Jekyll Island: A Quick Escape From Brunswick

Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia's coast, just a few miles from Brunswick. It is reachable via the Jekyll Island Causeway, which intersects with U.S. 17 at the southern end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The island is only about 7 miles long and offers 10 miles of sandy beaches, four golf courses, a historic landmark district, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. With its tranquil setting and abundance of natural beauty, Jekyll Island has become a favourite destination for families looking to explore the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Jekyll Island is around 15-20 minutes from Brunswick

Jekyll Island is a tranquil island off the coast of Georgia, known for its serene beaches and undisturbed natural beauty. It is located just a short distance from Brunswick, offering easy access to a range of attractions and activities.

The distance between Jekyll Island and Brunswick is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car, making it a convenient day trip or quick getaway. With a close proximity to Brunswick's Golden Isles Airport, travellers can easily reach Jekyll Island by air and then make the short journey to the island itself. This accessibility enhances the appeal of Jekyll Island as a sought-after travel destination.

Jekyll Island boasts a unique blend of natural wonders and historical charm. Spanning over 5,000 acres, the island features miles of white sandy beaches, a variety of wildlife, and a rich historical legacy. Visitors can explore the island's undisturbed natural habitats, including its famous driftwood monuments at Driftwood Beach, or take a relaxing stroll along the shore.

In addition to its natural attractions, Jekyll Island also offers a glimpse into the past. The island's Historic Landmark District showcases the opulent cottages and mansions of America's wealthy families, who once used the island as a hunting and golf retreat. The Jekyll Island Club Resort, with its historic cottages like Indian Mound and Mistletoe, provides a fascinating insight into the island's past.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful beach vacation or an exploration of historical sites, Jekyll Island offers the perfect escape. Just a short drive from Brunswick, Jekyll Island combines natural beauty, recreational activities, and a fascinating history, making it a favourite destination for travellers seeking relaxation and discovery.

It is reachable via the Jekyll Island Causeway

Jekyll Island is reachable via the Jekyll Island Causeway, which is a paved causeway that allows access from the mainland by car. The causeway was completed in 1954 and officially opened the island for public use. Before that, the island was mostly untouched and undisturbed, with a unique, tranquil atmosphere.

To get to Jekyll Island Causeway, you would turn right onto Jekyll Island Cswy/GA-520 from Ocean Hwy/US-17 N/GA-520/GA-25. You would then continue to follow GA-520 through the Toll Booth and enter the next roundabout, taking the third exit onto N. Beachview Drive. The toll to access the island is $10 for a day pass, with an annual pass available for $100.

The causeway features ornate Spanish-style entrance towers, which were erected in 1958. These gates, constructed of concrete block and stone, were designed to hark back to the Spanish missions that once operated on the island. While the towers are a relatively modern addition, they attract many visitors who are captivated by their aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the causeway, Jekyll Island is also accessible by air, with Brunswick's Golden Isles Airport being the closest airport, located just 30 minutes away. The island also has a small airfield of its own.

Vehicle entry requires a parking pass

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the southeastern coast of Georgia, minutes away from Brunswick via the Jekyll Island Causeway. The island is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational activities.

When visiting Jekyll Island by car, it's important to note that vehicle entry requires a valid parking pass. This pass can be purchased in advance online or upon arrival at the entry gate or the Guest Information Center. The daily pass costs $10 per day, with weekly and annual options also available. The annual pass costs $100 and is valid for 12 months. These passes grant access to various public outdoor areas, including picnic spots, beach parking, the playground, the soccer complex, the historic landmark district, the fishing pier, and bicycle and nature trails.

It's worth mentioning that bicycles and pedestrians can enter Jekyll Island free of charge. However, there are increased parking fees for oversized vehicles (over 8 feet tall) during special events, such as the Independence Day Celebration and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival. The parking fee is essential for maintaining and improving the island's facilities and infrastructure, including roads, landscaping, and conservation programs.

For those visiting Jekyll Island for multiple consecutive days, it's necessary to pay the parking fee for each day of their stay. Alternatively, an annual pass can be purchased for unlimited access throughout the year. It's important to note that the annual pass is vehicle-specific and must be registered to a specific make, model, and license plate.

Jekyll Island is one of the Golden Isles

The Golden Isles are known for their pristine stretches of marshland, mild winters, natural beaches, vast stretches of marshland, maritime forests, historical sites, and abundant wildlife. Jekyll Island, in particular, offers a unique and tranquil escape, with over eight miles of white sandy beaches and a protected natural habitat. The island boasts a variety of animal species, majestic Southern Oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and a historic district termed the "Millionaire's Village," which includes 33 historic structures that were once home to some of America's wealthiest families.

Jekyll Island is easily accessible, located just across the water from its nearby neighbour, St. Simons Island. It is also within driving distance of nearby cities such as Savannah and Jacksonville. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on Jekyll Island, including golf, biking, horseback riding, and exploring the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. With its natural beauty and diverse offerings, Jekyll Island is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing and enriching getaway.

The Golden Isles, including Jekyll Island, have a rich history that dates back to early Colonial times. The City of Brunswick, one of the mainland port cities within the Golden Isles, traces its roots to General James Oglethorpe and the founding of the Georgia colony. The port of Brunswick played a significant role in the growth and economy of the new nation. Today, Brunswick is a vibrant city with a historic downtown, beautiful oak-lined streets, and a variety of restaurants and boutiques.

It is around 7 miles long

Jekyll Island is around 7 miles long and is located just off the coast of Georgia. It is one of the Golden Isles, a chain of barrier islands, and is around 14 miles from St. Simons Island, its neighbour across the water. The island is owned by the State of Georgia and is a popular tourist destination, with 10 miles of sandy beaches, four golf courses, a historic district, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Centre.

The island is easily accessible by car, plane, or ground transportation. The closest airport is Brunswick’s Golden Isles Airport, which is a 30-minute drive away and offers daily flights to and from Atlanta. The island can also be reached via the Jekyll Island Causeway, which intersects with U.S. 17 at the southern end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. A parking pass must be purchased to access the island by car, and these can be bought online in advance or at the entry gate.

Jekyll Island has a rich history that dates back around 3,500 years to when the island's first inhabitants were Native Americans. In 1733, the island was founded by General James Oglethorpe, along with the colony of Georgia, and was named after Sir Joseph Jekyll, a financial supporter of the colony. The island has also been home to prosperous plantations and was purchased in 1886 by a group of wealthy families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, as a private retreat.

Today, Jekyll Island offers a variety of activities for visitors, including biking, golfing, swimming, and exploring the island's historic sites and natural habitats. The island's development is limited to just 1,609 acres to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem, ensuring that the natural beauty and wildlife of Jekyll Island will be protected for future generations.

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