Explore Jekyll Island, Georgia

Few people have heard of Jekyll Island, Georgia. However, significant, world-changing events once took place in this tiny spot – one of four barrier islands known as the Golden Isles.

Today, this former retreat for Gilded Age tycoons is a treasure trove of historic homes, nature, beaches, and exceptional seafood dishes.

Setting the Stage

Understanding the history of Jekyll Island is both interesting and quirky. In its early days, thousands of Guale Indians inhabited and traveled this coastline, frequently visiting the island for hunting and fishing opportunities. French explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by the British. General James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia in 1733, named Jekyll Island after Sir Joseph Jekyll, a wealthy Brit who invested in the new colony. For a century, a French family owned it, transforming the island into a hunting club.

In 1886, the island was acquired by the Jekyll Island Club, becoming an exclusive holiday resort for its members and their families. Notably, the club counted among its members Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller, JP Morgan, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field. At one point, the club’s members represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth, influencing momentous events within the club’s confines. Historical highlights include being the site of the USA’s first transcontinental telephone call in 1915 and hosting secret meetings that laid the groundwork for the Federal Reserve System.

Fortunately, today, this idyllic island – measuring seven by 1.5 miles at its narrowest point – is accessible to everyone. In addition to being home to around 1,000 residents, it is also a protected state park managed by the Jekyll Island Authority and overseen by a Board of Directors. Only one-third of the island is utilized for commercial purposes, resulting in approximately a thousand acres of mature maritime forest, marshes, and sandy dunes available to explore.

Become a ‘Member’ of the Jekyll Island Club

To experience the legacy of the elite, stroll through the historic district, a picturesque grid of lush gardens. A clubhouse building is positioned alongside the historic vacation homes of billionaire club members, shaded by some of the island’s oldest and most beautiful ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

You can explore the historic homes with informative and entertaining commentary on the Passport to the Century tour. Alternatively, visit the vacation home of William and Almir Rockefeller on The Rockefeller Experience Tour. Strikingly, the polite southeast Georgia dialect of the guides adds charm to the experience. Our guide, Tom Alexander, shares club trivia, including stories about dairy cows brought to the island due to quality concerns of the locally sourced butter and the peculiar tradition of restocking the island with game for hunting each season.

Wildlife Watching & Trail Wandering

You can explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the island’s hub for rehabilitation, research, and education concerning sea turtles, where both large loggerheads and little terrapins thrive. Visitors can engage with live turtles and researchers who will provide insights into turtle behavior, nesting, and the center’s monitoring initiatives. In summer, consider participating in the night patrol for turtle monitoring projects. While there, be sure to watch for the island’s terrapin-crossing signs.

For additional animal fun, delve into fascinating facts about the American alligator during the enlightening Gatorology 101 sessions at Horton Pond, a hotspot for gators on the island. An easy loop trail, the Tupelo Trail, winds through this area.

As much of the island is covered in maritime forest, walking through forest trails is an enjoyable activity. You can walk independently or join one of the Jekyll Island Authority’s wonderful ranger-led walks, where visitors can explore maritime forest paths with knowledgeable park ranger Ray Emerson. With a telescope in hand, Ray shares insights about the island’s flora and fauna, including cabbage palms, redbay trees, and bald eagles.

Beach Bumming

Sand, glorious sand! It’s easy to see how the Golden Isles got their name. Over 10 miles of shoreline surround Jekyll Island, including Great Dunes, which is ideal for families; Glory Beach, known for its sea oats-covered dunes and the filming site of the movie Glory; South Dunes, featuring an elevated boardwalk; and St Andrews at the southern tip of the island. From the wildlife viewing platform, you can watch migratory and shorebirds, and if you’re lucky, maybe catch a glimpse of a dolphin.

The expansive Driftwood Beach is lined with massive, gnarled trees that have created a picturesque sandy graveyard. Though these trees have succumbed to erosion, they have become a favorite spot for couples and photographers, making it one of the most Instagram-friendly locations in the US.

Easy Pedalin’

With flat surfaces throughout, Jekyll Island is perfect for leisurely biking. You can effortlessly navigate past beaches, sand dunes, and historic sites. Moreover, you can pedal along stunning marine forest trails or traverse areas beneath thick canopies of acacia, palmettos, and ancient oaks. The Jekyll Island Bike Barn rents bicycles suitable for all ages.

Feasting on Jekyll

Jekyll Island’s cuisine caters to various tastes and budgets. One must-try dish in this area is shrimp and grits, renowned for being the world’s best due to the sweeter Golden Isles Shrimp. For upscale dining experiences, The Reserve restaurant offers some of the island’s finest dishes; be sure to try their crab cakes or etouffe tamale. The annual Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Festival showcases local foods, including barbecue and seafood, paired with a selection of beverages such as whiskey, moonshine, and wine. Prospective attendees will be pleased to know that profits support the Jekyll Island Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation efforts on the island.

Additionally, the lively Shrimp & Grits Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year. For a laid-back experience, consider grabbing a burger at Doc’s Snack Shop in the Historic District and enjoying the deck view.

Make It Happen

With its mild climate, Jekyll Island is accessible year-round, although offerings vary by season. Accessing the island is straightforward via Hwy 17 and GA-520 (take Exit 29 on I-95). Crossing a toll bridge requires a parking pass ($6/day or $28/week). Sleeping accommodations predominantly feature chain hotels or larger resorts, although notable exceptions include the Jekyll Island Club. The Westin Jekyll Island, with stunning dune and beach views, provides an excellent comfort-to-price ratio. This resort features a stylish bar and several eateries, along with a shuttle service around the island. For budget-conscious travelers, consider camping under magnificent oaks at the lovely Jekyll Island Campground located within the state park on the island’s northern end.