Three Days of Discovery: Jekyll Island's Hidden Gems

Nestled along Georgia’s picturesque coastline, Jekyll Island’s hidden gems invite visitors to step into a serene haven, where history, natural wonders, and relaxed charm converge. This enchanting island, encompassing 5,000 acres, captivates hearts with its unique allure, a must-see within the Golden Isles barrier islands. Owned by the State of Georgia, it operates as a state park, necessitating a parking pass for entry.

As you arrive on Jekyll Island, you’re greeted by a tranquil ambiance that instantly transports you to a bygone era. The island’s rich history dates back centuries, with tales of Native American inhabitants, colonial explorers, and Gilded Age millionaires who once graced its shores. This storied past is lovingly preserved in the island’s architecture, landmarks, and museums, inviting you to take a stroll through time as you explore its various historical sites.

Here’s a glimpse of Jekyll Island’s dedication to preservation. The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, once hosting the elite, now offers charming accommodations. Feast your eyes on the stunning Jekyll Island Club in the Historic District. For an ocean-view resort closer to Beach Village, check out Jekyll Ocean Club, part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. While Island Club is nestled in the historic district on the inlet side, you’ll enjoy access to both resorts’ restaurants and amenities as a guest. Your island escape comes with an array of lodging options, tailored to suit every whim and fancy.

Day 1: Exploring the Island on Bike

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in awe of Jekyll Island’s unspoiled beauty. Lush maritime forests, pristine beaches, and vibrant marshlands create a captivating backdrop for outdoor adventures. With more than 24 miles of biking and hiking trails winding through the island’s diverse ecosystems, biking allows for the exploration of the islands landmark historic points of interest. It also provides opportunities to observe the local flora, beaches, sand dunes and fauna up close. The island’s unique blend of coastal habitats makes it a haven for birdwatchers, offering glimpses of majestic shorebirds and migratory species. Don’t worry about those hots summer days either, there is ample shade provided by the lush and beautiful ancient oaks all around the island.

Side Note: If you’re on the hunt for a dependable bike trailer, take a peek at the Schwinn Trailblazer – 2 seat model (affiliate link). We snagged one back in 2019, and it’s been a trusty companion through the years, still going strong with our second little adventurer. No complaints whatsoever! 🚴‍♂️👶

We biked north from Jekyll Ocean Club up to Driftwood Beach, which was roughly 4 miles. At Driftwood Beach we took a break and explored all the little treasures it had to offer. The beach is absolutely beautiful and full of life! Our boys loved climbing over the driftwood trees, picking up seashells on the beach, and getting into everything their tiny little fingers would allow.

Next up, we headed over to the Jekyll Island Fishing Pier – a perfect spot to catch your breath, use the convenient public restrooms, soak in the stunning views, and then hop back onto the trail. Along the trial we came upon the Horton House Ruins and DuBignon Cemetery where we stopped to get a few photos, re-hydrate, and continue exploring.

Then, we continued along the trail into the Historic District, which boasts a captivating blend of Gilded Age opulence and Southern charm, with grand mansions, it is home of the Jekyll Island Club, restaurants, and more. Here we refueled at the popular restaurant, The Wharf, where food and customer service were great. Our final destination was the Beach Village, where the kids could run off what energy they had left and enjoy ice cream. They offer shopping, restaurants, and yummy sweets!

Day 2: Exploring Historic District

Our second day started with breakfast at The Pantry, then visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in the Historic District. This is Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation center, offering the public access to learn about sea turtles. They offer short classes and allow you to walk through the rehabilitation center. It took us around an hour to explore everything and we finished up just in time for a lunch break at Doc’s Snack Shop.

After lunch, we headed over to the Jekyll Island Boat and Dolphin Tours, that can be found on the pier just beside of The Wharf restaurant. This company has all five star reviews and can be easily booked online at the link previously provided. They are all very experienced captains and really know how to make your tour an enjoyable experience. The tour last 90 minutes and they request you arrive 20 minutes early. We scheduled a 2pm tour, which worked perfectly for us, as the kids had full bellies and we still had some time to spare before the clock struck “the witching hour”. Moms and Dads, you know!

After the tour we had time to relax in our room, before heading to dinner at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, which is located inside of Jekyll Ocean Club and provides a relaxed, oceanside experience. The food and customer service were amazing. They were very accommodating to the food allergies our boys have and were able to safely prepare their dinner. There are quite a few dining options on the island and even a gourmet grocery store, with the BEST ice cream, over at Beach Village. Ice cream and frozen yogurt are both a great way to end the night and both can be found at Beach Village.

Day 3: Summer Waves Water Park

Discover Summer Waves Water Park, spot 30 on Jekyll Island’s map (Day 1). An exciting oasis southwest of Jekyll Ocean Club. We biked over on our last day, following scenic paths. Note, some trails lead to a gravel road, then a road crossing. No trouble finding the park, kids had a blast, especially at “Shark Tooth Cove,” perfect for the little ones. We rented a cabana for a chill time and enjoyed the winding lazy river. You can fuel up at Larry Giant Subs or treat yourself at ice cream shops. Feel free to tweak Day three; island tours offer more options.

On our last eve, we decided to take one more trip up to Driftwood Beach. We arrived close to 8 pm, without realizing it was time for sunset. A sunset on Driftwood Beach is a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry. As the sun descends, its golden hues dance upon the tranquil waters, casting a warm, ethereal glow. Silhouetted driftwood sculptures stand as sentinels against the horizon, while the sky transforms into a canvas of brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples, creating a breathtaking and serene spectacle that captures the essence of coastal beauty. It’s definitely an experience you would not want to miss, so make sure to carve out time to watch the sunset at Driftwood Beach.

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In conclusion, whether you’re exploring the Horton House ruins, lounging on the sun-drenched beaches, or embarking on a kayaking adventure through winding waterways, Jekyll Island’s hidden gems have much to offer for every type of traveler. And after a day of exploration, the island’s dining scene awaits, offering a delightful fusion of Southern cuisine and coastal flavors.

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