When planning a vacation to Jekyll Island, hammering out the details can be a bit overwhelming. As Jekyll Island professionals, our team at Jekyll Realty is here to help! Jekyll Realty is made up of locals who eat, breathe, and sleep Jekyll Island. We know all the best things to do, see, and explore on the island. Use our Jekyll Island 3-day itinerary below and tailor it to your needs.

Jekyll Island Day 1 – Arrival Day

🏡 Arrive at Your Jekyll Island Rental

You’ve finally arrived in Jekyll Island, and it’s time to check into your Jekyll Island vacation rental. Before you settle in, it’s always best to go ahead and get the grocery shopping out of the way so you can start your Jekyll Island vacation ASAP! 

🛒 Grocerty Shop at Jekyll Market

Jekyll Market is the primary and only gourmet grocery store on the island. The market has essentially everything you need for your vacation, including fresh cut meats, gourmet items, fresh produce, snacks, sweets, and much more. It also has restaurants on site – Boardwalk Deli, The Love Shack BBQ, Sprinkles, and Long Necks’ Beer and Wine. If you’re looking for larger grocery store options, you’ll need to stop at one before you get on the island. Off the island, there is a Publix, Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Winn Dixie.

🍕 Dinner at Red Bug Pizza

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite after grocery shopping, make a stop at Red Bug Pizza for a lowkey dinner vibe. Their made-from-scratch pizzas are a Jekyll Island favorite, from the signature Red Bug Special to the Supreme Pizza. The menu also includes appetizers, salads, hoagies, pasta, and dessert. If you don’t feel like dining in, Red Bug Pizza also offers takeout and delivery services. 

Jekyll Island Day 2 – Beach Day

☕️ Stop for Breakfast at The Pantry

After a low-key evening, it’s time to get up bright and early and enjoy a Jekyll Island beach day! First things first is a stop for breakfast and coffee at The Pantry. The Pantry is located inside Jekyll Island Club Resort and is ideal for an on-the-go breakfast. Enjoy everything from bagels to yogurt and granola, espresso beverages, and hot-pressed sandwiches to fresh salads.. They even have packaged picnics, so if you want to grab something for your beach day, The Pantry is the perfect place to do it!

🏖️ Head to the Beach or Pool

Once you’ve fueled up with a latte and good eats, it’s time to hit the beach. There are four area beaches to choose from on Jekyll Island, each with its unique characteristics. Driftwood Beach is the most popular beach out of the four, known most for the large pine and oak trees scattered on the beach. For a more family-friendly setting, head to Great Dunes Beach. Great Dunes is a 20-acre pet-friendly beach with plenty of parking, pavilions, and an activities deck. 

If dealing with sand isn’t your vibe, relax poolside in one of our Jekyll Island vacation rentals with a private pool. Whether swimming early morning laps or lounging poolside with a homemade happy hour cocktail, having a private pool during your beach vacation is always a good idea.

🍔 Lunch at EightyOne Kitchen and Bar

A Jekyll Island favorite for lunch, EightyOne Kitchen and Bar serves cuisine inspired by the Lowcountry and the coast. Sit oceanfront and dine on Ocean Club favorites like the Eighty Ocean Burger or Blackened Fish Tacos. 

🐬 Book a Dolphin Tour 

Experience the magic of Jekyll Island with a dolphin tour! Jekyll Island is home to one of the largest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in the world. For 90 minutes, you’ll cruise through the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, salt marshes, and beaches during the fully-narrated tour. Learn about bottlenose dolphins’ social behavior, spot other marine wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island Boat Tours offers dolphin tours throughout the day. 

🦪 Dinner at Beach House 

Throw on your best sundress or tropical shirt and dine at Beach House, a beach-themed eatery focused on Southern cuisine. The menu features fresh seafood, pizzas, and salads, so there is truly something for everyone. Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Atlantic at every turn.

After dinner, retreat to your Jekyll Island vacation home and wind down with a glass of wine or cold beverage. You’ll need plenty of rest for day three’s itinerary!

Jekyll Island Day 3 – Explore Jekyll Island

☕️ Coffee & Breakfast at Sunrise Grille

Start the day off right with a visit to Sunrise Grille! Serving breakfast from 7 am – 10 am, you’ll find a wide selection of breakfast options including breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and classics like pancakes and French toast. 

🚴‍♀️ Bike Jekyll Island or Learn About Jekyll Island’s History

Kick off your morning with a bike ride along Jekyll Island’s 22 miles of paved trails. These paths wind through moss-draped oak trees, salt marshes, and stretches of beach, making for a peaceful and picturesque ride. You’ll pass landmarks like Driftwood Beach and the Horton House ruins — perfect for photo ops and quick history breaks.

Prefer to skip the bike and go straight to the past? Visit the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum, to dive into the island’s fascinating history. Once the playground of America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll has a legacy rich in Gilded Age opulence and natural conservation.

🌮 Lunch at Tortuga Jack’s

Tortuga Jack’s on Jekyll Island delivers Baja‑style Mexican flavor with an incredible oceanfront vibe. Nestled right on the beach with the only Tiki-style bar on Georgia’s coast, it’s the perfect spot to unwind under swaying palms. From sizzling fajitas and street tacos to burgers and salads, there is something for every palate.

🛍️ Shop in Jekyll Island’s Historic District

Take a stroll through Jekyll Island’s Historic District and shop till you drop. This area is brimming with charm, featuring boutique gift shops, art galleries, and specialty stores offering local goods and souvenirs. Be sure to pop into the Jekyll Island Market for souvenirs and beachy finds at the Cabana Gift Gallery. 

🥗 Dinner at The Wharf

After exploring Jekyll Island, head to The Wharf, a waterfront restaurant located in the historic district. Enjoy fresh seafood and Southern favorites while taking in views of the Jekyll River. Their shrimp po’ boy or catch-of-the-day tacos are always a hit. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a dolphin sighting while you dine on the deck.

Plan Your Escape to Jekyll

Whether you’re biking past live oaks, exploring the legacies of the past, or savoring a sunset over a seafood dinner, this charming island delivers the ideal coastal vacation. Browse our Jekyll Island vacation offerings and book directly to save on your Jekyll Island vacation home!