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Barrier island located in Georgia, United States
Photo: Scott Long, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jekyll Island is a large barrier island, which is part of the Golden Isles, in Coastal Georgia. With over 5 miles (8 km) of beaches and an unlimited number of outdoor activities, one of Georgia's most popular vacation destinations.
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The most popular beach on Jekyll Island. People usually go here for the otherworldly gnarled driftwood and the unique picture-taking opportunities that this landscape presents. It will be quite crowded with tourists taking pictures from noon to just after sunset, so plan accordingly if you don't want to deal with noisy groups stopping every ten feet to take a picture. A large portion of the beach is occupied by stone erosion barriers, so don't go expecting a wide, pristine sandy beach.
Georgia's only facility for sea turtle education and rehabilitation. Offers visitors a striking glimpse of the challenges facing sea turtle conservation as well as getting to see turtles being rehabilitated.
A storied and sprawling resort listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this has hosted such people as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans, and was the site where the Federal Reserve was conceived. Interior decor hearkens to the heyday of the 1920s, and the architecture is an elegant example of the Queen Anne Revival prominent in the 1880s.
The Historic District large site on the west side of the island with over 30 historical structures.
An immersive museum with many interactive exhibits telling the rich history of Jekyll Island. A perennial highlight is the showcasing of artwork from local artists.
Picturesque beach at the southern end of Jekyll Island. Great for bird-watching and the occasional dolphin sighting.
Probably what most tourists are here for. The beaches are mostly pristine, with far smaller crowds than Saint Simon Island's or Amelia Island's (except for the ever popular Driftwood Beach). Don't expect the water to have the waves or clarity found in other beaches, since Jekyll Island is at the mouth of multiple sediment-filled rivers.
The island offers many different courses with many different challenges for players of all abilities.
Jekyll Island has ample fishing activities available to guests, from freshwater lake fishing, surf fishing off of the beach, or charter offshore trips. Crabbing and shrimping are also popular among visitors to the island.
Picturesque and well-maintained bike trails abound on the island. Local hotels offer bike rentals to guests for reasonable rates.
A waterpark on the island that features slides and attractions.
Due to the strict zoning laws on the island requiring dim red lights at night outside to reduce light pollution, one can easily see the Milky Way on clear nights.
Jekyll Island is on Georgia's Colonial Coast birding trail, and as a wildlife refuge, it holds host to many birds and provides for many wonderful birdwatching opportunities due to the high biodiversity of its marshes.
American food, seafood.
Large Tex-Mex restaurant with large outdoor covered area.
Regional seafood in a relaxed atmosphere next to the tranquil Jekyll River. Well-stocked bar.
Upscale restaurant and bar. Mediterranean dishes with a modern American twist. Reservations recommended.
Steakhouse food and drinks with a great view of the beach and ocean.
Friendly Irish pub with an American twist. Live music on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7PM, discounts on certain days for military members, residents of Jekyll Island, and service workers.
A storied resort listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this has hosted such people as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans, and was the site where the Federal Reserve was conceived. Extremely luxurious and decor calling back to the Roaring 20s.
187 modern rooms and 13 suites, with direct access to near-pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, fire pits, and a large pool also overlooking the ocean.
Family friendly resort and business conference center on Jekyll Island. Rooms are pet-friendly for an additional charge.
Oceanfront rooms and suites near several attractions.
An all-suite hotel with complimentary breakfast, a pool, and which is only a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean.
40 luxury suites in a picturesque property located directly on the Atlantic Ocean.
Pet-friendly oceanfront hotel with 101 rooms and 19 suites.
138 modern guest rooms right next door to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
Reasonably priced hotel with easy access to the ocean and other attractions.
Parker-Kaufman Realty has a variety of cottages and houses that visitors can rent weekly.
By plane
By boat
The goes through the Jekyll Creek, although the conditions are not the greatest due to lack of maintenance by the Army Corps of Engineers and the fact that the creek is quite sediment-heavy due to…
By bike
There are more than 25 miles of well-paved and well-maintained bike paths crisscrossing the island.
By foot
The island is quite pedestrian-friendly, and you can use both the extensive network of bike paths and nicely-paved sidewalks at your own leisure.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Brunswick · Regional · BQK
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