Things to do
Welcome to Jekyll Island, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
The Jekyll Island Club is full of rich history all encompassed together along the river. The club opened in 1888 and became a wintertime hideaway for some of the era’s most prominent businessmen and their families, like J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field as co-owners. Soon enough, the coastal retreat would be called “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world,” representing an astounding one-sixth of the globe’s wealth. Though largely conceived as a members-only club for the era’s elite, this wasn’t just a social gathering spot. The Jekyll Island Club hosted its fair share of influential moments, including the drafting of the Federal Reserve and the country’s first transcontinental phone. Today the club is a beautiful hotel with the peaceful relaxing charm of 100 years ago. We hope you explore the grounds, the “cottages” of its members, Trinity Church and its Tiffany glass windows, and the quaint shops.
Places to Eat
The Wharf at the Jekyll Island Club Tortuga Jacks Driftwood Bistro Zachry’s Riverhouse Pantry at the Jekyll Island Club Red Bug Motor Pizza Beach House Wee Pub Sunrise Grille Tribuzio’s Grille at the Jekyll Island Golf Club
Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach is renowned for its abundance of weathered driftwood strewn along the shoreline. The picturesque landscape, with its twisted driftwood formations against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, offers a surreal and captivating scene, making it a popular destination. Enjoy a beach day or a stroll and experience the unique charm of Driftwood Beach. This is our must-see recommendation!
Annual Globe Hunt
Jekyll Island has a hide-and-seek style game played throughout January and February. Artists from across the country create one-of-a-kind glass floats for the annual Island Treasure event. Volunteers called Beach Buddies will hide clear globes around the island for lucky guests to find and redeem for a real glass float. While on the island explore all the beaches and sites while also looking out for the special globe!
Shopping
Stroll along the Pier Road Shops adjacent to Jekyll Island Club Resort for an assortment of artisan and handmade artwork, gifts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to head to the other side of the island to the Beach Village for more general shopping and restaurants.
Biking
Bicycling is a favorite activity on Jekyll Island. With more than 24 miles of picturesque paths and trails, biking offers a scenic way to see all the island’s points of interest. Paths wind around dunes, beaches, and historic sites, while our ancient oaks offer ample shade. Jekyll Wheels is a bike rental and maintenance center, conveniently located on the east side of the Jekyll Island Club’s Ballroom Veranda. Guests bringing their own bikes may also find overnight storage. Open to the public. Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weather permitting Location: 371 Riverview Drive Phone: 912.635.5185 There are also other bike rental places along the island to choose from
Trails and Parks
Explore the sights and walk on one of the many trails the island has to offer. Explore the wooden trails off the bike paths and we have listed some of the short hikes through woods and along marshes. -Trails at the Clam Creek Picnic Area -Horton Pond trail – Behind Horton House, a nice walk through the woods. Don’t forget to look for a globe and the alligators at the pond Gazebo. -Wanderer Memory Trail at St Andrew's Beach – Look for the short rope swing trail to the right of the bathrooms. -South Dunes Park -Amphitheater – Hike to the ruins of this amphitheater from the 70s. Driving north on Stable Road, turn right on the dirt road just past the firehouse, then keep to the right to find a green archway. From there it’s a short hike to the amphitheater and pond. When you get to the fork at the hill you can go left or right to get there.
Museums and Historical Sites
Horton House: The site includes the cemetery of the DuBignon Family. Horton also brewed Georgia’s first beer at this plantation. You can find all of these sites on either side of the road. Sea Turtle Center: (onsite at the Jekyll Island Club Resort) is Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. Take a Trolley Tour at Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum: (onsite at the Jekyll Island Club) This trolley tour of the 240-acre historic district includes entry into a historic cottage and admission into the Mosaic Gallery and Faith Chapel at your leisure. The tour lasts 60 minutes and begins at Mosaic.