Jekyll Island Georgia: Secluded Island In The US That’s Bucket List Worthy

Can I admit to you that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made an excuse to visit Jekyll Island, Georgia? I honestly have lost track of how often we’ve been to the Golden Isles of Georgia for day trips and family vacations. Who wouldn’t love a Jekyll Island beach in three unique spots, a beach side shopping village, many Jekyll Island things to do, fabulous restaurants, Jekyll Island camping, and a handful of Jekyll Island hotels, resorts, and cottages to choose from?!

JEKYLL ISLAND GEORGIA HISTORY & ME

Yes, Jekyll Island history stories about the famous tycoons of the 1880s that had fancy and exclusive winter vacays on this beautiful SECRET ISLAND are pretty intriguing – especially the spooky stories, and the one about the secret meetings that sprang the Federal Reserve into action. But my favorite Jekyll Island, Georgia story is how the hubs and I had a love-at-first-sight moment on a Jekyll Island beach boardwalk, were engaged at that same spot, and have brought our own family to visit for years now. The rest, as they say, is history… our Jekyll history.

The legend says that once you touch the sands of Jekyll Island, you will always return

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As a travel journalist, I’ve stayed at the incredible Jekyll Island resort called The JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB, several Jekyll Island hotels, cottages, and the Jekyll Island Campground. We’ve also visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and have eaten at almost all Jekyll Island restaurants.

BEST TIME TO VISIT JEKYLL ISLAND

You would think that the best time to visit Jekyll Island, Georgia would be during the warm weather season. I mean, it is an island with beaches and all, right? While it is GORGEOUS in the spring and summer, many locals don’t want you to know about the Jekyll Island things to do during the fall and winter season that are over-the-top wonderful!

Don’t tell anyone about these JEKYLL SECRETS though, OK? We can’t have the whole world on to our secluded island!

THINGS TO DO ON JEKYLL ISLAND 

I could literally write a novel about all of the family friendly things to do on Jekyll Island Georgia like visiting Driftwood Beach, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, world-renowned golf courses, and the Jekyll Island water park.

Every time we visit, we have a new experience. Sometimes we come for the food and shopping, while other times we want a beach vacation. Other times, we don’t want to miss the wonderful, family friendly festivals that make this paradise so special.

I’ll make it easy for you and share all of our favorite secret island activities HERE.

JEKYLL ISLAND HOTELS, COTTAGES, & CAMPING

If you are looking for a fabulous place to stay, I have reviews on hotels like the Jekyll Island Club, JEKYLL ISLAND WESTIN, a FAMILY GETAWAY in an adorable cottage, and how we had a blast at the JEKYLL ISLAND CAMPGROUND. One of the things that I love most about Jekyll Island, Georgia is that there are not high-rise hotels lined down the coastline or commercialism busting at the seams.

Fortunately, Jekyll Island is protected by a law that protects 35% of the island to remain untouched. However, there are just enough accommodations, luxuries, restaurants, and Jekyll Island shopping opportunities to make it the perfect island getaway! We simply can’t get enough of the way the stress literally melts away as our car cruises onto the causeway.

The legend MUST be true because we can’t get enough!

JEKYLL ISLAND FAQS

      1. Why is it called Jekyll Island?

This barrier island off the coast of Georgia was named by General James Oglethorpe who founded the colony of Georgia. He decided to choose the name in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll, his friend and financier from England.

      2.  How’s the weather?

One of the main reasons that Rockefeller, Vanderbuilt, J.P. Morgan, and the other iconic wealthy men of their era chose this island was because of the sublime and mild Jekyll Island weather. The average winter temperatures from December through March have highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s. Summertime brings lots of humidity with averages that sit at around ninety degrees from June until August.

      3. How much does it cost to get on the island?

There is a $6 Jekyll Island State Park fee for one day, $28 for a seven-day pass, and a 12-month AVI option as well.

      4. Can you share Jekyll Island directions?

When driving from the Jacksonville International Airport and head toward I-95 North to Georgia exit 29 /Jekyll Island/Brunswick. You’ll the turn right onto US-17 North and then turn right onto the Jekyll Island Causeway.

When driving from the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, it’s a 80-ish mile distance. Merge onto I-95 S/GA-405 S and then take US-17 N/GA-520 E exit, EXIT 29, toward Brunswick/Jekyll Island. Turn left onto US-17 North until you turn right onto Jekyll Island Causeway.

YOU MAY NEED…

If you can’t get enough of Jekyll Island’s grandeur and beauty, you’ll enjoy this lovely book. I remember being on the island back when the author released it and every page is breathtaking!

Jekyll Island: The Nearest Faraway Place Hardcover 

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HAVE YOU BEEN TO JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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