Jekyll Island: A Brunswick, Georgia Gem

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, midway between Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. It is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia. The island is owned by the State of Georgia and is run by a self-sustaining, self-governing body. It has over eight miles of white sandy beaches and is a popular tourist destination. The island is also known for its wildlife, including various mammals, reptiles, and birds that inhabit the inland salt marshes. Jekyll Island has a rich history, having been used seasonally by indigenous peoples and later developed into plantations during the British colonial period. It has a unique, tranquil environment that has remained largely untouched by the passage of time.

Jekyll Island's beaches

Jekyll Island, located in Brunswick, Georgia, is known for its stunning beaches, offering a unique and unspoiled coastal experience. With 10 miles of pristine shoreline, Jekyll Island's beaches stand out for their natural beauty and diverse characteristics. Here's a detailed guide to help you explore and experience the beauty of Jekyll Islands beaches:

Driftwood Beach:

Driftwood Beach, located on the north end of Jekyll Island, is renowned for its iconic and romantic backdrop. It features beautiful driftwood and uprooted trees strewn across the soft white sand, creating a hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly atmosphere. This beach is perfect for picturesque weddings and photographs, attracting nature lovers and photographers alike.

Oceanview Beach Park:

Oceanview Beach Park, situated in the middle of Jekyll Island, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It provides public access, ample parking, and facilities such as restrooms and shower areas. This beach is ideal for those seeking a balance between beach relaxation and the convenience of nearby shopping and dining options.

Great Dunes Beach Park:

Great Dunes Beach Park is a family-friendly beach with a wide-open shoreline and gentle waves perfect for body surfing. It offers a large parking area, covered picnic pavilions, grassy play areas, and even bocce ball and volleyball courts. The beach is easily accessible, with a bike path running alongside it and wheelchair access available.

South Dunes Beach Park:

South Dunes Beach Park features an elevated boardwalk that crosses impressive 20-foot sand dunes. The beach itself is wide and flat, ideal for play and recreational activities. The picnic area is wooded and shaded, offering covered pavilions and grill areas for a perfect beachside gathering.

St. Andrews Beach Park:

St. Andrews Beach Park, located at the southern tip of Jekyll Island, is a birdwatcher's paradise. It offers a two-story viewing platform for birdwatching and spotting dolphins. The Wanderer Memory Trail, which highlights the history of the slave ship Wanderer, is also located within this park. St. Andrews is ideal for those seeking a tranquil beach experience with stunning natural scenery.

Glory Beach:

Glory Beach, accessible via a lengthy boardwalk, offers undisturbed views of Cumberland Island. It is known for its steady ocean breezes, making it a great spot for kite flying or a relaxing bike ride. Glory Beach is usually less crowded, providing a serene atmosphere to unwind and connect with nature.

Jekyll Island's history

Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia in Glynn County, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of European exploration and colonisation of the region. Here is a brief overview of the island's history:

Early History

In the 16th century, French explorers arrived on Jekyll Island, which they named "Ille de la Somme". However, the island was later claimed by the Spanish, who established a colony and named it "Isla de Ballenas" (Whale Island). The Spanish influence on the island continued until the late 17th century when they were driven out by attacks from French pirates and native allies of the English in the Province of Carolina.

18th Century

In 1733, General James Oglethorpe established the colony of Georgia and renamed Jekyll Island in honour of his friend and financier, Sir Joseph Jekyll. In 1738, Major William Horton, a top aide of Oglethorpe's, received Jekyll Island from the colony's trustees and established a residence there. He farmed and supplied the nearby Fort Frederica with hops and barley for Georgia's first beer. The Horton House, built by Major Horton, still stands as a tabby ruin today.

19th Century

From 1790 to 1886, Jekyll Island was owned by the DuBignon family, who occupied the Horton House as their home. In the late 1800s, the island was purchased by a group of wealthy northerners, including members of prominent families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Morgans. They transformed Jekyll Island into an exclusive hunting club and resort, known as the Jekyll Island Club. The clubhouse, completed in 1888, became a hub for some of the country's elite, offering natural beauty, privacy, and mild winters.

20th Century

In the early 20th century, Jekyll Island continued to be a popular winter retreat for the wealthy, with members and their families enjoying activities such as biking, hunting, and tennis. However, the onset of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II took their toll on the club, and many members abandoned the island. During World War II, the US government ordered the evacuation of Jekyll Island for security purposes.

In 1947, the state of Georgia acquired Jekyll Island, and it was established as a State Park. The island became a public treasure, offering a balance between development and preservation. Today, Jekyll Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic sites, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife. It is carefully managed by the Jekyll Island Authority to preserve its rich history and natural environment for future generations.

Jekyll Island's wildlife

Jekyll Island is a state park with acres of wilderness and is home to a variety of wildlife. The island is full of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and birds living and breeding in the island's inland salt marshes.

The island's Driftwood Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the region. The beach features piles of large rocks, which are home to sea squirts, blue mussels, and some species of crabs. The beach serves as a critical stop-over habitat for migrating shorebirds, including threatened birds like the piping plover, wood stork, golden-winged warbler, red-cockaded woodpecker, black-capped petrel, and Fea's petrel.

Jekyll Island is also home to a small population of American Alligators, which are typically removed from beaches to reduce conflicts with humans. Other reptiles on the island include 11 species of lizards, 2 turtles, and 29 species of snakes, such as the island glass lizard and the plain-bellied water snake.

The island's salt marshes and wetlands are also home to bird species such as the piping plover and wood stork. Three species of crab have been documented on the island, including the Atlantic blue crab, the Atlantic ghost crab, and the Atlantic sand fiddler crab.

The Jekyll Island Authority has staff trained and experienced in responding to wildlife concerns, complaints, and emergencies. Visitors are reminded to treat all wildlife with respect and to report any wildlife incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Jekyll Island's golf courses

Jekyll Island is a golfer's paradise, with 63 holes on the island and a further 200 holes in neighbouring communities. The Jekyll Island Golf Club is Georgia's largest public golf resort, with three 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. The courses are named Great Dunes, Oleander, Indian Mound, and Pine Lakes, each offering a unique layout and challenges.

The Great Dunes course is the island's original course, designed by Donald Ross in 1910 and updated by Rees Jones in 1992. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is characterised by undulating fairways and manicured greens.

The Oleander course, designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1964, is a local favourite. It is surrounded by inland lakes and pine forests, with many doglegs and narrow fairways. The course is known for its majestic oak trees, beautiful lagoons, and tranquil atmosphere.

The Indian Mound course, designed by Joe Lee, is named after the large oyster shell middens deposited by aboriginal tribes. This course meanders through pristine woodlands, showcasing the island's natural beauty. It is characterised by its natural beauty and strategic layout, with bunkers and water hazards.

The Pine Lakes course is the newest and longest on Jekyll Island, winding through ocean forests and migratory bird habitats. It offers "family-friendly" tee boxes, allowing players of all ages to compete.

In addition to the four main courses, Jekyll Island also offers a mini-golf course with two 18-hole courses, one for beginners and one for more advanced putters.

Jekyll Island's accommodation

Jekyll Island in Brunswick, Georgia, offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets, from family-friendly hotels to private villas and world-class resorts. Here is a detailed list of some of the best places to stay on Jekyll Island:

Beachview Club Hotel

Nestled close to a picturesque beach, this charming boutique hotel features comfortable, renovated rooms with ocean views, private balconies, a pool area, a bike path, and beachfront walking paths. It offers excellent customer service and an on-site fire pit, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

Jekyll Island Club Resort

This historic resort, with its delightful atmosphere and charm, offers a unique step back in time with beautiful grounds, elegant cottages, and a nostalgic ambiance. It boasts rich history, picturesque views, serene surroundings, and a Grand Dining Room with an elegant breakfast.

Seafarer Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Seafarer Inn & Suites is a spacious hotel that offers clean, comfortable rooms with various amenities, including full kitchens and separate bedrooms. It is conveniently located across the street from the beach, making it ideal for families and extended stays.

Jekyll Ocean Club

Jekyll Ocean Club is a charming oceanfront hotel offering stunning views, an upscale restaurant, a cozy lobby, and comfortable rooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and bike rentals, along with on-site amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, and fire pit.

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island

This ocean view hotel offers spacious, clean rooms with private balconies. It features well-maintained pools, a hot tub, and a charming blend of old-world charm with modern amenities.

The Westin Jekyll Island

The Westin Jekyll Island provides exceptional front desk service and beautiful ocean views. It is conveniently located near the convention centre and offers great dining options, spacious rooms, and clean facilities.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Located on the beach, this hotel is less than 10 minutes from the Georgia Sea Turtle Centre and offers an outdoor pool and a free shuttle to area attractions. It provides spacious, clean rooms and a well-maintained pool area with a warm hot tub.

Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Just a 2-minute walk from the beach, this Holiday Inn Resort features ocean-view rooms, free WiFi, an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, and friendly staff.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

Located a 5-minute walk from Great Dunes, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a fitness centre. It provides clean accommodations and a great breakfast.

Courtyard by Marriott Jekyll Island

Facing the beachfront, this 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a garden. It offers clean rooms, a nice layout, and friendly staff.

Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island

This beachfront, 3-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a garden. It provides complimentary shuttle service, free bikes, a large pool, beach access, and an on-site restaurant.

Frequently asked questions