Welcome to Jekyll Island
The southernmost Golden Isles barrier island, committed to preserving the beautiful inland salt marshes and natural wildlife.
Jekyll Island, the southernmost of Georgia's Golden Isles, is a unique beach resort destination that differentiates itself from the others with a commitment to preserving the sensitive barrier island ecosystem. Development is limited to just 35 percent of the available land area to cultivate the rich wild terrain and allow wildlife to roam free within the island's inland salt marshes.
This peaceful, coastal haven sprawls across 5,500 acres. It is home to many notable attractions, including the iconic Driftwood Beach, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park, and the stately 250-acre Historic Landmark District. Visitors are entranced by the 10 miles of grand, unspoiled shoreline, the island's elegant historic homes, and the array of lodging options. There is truly something for everyone on Jekyll Island.
What to Love
- Untouched natural ecosystem
- 10 miles of grand shoreline
- Driftwood Beach
- Elegant historic homes
- Summer Waves Water Park
- Charming historic district
People & Lifestyle
Jekyll Island has a mix of lodging options available; whether you're on a romantic getaway, a family vacation, destination wedding, or looking for a vacation home, you'll find a variety of accommodations. Few places on earth are more inviting than this beautiful blend of natural wilderness and scenic coastal views. Lodgings include a grand historic hotel, oceanfront hotels, beachside camping, villas, and private rental properties. It all depends on what you're looking for during your stay, as Jekyll Island is built to accommodate a range of interests and personalities.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
On the historic district pier, The Wharf is a must-go. Live music is offered every week, and the menu is stocked with fresh, local fare, including shrimp, fresh fish, sandwiches, burgers, oysters, and other Southern favorites. Enjoy fantastic water views and nautical-themed decor inside this island staple.
If you ask a local where to go, they'll probably tell you to try Driftwood Bistro, known for its Lowcountry fare with favorites like Wild Georgia shrimp and stuffed flounder on the menu. Their signature dish is shrimp and grits, and many of their entrees are Southern staples with a twist.
Zachary’s Riverhouse is a locally-owned seafood restaurant with a porch that overlooks the Jekyll River. The relaxed vibe goes perfectly with their burgers, wings, and salads. A modern, oceanfront steakhouse with prime cut steaks and sumptuous sides, The Reserve Steakhouse inside the Westin hotel is nice for a romantic dinner or evening out.
Things to Do
A favorite coastal pastime, the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival combines family-friendly entertainment with the classic southern dish, artists market, live music, food, a craft brew fest, and so much more. The island comes alive during this special weekend held in the Historic District of Jekyll Island once a year.
There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with the transformative nightscapes created by the Holly Jolly Jekyll event beginning each November. Bring in the holiday season with lights, fireworks, and more. Some of the season's highlights include the Peppermint Land mini-golf course, the Holly Jolly Light Tours, 12 Days of Christmas Light Displays, Christmas Carriage Light Tours, cookie decorating with Santa, breakfast with Santa, twilight shopping in the historic district, and even a self-guided light tour.
Whiskey, Wine and Wildlife is a special culinary weekend celebration combining inspired cuisine with renowned beverage tastings, with profits going toward raising funds and awareness for the Jekyll Island Foundation. This culinary weekend experience also features island research teams and experts who showcase fun and interactive programs highlighting coastal wildlife.
Festivals of Speed is an exclusive offering at the Jekyll Island Club, where car owners can gather to showcase their cars on the lawns of this historic resort while enjoying great food and cocktails.
