Turtles, history, and Fun in the Sun on Georgia’s Famous Jekyll Island

For the longest time, I didn’t really think of Georgia as being a beach state. I’ve had a great time exploring the state’s mountains and forests, and I’ve enjoyed my time in Atlanta checking out the Fernbank Museum and the Atlanta Aquarium. But, at least for me, beaches just never really came to mind. 

That is, they didn’t until I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful beaches of Jekyll Island in the south of the state.

Where is it?

What is it?

Jekyll Island is one of the many barrier islands located in the southern portion of Georgia, and one of only four that are accessible by car. Its ease of access and luxurious history have made the island into a super popular vacation spot. Alongside its assortment of beautiful beaches, the island has a number of historical sites, delicious restaurants, and even a sea turtle rescue center! 

Why Should I go?

Whether you’re wanting a chance to explore the unique history of the island, or just to spend some time relaxing on a beach, Jekyll Island has what it takes to make a great weekend getaway.

Beaches

I’ll start with the obvious.

One of the absolute best reasons to visit Jekyll Island is for its wide assortment of beaches. The island is home to more than 10 miles of shoreline, and each of its numerous beaches is different in its own way. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Driftwood Beach

A long time ago, driftwood beach had quite a bit more distance between its trees and the ocean. However, as time passed, the soil around driftwood beach has eroded away, exposing its trees to the Atlantic’s salty waters and killing them. 

Since then, their untimely demise, the ocean has continued to work on them, weathering and preserving these trees until they have turned into a monument to the ravages of time. 

Today, Driftwood Beach is a favorite spot both for visiting photographers and kids with a penchant for climbing. 

Oceanview Beach Park

Oceanview Beach Park is one of the more popular beaches on the island and it’s pretty easy to see why. Wide expanses of sand and easy access to the ocean make this beach a great spot to spend the day. Incidentally, it’s also the beach where my family spent most of our time on Jekyll Island. 

The sand is perfect for making sandcastles, and the water was just right for a refreshing swim. Just don’t forget to bring some shade along with you, as there’s no natural shade in sight. 

St. Andrew’s Beach Park

Located at the southernmost point of the island, this is the beach you want to visit if you’re trying to spot some wildlife. The area makes for great birdwatching since it faces back towards the mainland’s salt marshes, and you’ll even occasionally spot some dolphins! 

Apart from the wildlife, St. Andrew’s beach is also a historically significant spot. In the year 1858, this was the location where the final slave ship to land on American soil came aground. 

Not far from the beach you can follow the Wanderer Memory Trail to learn more about the plight of the 500 slaves who came to America aboard that slave ship, the Wanderer. The trail has received the UNESCO Slave Route Project “Site of Memory” designation due to its importance to American history.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

If you’re looking for something to do beyond checking out the island’s beaches, you’re in luck! Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center is located on the island, offering a unique chance to see some of these majestic creatures up close. 

The rehabilitation center is a working facility, so the turtles that you’ll see are all turtles that have been rescued and are on the road to recovery. 

Alongside the turtles themselves, the center is also home to a great little museum that takes kids through the life-cycle of a sea turtle and teaches ways we can help with turtle conservation efforts! 

Jekyll Island History

Before becoming a State Park in the 1950s, Jekyll Island had a history of being one of the most exclusive locations in the United States. The famed Jekyll Island Club included members from many of the richest families in the world. In 1888, when the club first opened its doors, the combined riches of its members accounted for 1/6th of the entire world’s wealth!

Mosaic Museum

The Mosaic Museum is the place to start if you want to learn more about the island’s history, both from its period of grandeur and its earlier, somewhat humbler history as the home of William Horton. 

Tours of the island’s historic district set out from the museum to give you a fuller understanding of how the island became the place it is today.

Horton’s House

The former home of William Horton, one of the first colonial inhabitants of the island, can still be found today. They are some of the only ruins on the island and a great example of the oyster-shell-based building material known as tabby. While these ruins won’t take very long to explore, they’re definitely worth a look.

Jekyll Island may have a history of being difficult to get into, but today’s version is quite a different story. With beautiful views of nature, and a fascinating history to dive into, the island is a great compromise between lazing on the beach and exploring someplace new. 

Looking for a place to stay on Jekyll Island?