Two and a half hours by car, five hours by boat, Jekyll Island, which once was where the rich and famous wintered and had a hunting club, is now a year-round destination for common folk like you and me. Walking in the historic district, you might notice the smell of old money and the brine of Lowcountry air cast their charms.
Victorian homes structurally symbolize the magnetism of mega tycoons like Morgan, Vanderbilt, and Pulitzer, while the modesty of Spanish moss cloaking old oak trees brings a sense of humility to this Golden Isle gem.
With only 35% of the island developed, the absence of pretense will transport you back to a time when our waterways and beaches were uninhabited and, daresay, uninhibited. In short, Jekyll Island is not an excursion: It is an experience. But before you go, here are a few things you need to know.
FOR A FAMILY VACATION
Where to Stay:
Jekyll Ocean Club Resort provides a little something for mom and dad, as well as the kids. The AAA Four Diamond property offers 40 suites, a spacious outdoor pool deck with a fire pit, oversized hot tub, lounge chairs, and dining served from the resort’s beachfront kitchen and bar, Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar.
What to See and Do:
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is truly impressive. It is Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. Not one for plaque-reading? This is one of the few times you and the kids will want to read the information presented in the museum and in the rehab facility. It is concise and informative.
• Jekyll Island Mini Golf is located just across from Great Dunes Park and offers two courses, one for beginners and one for the more advanced. Giving off vibes of Walley World from National Lampoon’s Vacation, this place is a great late afternoon activity.
• Summer Waves Water Park is the place to go for those who are a child of the ’80s and remember water parks favorably. Relax, beat the heat, and connect with your inner child, while your real children zoom down the Pirate’s Passage or float along Turtle Creek.
Where to Eat:
Tortuga Jacks, a Baja Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, is across from Summer Waves Water Park and provides a beachfront view with funky decor and delicious food. The salsa and chips are essentially obligatory – ask for a side of queso and guacamole to complete the tasty trifecta. You cannot go wrong with the fish or shrimp tacos and if you sit outside, Jorge the bartender will keep the adult and kid drinks coming.
FOR THE HISTORY OR NATURE ENTHUSIAST
Where to Stay:
The Jekyll Island Club has three “cottages” – Sans Souci (which is pet friendly), Cherokee, and Crane Cottage (an ideal venue for weddings). The quotation marks around the word “cottages” is intentional because these are not true cottages. They are well-preserved and renovated mansions with contemporary decor and oftentimes original artwork or photographs. (Note: We stayed in Cherokee and had the entire cottage to ourselves.)
What to See and Do:
• Rent or bring a bike. If you bike the entire island at a reasonable clip, it takes only a few hours and you get to see so much more than if you were in a car or golf cart. (Note: There are three bike rental companies on the Island, Beachside Bike Rentals, Jekyll Island Bike Barn, and Jekyll Wheels.)
• Driftwood Beach is a must for anyone who enjoys a soulful stroll. Located on the northern end of the island, this section of Jekyll Island feels almost Jurassic. Sun-bleached, gnarled trees lay like weathered storytellers, inviting you in to simultaneously hear their story and at the same time keep walking along the beach to meet and hear the next one.
Where to Eat:
Plan for a picnic and pick a spot that speaks to you. There are many places to lay out a few beach towels or find a beachside bench and savor some local take-out flavors.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Where to Stay:
Dating back to 1888, the Jekyll Island Club Resort exudes classic romanticism and is the ideal place to spend a little “chicka wow wow” time with your significant other. The rooms are plush with comfortable beds, scenic views, and stylish decor.
What to See and Do:
• For the couple that just wants to chill, check out the Jekyll Island Club Resort pool. Olivia (from nearby Sea Island) is there to get your drink and snack orders (the black-eyed pea hummus platter, chicken nachos, and chilled watermelon cubes with sea salt, lime and chili are all light and delicious).
• For the couple that wants to pack in the fun, check out the Jekyll Island Club Resort activities. Upon check-in, you will receive a map of the property and an itinerary of events. You might also enjoy playing croquet on the lawn while sipping refreshing cocktails.
Where to Eat:
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (the bar until 10 p.m.), The Wharf offers open air dining on the pier overlooking the water as well as indoor dining. Shareables include the pimento cheese appetizer and oysters on the half shell. You will also find other Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits, seafood chowder, and a coastal shrimp boil, as well as key lime pie and if, you are feeling aristocratic, after dinner drinks.
Jekyll Island is the perfect easy breezy getaway for everyone. Time is a constant, but it is places like this special island that encapsulate the zeitgeist of a specific era and enable us to celebrate and enjoy all that the Lowcountry provides (culturally and environmentally). Whether you stay the week or just overnight, you will leave Jekyll Island feeling reinvigorated and rich with happiness.
Driftwood Beach is a must for anyone who enjoys a soulful stroll. Located on the northern end of the island, this section of Jekyll Island feels almost Jurassic.
