Jekyll Island, Georgia: Explore Driftwood Beach and Campgrounds

Jekyll Island is a small island near Georgia in the United States. It’s part of a group of islands called the Golden Isles. The island is pretty big, about 5,700 acres, and a lot of it is protected because it’s important to history.

People love Jekyll Island because it has beautiful beaches, lots of trees, and many different animals. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

The Island’s Story

Jekyll Island has been around for a long time. Native Americans lived there first. Then European people came. Later, rich families from the United States used to vacation there. Some famous names you might know, like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt, used to visit.

Something really important happened on Jekyll Island in 1910. A group of powerful people met there in secret. They talked about money and banks. This meeting helped create the Federal Reserve, which is like the main bank for the whole country.

Now, Jekyll Island is a park that belongs to Georgia. People from all over come to see its beauty and learn about its history. The island is so special that part of it is called a National Historic Landmark. This means it’s recognized as a very important place in American history.

What to Do at Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island is a great place for all kinds of fun. There’s something for everyone, whether you like nature, history, or just having a good time.

Outdoor Activities: If you love being outside, you’ll have a blast here. You can ride bikes on nice paths, play golf, or even go horseback riding. The beaches are perfect for swimming or just relaxing in the sun.

Driftwood Beach: There’s a special beach called Driftwood Beach. It’s really pretty, especially in the morning. The old trees on the beach make it look like something from a movie.

Family Fun: Families can do lots of cool things together. You can learn about sea turtles and even help take care of them. You can also take a tram ride around the island to see everything.

History and Learning: If you like history, you’ll love Jekyll Island. There are many old buildings and stories about the island’s past. You can visit a museum to learn more about it.

Nature and Wildlife: The island has beautiful marshes and a long coastline. It’s great for seeing animals and enjoying nature. You can even join educational programs to learn more about the environment.

Jekyll Island Museum: Visit the museum to learn about the island’s history. You’ll see interesting things from long ago and hear stories about the people who used to live here.

Horton House: This is an old house from the 1700s. It’s mostly ruins now, but it’s really cool to see and imagine what life was like back then.

Sea Turtle Center: At this place, you can see sea turtles up close. They help hurt turtles get better. You can learn a lot about these amazing animals and why it’s important to protect them.

Dolphin Tours: You can take a boat ride to see dolphins in the sea. It’s really fun to watch them swim and play in the water.

Golf: If you like golf, you’ll love the golf courses here. They’re really pretty and fun to play on.

Fishing and Boating: You can go fishing from the shore or rent a boat. If you want something more relaxing, try kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters.

Water Park: There’s a water park called Summer Waves where you can have fun on water slides and in pools. It’s great for cooling off on a hot day

Best Jekyll Island Beaches

Jekyll Island has some really nice beaches. There are three that people really like: Great Dunes Park, Saint Andrew Beach, and Driftwood Beach. Each one is special in its own way.

Great Dunes Park

Great Dunes Park, nestled in the heart of the island, is an oasis of golden sands and rolling dunes. This family-friendly beach boasts a plethora of amenities, including picnic pavilions, grills, a playground, and restrooms.

The beach’s central location makes it an ideal spot for visitors to enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, all while being just a stone’s throw away from local shops and restaurants.

Saint Andrew Beach

Saint Andrew Beach, located on the island’s southeastern shore, is a tranquil haven where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the coastal environment. With its pristine sands and gentle surf, this beach is perfect for relaxing strolls and quiet contemplation.

An observation deck offers a prime vantage point for wildlife watching, as the beach is a popular spot for migratory birds and even the occasional dolphin sighting.

Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach is the most famous beach on Jekyll Island. It looks really cool and different. There are lots of old, dried-out trees on the beach. They look like art made by nature. People love to take pictures here because it’s so unusual.

Driftwood Beach is more than just pretty. It shows how powerful nature is. The beach is always changing because of wind and waves. It reminds us why it’s important to take care of nature.

Can you Swim at Driftwood Beach Jekyll?

Even though Driftwood Beach is beautiful, it can be dangerous to swim there. The water moves fast, and there are lots of old trees in the water. It’s best to be very careful and maybe not swim here. Just enjoy looking at the beach instead.

Where to Stay at Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island has many different places to stay. You can find something that fits what you like and how much you want to spend. There are fancy old hotels, nice beach resorts, and even places to camp.

Hotels and Resorts

• Jekyll Island Club Resort: One of the most famous places to stay is the Jekyll Island Club Resort. It used to be a place where only very rich people could go, but now anyone can stay there. It’s a mix of old-fashioned charm and modern comfort. You can enjoy nice rooms, good food, a private beach, and lots of fun things to do.
• The Westin Jekyll Island: If you want something more modern, you could try The Westin Jekyll Island. It’s right on the beach and has great views of the ocean. It’s also close to many interesting places on the island.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island: Families might like the Hampton Inn & Suits Jekyll Island. It has comfortable rooms, a warm swimming pool, and free breakfast.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island: If you’re trying to save money, the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island is a good choice. It’s not as fancy, but it’s comfortable and you can still go to the beach.

Jekyll Island Campground

For a more nature-oriented stay, the Jekyll Island Campground is a perfect choice. Nestled among the island’s lush maritime forests and marshes, it’s located on the north end, close to Driftwood Beach and Clam Creek Picnic Area.

The campground features 206 campsites with various options including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and trailer sites with partial hookups. Amenities include restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a general store, picnic pavilion, playground, and free Wi-Fi.

Additional Accommodation Options

For people who love nature, there’s a campground on Jekyll Island. It’s in a beautiful place with lots of trees and marshes. You can bring a tent or an RV. The campground has bathrooms, showers, and even a store. It’s close to Driftwood Beach, which is very pretty.

There are other places to stay too. Some hotels are right on the beach, which is nice if you love the ocean. You can also rent a house or apartment if you want more space. If you’re looking to save money, there are some less expensive hotels that are still comfortable and have everything you need.

Entrance Fee to Driftwood Beach and Jekyll Island

You don’t have to pay to go to Driftwood Beach, but you do have to pay to park your car on Jekyll Island. It used to cost $8 per day, but this price might have changed. It’s a good idea to check the island’s website or call them to find out the current price. When you pay for parking, you can go to all the beaches and parks on the island.

How to Get to Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a beautiful place in Georgia, USA. It’s between two big cities: Savannah and Jacksonville. Here’s how you can get there:

• By Car: Most people drive to Jekyll Island. If you’re on the big road called Interstate 95, you’ll take Exit 29. Then you’ll drive for about 7 miles and turn right onto a bridge that takes you to the island.
• By Plane: You can fly to one of three airports near Jekyll Island. The closest one is Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, about 20 miles away. There are also bigger airports in Savannah and Jacksonville, both about 75 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to the island.
• By Bus: Some hotels on Jekyll Island have buses that can pick you up from the airport. You should ask your hotel if they offer this service.

FAQs

What’s the story of Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island has been around since 1733. It used to be a place where only rich people could go, but now it belongs to Georgia. The island was important in creating the Federal Reserve Bank.

What can I see on Jekyll Island?

You can see big old houses, nice beaches like Andrews Beach, and lots of beautiful nature. There’s also a place at the very south end of the island that’s fun to visit.

Who was Sir Joseph Jekyll?

Sir Joseph Jekyll was an important lawyer and politician in England a long time ago. The island is named after him, but he never lived there.

What are some important dates for Jekyll Island?

The island started in 1733. In 1886, big changes happened. During World War II in 1942, people couldn’t visit the island. In 1947, Georgia bought the island.

Where can I stay on Jekyll Island?

You can stay in small, cozy houses or big, fancy hotels on the beach. There are places to stay for all kinds of budgets.

What can I do on Jekyll Island?

You can visit old buildings like Fort Frederica, go to beaches like Andrews Beach, and explore the beautiful nature. It’s a great place for a vacation in Georgia.

Who were some important people on Jekyll Island?

General Oglethorpe, Senator Nelson, and Benjamin Strong were important to Jekyll Island’s history. They helped make important decisions for the country.

Is Jekyll Island part of the Federal Reserve?

Jekyll Island isn’t part of the Federal Reserve, but it was very important in creating it. In 1910, people met on the island to plan the Federal Reserve.

Conclusion

There’s so much to do on Jekyll Island, Georgia. You can learn about history, play on the beach, or just enjoy nature. We hope you liked learning about all the fun things to do on this amazing island.