent for an additional cost.
Located directly across the road from the beach, Jekyll Island mini golf offers two courses to choose from. One for the beginners and one for the more advance. Price is $8 per game per person. During the summer I would recommend going early in the morning as it becomes very hot during the day, with limited shade.
For those looking for golf, Jekyll Island currently offers 63 holes over 4 courses. John and I have played these courses on multiple occasions. During our last visit, March of 2025, we noticed that it seems they are expanding the courses. We look forward to playing those holes in the future. There is a very good chance that you will see deer and other wildlife on the course while playing too.
Best places to eat on Jekyll Island
- For seafood and the best sunsets over the marsh – The Wharf located in the historic district.
- Nice dinner with unique options – Willet’s Lowcountry inside The Westin Jekyll Island.
- Breakfast – Sunrise Grille located in Beach Village.
- Lunch and drinks with an outside vibe (dog friendly) – 24 Coastal Grille or Wee Pub Beach.
- Corridor Z Kitchen + Cocktails is one we have been wanting to try. The menu looks great and they are always busy. It’s on our list for the next trip.
- For dessert – Fuse Frozen Yogurt
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