If you want to make your 4th of July celebration extra special this year, Jekyll Island is the place to be! This charming coastal Georgia island comes alive during the Independence Day holiday. With great weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, Jekyll Island is the perfect place to celebrate America’s independence in style.
During the summer months, Jekyll Island enjoys warm weather that is perfect for soaking up the sun and making the most of the island’s beaches and outdoor activities. July is typically one of the warmest months on the island, with high humidity, plenty of sunshine and temperatures ranging from 75 – 90°(F). The water temperatures in the Atlantic are also comfortably warm at 82°F, making this an ideal season for swimming and water sports.
While Jekyll Island is a popular destination year-round, the 4th of July is one of the busier times to visit. Tourists flock to the island to enjoy the festive atmosphere, holiday events and outdoor activities. Visitors should plan to book accommodations well in advance, and tours and restaurant reservations should also be made early if possible. Despite the holiday crowds, however, the island never feels too busy, and there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the festivities.
4th of July Events
- Jekyll Island offers a variety of special activities to celebrate the 4th of July. A patriotic parade through the Historic District, live music, children’s activities and vendors provide plenty of entertainment and fun.
- The Independence Day celebration wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show starting at 9:30pm. The best viewing locations for the fireworks will be at Great Dunes Beach Park and Oceanview Beach Park, where you can spread out a blanket on the sand or watch from the comfort of your vehicle. Come early to find a prime spot, as this event is very popular and can draw large crowds.
- In the surrounding area, St. Simons Island is hosting the annual Sunshine Festival, which kicks off with the July 4th 5k and 1 Mile Run, followed by a golf cart parade and Crafts in the Village, a local artists and maker’s market from 10am – 5pm. Brunswick’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration is also a great family event, with local food, live music, competitive games and a parade starting at 4pm at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Both areas are a short drive over the bridge from Jekyll Island, so you can still make it back to Jekyll Island in time for the festivities and fireworks.
Things to Do
Summer is prime time for outdoor activities, so when you’re not celebrating Independence Day, you’ll have no shortage of things to do during your stay on Jekyll Island.
Explore the Historic District. Stroll through Jekyll Island’s charming Historic District, which features beautifully preserved 19th-century cottages, the iconic Jekyll Island Club, and the Mosaic Museum. To learn more about the island’s fascinating history, check out one of the curated tours.
Biking Adventures. Explore Jekyll Island’s scenic beauty on two wheels by renting bikes and cruising along the 22+ miles of picturesque trails. The paved trail system winds through maritime forests, along the coastline and passes by historic sites.
Hit the Beach. Pack your beach gear and head out to one of Jekyll Island’s beautiful beaches. Admire the ethereal formations of Driftwood Beach, enjoy a family-friendly beach day at Great Dunes Park or catch the sunset at St. Andrew’s Beach.
Go Fishing. Anglers will have no problem finding a place to cast a line on Jekyll Island. Most of the beaches allow shore fishing and the Jekyll Island Fishing Pier is one of the most popular fishing spots on the island. There are a number of local companies offering coastal and offshore charters if you want to venture further.
Go Kayaking. Glide through the serene marshes and tidal creeks, keeping an eye out for herons, egrets, and other local wildlife. The 4-H Tidelands Center offers rentals and guided tours of the marshland environment.
Enjoy a Boat Cruise. A boat cruise offers the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of this charming island from a new perspective. Dolphin watching tours are a popular way to get close to the marine mammals in their natural habitat, while sunset cruises are always a lovely way to end a day on Jekyll Island.
Hit the Water Park. Cool off on the water slides at Summer Waves Water Park, a local favorite with slides and pools for all ages. After you’ve dried off, hit up the nearby mini golf course for some friendly competition.
With ideal summer weather, and an abundance of activities and holiday festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Jekyll Island for the 4th of July. Book your Jekyll Island vacation rental today and get ready to create unforgettable holiday memories on Georgia’s enchanting barrier island.