Jekyll Island is located a little over an hour away from Jacksonville. The island is one of four barrier islands accessible by car off the coast of Georgia, but unlike any other. Although it’s technically a state park, while there you will feel like you’ve been transported to a resort town- it's truly the ultimate beach retreat.
Jekyll Island has 10 miles of beautiful beaches, four golf courses, Summer Waves Water Park, museums and historical sites, fishing pier, bike and horseback trails, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and so much more! On the island there is also dozens of restaurants, shops and lodging accommodations, including a campground.
Back in 1886, a group of some of the wealthiest families in America purchased the island as a private retreat. By the 1900’s the Jekyll Island Club had extremely prominent members such as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and William Rockefeller. In 1947, the island was sold to the State of Georgia for use as a State Park, offering opportunities for recreation and pleasure to everyone.
photo by @kelleywjohnson
Explore Driftwood Beach.
Driftwood Beach has been voted one of America’s “Ten Most Romantic Beaches.” And they are completely right- Driftwood Beach is an escape to another world with huge, ancient trees lining the beach. It makes for one of the most stunning photo-ops around.
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photo by @jekyll_island
Diving into the history of Jekyll Island:
Jekyll is full of history, some even dating as far back as 3500 years ago. You can live like a Rockefeller as you tour the historic cottages and visit Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum gallery to see what they left behind. Plus, you can hop on the trolley tour for a relaxed and guided ride through 240 acres of fascinating history.
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photo by @jekyll_island
Experience The Georgia Sea Turtle Center:
The island is home to Georgia's only sea turtle hospital that offers the public a chance to learn about the species and see rehabilitation in action. Plus, while your there, check out the interactive exhibits and experiences, and get an up-close look at some of the Center’s current sea turtle patients.
photo by @jekyll_island
Hit the courses:
Sixty-three holes. Four breathtaking courses. Jekyll has Georgia's largest public golf resort - known for true Southern hospitality and legendary landscapes.
photo by @isaacandamanda_photography
Explore on your own:
With over 20-miles of bike paths across the island, you can discover something new at every turn. From the calming waves of the beaches to the historic home of Major Horton, who established the first brewery in the state of Georgia, history and nature gives you a unique experience at your own pace.
photo by @jekyll_island
Make a splash at Summer Waves Water Park:
Amid the peace and serenity of Jekyll Island is an exciting family attraction – Summer Waves Water Park. Beat the heat and have fun at the same time! Relax and take a few laps around the lazy river or get your blood pumping by racing down a water slide. From the Frantic Atlantic wave pool to Shark Tooth Cove for the kiddos, it’s a day-trip in the making!
Come for the fun & stay the night
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend for just the two of you, a family vacation, destination wedding or group event, Jekyll Island has a refreshing array of accommodations to choose from. From family-friendly hotels, to private villas to world-class resorts, you’ll discover just the right retreat to suit your tastes and budget. One you’ll want to return to again and again.
PHOTOS:
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photo by @maeelizabethg
photo by @jekyll_island
photo by @chrisgreerphotography
photo by @dustybrown01
photo by @sarahashleyrogers
photo by @jekyll_island
photo by @kiraskyw
