A famous getaway in the Golden Isles of Georgia, Jekyll Island once served as the summer stomping grounds for America’s wealthiest families. From heritage buildings and conservation centres to miles of sandy beaches and a sprawling national landmark area, Jekyll Island is like stepping into yesteryear.
Things to do in Jekyll Island
You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the genteel ambience of Jekyll Island Club. Stroll the lawns and then make arrangements for tennis, golf, croquet, skeet shooting or horseback riding. Splurge on elegant dining and classy cocktails at the club’s historic venues.
Rent a bike at the club and cruise along the waterfront to Clam Creek for some crabbing and pier fishing. Stop to examine the remains of Horton House, a tabby structure built in 1742 from crushed oyster shells, lime and sand.
Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which devotes itself to conserving and rehabilitating indigenous sea turtles. Enter the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark, where you’ll find windswept sand dunes, maritime forests and ancient moss-draped oak trees.
As the sun sets, you can watch trawler boats returning to the dock, which also houses The Wharf seafood shack, which serves a true-blue Georgia specialty known as a Low Country Boil. Dig into steaming mounds of fresh Georgia White shrimp, crab, Andouille sausage, red potatoes and corn while listening to live blues music.
Getting around Jekyll Island
Cars are rare on Jekyll Island, but you can still bring one over from Brunswick Airport, about 30 minutes away. Most people rent bicycles, golf carts and “red bug” electric cars for getting around.