Jekyll Island Restaurants
Find fresh seafood, area favorites, and more throughout Jekyll Island. From sit-down fare to quick southern favorites, you won't be at a loss for dining options on Jekyll Island. Enjoy water views, local flavors, or grab-and-go treats to start your day.
Check out more of the best restaurants on Jekyll Island.
Things to Do on Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island offers an abundance of recreational activities that are sure to please visitors of all ages. Enjoy ten miles of white sand beaches, 63 holes of Jekyll Island golf, an outdoor tennis complex, a fishing pier, horseback riding tours, nature centers, 22 miles of bike trails and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. There is even a Jekyll Island water park and Mosaic, the Jekyll Island museum for visitors to discover.
The island's beaches are also ideal for shelling. Visit Driftwood Beach and St. Andrews Beach for the best shot at scoring some shells.
In addition, since the island is owned by the State of Georgia and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, the island’s development is limited to just 1,609 acres to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem. Great lengths have been taken to honor this ratio while the highly anticipated revitalization of Jekyll Island moves forward. Since most of the island is protected, there is also plenty of nature and wildlife to explore! All the family-friendly activities on Jekyll Island are enough to keep any visitor busy!
Too much to choose from? Try one of the island's guided tours, build your trip from a suggested itinerary to help you decide where to start on this unique island, or check out our five favorite things to do on Jekyll Island.
How to Access Jekyll Island (Fee)
Jekyll Island is reachable via the Jekyll Island Causeway which intersects with U.S. 17 at the southern end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a parking pass that must be purchased online in advance or at the entry gate upon arrival on the island. Single, multi-day, and annual passes are available. Bicycles and pedestrians can enter at no charge. Current auto access fees are $10.00* for one day and $100.00 for a 12-month parking pass. The fee for oversized vehicles (over 8 feet tall) is $15.00/day and $150.00/year. If you have any questions regarding your annual pass or any additional questions please call 912-635-3636.
*Please be aware of potentially increased parking fees due to special events.
Jekyll Island History
Jekyll Island's history begins some 3,500 years ago. Prior to British colonization, the island's first inhabitants were Native Americans. General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia in 1733, and along with it, Jekyll Island. The island was named for Sir Joseph Jekyll, a financial supporter of the colony.
Major William Horton was appointed by General Oglethorpe to build an outpost on Jekyll Island to protect Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. The island was home to prosperous plantations until the end of the Civil War.
Jekyll Island was purchased in 1886 by a group of wealthy families as a private retreat. By 1900, The Jekyll Island Club membership included the Rockefellers, Morgans, Cranes, and Goulds and represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The Club closed in 1942 and Jekyll Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947.
Learn more about the rich history of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Or, revisit the past with a tram tour of the National Historic Landmark District, including many of the opulent mansions their millionaire owners called “cottages."
Jekyll Island Events
There is so much to do and see throughout the year in Jekyll Island. Enjoy signature events on Jekyll Island every year like the Turtle Crawl, which benefits the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the Paulk Cup Classic, a combination of golf, food and fun, and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, a favorite among foodies! Run into the chilly Atlantic in support of the sea turtles at the Cold-Stunned Plunge, or enjoy the holiday festivities of Holly Jolly Jekyll, complete with Jekyll Island christmas lights. Whether you're looking to get a taste of the local culture, enjoy the beautiful Jekyll Island beaches and landscape or celebrate the holidays with loved ones, there are plenty of Jekyll Island events to enjoy.
Shopping on Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island offers diverse shopping, from upscale boutiques to souvenir shops, and more. Find some of the best shopping on Jekyll Island.
View the visitor guide and maps of Jekyll Island to help orient yourself before your trip!
