At the end of the causeway, you'll step into another world, one that has rejuvenated visitors for generations. With its wide secluded beaches, stretches of green and graceful remnants of an illustrious past, Jekyll Island casts a gentle spell on all who visit. Play a round on Georgia's largest public resort course or take a gander at the state's only rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles. Not to be missed: a leisurely tram tour of the island's National Historic Landmark District, once the enclave of Gilded Age denizens. Regardless of your preference for nature or culture, your interest will be piqued, your soul nourished, your escape complete.
On the northern end of Jekyll Island, between the campground and Villas by the Sea Resort, you'll discovered gnarled ghostly shapes: tree trunks, some bleached by the wind and sun, their twisted branches outstretched toward the sky. Enjoy a picnic under one of these weathered sculptures, string a hammock or pose for a picture next to one of the massive old limbs. Driftwood Beach is dog-friendly and also serves as an ideal spot for stargazing or even exchanging wedding vows.
Uncover Unique Stained Glass
Louis Comfort Tiffany illustrated the biblical story of King David in brilliant stained glass at Faith Chapel's memorial to Frederick Gilbert Bourne, president of Singer Sewing Machine Company and Jekyll Island Club, who died in 1919. Faith Chapel can be visited daily between 12-4 p.m. Admission is included with the purchase of any Historic Landmark District tour or can be purchased onsite for $5/person. Learn more.
Delight in a Peaceful Pond
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature - turtles, alligators, nesting birds - from the wheelchair-accessible observation deck of Horton Pond. Feeling adventurous? Learn about native flora, such as the tupelo trees on the surrounding .07-mile Tupelo Trail. Discover more nature & hiking trails.
Strike Up a Game of Croquet
Guests of Jekyll Island Club Resort can test their skill on the resort's croquet lawn or sit courtside while pros clad in white best one another at this genteel sport enjoyed by the leisure class for 170 years.
Cool off at a Water Park
Amid the peace and serenity of Jekyll Island is an exciting family attraction - Summer Waves Water Park. Known for its cool, refreshing waters, pristine surroundings, and amazing views of the Jekyll River, Summer Waves offers a variety of ways to beat the summertime heat. From lazy laps around Turtle Creek to high-speed thrills down Pirate's Passage, there's no limit to the special memories you'll make.
Take in all of the Glory at Glory Beach
After your wild rides, venture south to Glory Beach, a shooting location for the 1989 film Glory. Situated next to the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex, a vestige of the movie's production, Glory Boardwalk, allows you to traverse untouched dunes and freshwater pools, and on clear days, catch sight of Cumberland Island in the distance.
Glory Beach Boardwalk
Jekyll Island Fun Facts
1. Jekyll Island is a 5,500-acre island with 10 miles of beautiful shoreline. Only 35% of the island is developed since the land is owned and protected by the State of Georgia.
5. Jekyll Island’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center is the first of its kind in Georgia – and it focuses purely on natural preservation, including sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and education. You can even meet some patients when you visit!
