If you’ve come to Jekyll Island, Georgia, as opposed to other popular cities nearby like Charleston or Savannah, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something a bit more low-key. Head this way and you’re officially on island time, so no need to rush or pack too much in.
This island’s storied past — it was once a place dedicated to the leisurely and luxurious activities of the rich and famous — is as much a draw as the unbeatable beachside activities (driftwood hunting, anyone?). Here’s how to have a fabulous, relaxing weekend in one of Georgia’s most charming communities.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: See the Sand and Sea
Start your day with an espresso con panna and a pastry to go at the Westin Café, then set out for a walk on the sand. For otherworldly vibes, borrow bikes from the hotel’s fleet and head to the far north of the island to see Driftwood Beach, known for the gnarled, twisted and sun-bleached pine and oak trees dotting the sand. The Seussian silhouettes make this a great place for a morning stroll.
Jekyll’s beaches aren’t ideal for swimming, but you can still hit the water. Rent canoes or kayaks at the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, or sign up for a two- to three-hour guided paddle through the island’s tidal creeks, home to herons, pelicans, dolphins, and manatees.
Back in the Beach Village, grab a bite to go at the Love Shack counter inside Jekyll Market. This hole-in-the-wall spot is a favorite for fried Georgia shrimp, pulled-pork sandwiches, and perfectly crisp sweet potato fries — eat it all at the sidewalk tables, or walk down to the sand for an oceanfront picnic.
After lunch, you’re heading out to sea with Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours. Take a seat on the open-air (but shaded!) deck for a 90-minute cruise, complete with narration about the local ecosystem and the bottlenose dolphins that dwell there.
Book far enough in advance and you can snag tickets to the sunset sail; otherwise, pop over to the Clam Creek Picnic Area, a long, picturesque pier with killer sunset views.
For dinner tonight, drive to neighboring St. Simons Island for barbecue — it’s a bit of a trek, but well worth it. Once you’re there, it’s your choice between two memorably great spots. At Southern Soul, the fried green beans, fried okra and brisket are musts.
Farther east, follow the smoky aromas — when you spot the pit smoker out front, you’ve made it to Beachcomber BBQ and a mean pulled-pork sandwich. Back on Jekyll, kick back with a beer overlooking the dunes at Harry’s Lounge.
Saturday: Witness Conservation of All Kinds
Fuel up with a robust breakfast at Sunrise Grille in the Beach Village — a veggie omelet and a Bloody Mary will set you up for a day of sightseeing. From here, it’s a quick walk to the Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum, a pint-size museum exploring the story of the island, from its earliest Native American settlers to the rich and famous who called it home during the Gilded Age.
The museum’s highlight is its Landmark Tour. Over the course of 90 minutes, guides shepherd guests around the 240-acre Historic District via open-air tram. Two stops along the way give a glimpse into grand 19th-century cottages, restored to show how residents might have lived at the height of the club’s popularity.
Tours run three times daily, but they often sell out, so book at least a day ahead to make sure you snag a spot.
Your Landmark Tour ticket also includes admission to Faith Chapel — it’s worth ducking in to see the Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed stained-glass window. Take the long route past the handful of souvenir shops (the kind that sell jewelry, cheeky beach signs and saltwater taffy) if you’re in the mood to pick up a memento.
Make a pit stop at the walk-up window of Doc’s Snack Shop for a casual lunch — the hot dog loaded with the works feels just right for a warm, breezy day beneath the moss-draped oaks. Wash it down with Doc’s famous sweet tea (you are in the South, after all).
Next it’s on to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a hospital and rehabilitation and conservation center for injured turtles. It’s geared toward children, but it’s compelling enough for adults, too — especially the turtle tanks, where you can see sea turtles of all sizes and ages that are on the mend. Be sure to ask about their behind-the-scenes tours, turtle walks and other programs.
For dinner, get a table at Driftwood Bistro, where low country fare — wild Georgia shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and catfish sandwiches — is the star of the show. Snag a bottle of one of the Jekyll Island Reserve wines — the brand donates their proceeds to the Jekyll Island Foundation, which helps support places like the Turtle Center.
Sunday: Choose Your Own Adventure
Start your day at the Reserve — by night it’s a steakhouse with a killer wine list, but in the morning it’s the place to go for biscuits and gravy or a stack of pancakes. Then swing through Jekyll Market again — this time to pick up a few to-go sandwiches and other lunch fixings at Boardwalk Deli before you head out on the town.
You’ll be getting your heart pumping this morning, but the method is up to you: Is your last vacation day best spent taking on a few matches at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center? Playing a round at Georgia’s largest public golf course (with three 18-hole courses and a 9-hole course)? Borrowing a beach cruiser and exploring the more than 20 miles of trails hugging the coast and interior? Hiking into the forest to spot the gators lolling in the sun at Horton Pond?
Whatever you choose, dedicate a few hours to doing it, then park yourself on one of the island’s countless overlook spots for a picnic lunch.
If you’ve got kids in tow, take a post-lunch outing to Jekyll Island Mini Golf or to Summer Waves Water Park overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway — it’s not huge, but a handful of water slides and a half-mile lazy river are welcome ways to cool off in peak summer. For couples, book a beachfront horseback ride or carriage ride with Three Oaks Farm.
For your last dinner, celebrate with more low country faves. The Beach House serves everything from andouille-crusted sea trout and blackened gulf grouper to a classic crab boil with snow crab, potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage. The extensive tap list features lots of Georgia brews — a pint from Jekyll Brewing is definitely in order.
Before turning in, toast to your weekend getaway with drinks at Tortuga Jacks, an open-air Tiki bar overlooking the water.
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