Jekyll Island
Time Needed: full-day, multi-day
Experience Type: outdoor adventure, scenic views
Pristine beaches, weathered driftwood, and centuries of history make Jekyll Island a coastal gem. Bike scenic trails, tour Gilded Age cottages, and explore sites significant to African and African American history while soaking in the island’s natural beauty and welcoming charm.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Stroll Driftwood Beach – Wander among sculpted driftwood trees on the shoreline, where weathered forms create hauntingly beautiful, photogenic scenes unique to the Georgia coast.
- Visit Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum – Explore exhibits on Native American heritage, Gilded Age retreats, conservation, and the island’s role in early 20th-century innovation.
- Walk the Wanderer Memory Trail – Follow a moving memorial path honoring the enslaved Africans rescued from the ship Wanderer. Interpretive signage shares their stories.
- Rent Bikes – Pedal scenic trails or ride the wide, hard-packed shoreline, including St. Andrews Beach, once the only Georgia beach accessible to African Americans.
- Hop on the Landmark Trolley Tour – Discover historic cottages and landmarks, including the Jekyll Island Club, famed for hosting America’s first coast-to-coast conference call in 1915.
Itinerary Idea: Cruise the waters around Jekyll Island. Book a dolphin tour and watch pods play in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled along the way. Sea turtles, manatees, and roseate spoonbills often make an appearance.
Photo Credit: Amit Shubinsky/Pexels